Orochimaru noticed the three boys' movements and could not help musing, To think I'd run into Yuan's subordinates on this mission. Let's see what makes these three children worthy of his regard.
An overwhelming wave of killing intent erupted from Orochimaru.
Meanwhile, beneath a large tree not far from the lakeshore lay a hole in the ground.
Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame were hiding inside.
Kiba Inuzuka curled up around his trembling Ninja Dog companion, Akamaru. "What's someone this terrifying doing in the Chunin Ninja Exams?"
As he spoke, Akamaru let out several whimpers.
Shino Aburame adjusted his sunglasses and said quietly, "My insects are terrified."
"We'll be all right. He won't find us."
Hinata tried to reassure them.
At the lakeshore.
"Fū, this man is strong. We're not his targets. We shouldn't provoke him."
Knowing that Orochimaru was after Karin, one of Fū's teammates spoke softly into her ear.
"Karin is my friend. I won't stand by and watch someone take her away."
Determination filled Fū's eyes.
"But if we provoke him, we could put you in danger.
Sorry, Fū. Our village ordered us to protect you."
Then Fū's two teammates moved together, each seizing one of her shoulders before whisking her away.
Hearing Fū's angry protests in the distance, Karin said to Gaara and the others, "You should leave."
Suigetsu stepped up beside Karin and grinned at her. "Don't worry. We said we'd protect you."
Karin cried out, distraught, "You... why are you doing this?"
"Stay back."
Gaara and Toneri stepped in front of Karin, standing shoulder to shoulder with Suigetsu.
"It seems you've underestimated me."
Orochimaru chuckled as he watched the three of them.
The next instant, his gaze turned sharp.
Orochimaru's neck suddenly stretched out, and he thrust the Kusanagi Sword from his mouth