Toru Kujyo seemed to see through their confusion. He explained softly, "Sasuke's potential far exceeds that of ordinary people. The power within him could even draw the covetous attention of certain Kage-level experts. I need him alive, and more importantly, I need him to grow stronger."
He paused, his tone growing more solemn. "Defeating Kage-level experts can yield higher-tier traits, which also give more points when dismantled. Sasuke is the key to improving my trait drop rate. Besides, I value his loyalty. A loyal, powerful companion is priceless."
Hinata and Shino only half understood, but Toru Kujyo's voice and eyes held an unquestionable resolve. Since Toru-kun had made his decision, they would ask no more.
"All right. We'll wait for you outside the tower," Hinata said with a nod.
"Be careful," Shino Aburame said succinctly.
Toru Kujyo smiled faintly, then vanished into the depths of the forest in a flash. Activating his Tenseigan, he quickly pinpointed Sasuke Uchiha's chakra signature and sped toward Team 7 like a ghost.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Forest of Death, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to solidify.
Team 7-Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno-faced a figure disguised as a Kusagakure ninja. He was tall and wore a Kusagakure forehead protector, but the chakra emanating from him was as terrifying as an abyss, carrying suffocating killing intent. It was Orochimaru, who had infiltrated Konoha!
Orochimaru's icy gaze swept over the three before settling on Sasuke. He licked his lips, then slowly, eerily drew from his robes the Earth Scroll Team 7 had worked so hard to obtain. Under their horrified gazes, he swallowed it whole!
"Urgh... ah!"
The instant he swallowed the scroll, Orochimaru's aura erupted. Cold, bloodthirsty killing intent surged toward Team 7 like a tide. All three felt as though invisible hands