In Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru was performing a difficult surgical suturing. This time, he had truly been caught off guard and had nearly been left there.
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"Kumogakure!"
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After barely stitching his body back together, Orochimaru muttered darkly. He had already guessed that his opponent was from Kumogakure. Only Kumogakure possessed such powerful Uzumaki Ninja.
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Then there was the way those people fought. They all used Nintaijutsu.
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Although he did not know what was going on with that Uchiha girl, he could be certain that they were from Kumogakure.
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He, Orochimaru, would remember this grudge!
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After his physical condition stabilized somewhat, Orochimaru crawled into a snake's belly. Through a snake clone he had left outside earlier, he used his own blood to cast the Summoning Technique and leave.
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Ryūchi Cave was no safe place. Although his contracted Manda had a terrible temper and no sense of honor, if he stayed there too long in his current state, he might well be swallowed.
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After a grueling journey, Orochimaru finally returned to this Frontline and met Shimura Danzō.
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"You're injured?"
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Looking at Orochimaru's pale face, Shimura Danzō's heart sank.
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He did not care how Orochimaru had been injured. The important thing was that Orochimaru's current condition was clearly poor, making it impossible for him to join the operation to surround and kill the Third Kazekage. This had completely disrupted his plans.
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"I was ambushed by people from Kumogakure. Manda also died. I need four months to recover."
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Orochimaru briefly explained what had happened. His injuries this time were far too severe. Even though his body had been modified and he had taken precautions when he fell under the genjutsu, he was still badly hurt. His internal organs had been shattered.