The cold tip of the kunai pressed tightly against Danzo's neck, stirring fear and wariness alongside the anger in his eyes.
Death was only a step away.
Though he was certain this man would never actually strike, who knew whether he was a madman?
"My brother Minato pays very close attention to this place."
"Neither he nor I will agree to you using Director Nonō and the children here as your tools."
River's calm words carried a hint of menace.
The kunai's tip pressed harder. Danzo's entire body tensed, and fresh blood appeared on his neck.
"Hehehe... You really have exceeded my expectations, Mr. Sui!"
Orochimaru laughed.
Suddenly, the instant he spoke, a cold blade shot from his mouth, stabbing straight at River's head.
River reacted swiftly, darting aside. The blade skimmed past his face and flew into the distance.
Kabuto stood frozen in terror. Looking closely, he saw that the blade that had grazed Lord Sui's face was actually a venomous snake over a meter long, flicking its tongue.
That sudden move also freed Danzo from River's grip.
His eyes turned cold, and the kunai in his hands shot out in an instant.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
In a flash, black kunai sealed off the space in front of River.
"Interesting!"
River grinned, fighting spirit rising in his eyes.
Since arriving in the Naruto World, he had rarely fought in earnest. Whether practicing with Minato or sparring with Shisui Uchiha, he had always held back.
But the situation before him was clearly different. These two would genuinely kill.
He tilted his head from side to side, his neck cracking, while his hands clenched into fists and relaxed again.
"A battle between ninja, huh?"
Muttering to himself, River leaned forward, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes.
Though his chakra