Tap!
A small foot planted itself firmly on the ground. Perhaps because its owner was too earnest, too resolute, the sound of that tiny footfall rang exceptionally clearly through the suddenly silent surroundings, where only the shrill chirping of lightning flickering like a thousand birds could be heard.
This... this...
At that moment, Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly. As he watched the small figure step forward and, with a single step, stand between him and Kakashi, unmistakable astonishment appeared on his face.
She... hadn't left?
At the same time, Kakashi, standing opposite him, wore the same astonished expression, as though he had seen something entirely unexpected.
When had she...
No! Where had she been hiding? I... hadn't sensed her at all!
Then, in the next instant, the same unbelievable thought flashed through both their minds.
Yes, neither of them had noticed.
They had not even sensed that this small figure had been hiding nearby!
"You're too despicable! You're a bad person! Anna will never let you bully the weak!"
At that moment, another crisp, righteous voice rang out.
As that clear voice sounded, the small figure standing between them suddenly raised a hand and pointed at Orochimaru. Her little face wore a stern, adult-like expression, yet she looked utterly adorable.
Those words had come from the small figure—from the little girl, Hada Anna!
The weak... who? Kakashi?
Hearing this, Orochimaru looked at Kakashi across from him, then at the adorable little girl before him. The corner of his mouth twitched. Even for a Kage-level powerhouse who had weathered countless life-and-death battles, he found himself at a loss for words.
He was even a little dumbfounded.
I...
So I'm the weak one?
On the other side, Kakashi blinked at her words, nearly overcome by the urge to rub his nose.
However, despite