Within the Forest of Death, the gentle breeze stirred softly, like a spirit that passed through all things and knew everything that happened within the woods.
In a secluded corner, atop a massive tree trunk, Anko knelt there, trembling as she wept.
High in the sky, in a place humans could scarcely reach, at this very moment, a figure stood suspended in midair. His deep eyes held an intrigued glint as he looked down upon the world below.
Just then—
"Whoosh!"
Accompanied by a sharp rush through the air, a figure suddenly appeared beside him in the high sky.
Hearing the sound behind him, the tall figure in the air slowly turned around, his deep eyes glancing at the newcomer with a faint smile.
The corners of his lips curved slightly as he asked in a magnetic voice, "Orochimaru, why are you in the Forest of Death?"
At his words, Orochimaru's pale face briefly went blank. He lightly turned his head toward him and replied calmly, "I came to see a former disciple, but I never expected the result to be so unexpectedly revolting..."
As he said this, his snake-like eyes slowly narrowed and settled on the man before him, his voice slightly hoarse.
"And you, Aizen? Don't tell me you've been staying here ever since we parted ways?"
"Konoha's Forest of Death shouldn't hold even the slightest mystery for you..."
Hearing that, Aizen's lips curled into a faint smile, his voice magnetic as he said, "You're right... Orochimaru..."
As he spoke, Aizen slowly turned around. His deep eyes looked toward the endless green forest beneath the clouds, a trace of gravity in his voice.
"Before this, I had already visited Tsunade's residence..."
Hearing Aizen's words, Orochimaru's snake eyes contracted slightly. Then his lips pressed together, and his pale face