The appearance of the black-robed figure was utterly bizarre. It was as if he had appeared out of nowhere, yet also as if he had been standing there all along.
Yet both Hanzō and the Sannin clearly remembered that there had been no one where he now stood. This contradiction blended seamlessly with nature itself, stirring an indescribable sense of unease within them.
Hanzō's gaze turned grave. He had actually failed to see how the man before him had appeared. This was the first time such a thing had happened since he earned the title of Demigod.
"Who are you?" he asked in a low voice, refraining from attacking rashly. Whoever this man was, he was undoubtedly a tremendous threat. Hanzō possessed extraordinary confidence in his own instincts.
Shin looked up at him with a hint of helplessness on his face, then shrugged. "Why is it always the same question? Can't you come up with something new? And after giving them names, couldn't you just let them leave in peace? Just like I knew you would, you had to make such a mess that I was forced to show myself. I'm starting to feel like a babysitter. Can't you sympathize with how I feel?"
As Shin's words fell, Orochimaru and Tsunade behind him both trembled, different emotions appearing in their eyes.
"Senior Lu Xuan!?"
"Lu... Xuan... Un—Uncle!?"
The moment Shin appeared, the two had already felt an inexplicable familiarity from his back. But without seeing his face, they had not dared to be certain—until he spoke. After all, Shin's voice had never changed, and it had left a deep impression on both of them.
Hearing their startled cries, Shin turned back to glance at them and gave them a smile.
Tsunade instinctively covered her mouth, disbelief flashing in her eyes.