Hoshizuki Hyuga took a step forward, and ripples spread through the space before her.
Then it swallowed her whole.
When she reappeared, Hoshizuki Hyuga was already within the Land of Water.
"Those eyes of yours really are irritating."
A raspy voice sounded beside Hoshizuki Hyuga's ear.
Hoshizuki Hyuga realized that the voice was unfamiliar. It was not Su Ye's, but someone else's.
"Orochimaru?"
Hoshizuki Hyuga looked at the newcomer before her in puzzlement.
"You seem to be looking for that young lord?"
Orochimaru's skin had an almost sickly pallor. His eyes were narrow, and his handsome features leaned toward the feminine.
He had a gloomy air about him, yet carried himself with composure and ease as he spoke unhurriedly.
"You know him?"
Hoshizuki Hyuga asked in surprise.
"I doubt there's anyone in Konoha who doesn't know of that lord."
Orochimaru gave a low chuckle. "Would you like to know where he is? Then follow me."
"Why should I trust you?"
For some reason, Hoshizuki Hyuga felt an inexplicable chill creep over her. Her instinct for danger told her that something was amiss, and she asked warily.
"With your current strength, combined with those legendary eyes, you've long since reached Super Kage Level. Why would I deceive you?"
Orochimaru spoke with an indifferent expression tinged with mockery, as though he had Hoshizuki Hyuga right where he wanted her.
"You must be eager to hear news of that lord, aren't you?"
With that, Orochimaru turned and left without waiting, seemingly certain that Hoshizuki Hyuga would follow.
Behind him, Hoshizuki Hyuga hesitated for a moment. Confident in her own strength, she followed him after all.
"If you dare lie to me..."
Hoshizuki Hyuga spoke in a warning tone.
But kindhearted as she was, she could not bring herself to finish the threat.
A