"Code!!!" Kawaki shouted, his expression changing drastically.
Though Itachi had never seen Code, hearing his name instantly revealed his identity. This was the person who officially stole Boruto's identity, Isshiki's adopted son, and nominally Konoha's temporary Eighth Hokage.
Code's speed was incredible, his intent clear. He charged straight at Boruto and Kawaki, aiming to abduct these 'two gems.'
At that moment, Boruto had just exited Kāma mode, his chakra and mental energy nearly depleted, leaving him with almost no fighting strength.
Kawaki was in decent condition, so he immediately attacked, lunging at Code to stop him.
*CLANG!*
Kawaki's arm, transformed into a conical ninja tool, clashed with the sharp claws formed from Code's fingers. The immense force sparked, sending both reeling back!
Code's eyes flashed with slight shock. He couldn't imagine that without Kāma's power, Kawaki could still trade blows with him in a normal state.
Was it that strange blue-black pattern on his body?
A boost from Orochimaru's Juinjutsu?
Damn it, had this guy become Orochimaru's vessel?! That was his forbidden prey!
Code was furious but remained rational. Seeing he couldn't quickly take down Kawaki, he switched targets. Leaving claw marks around him, he leaped between them, dodging Kawaki and charging at Boruto again.
As long as he could take down Boruto, he wasn't afraid Kawaki wouldn't submit.
Unfortunately, as Code lunged at Boruto, a massive, glowing red shadow suddenly emerged from the void, shielding Boruto within it.
Edo Tensei Itachi with Susano'o!
Code's attack struck the Yata no Kagami on Susano'o and was instantly repelled.
Itachi's armored Susano'o, with its infinite chakra and the absolute defense of Yata no Kagami, was nearly as strong as Sasuke's perfect Susano'o in terms of defense, though not quite equal. Code couldn't easily breach it.
Realizing this, Code halted his attack, glaring angrily at Edo Tensei Itachi on his left.
(Damn it, ruining my plan!)
(I wanted to strike suddenly, but I didn't expect these guys to react so fast.)
(And this guy can even project Susano'o outside his body? Just like that bastard Sasuke?)
(Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke's brother?)
(Damn Uchiha Clan, they all need to die!!!) Code roared inwardly.
Fearing the threat of Six Paths Sasuke, Code had stayed in Konoha, using its residents as meat shields. He also relied on Eida's 'full map' surveillance, constantly monitoring the entire battle process, including Sasuke and the Raikage's main battlefield and Boruto and Kawaki's movements, all under his watch.
Initially, Code hadn't planned to act personally. He intended to use Orochimaru to infiltrate Boruto's group, find Six Paths Sasuke's weaknesses, then strike and seize victory.
But plans couldn't keep up with rapid changes!
Orochimaru's early performance was impressive, not only saving Boruto and Kawaki and gaining their trust but also seizing the chance to capture the Hachibi Jinchūriki. However, things gradually went off track.
Orochimaru didn't infiltrate as planned but began investigating his own memory issues. He even used Edo Tensei to revive the dead, uncovering gaps in Omnipotence's memory correction. Worse, he revived two strange Uchiha ninjas, directly countering Omnipotence's ongoing alterations!
Limited by information, Code didn't know Kotoamatsukami's specific effects and limits. Through Eida's Byakugan, he only saw the two Edo Tensei Uchiha ninjas staring at each other, somehow becoming immune to Omnipotence's ongoing effects.
This was too terrifying!
Even Orochimaru gained immunity from Omnipotence because of it.
What did this mean?
It meant a horrifying 'human-to-human transmission' phenomenon had emerged!
If these two Edo Tensei Uchiha ninjas kept causing chaos, wouldn't more ninjas become immune to Omnipotence?
This absolutely couldn't happen!
Sensing a major crisis, Code didn't hesitate and attacked immediately. He activated a space-time portal, stepping in instantly.
Even if he couldn't defeat Six Paths Sasuke, capturing Boruto and Kawaki alive and eliminating the unstable factor of Orochimaru would be a great gain!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Orochimaru? What are you doing? Have you forgotten my orders? You haven't controlled your puppets to capture the village's enemies?" Code glared at Orochimaru, reprimanding harshly.
He wasn't sure if Orochimaru had fully regained his memories, but using his Hokage identity to pressure and command could yield benefits if successful.
"Of course, I wouldn't dare forget Hokage-sama's orders, but are you really the Hokage?"
"Or just a deceitful clown?"
Orochimaru was unmoved, even looking at Code with a hint of mockery.
The earlier Genjutsu information transfer was interrupted, so while Orochimaru didn't know Code's true identity, it didn't stop him from reasonably suspecting him.
Edo Tensei Itachi was willing to risk everything to protect Otsutsuki Boruto—did he still need to doubt Itachi's loyalty to Konoha?
If Orochimaru had to choose who was more trustworthy between Itachi and Code, was there any need to hesitate?
"Great! Then die!"
Orochimaru's doubt and mockery enraged Code, who abandoned Boruto and turned to attack Orochimaru.
Orochimaru, attempting to create this 'human-to-human transmission' phenomenon, was now, in Code's eyes, a threat just below Six Paths Sasuke, on par with Amado. Since he was out of control, better to kill him outright!
Orochimaru wasn't panicked at all, not even dodging.
The next moment, Code, nearly reaching Orochimaru, was repelled by another massive force. Simultaneously, a giant emerald-green Susano'o appeared on Orochimaru's right.
It was Shisui's Susano'o!
Though Shisui's memories and cognition were altered by Omnipotence, his body was still under Orochimaru's Edo Tensei control, remaining a reliable combat force.
At the same time, Edo Tensei Itachi entrusted the exhausted Boruto to Kawaki for protection, enveloped himself in Susano'o, drew the Totsuka no Tsurugi, and stood beside Shisui.
"Itachi, your Susano'o is indeed better than mine."
"Shisui, I never thought we'd fight together again!"
"Who's this guy?"
"An enemy aiming to destroy the village!"
"Got it, let's take him down together!" Shisui agreed enthusiastically, their coordination seamless.
Though Shisui didn't recognize Code, he fully trusted Itachi. Itachi's enemy was undoubtedly his own!
At that moment, one red and one green, two Uchiha geniuses, two Susano'o stood side by side, fighting together again.