Sen's languid voice echoed through the silent forest.
Orochimaru ignored him.
He merely stared at his slashed mask, then glanced at the tree root on the ground, which still radiated a terrifying aura of life.
For the first time, his eyes grew intensely grave.
"Wood Release..."
"That old fox Hiruzen really did have another trump card hidden away."
Orochimaru cursed inwardly and immediately made his decision.
Getting his hands on the Uchiha's body today was probably out of the question.
But leaving empty-handed wasn't his style, either.
"Hehehe, you little Senju brat."
Orochimaru slowly straightened, an extremely dangerous gleam flickering in his golden, serpentine eyes.
"Since you're so eager to play examiner, I'll play along."
With that, he clapped his hands together.
The enormous anaconda beneath him abruptly opened its gaping maw and spewed a thick cloud of poisonous mist, instantly engulfing the battlefield.
"We'll meet again, in front of my perfect vessel."
Orochimaru and the giant snake swiftly disappeared into the poisonous mist.
"Big bro! He's getting away!"
Naruto covered his nose and mouth, shouting anxiously.
"So let him. He's just an overgrown worm. What's worth chasing?"
Sen sat on the branch, utterly unconcerned.
He yawned, hopped down from the tree, and walked over to Sasuke, who was still trembling.
"Hey, Uchiha kid. Scared stupid?"
Sen waved a hand in front of Sasuke's eyes.
Sasuke snapped out of his daze and looked at Sen. His lips moved, but he couldn't get a single word out.
The terror of death he had just experienced still haunted him.
"All right, quit standing around. Hurry up and find somewhere to hide."
Sen patted Sasuke's shoulder, then casually hoisted the unconscious Sakura from the ground onto his shoulder.
"It's not safe here. More flies will probably catch the scent and come buzzing over