As a major figure among the wanted criminals of the shinobi world, Orochimaru had naturally not returned to Konoha to reminisce about his hometown.
There was no such ridiculous possibility. If he had to put it into words, Orochimaru had merely developed a different sort of interest in Konoha, or perhaps in his teacher. And his reason for coming to the Forest of Death this time was none other than Second Pillar, who was on Naruto's team!
That was right. This was also one of Orochimaru's purposes in returning to Konoha.
As one of the few surviving descendants of the Uchiha Clan in the shinobi world, Sasuke naturally drew Orochimaru's interest in the Uchiha bloodline limit.
Thinking of the Uchiha's nearly limitless potential, as well as the information he had investigated before, excitement uncontrollably surfaced in Orochimaru's snake-like eyes. Then, while leaping through the trees, Orochimaru abruptly stopped, a strange expression appearing on his face.
He immediately smiled faintly, his hoarse voice sounding out. "Hehe, my dear disciple, since you're here, why hide?"
An unreadable expression appeared on Orochimaru's face as his gaze shifted slightly toward a branch to his left.
The moment Orochimaru finished speaking, a figure appeared before him. The newcomer looked furious, one hand pressed tightly against the back of her neck.
"Hehe, Anko, you're exactly the same as before. You haven't changed at all." Orochimaru spoke softly, his voice as hoarse as ever, yet carrying a strange enchantment to ordinary ears.
"Orochimaru!!" Anko ground out through clenched teeth, as though the person before her was not her former teacher, but a mortal enemy.
As soon as she spoke, Anko swiftly drew a kunai and charged at Orochimaru. Orochimaru chuckled and remained where he stood. When Anko closed in, he lightly slapped the back of her right