"Heh heh, we meet again, Naruto-kun."
Orochimaru's voice carried an oily pleasure. His golden snake eyes fixed on Naruto below, filled with scrutiny, appraisal, and an almost pathological "satisfaction."
In his view, the more suffering and rejection this child endured in Konoha's "hothouse," the more twisted and intense his yearning for acceptance, affection, and "belonging" would become.
Like a bent stalk of bamboo, he was storing up the force to spring back-and becoming easier to steer... in the direction Orochimaru desired.
"I have some good news for you!"
Orochimaru's tone brimmed with temptation, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue beside its prey's ear.
"Some news... about where you came from!"
He deliberately drew out his words, watching Naruto's reaction.
"I know who your parents were!"
Naruto showed little reaction, but everyone else reacted strongly.
"Orochimaru, shut your mouth!"
A furious shout exploded like thunder!
A figure landed beside Naruto, bringing powerful surges of natural energy with him.
It was Jiraiya.
His appearance had changed dramatically.
Red markings had appeared on his face, his pupils had turned into horizontal slits like a toad's, and small bumps had formed on either side of his nose.
Two old toads stood on his shoulders: Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima.
Clearly, to face the crisis before him, Jiraiya had activated Sage Mode without hesitation!
This was his strongest combat form.
Jiraiya glared at Orochimaru inside the Four Violet Flames Formation.
He could never allow Orochimaru to throw that cruel truth at Naruto at a time like this, in this manner.
It would be nothing short of the most vicious torment!
Yet faced with the furious Jiraiya in Sage Mode, Orochimaru showed not the slightest fear.
Instead, he extended his abnormally long tongue and slowly licked his cheek, as though cleaning it-or savoring something.
He