In the vast, dark cave, there was a pool of jade-green water at the bottom, deep and tranquil.
The cave was filled with mist, reducing visibility so much that its depth could not be seen.
Gurgle, gurgle~
A large number of bubbles suddenly rose from the pool, as though something was about to emerge from the water.
Splash—!
The pool water abruptly parted as a gigantic dark green snake poked its head out. Just the head above the surface was as large as a standalone two-story building.
At that moment, Verta slowly brought her head close to the edge of the pool and opened her mouth.
Shiraha and Kushina jumped out of her mouth.
"Verta, where is this? Why did you bring us here?" Shiraha asked.
If his Sixth Sense had not failed to sense danger, and if Kurama inside Kushina had not said Verta meant them no harm, he would have thought that Verta had suddenly turned on him.
"This is Ryūchi Cave." Verta spoke slowly. "I will not help you fight, but as a friend, I can ensure your safety.
"..."
Shiraha was speechless. He had not expected Verta to be such a stickler.
He had intended to summon Verta to help him deal with Kakuzu, but instead, she had run off with him and Kushina.
Still, she meant well, so he could not blame her.
Kakuzu's secret technique actually created four clones. Including the original, that meant five against Orochimaru alone.
Fortunately, only Kakuzu's Wind Style Clone and Fire Style Clone possessed Chakra on par with Orochimaru's. The other three clones were merely at the level of ordinary Jōnin.
But Orochimaru was no pushover either. If he could not hold on, he would definitely summon Manda.
According to Verta, Manda was the leader of the giant snakes