Zhou Cheng might have been all smiles most days.
But once he got serious, he was terrifying.
The Konoha 15 all knew that very well.
So whenever Zhou Cheng had a smile on his face, they joked around and tempted fate to their hearts' content.
Zhou Cheng never got angry. He even joined in their jokes.
Haku ducked his head too.
He had been about to say he wanted to come along.
But after seeing Zhou Cheng's expression, he swallowed his words.
A trace of fear appeared on Kimimaro's face.
The only people in this world who could frighten him were Orochimaru and Zhou Cheng.
Toward Orochimaru, he felt more respect than fear.
Orochimaru was like a teacher to him.
He had given him another chance at life during his darkest days.
But toward Zhou Cheng, he felt awe and fear.
He feared Zhou Cheng's strength.
His crushing defeat in their duel was something he would never forget.
The pressure Zhou Cheng exerted was simply overwhelming!
Facing him was enough to leave him drenched in sweat.
"Lord Zhou Cheng, even I can't go?"
Zhou Cheng glared at him. I'm going to see Orochimaru. What do you want to come for?
"No!"
His tone left no room for argument.
For once, Kimimaro shrank back.
"All of you, stay put in Konoha!"
"Disobey me, and you're dead!"
With that, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique and left the house.
He arrived at the foot of the Hokage Building and saw that the Hokage Office was brightly lit.
With a light leap, he landed outside the office.
He knocked on the door, then quietly waited for Tsunade's response.
He had not gone straight inside as he used to.
It was nighttime, and he was afraid Tsunade might be drinking in her office