Hiss, hiss!
Sensing the stirrings of cold-blooded creatures gradually filling the cave, Shinichi remained unmoved. Instead, he chuckled. "Orochimaru, is this really necessary? I'm not your enemy."
Everyone knew Orochimaru was a master of venomous snakes. From what Shinichi could sense, at least a hundred of them were watching him and Mei Terumi hungrily inside the cave.
The slightest suspicious movement from either of them would undoubtedly send those snakes lunging at them.
"Shinichi, my instincts tell me you're a very interesting person."
A feverish light swirled in Orochimaru's eyes as he stared fixedly into Shinichi's. "But those eyes of yours fascinate me more than anything else. So... hand them over!"
Boom!
The next instant, the cave collapsed. Hundreds upon thousands of venomous snakes surged out of the ground, tearing through the entire cavern.
"Orochimaru, not to criticize, but you're getting on in years. Why are you still so fond of picking fights with young people..."
Through the hazy dust came Shinichi's exasperated complaint. "I don't want to be accused of bullying the elderly. Can't we just sit down and talk?"
Orochimaru's expression shifted. Only then did he see that Shinichi was holding Mei Terumi in his arms, both of them completely unharmed.
"You bastard, let go of me!"
Feeling Shinichi's firm chest against her, Mei Terumi was both embarrassed and furious.
"Could you show a little gratitude?"
Shinichi snapped irritably, "If I hadn't saved you just now, those snakes would've been chewing on you already!"
"If you'd undo my seal, I wouldn't need you to save me!"
Mei Terumi gave a disdainful snort.
That was true enough.
Orochimaru's methods were formidable, but this future Fifth Mizukage was no pushover either. Though she was still somewhat inexperienced, her mastery of Lava Release and Water Release ninjutsu was extraordinary. Protecting herself