"Abandoning a comrade and fleeing alone isn't my ninja way!"
Sakumo looked at the White Fang Short Sword in his hand. The blade reflected a chilling glint into his eyes, and his gaze was as sharp as a knife, fully revealing its edge.
"So I'll go with you. We'll bring Dan back together!"
"Alright!"
Jiraiya looked at Sakumo, then nodded heavily. With Sakumo, an elite Jonin skilled in battle, helping them, the chances of rescuing Dan had increased considerably.
Faced with Jiraiya and Sakumo's decision, Orochimaru finally broke the silence. Suppressing his voice, he said:
"I am the commander of this operation. I order you to leave this place immediately!"
The moment Orochimaru's words fell, both Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo stared at him in shock. Neither of them had expected Orochimaru to say something so cold and heartless.
"Orochimaru, that's Dan! He's our comrade!"
Jiraiya strode toward Orochimaru, grabbed him by the collar with both hands, and shouted.
Although Hatake Sakumo said nothing, an indescribable emotion showed in his eyes as he looked at Orochimaru.
In this situation, if they considered it from the perspective of a "ninja," then Orochimaru's order was undoubtedly the most correct one. After all, sacrificing Kato Dan alone could increase the other three's chances of escaping...
Even a child knew what choice to make.
"Ninjas" were not truly emotionless machines. They still possessed emotions and bonds, so once those emotions and bonds were enough to interfere with a "ninja's" judgment, that "ninja" was no longer purely a "ninja," just like Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo at this moment.
"That is the First Hokage's power. Are you confident you can bring Dan back?"
There was no emotion mixed into Orochimaru's golden vertical pupils. He continued in a cold, snake-like voice:
"Or do you want to leave both