The Hiruko puppet was smashed to pieces by Uzumaki Kuming's single blow, its fragments scattering across the entrance to the courtyard.
"You're pretty quick to run."
Uzumaki Kuming drew back his fist. He stared at the hole in the ground in surprise, then activated his Mind's Eye of the Kagura. In just a few seconds, Sasori had already fled hundreds of meters away.
"I'll let him go this time. Sasori wasn't my target, anyway."
He abandoned the pursuit and turned his gaze toward Orochimaru, walking into the courtyard.
"Itachi, make some tea for your senior."
Uzumaki Kuming headed straight for the tea room. Orochimaru's expression darkened, then he chuckled and followed, his steps light, as if he were back in his own home.
Inside.
Uzumaki Kuming and Orochimaru sat on the floor. After Uchiha Itachi served them tea, he left to give the two men some space to talk.
"Senior, you took such a big risk to come see me. Is there something important?"
Uzumaki Kuming's expression was calm as ever. He didn't treat Orochimaru coldly just because he was now a missing-nin. To Kuming, Orochimaru was still the same man—the one who had once saved his life. He had simply let certain things cloud his judgment.
"I joined an organization. Its leader sent me to invite you to join."
"That's it?"
Orochimaru sat at ease on the tatami, seemingly having let down his guard completely.
"Sent you? Someone actually has the authority to give you orders?"
"Looks like an enormous force beyond my imagination has appeared in the Shinobi World."
"So, what now? I've already refused. What do you plan to do, senior?"
Uzumaki Kuming picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and took a small sip before asking. Orochimaru smiled and spread his hands.
"If you refuse,