บท 76: Chapter 76 : Orochimaru vs Shiromari (2)
Shiromari proved to be even more impressive than Orochimaru had expected. Aside from the three legendary beasts, Orochimaru believed that with this beast by his side, he would fear no journey in the ninja world.
"Hoo!" Shiromari roared, "Young one, if you wish for me to become your summoning beast, you must possess great strength. In the past, I roamed across neighbouring lands, and until the village's establishment, no opponent could beat me. I am much more powerful than you."
Its scarlet eyes remained locked on Orochimaru, "I concede, among the ninjas and samurai I've encountered, none your age surpass you. However, true geniuses emerge only as they mature. Geniuses who falter are nothing but fleeting live.!"
"It appears I must subdue it in combat for it to willingly join me. But this formidable beast is clearly enthused!"
A triumphant smile graced Orochimaru's lips. Rather than directly inscribing his name on the summoning scroll, he opted to be prudent. After all, summoning a beast in a dire situation required a substantial amount of chakra. Orochimaru would never risk his life so carelessly.
Sasuke employed the Sharingan to command Manda as a defence once, a solitary instance.
Furthermore, Sasuke's summoning beasts consisted only of lower-level beasts unable to articulate themselves. His overconfidence had hindered his ability to communicate effectively. Thus, during the Chunin Exams, it was Naruto displaying the greatest brilliance, even saving Sasuke.
"Young one, my next strike shall be the mightiest. If you withstand it, I shall consent to being your summoning beast. If you perish..."
Shiromari mused over a more secure plan, yearning for a master. True progress for a remarkable summoning beast like it relied upon the resources bestowed by skilled ninja.
"...That shall prove your destiny as naught but a fleeting presence. A doomed soul. I shall devour you as an intruder!"
With solemnity, Shiromari intoned, as if consumed by an obsession with consuming its foes.
"Let the challenge commence!"
Orochimaru brimmed with confidence in his own prowess, er... to be precise, his skill in preserving his life.
"Roar-!"
Shiromari emitted a low growl, but it didn't charge directly. It crouched, seemingly amassing power. It didn't prepare to pounce, but rather its belly began to swell.
"Could it be... a Tailed Beast Bomb?! Impossible, perhaps it's a form of corrosive assault!"
Given that he intended to endure this onslaught, Orochimaru couldn't evade or preemptively use ninjutsu.
"Hey—!"
Shiromari emitted a peculiar, low sound akin to metal scraping, sending forth a unique sound wave.
"This... Drat! Could this be a sound illusion?"
Orochimaru's formidable mental might not withstanding the illusion, the sound targeted his physical organs, causing Orochimaru significant discomfort.
"Why... Why does Shiromari appear to be glowing even brighter? It's radiant!"
Taken aback, Orochimaru shook his head vigorously. Though deeply concentrated, Shiromari did indeed shine more brilliantly. Even in daylight, its dazzling radiance obscured its massive form.
"Boom-long!"
A brilliant light erupted, time seemingly suspended. Shiromari's massive maw parted soundlessly, unleashing colossal tentacles that extended outward. Its mouth morphed into a larger, more menacing configuration, and the light discharged a lethal mist of corrosive acid.
"Summoning Justsu : Double Rashomon!"
Now was not the time to be concerned about chakra. Orochimaru invoked this ultimate defensive jutsu anew. A cacophony of "stab, stab, stab" filled the air, hinting at Rashomon's deterioration.
Orochimaru didn't let his guard down. Although he possessed mental perception, Shiromari yet meddled with his senses, heightening the sense of peril.
"No, this corrosive mist bypassed Rashomon entirely!"
Orochimaru's shock was palpable. Rashomon's disintegration had been a mere illusion. The acid mist exhibited a life of its own, splitting into two streams that ensnared Orochimaru.
"Evil Snake Iron Skin!"
Employing his ace in the hole, Orochimaru encased himself in his life-saving defense. Yet, traces of acid penetrated through the metallic serpent's defense, causing Orochimaru to grimace in agony.
