Chapter 274:
The Third Hokage's words might have been hard for the ANBU to hear, but they were undeniably true.
While the ANBU were charged with protecting the Hokage, there were limits to their capabilities.
And the opponent this time… was Orochimaru.
This was someone who could fend off countless enemies and injure three Kage even when besieged by three major ninja villages.
Against such overwhelming power, any shinobi below the Kage level wasn't qualified to stand before him.
If Orochimaru wanted to strike, the ANBU's presence would be meaningless.
Once Tsunade and the ANBU had retreated, Orochimaru broke the silence.
"I've already heard about Konoha, Tsunade told me," he began, his tone calm yet cutting. "Four major ninja villages have surrounded the village, and now you need reinforcements?" He chuckled darkly. "Let me ask you this, Sarutobi: in what capacity have you come to see me today?"
"Are you here as the Hokage of Konoha? Or as my former teacher?"