The Casino Boss's Lament

"Orochimaru, were you planning to kill him outright?" Zetsu asked with a grin.

Orochimaru smiled dismissively. "If he can't even withstand an attack of that level, what right does he have to join the organization?"

"Join the organization? Did you ever ask for my opinion?"

Hiruko's voice came from within the dust, carrying barely suppressed anger. "Orochimaru, die!!!"

Rumble!!!

After a tremendous explosion, the air shook violently and transformed into an invisible blade that slashed toward Orochimaru and Zetsu at tremendous speed.

Orochimaru raised an eyelid. "Interesting."

He opened his mouth and vomited out a sword, catching it before swinging it forward.

Buzz!!

The blade cut through the air blade. The rebounding force made the sword hum incessantly, nearly knocking it from his hand.

"The Kusanagi Sword." Zetsu laughed. "I never expected this divine weapon to end up in your hands."

Orochimaru gently stroked the blade and smiled. "It's no divine weapon. It's merely a little sharper than usual."

The dust around them slowly dispersed. Hiruko stood atop a pile of rubble, several blast wounds covering his body, his flesh mangled and bloody. Yet his hands remained clenched into fists, and his fighting spirit only grew stronger.

"Again!"

Hiruko threw a punch. Explosion Release directly detonated the air, and the shockwave became a sharp air blade that sliced fiercely toward Orochimaru.

With a tap of his toes, Orochimaru rapidly shifted away. Then, moving like a snake, he darted left and right, circling Hiruko. His circles grew smaller and smaller, constantly reducing Hiruko's room to move while increasing his psychological pressure.

Just as the two were about to clash at close range, Zetsu interrupted them.

"Orochimaru, that's enough." Zetsu's voice turned cold once more. "If his abilities are put to good use, he will be of enormous help to Akatsuki."

"That