"Hmph. I'll remember this grudge."
After trading a few words and flattering each other, Orochimaru didn't linger at the daimyo's residence. His figure swayed, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished into the night.
Seeing Orochimaru retreat, Neji didn't pursue him. He deactivated Tenseigan Chakra Mode and slowly floated down to the ground, pretending to gasp for breath as if he'd used up too much chakra.
Just then, a Guardian Ninja ran out of the central palace. He walked up to Neji and shouted with a frown, "Why did you let Orochimaru get away?"
Neji narrowed his eyes at the man, thinking that the daimyo still had a loyal following. "I came here from Kumogakure, and I've already used up most of my chakra. Scaring Orochimaru off is a blessing. I hardly have enough strength left to pursue him."
"But—"
"Senior, please calm down."
Another Guardian Ninja hurried over and pulled his companion back. "He's worried Orochimaru might come back. He didn't mean to offend you."
Neji replied calmly, "Getting worked up won't solve anything. If you're truly worried about the daimyo, work hard to become stronger. Next time, don't wait for outsiders to rescue him."
After saying that, Neji walked slowly toward the main hall.
The civil and military officials hiding inside saw Neji approaching and wordlessly stepped aside to make way.
A man nearing fifty lay on a soft bed in the inner hall. His face was as pale as paper, his chest caved inward, and his clothes were stained with blood.
This man was the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning.
Orochimaru had been careful with his attack.
With injuries this severe, the daimyo was certain to die.
But he hadn't passed away yet. He was clinging to life, waiting for Neji to appear.
Beside