The bitter winter cold seemed to have no effect on the man.
Beneath branches laden with snow, he wore only thin clothes. Long black hair hung loose over his shoulders, and his golden, slit-pupiled eyes resembled a snake's. His skin was pale, and blue-green earrings shaped like tomoe hung from his ears.
Even from a distance, he exuded a sense of danger.
Kabuto was the first to tense up, every pore on his body contracting.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
As they drew closer, Guy recognized him too and cried out in surprise.
The Sannin were currently at the height of their fame, and their standing in Konoha had never been higher. Orochimaru, in particular, had even competed with Minato for the Hokage position.
It could be said that, if not for his personality, his ideology, and certain secret affairs, he would have been the ideal candidate for Fourth Hokage.
Now that Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, stood before them, the team immediately slowed down.
River looked at him as well. The instant their eyes met, they seemed to understand each other's intentions, and both smiled at the same time.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Lord Sui!"
Orochimaru spoke with a smile.
Of course, given his appearance, even his smile looked like a sinister grin, radiating a danger that made people's skin crawl.
"Oh? What can I do for you?"
River smiled too.
Guy and Kabuto hid behind him, holding their breath and not daring to make a sound.
"I think we would have plenty to talk about. Do you have time for a chat?"
Orochimaru asked with a faint smile.
"Certainly!"
River did not hesitate.
This member of the Konoha Sannin did indeed possess some things he wanted. Likewise, he had some understanding of the man's personality and