Orochimaru's cold voice broke the silence. "Long time no see, Jiraiya. Looks like you're still the same, always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes and replied warily, "Orochimaru, your ambitions will never succeed."
The air was thick with tension, as though a single spark could ignite the entire battlefield.
Suddenly, Orochimaru bared his arm, and Kabuto swiftly cooperated by performing a summoning technique.
Two enormous pythons appeared amid the smoke, flicking their tongues as they looked down upon everyone.
The atmosphere on the battlefield had become tense to the extreme.
Although Orochimaru had lost the use of both arms because of the Reaper Death Seal, his cold gaze was still enough to make one shudder.
His tongue slid across his lips, revealing a chilling smile.
Jiraiya's expression turned grave as he swiftly bit his thumb.
The instant blood spilled forth, he formed hand seals and shouted, "Summoning Technique!"
A thick cloud of smoke rose up, obscuring everyone's vision.
When the smoke dispersed, a small, rough-skinned toad appeared before them.
It was Gamakichi.
"Oh? Jiraiya, what did you summon me for?"
Gamakichi's voice rang out as he curiously looked around.
Seeing this, Orochimaru's lips curled slightly into a disdainful smile. "You're still as funny as ever, Jiraiya. Seems you haven't improved at all these past years."
Jiraiya was about to retort when Naruto's shout cut him off.
"Damn it! Don't underestimate me!"
The blond youth cried out furiously. "Watch this!"
Naruto also bit his finger, pressed it to the ground, and shouted, "Summoning Technique!"
Orochimaru's expression suddenly turned serious, his golden snake eyes narrowing slightly. "This brat... I should have dealt with you during the Chunin Exams."
Everyone on the field held their breath as thick smoke rose once more, shrouding the entire area.
The smoke