In fact, during this period, Sasuke had constantly been trying to gather intelligence favorable to Naruto.
He knew that the three-year deadline was approaching and he either had to kill Orochimaru or be possessed by him, a latter possibility he could never accept.
Unlike the pillar mindset in the original story, he still had attachments to this world; his clan was in urgent need of restoration, and his bonds still existed.
Chapter 182