"You've grown quite a bit, Kakashi."
After that praise, a hoarse voice rose again, one that made people deeply uncomfortable, even sent a chill down their spines.
Yet his words carried a lofty, superior air.
It was as though, compared to Kakashi—a famed Elite Jonin of Konoha, a ninja known even in enemy nations by the title "Copy Ninja," a title few in the Shinobi World possessed—he could still praise him from the stance of an elder or a superior.
At that moment, Kakashi, the one being praised, froze where he stood. His exposed eye widened, and the shock in his gaze had already turned into an indescribable wariness and horror.
"Orochimaru..."
Before him, someone stepped out from behind the pillar that had been behind Kakashi. He had long hair draped loose and a deathly pale face. Though the smile curling at his lips seemed entirely devoid of malice, paired with those refined features, it gave off an intensely chilling and ill-intentioned feeling.
It was Orochimaru!
"However, I'm sorry. The one I'm looking for isn't you, Kakashi, but the child behind you."
As he looked at Kakashi, who had turned around and whose body was nearly rigid, Orochimaru casually slipped a hand into his pocket. His gaze seemed to pass through Kakashi's body and land on the unconscious boy behind him.
He also stated his purpose outright.
He had come this time for Second Pillar.
"Why have you set your sights on Sasuke?"
Hearing this, Kakashi's brows drew tightly together, and he asked almost instinctively.
At the same time, a thin sheen of cold sweat emerged at his temple.
Sasuke? Why Sasuke? Just as he had asked, his heart was filled entirely with doubt.
As a rogue ninja, Orochimaru had vanished from the Shinobi World—or at least the Shinobi World