Naruto still hadn't reacted when a black figure had already appeared before them. The man had pale skin, long black hair hanging down, and cold, merciless golden slit pupils. His long tongue licked across his lips, his smile eerie and evil—it was the Leaf's rogue ninja, one of the Sannin, Orochimaru.
"The Uchiha orphan. I finally found you." Orochimaru's voice was hoarse and chilling, his gaze locked tightly on Sasuke, full of greed. "Your body suits me very well."
Sasuke's whole body tensed. His Sharingan opened instantly, the pattern of a single Tomoe spinning rapidly as his hands formed seals at high speed. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
The huge fireball blasted toward Orochimaru, but the instant it drew near him, it was swallowed up completely by an invisible force.
"Too weak." Orochimaru chuckled softly. His figure flashed, and he appeared in front of Sasuke in an instant, his palm slamming hard onto Sasuke's shoulder.
"Guh—aaah!" Sasuke screamed. A cold, bizarre Chakra invaded inside the body, gnawing at his meridians like a venomous snake. A cursed mark instantly appeared on his shoulder, black lines spreading outward.
"Sasuke!" Naruto and Sakura shouted at the same time.
Naruto immediately erupted with Chakra, a golden halo wrapping around his body as he charged toward Orochimaru. "Don't hurt my comrades!"
"The Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki." Orochimaru glanced at Naruto, his eyes indifferent. With a casual wave of his hand, a Wind Blade sent Naruto flying, smashing him heavily into a tree trunk as he spat blood.
Sakura hurriedly rushed over and helped Naruto and Sasuke up, tears spinning in her eyes. "How are you two?! Don't let anything happen to you!"
Orochimaru slowly walked toward Sasuke, his tone full of temptation. "Give up, Sasuke. Follow me, and I will give you power. I will let you