Erza's gaze was unwavering as she confronted the stranger standing on the enormous snake. His presence alone was suffocating, the kind of aura that made even the strongest shinobi falter. This wasn't just some random infiltrator—he was dangerous on an entirely different level. A flicker of doubt crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it away. Now wasn't the time to second-guess herself.
"I don't know who you are," she began slowly, keeping her blade at the ready, "but I can tell that you're not just some ordinary ninja. You shouldn't be here."
The man tilted his head, his unnervingly long tongue flicking out to lick his lips. "Oh, I see. So perceptive at such a young age." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "And what will you do, little one? Run? Fight? Or perhaps beg for your life?"
"None of the above," Erza replied coldly. "I'm here to protect my comrades."
Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura were frozen, trying to grasp the reality of the situation. They could feel the sheer malice radiating off the man in waves. Even Sasuke's Sharingan couldn't fully read his movements. This wasn't someone they could face alone, and Erza knew it.
"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded, his voice low and tense. "And why are you after me?"
The stranger grinned wider, his gaze locking onto Sasuke with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "Ah, that look… those eyes. It's just as I thought. You're exactly like him. The Uchiha eyes are simply magnificent—full of potential and raw power. I must have them."
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke's fists clenched, his mind racing. "Who are you?"
"Someone far beyond your understanding, little Uchiha. But since you'll soon become intimately familiar with me, you can call me Orochimaru."
The name sent shockwaves through the group. Erza's eyes narrowed sharply. She had heard whispers of this name before—an S-rank criminal who was once a part of the Leaf Village's elite. He was known for his obsession with forbidden jutsu and his inhumane experiments. But more than that, he was a predator who hunted powerful bloodlines like the Uchiha.
"Stay back, Sasuke!" Erza warned. "He's too dangerous."
"But—"
"Do as I say!" she barked, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Naruto, Sakura, take Sasuke and run. I'll hold him off until help arrives."
"No way!" Naruto shouted, his eyes fierce with determination. "We're not leaving you alone! We're a team, remember?"
"He'll kill you if you stay," she said flatly. "This isn't a fight you can win."
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his pride and anger warring within him. "I'm not running. I'm not weak! I can—"
"You can do nothing against him right now," Erza cut him off, her voice softening slightly. "This is about survival. You can't protect your clan's legacy if you die here. Please… just go."
Sasuke hesitated, glancing between her and Orochimaru. The man's predatory smile never wavered, his eyes locked onto Sasuke as if already savoring his victory. Erza's expression was fierce but determined—she wasn't planning on backing down. Despite the fear tightening around his chest, Sasuke knew she was right. They stood no chance against someone like him.
"Damn it!" he spat, turning on his heel. "Come on, Naruto, Sakura—we're leaving."
"But—"
"Do it!" Erza snapped, and finally, with a reluctant nod, the two followed after Sasuke.
"Ah, how disappointing," Orochimaru mused, watching them flee. "I was hoping to have a little more fun before taking my prize."
"I'm afraid I can't let you go after them," Erza said, stepping between him and her teammates. She tightened her grip on her blade, her knuckles turning white. "You'll have to go through me first."
Orochimaru's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. "How brave… and foolish. Do you really think you can stop me, little girl?"
"I don't have to defeat you," Erza replied calmly. "I just have to hold you off until backup arrives. I've already sent out the signal. It's only a matter of time."
"Interesting," Orochimaru purred, his tongue flicking out again. "Then I suppose I should test just how long you can last."
Before Erza could respond, he vanished, reappearing behind her in an instant. Her instincts screamed at her to move, and she barely managed to parry his strike with her blade. The force of the impact sent her skidding backward, but she held her ground.
"You're fast," Orochimaru remarked, sounding almost impressed. "But speed alone won't save you."
"Let's see about that," Erza retorted, focusing her chakra into her blade. "Ice Release: Frost Dragon Strike!"
The air around them chilled as a serpentine dragon made of pure ice erupted from her blade, roaring as it lunged at Orochimaru. He dodged effortlessly, but Erza was already moving, using the dragon as a distraction to close the gap between them.
Steel met flesh as she struck, but her blade passed through nothing but smoke. Orochimaru's laugh echoed around her, sending shivers down her spine.
"Very clever," he murmured, his voice seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "But I'm afraid you're still too slow."
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her side as Orochimaru's hand pierced through her defenses, his fingers digging into her ribs. She gasped, blood trickling from the wound.
"You see?" he whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "You're just a child, playing at being a warrior."
Erza gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay upright. The pain was excruciating, but she couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now. Not in front of him.
"Maybe," she spat, glaring up at him defiantly. "But I won't let you touch them."
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly, and for the briefest moment, something akin to respect flickered in his gaze. Then he smiled, a dark, twisted thing that promised pain and death.
"Very well," he said softly, releasing her and stepping back. "Show me, then. Show me the strength of your resolve… before I break it."
Erza didn't hesitate. Summoning every ounce of chakra she had left, she launched herself at him, her blade flashing like a comet. She knew she couldn't defeat him, but if she could just buy a few more minutes—if she could just hold on a little longer—
But Orochimaru was faster. Stronger. His counterattack was swift and brutal, sending her crashing into the ground with bone-jarring force. She struggled to rise, but her limbs felt heavy, her vision blurring at the edges.
"Enough," he murmured, looming over her. "You've done well, but it's time to end this."
He raised his hand, chakra swirling around his fingertips, and Erza knew she was out of time. But as she braced herself for the final blow, a new presence flooded the clearing—one that was strong, familiar, and brimming with killing intent.
"Orochimaru!" Anko's voice rang out, fierce and furious. "Get away from her, you snake!"
Orochimaru paused, his smile widening. "Ah, Anko… right on time."
"Erza, fall back!" Anko shouted, her gaze never leaving Orochimaru's. "I'll handle this."
Erza struggled to her feet, pain lancing through her with every movement. "Be… careful," she managed, stumbling back.
Anko's expression softened for a moment. "Don't worry. Just get to safety."
Erza hesitated, but then she turned and ran, clutching her injured side. She had done her part. Now it was up to Anko to finish it.
As she disappeared into the trees, she could still hear the clash of battle behind her, Anko's furious shouts mingling with Orochimaru's mocking laughter.
"I'll be back for you, little Uchiha," Orochimaru's voice echoed in her mind, sending chills down her spine.
But for now, she had to keep moving. She had to survive.
For the sake of her comrades—no, for the sake of the Leaf Village—she would endure.