"That's right. That brat should already be able to use the Nine-Tails' power."
Orochimaru's expression darkened. If that were true, this plan would become far more difficult.
The white smoke slowly dispersed.
"Hey! This is my first time here."
A childish voice rang out, and a little toad about the same size as Gamakichi appeared before them.
"..."
Everyone's faces clouded with exasperation.
What on earth was going on?!
A little thing like this would only get in the way.
"Hehehe... it seems he hasn't mastered the Nine-Tails' power after all!"
Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly, killing intent gradually filling his serpentine eyes.
"I'll deal with Jiraiya. The others are yours!"
With that order, Orochimaru rode the giant snake straight down toward them.
"What a shame. I wanted to fight Lord Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, too..."
Kabuto sneered as well, leaping onto another snake's head and charging straight toward Shizune and the others.
"Uh..."
Jiraiya and the others looked utterly grim. How were they supposed to fight this battle?
Just then, Lin Mu suddenly rushed forward.
His right hand rapidly swelled, forming a massive piece of timber several times larger than his body.
"I'll handle their summoned beasts!"
Without looking back, he charged straight toward the summoned beasts.
"Lin Mu..."
Watching Lin Mu charge directly at him, Orochimaru's gaze shifted slightly.
"I hope you don't damage that body."
With that, he leaped off the giant snake's head and lunged at Jiraiya.
Kabuto Yakushi did not linger either, leaping toward Shizune.
Jiraiya's expression flickered rapidly, but he stopped worrying about Lin Mu. If the boy dared to act, he must have some confidence!
He turned his gaze toward Orochimaru, remaining extremely wary.
Orochimaru could no longer use his hands, but Jiraiya's own strength had been suppressed by drugs.
Lin Mu had drawn