"Join Orochimaru?"
After hearing Karin say that, Jūgo almost doubted his own ears. Why would this gentle, refined-looking girl want to join Orochimaru?
"I'm not one of Orochimaru's subordinates. Quite the opposite—we're here to destroy his hideouts. But if you need help, we don't mind lending you a hand."
Kindhearted as he was, Jūgo could tell from Karin's panicked flight that she must be in trouble, so he offered his help.
"We?"
After Jūgo finished speaking, Karin carefully sensed what lay ahead. The owner of that sweet, comforting chakra she had sensed earlier was up ahead, along with another person whose chakra was exceptionally pure. Those two were fighting a group of people with violently raging chakra.
"My friends are strong. I've also noticed the person chasing you. Want to come with us? Once we help you shake off your pursuer, you'll be free to leave."
"It's a deal!"
Ranmaru was closing in on Karin. She would never escape his pursuit at this rate, so in her desperation, she could only grasp at this last hope.
The sounds of collapsing buildings and clashing metal kept coming from ahead. By the time Karin and Jūgo reached the battlefield, Sasuke and Neji were wrapping up their fight.
A pale golden flash swept past Karin's eyes. The back of Sasuke's Futsu-no-Mitama struck the last enemy's nape, ending the fight. By then, more than a dozen Test Subjects lay around him and Neji.
It's him! He's so handsome!
The instant Karin saw Sasuke, she confirmed that he was the owner of that sweet chakra. At the same time, she gave his looks a glowing appraisal.
"Awooo!"
Before Jūgo could explain Karin's situation to Sasuke and the others, a wolf's howl rang out behind them. A vicious-looking man riding a black wolf appeared before them