In response to Uchiha Hikari's questioning, Orochimaru first studied her with his golden eyes, clearly intrigued, as though admiring a precious work of art.
The term "weapon of war," when paired with the Uchiha Clan, made his heart itch with desire.
If he had discovered her sooner...
She might have made an even more suitable vessel.
What a pity!
Orochimaru licked his lips and said in a hoarse voice, "My name is Orochimaru, and the one beside me is Naruto Uzumaki, the Fifth Hokage of Konoha."
"Uzumaki?!"
At the sound of that enemy surname, the killing intent that had only just subsided in Uchiha Hikari's eyes instantly surged forth!
Without the slightest hesitation, her hands flew through seals before her chest, moving so fast they nearly left afterimages.
Her hatred for the Uzumaki Clan had practically become instinct.
"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"
A massive, searing fire dragon roared from her mouth, charging straight at Naruto and Orochimaru with the force to burn everything in its path!
The scale and power of this Fire Style technique had not diminished in the slightest from her century-long sealing. Instead, the fury she had suppressed made it even more terrifying.
Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly. The strength of this Fire Style technique far exceeded his expectations, rivaling the finest Uchiha experts he had ever seen. He did not dare lower his guard. He bit his finger, then slammed his hand against the ground.
Summoning Technique: Triple Rashomon!
"Rumble!"
Three enormous gates carved with demonic faces burst from the earth, rising one behind another to block the fire dragon.
The violent flames crashed into the Rashomon gates with a deafening roar. Scorching shockwaves swept in every direction, blowing away shattered stones and weeds across the ground.
Naruto, meanwhile, stood silently where he was from