to hide his real objective of keeping Big Boss safe while he was in a coma in Cyprus. It was during the war in Afghanistan that Ocelot became feared among the mujahideen as a sadist, for which they named him "Shalashaska."

By 1984, Ocelot fully involved himself with Diamond Dogs' mercenary activities, though he still maintained his position in the GRU[10]. Ocelot led the Diamond Dogs in Kazuhira Miller's absence, following the commander's capture in Afghanistan by Soviet forces. During his time on Diamond Dogs' Mother Base, Ocelot traded in his traditional Single Action Army Revolvers for a pair of modified Tornado-6 Heavy Revolvers.[11]

When Big Boss awoke from his coma in early 1984, Ocelot briefed him on the situation, and outlined the ruse that he and Zero had plannedso that Big Boss could go into hiding. While using the hospital staff as decoys against attackers, they would train and use hypnotherapy on a body-double to take Big Boss's place. He would then used the therapy upon himself, to make himself believe that the body-double was truly Big Boss, and would support him in his vengeful campaign against XOF and its leader Skull Face, intending to recover the memory at an appropriate future date.

Ocelot learned that Zero had been attacked with a biological weapon, went underground, and became increasingly erratic and unhinged, although he had doubts that Zero was responsible for the attack on MSF. In early March, Cipher discovered and besieged the Cypriot hospital treating Big Boss and the body double (now dubbed "Venom Snake") sending