Kakashi panted, clutching his abdomen, cursing Orochimaru silently for being so ruthless.

However, at the moment when their figures crossed, he also understood what task Orochimaru gave him next.

In that brief instant, Orochimaru whispered a single sentence in his ear—take care of Anko for me.

Take care of Anko?

Mitarashi Anko?

Kakashi naturally knew who Anko was; she was a disciple Orochimaru had taken in Konoha a few years ago. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Even a cold-blooded snake still retained a trace of tenderness for their disciple.

Or perhaps it was guilt?

Kakashi had heard Hakushi talk about how Orochimaru's first disciple was Tsunade's brother, who died in front of Orochimaru due to enemy ambush.

This had always been an unhealed pain in Orochimaru's heart.

Therefore, in regards to the existence of a 'disciple,' Orochimaru might have a peculiar emotion, wanting to let go but unable to.

Kakashi's eyes flickered as he stared at the fierce battle in the distance, abandoning the thought of joining in.

The task was already in hand; now he just needed to play dead to get through.

As for Orochimaru, having personally delivered his final command to Kakashi and confirmed Kakashi's true allegiance, there was little point in staying here.

The cost of defeating Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko was too high, and if other Anbu squads came in pursuit, unexpected incidents could occur.

"Cover my retreat, and I'll give you two hundred living humans as a reward later."

Orochimaru spoke from atop Manda's head.

Manda grimaced in pain, glaring viciously at Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko, the hateful duo.

Not only were they agile, but their Chakra Blade and Chakra Scalpel could also cut through its steel-like body.

Though its regeneration was impressive, it would eventually bleed dry.

These types of ninja were the least favorable for it to handle.

Just as it was planning to retreat, leaving Orochimaru alone, it suddenly heard Orochimaru double the reward.

"Hmph."

Despite being upset by Orochimaru's crafty methods, the promise of two hundred living humans was tempting.

Upon hearing Manda's grunt of agreement, Orochimaru knew Manda had consented.

Thus, at the moment Manda agreed, Orochimaru glanced at Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko, then turned and dashed toward the dark, corrupted forest, disappearing.

"Wait, stop!"

Sarutobi Ryu wouldn't let Orochimaru escape just like that.

He planned to abandon Manda and pursue Orochimaru with Sarutobi Linko.

Manda, however, bared its fangs ferociously, bloodthirsty red light flickering in its eyes.

Its massive body blocked Sarutobi Ryu's path of pursuit, toppling a row of trees and causing the ground to tremble.

"Going somewhere, without asking me? I will eat you!"

Manda sprang agilely to stop Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko.

As for the two other uninjured Anbu, it didn't bother with them at all.

Even if they caught up to Orochimaru, they would be decimated at this level.

"Damn it!"

Sarutobi Ryu gritted his teeth, his heart aching from the roadblock Manda created.

With his skills, he could indeed restrain Manda, but sending Sarutobi Linko alone to chase Orochimaru was too dangerous, and he couldn't possibly task his wife with such a suicidal mission.

Moreover, with Kakashi severely injured and unable to fight, he had to divide his attention to protect him.

Therefore, he could only watch as Orochimaru left the battlefield.

——The noisy sounds of the battlefield had moved far from Orochimaru's ears.

After running for an unknown length of time, Manda's blocking was effective; Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko were completely intercepted.

But Orochimaru had anticipated this; cautious Sarutobi Ryu wouldn't leave alone to restrain Manda, letting Sarutobi Linko pursue alone.

In this manner, he continued without stopping towards the border of the Land of Fire, with no bothersome Anbu behind him, Orochimaru was truly out of danger.

He looked up, sensing something, gazing eastward.

As dawn rose, a red sun began its ascent, bathing the forest in light, warming Orochimaru's pale, bloodless face.

"It's morning..."

He glanced back towards Konoha's direction, his eyes once again revealing a complicated and nostalgic emotion, but such feelings quickly faded, returning to cold-bloodedness.

Firmly sprinting away from Konoha's direction, he ran toward the truth he sought—

Immortality!