Naraku walked into Orochimaru's room. Orochimaru didn't even look up, keeping his attention on the scroll. Naraku was displeased by the reception and strode toward the seat.
"Hm?"
As Naraku took a step, the tiled floor turned into yellow earth. It spread out, surging like a raging river and sweeping him toward the wall.
"What are you doing!? Ah!"
Naraku let out a scream as the great river of earth slammed him into the wall. He passed out.
Only then did Orochimaru set down the scroll. In his distinctive voice, he said softly,
"Naraku, it was just a joke. Don't be so touchy."
A muddy arm held a kunai to Orochimaru's neck. Behind him, the tiled floor slowly bulged with yellow earth, which gathered into a human shape.
It was Uchiha Nara's likeness. He held a kunai and wore an unhappy expression. The unconscious Naraku in the distance turned into yellow earth and melded into the mud.
"Orochimaru, your hospitality is a little too unusual."
"Ha ha ha ha! Anyone acknowledged by Tsunade is bound to receive special treatment."
Orochimaru's voice was deep and strangely magnetic.
After speaking, Orochimaru clapped his hands. A servant entered carrying tea and pastries.
As the chakra faded, the yellow earth and mud on the floor seeped into the cracks between the tiles like water sinking into the ground, gradually disappearing without a trace.
The servant set the tea and pastries on the low table. Orochimaru's smile remained unchanged.
"Naraku, please sit."
Orochimaru's little stunt had put Naraku in a bad mood. The man's tricks were more than Naraku could stand.
Only now did Naraku put away his kunai and walk to his seat. Fortunately, he hadn't brought any guards inside. If they'd rushed into the hall with their weapons drawn, things would have become