Sasuke wanted to say more, but dizziness soon overwhelmed him, and he collapsed headfirst.
"I look forward to your performance tomorrow, Sasuke!"
Before he closed his eyes, Orochimaru's face was reflected in them.
Watching the boy collapse, Orochimaru glanced at Naruto, who lay covered in dirt a short distance away, and smiled.
"What brought you here?"
Xia Le asked calmly.
"I saw you training them, so I felt like lending a hand."
Orochimaru smiled as he spoke.
"Is that so?"
Xia Le raised an eyebrow.
The smile faded from Orochimaru's face, and his expression grew serious. "Will you make a move tomorrow?"
"No."
Xia Le answered calmly.
Orochimaru nodded. "Then sit back and enjoy the show!"
With that, his figure vanished like a gust of wind.
At the sight, Xia Le narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled.
"Interesting. Aside from me, your understanding of Sage Chakra is the strongest and most profound."
"Now I'm actually starting to look forward to your performance tomorrow!"
Murmuring to himself, Xia Le turned his gaze back to the two boys on the ground.
"I didn't expect you two to actually pull it off!"
"In that case, tomorrow's matches really will be something to look forward to!"
Then Xia Le turned and beckoned.
"Hikaku, carry them inside."
"Let him get a good night's rest."
Hikaku appeared in a flash, tucked one boy under each arm, and nodded. "Yes!"
"One more thing."
"Have your wife and children get ready."
Those next words came in a lowered voice.
Hikaku froze briefly, his heart involuntarily beating faster.
Only after a long moment did he manage to force out a trembling, hoarse reply.
"Understood!"
Clearly, a major upheaval was coming tomorrow.
The sun shone brightly, and not a cloud marred the sky overhead.
The venue buzzed with voices,