Orochimaru VS Sasori of the Red Sands

At the southwestern border of the Land of Fire, a dense forest lay like a dark green ribbon embedded along the frontier.

The woods teemed with tigers, leopards, wolves, bears, venomous insects, snakes, and ants—a place that meant near-certain death to ordinary people.

Deva Path Pain walked expressionlessly across the forest floor, with Sasori of the Red Sands following behind him.

Sasori had repaired Hiruko and climbed back inside, lying comfortably within it.

"According to Kabuto's intelligence, Orochimaru should have an underground laboratory nearby." Sasori's voice came from inside Hiruko.

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure suddenly leaped out from a corner. He wore a pale yellow kimono, had long, luxuriant hair like a woman's, and a pair of golden vertical pupils.

It was none other than Orochimaru.

"Since you've come to my territory, wouldn't it be better to say hello first?" Seeing the visitors, Orochimaru immediately revealed a pleased, scheming smile.

He had deliberately allowed Yakushi Kabuto to leak his whereabouts in order to lure out members of Akatsuki!

"No need for greetings. We met not long ago, after all." Sasori's voice emerged from Hiruko, once more deep and steady. "You should know why we're here, hmph! You actually dared to investigate Akatsuki's intelligence. You truly don't know the immensity of heaven and earth."

"Oh, is that so?" A vicious glint appeared at the corner of Orochimaru's mouth. "So you've come to kill me? Sasori of the Red Sands, although you're hiding inside this puppet right now, your true weapon is the Third Kazekage. If you think that alone is enough to kill me, you're far too naive."

The stinger behind Hiruko slowly extended, pointing at Orochimaru from afar.

Sasori snorted coldly. "So you did see it. That night, you weren't merely passing by, were you?"

Orochimaru