Kapitel 16: Chapter 16: True Strength
Orochimaru didn't consider it a major feat. Prior to forming the summoning contract, he could easily overpower a ninja who relied on illusions with just one hand. Even Jonin-level illusion masters like Kurenai didn't shake Orochimaru's confidence and determination.
His immense spiritual power rendered him immune to ordinary spiritual attacks, just like the legendary Sharingan. Although Orochimaru had a grim history with illusions, it was only after he weakened his own soul. Orochimaru believed Orochimaru possessed a strong soul.
Even if Orochimaru had both hands severed by the Reaper's Death Seal, Orochimaru was confident he could defeat Sasuke in such a handicapped state. If it weren't for the shining halo of plot armor, the outcome would be uncertain.
"Orochimaru, all of you, come and assist me! Let's eliminate him together!" Nanmu exclaimed with excitement. Despite the field being flooded with water, the leader appeared to be full of vigor and vitality.
This Konoha fellow is so thick-skinned, still arrogant even after being relentlessly pursued and attacked by me! The leader's anger surged, and the muscles on his arms bulged once again. Utilizing a flickering technique, he leaped directly to the tree where Nanmu stood and swung his serrated knife, generating a gust of wind aimed at Nanmu!
Nanmu felt his entire body flooded with blood, his brain on the brink of explosion, consumed by the feeling of impending death. In a moment of life and death, he roared and summoned a water wall with extraordinary speed, surpassing his limits.
However, his chakra fell short, and the water wall shattered. Nanmu used every ounce of his strength to lower his body, blood spraying into the air as his arm was severed!
"Ah!" Nanmu screamed, staggering back to Orochimaru's side and collapsing onto the ground. His face turned pale as wax, filled with resentment and a trace of fear.
Jiraiya hurried over to help Nanmu stem the bleeding, while Orochimaru stared intently at the leader, a serious expression etched upon his face.
Orochimaru remained indifferent to Nanmu's injury. His concern lay with recognized comrades and superiors; Nanmu held no significance to him.
He had grown cold-blooded, realistic, and self-centered after slaughtering 100 bandits and enduring numerous tribulations. However, this was the first time one of his companions had been seriously injured before him. Sooner or later, it would happen to himself as well.
Orochimaru charged towards the leader without uttering a word, his snakes poised to taste blood!
"Orochimaru, you..." Jiraiya and Tsunade attempted to interject, but a cold aura emanated from Orochimaru, stifling their words.
"He exudes a murderous intent!" Nanmu's heart froze, followed by a surge of resentment. If you're so powerful, why didn't you take action earlier?
The leader, unsettled by Orochimaru's icy snake-like eyes, experienced a sudden rush of panic, tinged with anger. Although that guy seemed formidable...
"You little devil, prepare to meet your demise!" The leader formed hand seals and struck the ground forcefully. The earth split open, collapsing toward Orochimaru.
Orochimaru leaped skillfully, evading the ninjutsu, while aiming his kunai at the leader's neck.
"You little devil, you're still too young!" This ninjutsu aimed to force Orochimaru into jumping, allowing the leader to strike him down with his serrated sword!
"This brat is finished," Nanmu sneered. Low tolerance is low tolerance, no matter how powerful he may be, he would still perish swiftly.
"Leader, how can you say that!" Jiraiya protested.
Nanmu failed to consider what would happen if Orochimaru emerged victorious.
"Some people simply have an inflated sense of self-worth!" Orochimaru's expression remained impassive. A layer of nearly imperceptible fine scales appeared beneath his skin, emitting a subtle coldness when illuminated.
"Ding!" The clash between the large knife and Kunai produced dazzling sparks. Yet, what left everyone incredulous was the fact that Orochimaru's slender body and a small kunai effectively withstood the powerful and heavy strikes of the large knife!
"It's impossible!" The leader's mind reeled, and Tsunade, observing from a distance, covered her mouth in astonishment. Had Orochimaru also mastered taijutsu?
The reawakened bloodline granted Orochimaru extraordinary physical strength and defense. Orochimaru used his other hand to pull out another kunai, parrying all the slashes without evading. In the brief moment of respite, he inflicted a series of vicious wounds on the leader's leg and waist!
The leader screamed in agony, no longer daring to engage Orochimaru. He couldn't even bear to meet Orochimaru's snake-like eyes again!
Exerting all his strength, the leader struck Orochimaru's face with the hilt of his knife, finally creating a small opening. The leader mustered the last of his chakra and shouted, "Earth Release: Earth Wall!"
An earth wall temporarily obstructed Orochimaru's view, and the leader's next move was to turn and flee!
What does it matter if one abandons the facade of being a mercenary? Moreover, this wasn't even an assigned mission; life was the most precious thing!
Nanmu stared blankly at the man who had nearly beaten him to death, only to be forced to flee by a Genin. The excruciating pain from his wounds served as a reminder of the harsh reality.
"Can you escape?" Orochimaru sneered, his body twisting and contorting, utilizing his serpentine abilities. He effortlessly vaulted over the earthen wall, like a snake in motion. With a powerful kick against the wall, Orochimaru soared forward like an arrow shot from a bowstring.
"Why so fast?!" The leader watched Orochimaru, drawing ever closer, realizing that escape was no longer an option, and defeating him seemed impossible. Clutching his large knife with fury, he swung it at Orochimaru with a single strike!
"Face your demise!"
"Is that all you've got?" Orochimaru lifted his left hand, slightly deflecting the strike with his kunai. He had already closed the distance between himself and the leader.
His left hand stretched out, the fine scales emitting a purple metallic luster due to the intensely compressed chakra.
"Desolate Bite!" Orochimaru growled, his right hand piercing the leader's chest, despair and horror reflected in the leader's eyes. The leader's robust muscles appeared inconsequential.
With the same move, Orochimaru no longer needed to transform his hand into a snake head. His body now possessed even greater power!
If Orochimaru were to practice Rasengan in the future, this technique would undoubtedly become even more terrifying. With his current level of physical strength, Orochimaru could pierce through thick walls by simply channeling his power!
"I... I..." Blood spewed from the leader's mouth like a fountain as he spoke, but his words were cut short as he succumbed to death. Orochimaru felt a surge of hidden power enter his body, strengthening his physique. At the same time, a blood-red brilliance flickered across his body, leaving him in a state of calm contentment.
Observing the leader's lifeless body, Orochimaru couldn't help but sneer.
"This kid, what... what..." Nanmu mumbled to himself, rendered speechless.
"How did Orochimaru become so powerful?" Tsunade gazed at the still-unconscious Mucheng, sensing the stark difference in Orochimaru's strength. In truth, Orochimaru's previous missions had been effortless endeavors, with no real challenges. Regardless, he possessed two caretakers constantly watching over him!
"Is everyone this strong?" Jiraiya clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the pressure. Not to mention Jiraiya, Tsunade herself had been knocked to the ground by a girl, her teeth scattered. She realized she needed to strive harder to become stronger!
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