Chapter 257: Changes and Expectations

The Yamata no Orochi rose from the ground, its huge body pressing down like a mountain, rushing towards Doflamingo with destructive force. The air was filled with a strong murderous aura, and the ground was shaking under the weight of the snake.

A trace of contempt flashed in Doflamingo's eyes, and he waved his fingers again: "String-String Fruit: Absolute Slash!" The thin thread became sharper under his control, cutting like a blade, instantly chopping the attacking giant snake into countless pieces.

At this moment, a cold light flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He knew that continuing to fight would only be disadvantageous to him. He quickly spat out a mouthful of blood, and using this moment as a cover, he quickly formed seals with both hands: "Instant Body Technique!"

Orochimaru's figure disappeared in the air like a ghost, and the next second, he appeared at the edge of the forest in the distance. Without any hesitation, he turned around and fled into the depths of the forest.

At the same time, the five Otonin also heard the retreat signal from Orochimaru - a low snake sound echoed in the air. They reacted quickly, with a hint of reluctance on their faces, but they still executed the order immediately.

"Retreat!" Taketori Kimimaro said coldly. He quickly threw a smoke bomb. Thick smoke spread instantly, blocking the view.

"What a trouble!" Kidomaru gritted his teeth, but quickly stepped back and threw down a smoke bomb.

Tayuya, Jirobo, Sakon and Ukon also threw smoke bombs one after another. The entire battlefield was shrouded in thick smoke, and the vision became extremely blurred.

Doflamingo sneered and looked at the fleeing Orochimaru and the Five Sound Ninjas with a hint of disdain in his eyes: "Want to run? Not that easy." He moved his fingers slightly, and a thin line shot out like lightning, quickly penetrating the smoke and heading straight for the fleeing figures.

However, Orochimaru and the Five Sound Ninjas were obviously ready to retreat. Their figures quickly disappeared in the smoke, and they used the surrounding terrain and obstacles to successfully avoid Doflamingo's pursuit.

Zabuza stood aside, watching all this coldly, with a hint of dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes: "They ran away."

Doflamingo retracted the string, still with a sneer on his face: "It doesn't matter, they ran away this time, but we won't be so lucky next time." His gaze lingered on the edge of the forest in the distance for a moment, as if thinking about something.

"Let's take care of your wounds first." Zabuza said after noticing Doflamingo's injuries.

......

The five fleeing Otonin gathered together, all with worried looks on their faces, their eyes focused on Orochimaru. Orochimaru's arm was covered in blood, but his expression was still gloomy, without any expression of pain.

"Lord Orochimaru, your injuries are..." Taketori Kimimaro asked worriedly.

Orochimaru snorted coldly, completely ignoring his own injuries, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "Come out." Orochimaru's voice was low and cold, with unquestionable majesty.

A lazy voice came from the darkness: "Really, I was discovered so quickly." Borsalino walked out lazily with a faint smile on his face, "Let me introduce myself, I am Borsalino."

The Five Sound Ninjas immediately became alert. They quickly stood in front of Orochimaru, their eyes full of hostility and vigilance.

"Mr. Orochimaru," Borsalino said slowly, with a hint of disapproval in his tone, "My purpose is very simple. I want you to come with me to meet someone."

"Hmph, who will follow you?" Kidomaru sneered, his arms ready to form seals, ready to attack at any time.

Tayuya's fingers tightly grasped the flute, with a cold look in her eyes: "Lord Orochimaru, go first, we will cover your retreat."

Borsalino still maintained that lazy posture, his figure suddenly disappeared in the air, and instantly appeared behind Orochimaru. Orochimaru's back was shaken violently, and his face changed drastically.

"Flying Thunder God? Yellow flash?" Orochimaru shouted subconsciously, with a hint of fear in his voice.

Borsalino showed a puzzled expression, but then sneered: "I don't know what you are talking about. But come with me." He waved his hand gently, and a golden light flashed beside Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's eyes turned gloomy, he knew that the opponent in front of him was definitely not an ordinary person. He looked at Borsalino coldly, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes, but he did not put up any more futile resistance.

"Okay, I'll go with you." Orochimaru said coldly, turning to look at the Five Sound Ninjas, "You go back to Sound Village. Wait for me to come back."

Although Taketori Kimimaro and others were unwilling, they could only nod and agree after seeing Orochimaru's decision.

Borsalino nodded with satisfaction and smiled gently: "Very good, let's go." His figure flashed again and disappeared into the darkness with Orochimaru.

The five Otonin stood there, looking at the direction where the two disappeared, with complicated emotions on their faces. They knew that Orochimaru's departure this time might bring about variables that they were not aware of.

Orochimaru was brought to the Land of Waves by Borsalino. On the way, he used simple medical ninjutsu to treat his injuries. Although his body was still in some pain, he followed Borsalino calmly, secretly thinking about what was hidden behind the series of changes in front of him.

