Chapter 169: Orochimaru Purpose

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So, Orochimaru only sensed that someone was observing him, but he couldn't be certain of who or where. 

In this situation, Orochimaru became alert, although he wasn't afraid.

He believed in his strength; even if high-level ninjas from other villages were sent to besiege him, he could escape. 

Suddenly, Orochimaru's ears twitched. He heard two faint footsteps.

As the footsteps approached, Orochimaru instantly turned around, his gaze fixed on the direction of the approaching steps.

With the appearance of Asahi, Orochimaru's inner tension relaxed momentarily. 

At least for now, Asahi wasn't his enemy. "Oh, it's Lord Asahi! What a coincidence to meet you here."

A slight smile appeared on Orochimaru's face as he respectfully spoke to Asahi. 

After saying this, Orochimaru casually glanced at Sakumo, who was following behind Asahi.

Is this the Byakko mentioned by Shisui? People from Ogami Clan are truly unfathomable. 

Orochimaru thought with a slight surprise. With just a glance, he felt tremendous pressure emanating from Sakumo.

In response to Orochimaru's greeting, Asahi nodded with a smile. "Indeed, it's quite a coincidence. 

If I recall correctly, we've encountered each other more than once. The mission in the Hidden Cloud Village went smoothly, didn't it?"

Hearing Asahi's relaxed tone, Orochimaru also felt at ease. 

"Yes, the last mission in the Hidden Cloud Village, I must thank Lord Asagu for helping me conceal my presence. The mission went smoothly, and I gained a lot." 

Orochimaru explained casually, without any intention of hiding details.

"By the way, Lord Asahi, I wonder if you're passing by this time, or is there something you need my help with?" 

After explaining, Orochimaru asked Asahi.

Upon hearing this, Asahi paused for a moment, glanced at Orochimaru, and wasn't sure what to say. 

Without a doubt, their objectives in coming here were the same this time.

He couldn't casually make a move to seize Orochimaru's chance since the Kusanagi Sword was their target. 

However, Sakumo truly needed a divine weapon, and the Kusanagi Sword was undoubtedly the best choice.

Therefore, Asahi didn't intend to give way politely. This created a bit of a dilemma. 

However, this dilemma was only momentary. 

Asahi hadn't reached the point of having a brain malfunction to the extent of giving away things that were useful to himself or Ogami Clan.

So, he decided to secure one first. As for the Kusanagi Clan, offering them some compensation could be considered a small favor from Asahi.

As for Orochimaru, well, he did snatch it from someone else, so it's not a big deal. At worst, when Orochimaru faces danger, I can lend him a hand. 

Thinking up to this point, just as Asahi was about to speak, Orochimaru spoke first.

"Are you here for the Kusanagi Sword?"

Orochimaru was became clear when Asahi was in the brief moment of hesitation just now. 

To avoid complications for both parties, Orochimaru took the initiative to speak. 

Besides, he didn't attach much importance to the Kusanagi Sword.

Giving up on something so dispensable to gain Asahi's favor was a profitable deal for Orochimaru. 

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Asahi raised an eyebrow in slight surprise.

"Oh, how did you know?" Asahi asked with interest. He wanted to hear how Orochimaru would articulate his purpose with just one sentence.

In response to Asahi's question, Orochimaru smiled indifferently, as if he understood everything. 

"I wasn't sure initially, but your momentary hesitation just now confirmed it for me."

"Also, neither of us would come to such a remote place without reason, and the only thing of value here is the Kusanagi Sword."

"I've heard from Shisui that a Swordmaster has appeared from the Ogami Clan. It must be this distinguished person behind you, isn't it?"

As Orochimaru spoke, his gaze once again focused on Sakumo. There was an inexplicable familiarity with this "stranger" for Orochimaru.

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Sakumo remained motionless, like a statue. 

Asahi understood Sakumo's concerns. After all, Orochimaru's intelligence was exceptionally high, and any momentary lapse could expose Sakumo's identity. 

Therefore, in response to Orochimaru's question, Asahi merely nodded lightly, expressing his approval.

Seeing this, Orochimaru put away his doubts and smiled again, 

"In that case, the senior's purpose is quite clear. You've come to seek the Kusanagi Sword for this distinguished person behind you."

"Given the Lord Asahi's intelligence, you must have instantly sensed my intentions, which is why you find it troublesome."

After hearing Orochimaru's words, Asahi couldn't help but applaud him. Orochimaru's intelligence was truly remarkable.

"Now that you know my purpose, I'm curious about your thoughts," Asahi said, stopping the applause and speaking again.

In contrast, Orochimaru just chuckled lightly. "Since Lord Asahi desires the Kusanagi Sword, I naturally has no intention of competing."

"Moreover, my purpose for this journey isn't solely the Kusanagi Sword."

"Compared to the Kusanagi Sword, I'm more interested in the Kusanagi Clan, the ones capable of crafting such a sword."

"I can help the senior find the Kusanagi Sword and reduce your troubles."

"However, after Lord Asahi obtains the Kusanagi Sword, I hope to ask a question."

Orochimaru spoke calmly, and this was a thought that had occurred to him only recently. 

Asahi's arrival had sparked Orochimaru's increased curiosity about the information that Ogami Clan possessed.

After all, Orochimaru had spent over a year collecting information to locate the legendary Kusanagi Clan, overcoming many errors along the way. 

Yet, Asahi had managed to find this place as well.

This indicated that the information held by Ogami Clan was far beyond Orochimaru's imagination. 

It stirred ripples in his heart, suggesting that perhaps Asahi might know the answers he had been seeking.

Of course, Orochimaru was unaware that Asahi had come equipped with a map scanner (Superb Sensory Ability).

Also, If it weren't for Asahi's fortunate discovery of Orochimaru here, he might have searched the entire ninja world to find the hiding place of the Kusanagi Clan.

In response to Orochimaru's request, Asahi gave him a puzzled look. However, he promptly agreed; after all, it was good to save some trouble.

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