"Long time no see!"
"Minato!"
Orochimaru stopped the Kusanagi Sword mid-swing, his gaze flicking to the side. A figure had appeared beside him without anyone noticing. The newcomer wore a white cloak, and his golden hair stood out beneath the moonlight.
He held a three-pronged Kunai, its point pressed against Orochimaru's neck. The reason Orochimaru had stopped moving was that he'd sensed the threat posed by the person beside him.
The newcomer was none other than Konoha's current Fifth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Kakashi's Ninja Dog, Pakkun, had relayed the information to Minato. After receiving the message, Minato connected to Konoha's Protective Barrier, found Kakashi's location, and hurried over, arriving just in time to save him.
"Orochimaru, I never expected to run into you here!"
A faint killing intent glinted in Minato's eyes. He wasn't unfamiliar with Orochimaru. The man had once been a close friend of his teacher, Jiraiya, and had enjoyed the Third Hiruzen Sarutobi's deep trust. He had also wielded considerable authority in Konoha.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi had discovered Orochimaru conducting research into forbidden techniques, and Orochimaru had fled the village to avoid punishment.
After leaving the village, Orochimaru had never attacked Konoha's shinobi. But at the end of the day, he was still a rogue ninja, one Konoha was supposed to capture. Whatever bonds they'd once shared had ceased to matter the moment they met again.
"Strictly speaking, I'm your senior, Minato."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly and slowly lowered his raised hands. In front of him, Kakashi let out a breath of relief, quickly put some distance between himself and Orochimaru, and went to stand beside Yakumo Kurama. He said nothing, quietly watching Minato and Orochimaru face off.
"Not since the moment you defected."
"What's your reason for coming to Konoha this time? Are you here