When dealing with his subordinates, Orochimaru always gave them a choice.
Even when he harbored sinister intentions, Orochimaru explained as much as he could. He disliked forcing others to make decisions, and that was precisely why so few of his subordinates betrayed him.
Except for the naturally defiant Haruto.
The two Sound Ninja exchanged a glance, then nodded at Orochimaru. They had been displaced war orphans, and only thanks to Lord Orochimaru had they managed to survive until today.
"I will remember you," Orochimaru said with rare solemnity.
Elsewhere, Obito had already destroyed nearly half of Otogakure.
Even Kimimaro's best efforts to stop him could not change the fact that the earth had been torn apart. The once-prosperous Otogakure was gradually becoming a war-torn ruin.
Gritting his teeth, Kimimaro drew his Spine Sword, turning it into a bone chain that wound around the Susanoo.
It was the hardest spear his body possessed, meant to pierce the impregnable shield of the Susanoo.
Unlike before, faint cracks appeared on the Susanoo's surface. They spread until a person-sized hole opened, and Kimimaro slipped straight inside.
At that moment, Obito glanced at Kimimaro, severed his bone chain, and yanked him aside.
Kimimaro demanded in a low voice, "Why does every Uchiha who masters Susanoo target Lord Orochimaru...?"
Intrigued, Obito asked, "You've met other Uchiha?"
Kimimaro glanced at Obito and said, "That Uchiha was far more straightforward than you."
After the battle at Kusagakure, Kimimaro had spent some time in captivity. In the end, he had somehow been rescued with Kabuto Yakushi's help, but now Kabuto Yakushi had been captured again.
Obito rubbed his chin. He seemed to know which Uchiha Kimimaro had met. Oto Uchiha was indeed better at head-on battles than he was, but she was foolish, and had even dragged Shisui