After dealing with his former student, Orochimaru prepared to plant a Cursed Seal on Sasuke as well.
If he survived, he would become one of Orochimaru's backup vessels.
If he failed and died, so be it.
But just then, a figure stepped into his path, taking him somewhat aback.
"The Land of Water? So you're from Kirigakure. No wonder you stopped me from taking that brat away back then."
At the sight of Shinji, Orochimaru froze for a moment before sneering.
But when some unpleasant memories suddenly resurfaced, he abruptly realized something.
"No! You..."
Orochimaru grew uncertain, remembering that the Masked Man who had killed him in the Land of Water had punished his betrayal as a member of Akatsuki!
And this man was clearly on the Masked Man's side...
Yet he was also certain that the man before him was definitely not a member of Akatsuki.
Otherwise, he would not have reacted that way upon recognizing him back then.
And now this fellow had appeared here out in the open.
It left him rather confused.
Did he have multiple identities, or was this brat being kept in the dark too?
Suddenly, Orochimaru was no longer sure.
And if this fellow was here, didn't that mean the Masked Man was also...
At the thought of being brutally killed in the Land of Water, his expression darkened. The idea of retreating for now arose in his mind, and he even wondered whether he should simply abandon his plan and leave Konoha.
"Big Brother Shinji!"
In his despair, Sasuke seemed to see hope again.
If it was Big Brother Shinji, who had defeated that man, surely he could win.
"Sasuke, watch closely. Don't blink."
"This is the power I seek, the power that stands above the pinnacle!"
"Domain Expansion: Blood-Red Doomsday!"
When