A Choice Between Two

On an island near the coast in the northern region of the Land of Fire, Orochimaru stood before the beach in a dark brown kimono. The sea breeze, carrying a faint salty smell, stirred his long hair, revealing a pair of golden slit pupils filled with ambition.

Across the sea, a figure slowly approached, stepping over the waves.

The newcomer wore a black hooded coat and a Spiral Mask over his face. It was none other than Uchiha Shin.

"You're here." Orochimaru's voice carried far through the sea breeze, reaching Uchiha Shin's ears clearly.

Without saying a word, Uchiha Shin silently walked onto the beach and stopped before Orochimaru.

Beneath the Spiral Mask, a pair of bloody Three-Tomoe Sharingan stared fixedly at Orochimaru.

After a long while, he finally spoke in a cold voice. "It's about time you gave me the Cell Cloning technology, isn't it?"

"As for that, I'm afraid it will take a little more time." Orochimaru smiled as he refused, though there was not the slightest warmth in his hoarse voice.

"Heh heh heh..." Uchiha Shin sneered. Then, the three tomoe in his eyes shifted in an instant, and the Mangekyou's eye power surged toward Orochimaru as though it had taken physical form.

Orochimaru's pupils narrowed slightly. A trace of greed flashed through his eyes before he swiftly retreated, evading Uchiha Shin's attack.

"Young people really are impulsive." Orochimaru curled his lips into a smile.

"Those who break their promises die, Orochimaru. My patience is nearly exhausted by you." Uchiha Shin slowly withdrew his eye power.

Before obtaining the Cell Cloning technology, he did not dare use the Mangekyou too freely. Otherwise, he might end up like Uchiha Houka, wearing thick glasses and looking practically blind.

"I called you here this time because there is something important."