Chapter 102:
There are many kinds of summon beasts in the ninja world, but the ones capable of speech are generally of a higher rank. Normally, a talking summoning beast wouldn't be anything too surprising for a ninja. After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen's Monkey King, Enma, could both speak and express emotions.
However, a snake known for being cold-blooded and expressionless showing emotions while speaking? That was certainly something unusual.
The Root ninjas watching were visibly unsettled. It simply felt "off".
The snake, coiled around Orochimaru's waist, continued speaking, its voice surprisingly childlike. "Thank you, master. It's all because of your help that I've become so much faster!"
Orochimaru smiled at the flattery. "Indeed, your speed has improved significantly," he said, casually stroking the snake's head.
This snake, now named Yamata, Inspired by Yamata no Orochi, the legendary eight-headed serpent in Japanese mythology, was no ordinary snake. Originally, it had been just a regular python. But after using three doses of Orochimaru's evolutionary fluid, it had shed its skin three times, each time becoming darker, smaller, and more powerful. What was once a thick flower python, the size of an adult's leg, had now evolved into something more dangerous, with its body as thick as Orochimaru's arm and its scales black as night.
The Root ninja who had been bitten by Yamata, was starting to panic. His body was completely immobilized, and the bite was on a major artery. The black color of the snake, combined with the bite's location, sent his mind spiraling into thoughts of venom and impending death.
His teammates, witnessing this, couldn't help but voice their concern.
"What's happening to Rio?"