"These two guys..."
"Are they both monsters?"
Bone spikes protruded all over Kimimaro's body as he slowly rose from the lava.
He used a bone membrane to isolate the lava, then used Chakra to stand atop its surface.
Kimimaro watched the turbulent air pressure in the distance and Ryūchi Cave, which had been completely destroyed and turned into a hellish sea of lava.
For a moment, his heart was filled with confusion.
Could he really rescue Lord Orochimaru from Sarutobi Hiruzen's grasp?
Even though he had learned Sage Mode, Kimimaro knew full well that he was no match for him. Power of this level was likely attainable only by the legendary God of Shinobi.
"No, I still have that little guy as leverage!"
Kimimaro could only take a risky approach—one hand paying, the other delivering the goods—and force Sarutobi Hiruzen to hand over Lord Orochimaru himself.
"Where's that little Uchiha brat?"
Kimimaro began searching everywhere, but with the entire area now a field of lava, he found it hard to believe that a five- or six-year-old child could have survived.
"Didn't the Third Hokage come to save that Uchiha clansman?"
Kimimaro was somewhat puzzled.
"Why did he fight without any reservations? Wasn't he afraid of killing that little Uchiha brat outright?"
"There?!"
Kimimaro suddenly spotted a small figure standing atop the lava, seemingly at a loss due to the drastic change in the environment.
"He's actually alive?"
Kimimaro raced across the lava toward the small figure, only to stop abruptly.
That was because Second Pillar, at some point, had donned a strange suit of armor. Its blue-green hues and dragon-scale patterns made it look imposing and majestic.
Second Pillar turned and saw Kimimaro. He was startled at first, but quickly calmed down and looked at him.
"Are you here to