At that moment of life and death, the Sound Four had no time to react as Orochimaru was about to die beneath the blade.
A terrifying killing intent erupted in his pupils, then gave way to deathly stillness. Yet from within that stillness seeped anger from the depths of his soul.
It was the first time Orochimaru had ever felt such profound anger, and the reason lay in this swordsmanship. He knew it all too well. Anyo, you really do want to kill me.
Boundless fury shook his body, and even his heart pounded violently.
In an instant, orange-red chakra enveloped his entire body. A new, evil power ignited, and the chakra formed a red cloak that forcibly blocked the slash.
The blade light sank deep into the cloak, tearing open the skin on Orochimaru's body. Unfortunately, it was caught fast, unable to advance another inch despite being only a hair's breadth from his heart.
The Sound Four finally reacted and looked toward the attacker, a woman wearing an Anbu mask.
"Who are you?" Orochimaru asked in a hoarse voice, suppressing his anger. "Did Anyo send you to kill me?"
"I want to kill you. It has nothing to do with anyone else."
The newcomer was Yugao, who had been lying in wait for a long time. She pointed her long blade at Orochimaru and said coldly, "Do you still remember Gekko Hayate? Since you caused his death, you must pay with your life."
"That name?"
Distant memories stirred, and Orochimaru finally remembered that young man bent on revenge. His voice sounded somewhere between laughter and tears. "So you've come to take revenge on me for him."
"Exactly." Unwilling to waste more words, Yugao raised her long blade and prepared to launch a second attack.
"Damn it, don't underestimate us!"