This was only the beginning. Surrender was not an option! Summoning every ounce of resolve, Orochimaru executed hand seals, and two colossal thirty-meter serpents materialized. One encircled Orochimaru protectively, while the other lunged at the acid mist!
"Ssssssssssssssssssss-!"
Though the corrosive mist paled in comparison to Terumi Mei's mastery of Boil Release Bloodline Limit, its vast reach exceeded that of Terumi Mei's jutsu. The gargantuan serpent, however, was significantly smaller than its chameleon counterpart.
"Hey!"
Attack proved the best defense. Shiromari couldn't move carelessly to sustain the mist's potency. The serpent plunged into the corrosive haze, its jaws clamping down.
Losing sight, the serpent's pitted eyes mirrored its catastrophic condition. Orochimaru maintained mental control, guiding the colossal serpent to lock onto Shiromari and chomp down.
Shiromari's massive mandibles ensnared the serpent effortlessly. Orochimaru noted that the serpent seemed to expand, losing all resistance. His mental link established, Orochimaru sensed the serpentine foe's movements. Tentacles pierced the serpent, as if consuming jelly, swiftly engulfing the beast. Soon, only tattered skin remained. Simultaneously, the other serpent experienced a similar fate, reduced to mere debris and shadowy remnants.
Concerned, Orochimaru bolstered his defenses with an earthen wall. For the moment, peril receded.
"No! The peril intensifies!"
Orochimaru's mental acuity, while resistant to Sharingan's visual illusions, perceived the impending lethal strike from Shiromari.
Sweat pooled on Orochimaru's brow, a wave of crimson energy surged within, issuing a grave warning.
"Hey—!"
Shiromari's swollen abdomen tensed abruptly. Simultaneously, silent acid liquid surged forth, resembling a laser aimed at Orochimaru's location.
"Damn, it's too swift—"
Orochimaru's resolve remained unwavering as he triggered his ultimate evasion jutsu.
"Brush-!"
The corrosive liquid's trickle sliced through the Coiled Serpent like a pressurized jet of water.
The already ailing and corroded serpent succumbed, the acid's relentless force undeniable. Subsequently, the earthen wall crumbled, and Orochimaru's form dissolved in an instant, scattering into a maelstrom of serpentine shapes.
The horror of high-pressure acid wasn't its cutting prowess, but its extraordinary concentration within Shiromari's belly. This level of intensity bred tremendous peril. Even Shiromari, enshrouded in chakra, dared not subject itself to direct contact.
The mangled serpent dispersed into a cloud of green vapour, while Orochimaru's essence evaporated. Several serpent forms emerged, though Orochimaru's visage twisted with discomfort. Countless serpents spilled forth, shedding skin that rapidly decayed into fragments.
Engulfed by the acid, eradicating it proved an arduous task. Orochimaru relentlessly performed the serpent sloughing technique, ultimately restoring himself before chakra depletion.
"This was treacherous! Most Jōnin wouldn't survive such an ordeal!"
Gazing at Shiromari, Orochimaru's countenance betrayed lingering anxiety. By this point, Shiromari had diminished in size, appearing frail and drained. Chakra reserves were evidently scant, the potent attack having consumed copious resources. Such acid, channelled through vast chakra expenditure, solidified its potency.
This jutsu posed a grave threat to Jōnin and even terrified Kage-level shinobi. However, its protracted preparation time and susceptibility to evasion rendered it less effective. Hence, Shiromari utilized varied means to impede Orochimaru, fearful of his evasion tactics.
Unflinchingly, Orochimaru stood his ground, surviving Shiromari's ultimate onslaught.
With drooping eyelids, Shiromari addressed Orochimaru weakly, "Impressive young one, you've emerged victorious."
Though fatigued, a contented smile graced Orochimaru's lips. Retrieving the summoning scroll, he penned his name upon it.
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