Deidara Isn't Panicked Either

Long, straight black hair...

Golden vertical pupils...

Skin as white as snow...

And that chilling aura and terrifying killing intent...

"Y-you're Orochimaru?!"

"Orochimaru? One of the legendary Sannin?"

"That S-rank Missing-nin who defected from Konoha? What is he doing in our village?"

Having guessed Orochimaru's identity, the Waterfall Anbu recoiled in unison like startled birds, each taking a step back.

Houka had made his name during the Third Shinobi World War, while Orochimaru had risen to fame during the Second. By comparison, Orochimaru's deterrent power far surpassed Houka's!

"Hehehehe. Since Obito is here, Uchiha Houka should be here as well. Tell him to come out and see me!" Orochimaru said unhurriedly, lowering his eyelids.

The Waterfall Anbu could sense the immense confidence of one of the legendary Sannin in his tone. Not daring to be negligent, they quickly scattered.

Some evacuated the nearby villagers, some went to notify their leader, Shibuki, while others ran toward the Sacred Tree to inform Houka.

Before long, aside from Orochimaru, Kimimaro, and the unconscious Obito, only a few wary Waterfall Anbu remained at the village entrance.

"Lord Orochimaru?" Kimimaro looked at Orochimaru, silently asking whether he should remove Obito's Sharingan first.

Orochimaru smiled and nodded.

A vicious glint flashed through Kimimaro's eyes as he lowered his head and grabbed Obito by the hair.

"Kimimaro!"

A familiar voice suddenly came from the side.

Kimimaro froze, then looked up with delight in his eyes. "Jugo, it really is you!"

Seeing Kimimaro, Jugo radiated joy all over and ran over excitedly.

"Lord Orochimaru."

When he reached them and saw Orochimaru, Jugo's steps involuntarily halted.

He remembered what Houka had told him.

Orochimaru had studied his body in order to gain the power to dominate the shinobi world. Once he succeeded, tens of thousands of people would die