Bang—bang—bang—!!
After leaving the Land of Rain, the forests grew denser.
Violent collisions rang out from within the woods, like two colossal beasts clashing head-on.
After roughly ten minutes, the impacts gradually subsided.
Orochimaru's upper clothes had been torn to shreds, revealing firm muscles beneath his seemingly lean frame.
Compared to the naturally gifted Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had been born with an exceptionally strong physique, Orochimaru's taijutsu was weaker among the Sannin. In battle, he relied on slippery, serpentine footwork and did not particularly enjoy direct confrontations.
Still, after not seeing each other for so long, it was necessary to uphold a Hokage-line tradition.
Jingle, jingle—
Kamizuki pinched a little bell between his fingers and tugged at the corner of his mouth. "The Third Hokage developed this little game to test teamwork, didn't he? Why put yourself through this?"
With taijutsu alone, even ten Orochimarus would not be enough for him now.
Orochimaru steadied his breathing and took out a spare vest from the sealing scroll on his wrist, then put it on.
"I merely wanted to judge how far your strength has progressed..."
The three little ones gathered around Kamizuki. Yahiko cried out excitedly, "So strong! As expected of the man who defeated Lord Hanzo!"
"Lord Kamizuki... you're amazing!"
After several days of eating and sleeping well, Konan's complexion had become a little rosier. She handed him a small white flower she had picked from who knew where.
Nagato was still the same, trailing behind the other two like an inconspicuous shadow.
Kamizuki smiled and rubbed Yahiko's head. He really liked hearing compliments.
Only masochists and saints enjoyed hearing others criticize them. Clearly, he was neither.
Compared to the flowers and applause on Kamizuki's side, Orochimaru's side was much lonelier.
Tsunade and Jiraiya had gone to find Sarutobi