Naruto recognized Orochimaru.
Karin, on the other hand, relies on her own perception.
They realized how terrifying the newcomer was.
This chilling feeling.
Such a commanding presence.
This is the first time I've felt this in the 12 years that Karin has lived.
Even in Kusagakure.
The leaders of the Kusagakure he had seen from afar were no match for the somewhat androgynous 'young man' who was now standing before him!
No!
They don't even have the right to compare!
Although I don't want to believe it.
However, Karin had to admit that the person in front of her was at least ten times stronger than anyone she had ever met before!
Such an atmosphere.
Karin couldn't help but tremble.
And the moment they saw the person's face and Forehead Protector.
Karin's pupils contracted, revealing an expression of shock and disbelief.
The Forehead Protector of the Grass Ninja.
A familiar face.
These were undoubtedly the Genin Kusagakure had sent to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams.
But looking at that familiar face...
Karin, however, felt a chill run through her entire body.
Because it was within her perception range.
The person in front of me is no longer the same person.
Rather, it was someone who was replaced!
Be aware of this.
Karin felt a chill run through her entire body.
Sasuke and Sakura, on the other hand, had a different mindset.
Especially after gaining tremendous experience during this period, Sasuke, whose confidence had swelled somewhat, took a step forward, his Two-Tomoe Sharingan Uchiha Sasuke, and looked at Snake Sage with an extremely sharp expression, coldly saying.
"Who goes there!?"
"Heh! Who am I? To put it simply, I'm an enemy, aren't I? Little guy, weren't you having a good time bullying our village's Ninja? Well, it's my turn to try!"
Having completely emerged from the shadows, Orochimaru extended his signature long tongue and skillfully licked his lips. Looking at the Sharingan in Sasuke's pupils, a glint of extreme greed flashed deep within his eyes.
" Grass Ninja?"
Sasuke noticed the Forehead Protector on Orochimaru's forehead, and sneered twice, his eyes revealing a blatant disdain and mockery.
From the perspective of this young master of the Uchiha Clan.
Let's not even talk about the Genin from other villages.
Even the Genin in this village.
Sasuke only acknowledged Naruto as his opponent.
The rest of the words.
At most, only a handful of people like Lee and Neji would pique Uchiha Sasuke's interest.
The rest is all garbage!
Not to mention that the person appearing now was Grass Ninja comrade whom he had instantly killed.
Even though the aura seemed a little strange.
But he still wouldn't take Sasuke seriously.
"Snort..."
Just as Sasuke flipped his left hand, preparing to launch a direct attack,
" Sasuke! Don't move!"
At the side.
Naruto stepped in front of Sasuke first, and the solemn expression on his face made Sasuke pause slightly.
" Naruto?"
"This guy is no ordinary weakling from before!"
Naruto took a deep breath and looked at Snake Sage, who still had a relaxed expression, and said in a deep voice.
Even someone as proud as Sasuke...
After hearing Naruto's words.
The lingering contempt deep within him vanished completely. His withdrawn steps and slightly shifted body position instantly transformed him from an offensive to a defensive stance. While Uchiha Sasuke occasionally displayed a touch of Sunny Sasuke, this didn't mean...
This young master has something wrong with his head. When Sasuke saw Naruto looking at him like he was facing a formidable enemy, he knew that the guy in front of him had a strange aura.
His strength is at least at the level of Zabuza.
My mindset shifted very quickly.
Seeing that Naruto seemed to be able to sense his power and that he could calm Sasuke down with just a few words, Orochimaru's gaze towards Naruto revealed an extremely obvious and interested look.
" Sakura, protect Karin and retreat to a safe distance. Be aware of your surroundings and don't let anyone else get close. Leave this to Sasuke and me!"
We didn't spend a particularly long time together.
But after spending these two months together on the mission...
The three of them developed a tacit understanding and set of habits with each other.
Not just Sasuke.
Just as Naruto finished speaking his first sentence.
Sakura also grasped the underlying meaning in Naruto's words.
"Okay, I got it! Naruto, you and Sasuke-kun!"
Moreover, she became extremely decisive, and Sakura, who already had some of the "Sakura-sama" style from Shippuden in the original work, responded directly.
She flipped over and pulled up Karin, who seemed to have become limp all over. With a leap, she created distance and decisively retreated to a position behind her.
Sakura thought about things a little more than Sasuke.
At least from Sakura's perspective.
The enemy that appeared at this moment.
His strength is at least equal to Zabuza's, or even surpasses it; otherwise, Naruto wouldn't have made that expression.
It's important to understand that Zabuza, though strong...
Two months ago, Naruto was already qualified to face him head-on.
Not to mention now, after becoming stronger.
If the combat level were to rise to that level, it would be beyond my current capabilities to intervene.
Staying behind would only make you a burden.
Even though I was very unwilling inside.
Sakura reacted quickly and evacuated the scene with Karin.
Snake Sage's face still held an expression of great interest, completely unconcerned about Sakura and Karin's retreat. His focus was on the two people in front of him, or rather, mostly on Sasuke.
Orochimaru, who had been waiting patiently, watched Naruto and Sasuke.
"Well, it seems you're ready, isn't it? Then let's begin our battle!"
Orochimaru gave a sinister smile, and an aura of power erupted from him in an instant.
At close range.
Naruto and Sasuke's expressions both changed.
Feeling this powerful aura, and the intense killing intent that was not concealed within it.
Naruto, who was somewhat prepared and knew the true nature of the seemingly ordinary 'feminine Grass Ninja ' in front of him, was alright, but Sasuke couldn't help but show a hint of horror in his eyes.
Such an atmosphere.
Such pressure.
Even Raiga Zabuza from the previous Land of Waves mission, Nadare Rōga from the Land of Snow, and the Daimyo of the Land of Snow — Kazahana Dōtō— cannot compare!
"That guy!"
Even though it differs greatly from the original work.
Their strength needs to be raised to the next level.
But facing Orochimaru like this...
It's certainly not to the point where they're so completely intimidated that they need to harm themselves to act.
But Sasuke's right hand, which was holding the Kunai, still trembled slightly.
Orochimaru's killing intent was simply too intense.
A difference in dimensions.
It's already quite impressive that Sasuke was able to remain calm and rational.
However, Naruto and Sasuke's eyes were still almost clear.
A fleeting look of surprise crossed Orochimaru's eyes.
But at that moment, there was not the slightest hesitation.
"Ninja Art - Summoning Technique!"
It comes at a ton of fire right from the start.
The fingertip that was bitten was quickly bound with Hand Seals.
"No! Retreat! Sasuke!"