Shiraishi Yoshijo's sudden emergence from the cocoon greatly surprised Orochimaru. But with matters having reached this point, Orochimaru naturally could not back down. That was not his style.
"Yoshijo, you protected me only because you wanted my research results. It was clearly a mutually beneficial arrangement, so how did I become an ungrateful wretch in your eyes?"
Orochimaru spread his hands. "Still, I can understand. You're an emperor who stands above all others and considers himself supreme. But do you know that this very attitude of yours is infuriating?"
"I never considered myself beneath you. You were merely lucky enough to be born into that kind of shinobi clan. Heh, I won't rub salt in your wounds. I never expected to obtain the Star Absorption Technique so easily anyway. It's just become a little more troublesome, that's all."
The anger on Shiraishi Yoshijo's face intensified, but when he looked at Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, he had no choice but to suppress his fury.
"Orochimaru, you should understand the consequences of opposing me!"
"Heh heh heh, Yoshijo, don't be so arrogant. Since I dared to come here, I naturally don't fear you settling the score afterward!"
The two stared at each other for a moment. Shiraishi Yoshijo suddenly withdrew all his killing intent, took a scroll from his robes, and flung it at Orochimaru.
"This is the Star Absorption Technique you wanted."
As the scroll drew nearer, suspicion suddenly appeared on Orochimaru's face. Rather than advancing, he retreated, swiftly forming hand seals as he activated the dead brought forth through Impure World Reincarnation.
Boom!
The scroll suddenly exploded in midair. Shiraishi Yoshijo's figure appeared within the flames in an instant, his blade flashing with soul-chilling cold as it cleaved straight toward Orochimaru.
"So fast—"
Having uttered only those two words,