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Both sides’ movents fell clearly into Neji’s sight, drawing a cold smirk from Sasori.
"As expected from the Hidden Leaf..."
The Leaf’s rogue ninja were always top-tier, from Orochimaru to Itachi; none of them were weak.
"Boss, what’s the plan now?"
"I’m going to et soone. You head back first."
"Yes!"
Neji placed his hand on Sasori’s Hiruko and used [Teleportation] to send him back to the base in the Land of Waves.
Even if Naruto’s arrival was due to so shift in the tiline or "world correction", it didn’t matter much anymore. Still, it never hurt to stay on guard.
Extending his Observation Haki, Neji sensed the rocky wasteland at the edge of the forest.
An underground base is Orochimaru’s current hideout.
Soone was in there... Neji narrowed his eyes and quietly activated his [Tenseigan].
With a flicker, he vanished.
...
Inside the underground base, a lone figure sat before the serpent idol, pale torchlight dancing in its snake-like eyes.
"You’re late."
The voice was cold, the figure tall, waist-length hair flowing freely.
"Orochimaru... Weren’t you supposed to help train this afternoon?"
The complete lack of respect in her tone made Kabuto frown.
"You still talk like that?"
Despite Sasuke being Orochimaru’s soon-to-be "vessel," her tone remained as arrogant as ever.
Orochimaru didn’t seem bothered if anything, he looked rather indulgent.
"Hmph. Don’t be mad. I actually gained sothing valuable today."
He had failed to kill Sasori and even fought soone from the [D-Organization], losing one of his trump cards in the process... but the information he obtained was worth far more than the loss.
Orochimaru glanced at him and casually said, "He’s from the Leaf too. Maybe you two can chat and reminisce about your village."
Sasuke’s brow twitched. Reclining with her eyes shut, she slowly opened them — revealing crimson three-tomoe Sharingan.
She glanced at Sai with a cold snort — the rising irritation ca even faster than expected.
Sai forced a smile. "Hello, I’m Sai. You must be Uchiha Sasuke."
"Leave."
The voice was icy and proud — leaving no room for discussion.
Sai laughed bitterly. "Even when I smile, I still co off as soone people dislike. Guess Naruto was right about that."
"But compared to him, maybe you and I might actually get along."
At the ntion of that na, the one she didn’t want to hear, a sharp killing intent burst from Sasuke’s eyes, slamming directly into Sai and knocking him to the ground.
Kabuto shouted, "Sasuke!"
She simply gave him a cold glance, withdrawing her killing aura insignificant.
Orochimaru warned lightly, "You shouldn’t provoke her. She’s far more dangerous than I."
Sai clenched his fists. He could already tell this wasn’t enough to judge her true strength.
Sasuke stood up and turned toward Orochimaru.
"Soone like him isn’t worth my ti."
"Orochimaru, train with ."
"He’s been looking for you these last three years," Sai muttered, unwilling to step aside.
Sasuke turned her eyes toward him.
"...Yeah. Soone like that did exist."
"Orochimaru, let’s go."
Seeing Sasuke ignore him again, Sai spoke once more.
"Naruto... he considers you a real brother. Sakura told that."
Sasuke gave a mocking smile. "My brother? The only brother I have is the man I intend to kill."
"Orochimaru!"
Her voice grew impatient — she was almost out of patience.
Orochimaru smiled. "My apologies, Sasuke... there was an unexpected problem today, so I can’t train with you."
Sasuke frowned. "Then stay out of my way."
Orochimaru gave a chuckle and walked out with Sai and Kabuto.
The three are left.
Sasuke paused, thinking for a mont, and then dismissed it entirely.
She didn’t have ti for sentintal nonsense. She needed strength enough to face him.
If Orochimaru wasn’t available...
"...Guess I’ll train on my own."
"Mind if I spar with you instead?"
"Who’s there?!"
The sudden voice made Sasuke draw her blade instantly crimson Sharingan scanning the shadows.
Soone had snuck into Orochimaru’s lair unnoticed. Their strength couldn’t be simple...
And... that voice...
A figure stepped out of the darkness, wearing a black suit. Sasuke’s gaze locked onto the mask with the single engraved character on the forehead.
"...It’s been a while, Sasuke."
Neji pulled off the mask, revealing his calm face eyes still closed.
Sasuke’s Sharingan trembled slightly.
"Hyuga... Neji?!"
"Why are you here?!"
She gripped her sword with trembling fingers.
Why would he show up here? As what? An enemy? A friend?
"You said you didn’t have anyone to train your new technique," Neji said flatly. "So I ca."
As if nothing had changed. As if she could still rely on him the way she used to.
But Sasuke knew they didn’t belong to the sa world anymore.
Flash!
The blade was instantly at Neji’s throat.
"You shouldn’t have co, Neji."
"I’m not the sa person I used to be."
Neji listened silently her tone didn’t match the look in her eyes. A lie even her own Killing Intent could not hide.
He smiled softly.
"No. You are still you... You’re just wearing an adult’s mask now."
"Isn’t that right?"
Neji opened his eyes bright azure Tenseigan shining with a soft radiance.
Sasuke froze.
His eyes...
They’ve changed.
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