Eight Gates Released Formation, Fifth Gate... At his age, with a physique like that...
A thought flashed through Tsunade's mind.
Kitsuchi was even more shocked and furious. He fixed Lin Ze with a fierce stare and said harshly:
"The Eight Gates Released Formation?! Konoha's ANBU has someone like you?! You brat, you..."
Before he could finish, something else happened!
Squelch! Squelch! Squelch!
Several enormous pythons covered in purple scales burst out of the ground beneath Kitsuchi's feet without warning! They instantly coiled around his legs and waist, their powerful constriction leaving him unable to move!
A cold, hoarse voice with a distinctive resonance rang out:
"Hehehe... Such splendid taijutsu. But bullying children and companions who aren't at their best is hardly the conduct of the strong, Kitsuchi."
Orochimaru appeared at the edge of the battlefield like a phantom.
His arrival caused another stir.
"Lord Orochimaru!" the Konoha ninjas cheered.
Kitsuchi's heart sank:
"Orochimaru?! What are you doing here?!"
The intelligence from the front had clearly indicated that Orochimaru should have been tied down as well!
"Kitsuchi, you underestimate the Sannin. Or perhaps you overestimate Iwagakure's intelligence capabilities?"
Orochimaru licked his lips. His golden, serpentine eyes first swept over the grim-faced Kitsuchi, then settled with interest on Lin Ze, who was panting rapidly and clearly exhausted.
"Oh? Isn't this that interesting little fellow?"
Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of pleasure, as though he had discovered a novel toy:
"It's only been a few years, and you've already grown enough to open the Gate of Limit? Your physique really is fascinating."
Lin Ze's heart jolted. He lowered his head in greeting:
"Lord Orochimaru."
If there was anyone in the Shinobi World Lin Ze feared most, it was Orochimaru.
Orochimaru had left the deepest impression on him in his previous life. Others were