The dim basement was filled with the smell of dust.
A single oil lamp hung from the low ceiling, its dull yellow light flickering and casting two elongated shadows onto the rough stone walls.
The only good thing about a basement in the desert was that it never got damp.
Naruto Uzumaki and Orochimaru stood side by side, looking down at Temari, who lay tightly bound with ropes on the floor, able only to wriggle helplessly like a fish out of water.
Compared to the image in Naruto's memory, Temari now had less of the poise and confidence of a Sunagakure Jonin, and more dishevelment and humiliation.
Her blond hair clung messily to her forehead and cheeks, and specially made ropes tightly bound her otherwise practical ninja outfit.
The way those ropes were tied was extraordinarily intricate.
Reinforced with Sealing Jutsu, the ropes crisscrossed at specific angles, with knots secured at key points and joints on her body, effectively restricting all large movements and disrupting the smooth flow of chakra.
This binding method was known for its strength and how difficult it was to escape.
Orochimaru's golden slit pupils swept over the knots on Temari's body, which could almost be called a work of art. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly before he turned toward Naruto, his gaze holding a hint of resignation and scrutiny. "Did Jiraiya teach you this binding technique?" he asked hoarsely.
Naruto nodded without a trace of embarrassment, looking positively earnest. "Yeah. He said that when dealing with ninja who have even a little skill, ordinary bindings are easily undone with the Escape Technique.
"This method combines temporary blockage of the chakra pathways with precise restriction of joint movement, effectively countering most basic escape ninjutsu and taijutsu techniques."
With an E-rank learning difficulty, the Escape Technique was