High above the forest floor, on one massive branch, Sasuke Uchiha and Mikasa Inuzuka stood side by side—unable to move.

Orochimaru’s killing intent crushed the air. Mikasa Inuzuka felt it first. Thirteen years old. Her body was frozen in place, muscles locked, breath trapped in her chest. She stood rigid on the branch, fingers trembling uselessly at her sides.

Beside her, Sasuke Uchiha was tense, every muscle locked in resistance. Dark hair plastered to his forehead with sweat, black eyes burning. His jaw was clenched, hands shaking as he fought the paralysis with sheer willpower.

Below them, on a lower branch, Orochimaru smiled. His presence alone was enough to break seasoned shinobi. His yellow eyes gleamed with sick amusement as he watched them struggle.

Her hand twitched. Slowly, against her will, her fingers crept toward the kunai at her thigh.