The four members of Team "Bee" were all from the Aburame clan.
With the blood insects granted by Aburame Shigeo, their chakra surged, and the swarms of insects they controlled became even larger.
When the four acted together, the swarms they released could only be described as an "ocean of insects."
The Sound ninja who had previously fled the underground base were instantly engulfed by the overwhelming insect swarms, leaving behind shriveled corpses.
The same fate awaited the others who later emerged from the base.
In less than an hour, the area outside the base was littered with the corpses of Sound ninja.
Those inside, realizing the dire situation, no longer dared to charge out.
They huddled near the base's exit, releasing copious amounts of poisonous gas to block the parasitic insects from advancing.
Witnessing this, the "Heavenly Dragon" squad, wearing masks adorned with centipede patterns, immediately entered the battlefield.
They injected antidotes into their arms, drew their ninja swords, and charged toward the underground base's entrance.
As they sprinted, white lightning lit up their swords.
**Lightning Release!**
Known for its speed and power, Lightning Release techniques are often used in close-quarters combat.
In the blink of an eye, the four members of the Heavenly Dragon squad dashed through the poisonous mist, entering the underground base and unleashing a brutal massacre on the Sound ninja within.
*"Clang clang... splatter..."*
*"Who are you?"*
*"Argh!"*
The sounds of clashing weapons, startled cries, and agonized screams filled the air before falling silent.
When the Heavenly Dragon squad withdrew, the poisonous mist gradually dissipated.
With no more obstacles, the insect swarms surged into the underground base like water finding a breach in a dam.
Seeing this, Aburame Shigeo gave a decisive order.
"That's enough. Leave the parasitic insects and retreat with me. Pull back at least one kilometer from this base!"
He tossed several blood insects imbued with explosive chakra, then grabbed Sasuke's arm and vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.
The other special ops members followed suit, retreating swiftly.
Shortly after they left, a massive purple serpent with enormous horns burst from the underground base.
This was Manda, Orochimaru's summoned beast from Ryūchi Cave, one of the Three Great Sage Regions.
Upon its appearance, Manda unleashed thick clouds of purple poison gas.
The once-overwhelming insect swarms dropped from the air like rain, piling up into a thick carpet of insect carcasses.
Manda swayed its massive body, dispersing the poisonous fog before letting out a deep, thunderous voice.
"The annoying insects are dealt with. Orochimaru, don't forget the two hundred humans you promised me!"
Standing atop Manda's head, Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly.
"Ku ku ku… Of course. But first, there are still a few troublesome pests to eliminate. They're—"
Before he could finish, a dozen red lights illuminated Manda's underside, reflecting in Orochimaru's yellow snake-like eyes as they rapidly grew larger.
**"Boom—!"**
A deafening explosion erupted, fire and smoke engulfing Manda's massive body. The ground quaked violently.
When the dust settled, Manda lay collapsed, smoke rising from its charred body, filling the air with the nauseating stench of burnt flesh.
"Orochimaru!"
Manda's voice thundered with rage, its wounded body trembling.
"Is this why you summoned me? You'll pay for this. Mark my words!"
With a puff of white smoke, Manda disappeared, retreating to the summoning realm.
Orochimaru, severely injured, revealed half of his burned face, exposing the features of Tayuya, one of the Sound Four.
He wiped his face, reverting to his usual pale visage, his cold snake-like eyes gleaming with malice.
"So, there was a backup plan? It seems I underestimated you, Aburame Shigeo."
At that moment, a heavy stone slab shifted below, and a young man with glasses emerged.
Seeing him, Orochimaru's lips curled into a sly grin.
"Ku ku ku… Still alive, Kabuto?"
The young man was none other than Kabuto Yakushi, Orochimaru's most trusted subordinate.
Panting, Kabuto exhaled deeply, his face still pale from shock.
"Phew… That was close. If not for Manda shielding me, I might not have survived."
"Ku ku… Not necessarily."
Orochimaru licked his lips, his snake-like eyes narrowing slightly.
"That explosion Manda blocked—wasn't it part of your plan? You noticed it beforehand, didn't you, Kabuto?"
"Not at all, Lord Orochimaru!"
Cold sweat beaded on Kabuto's face as he hastily explained.
"I didn't foresee the explosion. I only found the enemy's retreat suspicious and acted cautiously, knowing I lack your strength."
"Oh, really?"
Orochimaru's narrowed eyes softened slightly. He then asked,
"What's your suggestion for our next move?"
"Lord Orochimaru, we must retreat immediately!"
Kabuto's tone was grave.
"Our enemies came prepared, and we're not fully equipped to fight back. Even Manda has fallen. To avoid further losses, we should relocate at once."
"You're right, Kabuto."
Orochimaru nodded and glanced around.
"But it's too late. They're already here."
As his words fell, twelve masked special ops members emerged, encircling Orochimaru and Kabuto.
Kabuto's expression darkened.
"Lord Orochimaru, these are Konoha's special ops. They're formidable. We should break through immediately!"
"No rush."
Orochimaru shook his head and looked toward an empty spot.
"The main player hasn't shown up yet. Leaving now would be rude, don't you think, Shigeo-kun?"
With Orochimaru's words, Aburame Shigeo appeared, holding a sharp wooden spear.
He twirled it casually, smiling at Orochimaru.
"Uncle Snake, you're quite the gentleman. Your Sound Village is gone, and you're worried about politeness? You should be thinking about how to survive."
"…"
*(To be continued)*