There was no time for pleasantries. Ning Xue quickly retreated to Suigetsu's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sasuke and the others.
Everyone's gaze fixed on an enormous wooden coffin.
Creak.
The coffin lid toppled forward and struck the ground, sending a dull echo through the cavern.
A figure slowly emerged from the coffin.
Long black hair hung loose over his shoulders. His skin was as pale as paper, and his golden slit pupils gleamed coldly in the dim light.
"Orochimaru?!"
Suigetsu's jaw nearly hit the floor, and the Kubikiribōchō almost slipped off his shoulder.
Karin's pupils abruptly contracted. She instinctively stepped half a pace back, her eyes behind her glasses filled with shock and apprehension.
Jugo's body tensed slightly, and his right arm unconsciously began undergoing a partial Cursed Seal transformation.
Even Ning Xue's killing intent involuntarily intensified the instant he saw Orochimaru.
Only Sasuke and Itachi remained calm.
Sasuke's gaze lingered on Orochimaru for an instant before shifting to Yakushi Kabuto, undisguised disgust churning in his Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Orochimaru..."
Sasuke's voice was icy, with a hint of mockery.
But no sooner had he spoken than Yakushi Kabuto slowly walked behind Orochimaru.
He extended his pale, slender hands, caressing Orochimaru's chest with one while slowly raising the other to his cheek. His fingertips lightly traced that pale face, as though stroking his most treasured collectible.
He leaned close to Orochimaru's ear, his lips almost brushing its rim as he whispered.
"Lord Orochimaru... no, Orochimaru."
His voice was soft and hoarse, carrying an almost pathological reverence and madness.
"I originally intended to bring you back through Impure World Reincarnation after this war ended.
"But with the prey delivering itself to my doorstep, I have no choice but to let you watch how a dragon hunts ahead of schedule."
Orochimaru stood