When they were about to reach their destination, Orochimaru looked at Borsalino in front of him, and his heart was full of questions. He finally couldn't help but ask: "Borsalino, what kind of person is this person who wants to see me?"

Borsalino turned his head lazily, with a faint smile still on his lips: "Oh? You want to know what kind of person that person is?"

There was a hint of impatience in Orochimaru's eyes: "Yes, since you brought me to see him, I should know who he is."

Borsalino shrugged, his tone still lazy: "That man, well, how should I put it... He is a very special person, with great power and extraordinary wisdom. As for the details, you will understand when you see him."

Orochimaru frowned. He was not satisfied with this vague answer, but he also knew that continuing to ask might not get more information. So, he snorted coldly and continued to follow Borsalino towards their destination.

The figures of the two gradually disappeared in the fog of the Land of Waves, and it seemed that a huge storm was waiting for them ahead.

......

The Country of Fire, Konoha Village.

The Land of Fire, Konoha Village. The sun shines in every corner of the village, bringing a sense of tranquility and warmth. However, the atmosphere in the Hokage's office is extremely tense. Kakashi is standing in front of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, reporting the situation of Team 7's mission in the Land of Waves with a solemn expression.

"Third-sama, our mission in Wave Country is not going smoothly." Kakashi said slowly, with a hint of worry in his eyes, "In addition to the original enemies Momochi Zabuza and Haku, we also encountered two powerful enemies whose identities are unknown."

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, holding his pipe lightly, and listened quietly to Kakashi's report: "Go on."

Kakashi nodded and continued, "One of them went to deal with the runaway Naruto. His movements were very swift, and he dealt with Naruto in almost an instant and controlled his runaway state. The other one fought with me and Zabuza, and even if we joined forces, we were no match for him."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes flashed with worry: "What are their abilities? Can you describe them in detail?"

Kakashi lowered his head, recalling the fierce battle, a trace of helplessness appeared on his face: "It's hard to describe their abilities. The one who dealt with Naruto seemed to be extremely fast, and it seems that he is a very advanced instant body technique. As for the other person we are facing, his attack method is very special. It seems that he can manipulate invisible lines and invisible forces to easily dissolve the enemy's attacks. He can also perform extremely precise cutting."

Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with thought: "Advanced instant body technique and manipulation of invisible lines? These abilities are not common in our ninjutsu. Can you confirm their identities?"

Kakashi shook his head, "No, Sandaime-sama. They have not revealed their identities, and we cannot be sure where they are from. But what is certain is that they are very powerful, far beyond the ordinary Jonin."

Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a while, then nodded slowly: "I understand. Kakashi, this matter is very important, we need to be more careful. You go and have a rest first, I will arrange for someone to continue investigating this matter."

Kakashi nodded and saluted, turning to leave the Hokage's office.

Just as Kakashi was about to walk out of the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly said, "Kakashi, wait a moment."

Kakashi stopped and turned to look at the Third Hokage: "Third Hokage, is there anything else you want me to do?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen put down his pipe, his eyes gentle but serious: "Regarding the upcoming Chunin Exam, I want to know about the progress of Team 7's study. Do you think they can handle this exam?"

Kakashi thought for a moment, and a confident smile appeared on his face: "Third-sama, although the members of Team 7 still have a lot to improve, they have shown great potential and growth in their mission in the Land of Waves."

Although it was recorded in the mission log, Sarutobi Hiruzen still nodded, hoping that Kakashi would say it: "Tell me the details."

"First up is Uzumaki Naruto," Kakashi said, "Although he still has some shortcomings in mastering chakra control, he has an extremely strong will and great potential. Through this mission, his combat abilities have improved significantly."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly in approval, "What about Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Sasuke performed very well." Kakashi continued, "His Sharingan has begun to show its true power, and he has demonstrated great talent and fighting skills in battle. He is also becoming more and more proficient in the Fire Release Ninjutsu. I believe he will perform well in the Chunin Exam."

"Where's Haruno Sakura?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with a smile.

"Sakura has a solid theoretical knowledge and very accurate chakra control," Kakashi replied. "In this mission, she showed a calm mind and good combat awareness. Although her actual combat experience is not rich enough, I believe she will make a breakthrough in the Chunin Exam."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction: "Hearing what you said, I am full of expectations for the performance of Team 7. Kakashi, you have done a good job. I hope you can continue to guide them and help them achieve good results in the Chunin Exam."

Kakashi smiled slightly and bowed respectfully: "Thank you, Third-generation Lord, I will do my best to guide them."

"Go and have a good rest." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, indicating that Kakashi could leave.

Kakashi nodded in greeting and turned to walk out of the Hokage's office.