Secret Base
"I want it! I want that yellow dog!" Karin stared at Wangcai in the projection, practically bouncing with excitement. Her crimson eyes gleamed with naked possessiveness.
Beside her, Orochimaru's golden, snake-like pupils shifted subtly as he cast her a sideways glance. A faint chill flickered in their depths.
"Heh…" Orochimaru's hoarse chuckle slid through the room. His long tongue brushed his lips. "Karin, your taste is always so… unique. But there's no need to rush to conclusions. The 'story' on that screen isn't finished yet. That… Wangcai… may possess abilities we haven't seen."
Karin nodded, then declared confidently, "I'm sure Wangcai was sent to me by the Dark God."
Orochimaru's mouth twitched.
He didn't care about divine favoritism. If that dog truly had the power to destroy the shinobi world, he would absolutely prevent it from ever emerging.
Of course, he wouldn't say that aloud.
Karin's mind operated on a wavelength entirely detached from reason.
He needed to redirect her attention.
After a moment's thought, Orochimaru spoke again.
"However, Karin… compared to a hypothetical future dog… there seems to be something more immediate—and perhaps more interesting—awaiting your attention."
"Hm?" Karin snapped out of her daydream. "What?"
"That old man," Orochimaru said slowly, eyes locked on her. "The one who chased you to the point you had to run. Aren't you curious who he is? Why he's after you? What he wants?"
His tone carried gentle temptation.
"Someone capable of cornering even you… The secrets behind that may prove far more entertaining than this dog."
As expected, Karin's expression darkened instantly.
"I'll find him," she muttered, irritated. "And I'll make him regret it."
Orochimaru relaxed slightly.
For now, the unstable Demon Child's focus had shifted.
He turned back to the projection, golden eyes burning with deeper curiosity.
Wangcai.
The mysterious old man.
The Sage of Six Paths.
The "invader."
The overwritten civilization.
The waters of this world ran deeper—and murkier—than he had imagined.
And murky waters were ideal for uncovering ultimate truth.
"How fascinating…" Orochimaru murmured.
Back to the Projection
Karin pointed once more at Sasuke, Neji, and Naruto, eyes sparkling.
"Hungry? Look! Big sister prepared something delicious for you! Right over there!"
She emphasized "delicious."
Sasuke, Neji, and Naruto—who had only just barely regained partial control of himself—turned simultaneously pale.
Again?!
She was seriously recommending them as food?!
Twice?!
Across the shinobi world, viewers stared in stunned disbelief.
"What is she even doing?"
"Is she stirring chaos? Spectating? Or actually placing an order for the dog?"
"Does she have a grudge against them or something?"
"She doesn't look hunted at all!"
"But what about the earlier earthquake and seal break?"
"Maybe she just doesn't fear death…"
"Someone needs to stop her."
"Wait—why does Wangcai seem fond of her? That's the real terrifying part."
"Did she just get stronger again?"
"She was just being chased—and now she gets backup?!"
"Is she really the Demon God's favorite child?! Nooo—"
The absurdity escalated.
The so-called "final battle."
The "world-ending monster."
It had devolved into something almost comedic.
But then—
Wangcai's gaze sharpened.
His previously lazy black eyes focused fully on Sasuke, Neji, and the unstable Naruto.
They seemed to glint faintly.
Drool gathered at the corner of his mouth.
And he stepped forward.
Slowly.
The absurdity evaporated.
Cold fear replaced it.
"Run!" Sasuke barked instantly.
He and Neji exchanged a glance and vanished in two streaks of motion, retreating toward the crater's edge.
They were in no condition to become "food."
Neji shouted over his shoulder, "Naruto! This isn't the time to be stubborn! Move!"
Naruto did not move.
He stared at Karin—rage, humiliation, and fury burning in his eyes.
Then he turned that fury toward the approaching dog.
" Wangcai… is it?"
His voice was hoarse.
"I don't care what you are. I brought you out."
"Let me see…"
"What makes you different."
He was done.
Done being manipulated.
Done being toyed with.
Done with this unjust world.
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