Orochimaru's Headache

As a battle turtle among turtles, Three-Tails Isobu was far faster in the sea than Orochimaru had anticipated. In less than half a day, Isobu had blocked his path!

Yet Houka showed no sign of joy.

He wasn't blind. He could see Orochimaru's little tricks—but what could he do even if he saw them?

The ocean was far too vast, its fish as numerous as stars. The seafloor was dark, the terrain rugged; trying to exterminate every white snake Orochimaru had released was like searching for a needle in the ocean—a fool's dream.

Right now, his only wish was to rescue Haku!

Orochimaru calmly looked at the enormous Isobu ahead and Houka atop its turtle head. A smiling expression hung on his face, while an unfathomable mockery gleamed in his eyes, as though victory were already his.

Houka opened his mouth and blew out a string of bubbles, signaling for Orochimaru to hand Haku over.

Orochimaru also blew out a string of bubbles, then slowly floated toward the surface.

Without needing Houka's command, Isobu stirred its three enormous ridged tails, swiftly breaking through the surface and steadily raising waves that shook the sky.

Orochimaru emerged from the water and neither dodged nor avoided the crashing waves, completely unconcerned about being drenched like a drowned rat.

"Orochimaru, hand Haku over." Houka could not even be bothered to threaten him. This guy was truly as slippery as a snake; without meticulous preparation and a foolproof plan, killing him was easier said than done.

"Aren't we going to discuss terms?" Orochimaru pulled his lips into a faint smile. "You destroyed my Otogakure. You probably killed quite a few of my subordinates too, didn't you? And Jugo, Kimimaro... Heh heh, Uchiha Houka, I've suffered a tremendous loss this time."

Houka folded his arms. "Mm-hmm,