With Orochimaru's approval, the group carried the injured, unconscious Jonin Yuden out.
Orochimaru took the seat at the head of the table and gestured for Yechen to sit down and talk.
Yechen did not stand on ceremony. He sat opposite Orochimaru.
"Did you come here because you have questions about reinforcing the Kirigakure front?"
Orochimaru had said "come," not "barge in." Clearly, he had not taken the incident to heart, though he could have. That, in itself, was a form of acknowledgment of Yechen.
"Yes, that's exactly why. I want to know whether this was your decision, Danzo's, or someone else's."
Orochimaru was startled, apparently not expecting Yechen to be so blunt.
"You're overthinking it. I made that decision after receiving word that the Kirigakure front was under pressure. With you there, we should be able to ease the strain."
"Really?" Yechen gave him a skeptical look.
"Of course. Everything is for Konoha, and for victory in this war," Orochimaru replied earnestly.
He would never have explained so much to anyone else, but the Yechen sitting before him felt far too dangerous.
After a long silence, Yechen spoke.
"Fine. I'll take your word for it this once. Since this is a legitimate transfer order, I'll comply."
With that, Yechen rose to leave.
He had achieved his purpose in coming here. Whose orders they were no longer mattered. What he wanted was to put pressure on the other party-and give Orochimaru a warning.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Yechen."
Ignoring Orochimaru, Yechen vanished from the spot.
Staring at the empty meeting room, Orochimaru slumped back in his seat. A bead of sweat slid down his forehead, and his arms would not stop trembling.
"How terrifying Uchiha Ye Chen is. Just how powerful has he become? A single look was enough