With Zou Hyuga's sensory abilities, it was easy to tell that the Sound Ninja before him all possessed some natural energy.
That natural energy came from Orochimaru and his cursed seals.
But the appearances of several of the Sound Ninja stirred a faint memory in Zou Hyuga.
They were none other than the Sound Four who had participated in the Chunin Ninja Exams in the original timeline.
Though their strength only approached that of special jōnin, adapting to the cursed seal's modifications was already no small feat.
Their unique fighting styles also felt refreshing to Zou Hyuga.
"What kind of monster is this guy?"
Merely being stared at by Zou Hyuga made the Sound Ninja Four's hair stand on end, as though a tailed beast or one of the Five Kage had set their sights on them.
And he most likely wasn't even doing it deliberately. It was merely some of his chakra leaking out.
"What brings you here, President?"
Orochimaru's voice was like a reprieve for the Sound Four, freeing them from the shadow of terror.
Zou Hyuga noticed the Sound Four's sorry state as well and said with a smile, "Sorry, I was lost in thought and made things difficult for your subordinates, Orochimaru."
"It isn't your fault, President. They're simply useless."
Flicking out his tongue, Orochimaru glared at the Sound Four behind him, and they immediately vanished.
Then Orochimaru asked, "I am rather curious about what distracted you, President."
"Nothing worth mentioning." After a pause, Zou Hyuga continued, "Your defection with Shinnō certainly enraged our leader, Orochimaru. Everyone else in the organization got caught in the fallout. They're all talking about cutting you and Shinnō into a thousand pieces."
"Do you feel the same way, President?" Orochimaru wore an ambiguous smile, then shook his head. "You wouldn't