On the battlefield.
Hiruzen Sarutobi panted heavily, his aged body trembling violently.
He gripped the Adamantine Staff tightly, every muscle in his body tensed as he prepared for Third Raikage A's next fatal strike.
However.
The anticipated violent azure lightning did not descend.
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze for a moment.
Third Raikage A, who resembled a killing machine, had actually stopped his attack mid-motion!
Not only that.
Third Raikage A suddenly turned, transforming into a blinding bolt of lightning as he shot toward the rampaging Six-Tails Saiken in the distance!
"What's going on?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was full of astonishment.
He glanced from the corner of his eye, and his pupils abruptly constricted.
Upon the ruins not far away.
Orochimaru had somehow crossed the battlefield and was standing steadily beside Minato Namikaze!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart jolted. Without bothering to investigate why Third Raikage A had suddenly stopped, chakra erupted beneath his feet.
His figure became an afterimage, and he instantly landed at Minato's side.
The Adamantine Staff was held across his chest.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared warily at Orochimaru and shouted sharply.
"Orochimaru!"
"What are you up to now?!"
Faced with his former teacher's stern questioning.
There was not the slightest hostility on Orochimaru's pale face.
He extended his long tongue and habitually licked his dry lips. A strange softness flickered in his golden snake eyes.
"Teacher Sarutobi."
"You still distrust me so much."
Orochimaru slightly raised his head, looking at the dim sky above the Land of Wind. An unusually wistful note entered his voice.
"I just suddenly remembered my childhood."
"I remembered those happy days in Konoha."
Orochimaru turned his head to look at the devastated battlefield, a sickly smile in his hoarse voice.
"If this world is destroyed just like that, or ruled by that pack of lunatics..."
"Wouldn't