In Urokohane's snake-like eyes, a trace of surprise flashed, but she quickly understood Gekko Chizan's intent.
The best way to deal with a Tailed Beast—was with a Tailed Beast itself.
Others knew, but she was the one who truly knew Gekko Chizan's real identity.
"Give me 2 minutes."
"No problem."
Gekko Chizan once again turned his gaze toward the One-Tail, Shukaku. At this moment, the giant tanuki was already half-berserk, yellow sand filling the skies.
The three shadow clones that had been suppressing Rasa earlier had already vanished.
All of this—thanks to Shukaku's rampage.
"Sensei, let's go together. I need 2 minutes."
"By then, I'll transfer Shukaku away. That way, our frontlines will be safe."
Gekko Chizan moved to Orochimaru's side, his entire body radiating a dense killing intent.
Yes—it was no longer anger. The surging sand, the Konoha shinobi buried within it, pierced his heart deeply.
A good temper, a somewhat shady personality, didn't mean he had no temper.
If those comrades had died facing the enemy head-on, he wouldn't be this furious. That was war—an honorable death.
But they didn't. They died at the hands of a Tailed Beast.
"Chizan-kun… don't let anger cloud your judgment."
"War…"
"No!"
Orochimaru looked at his disciple's expression, sighed softly, and was just about to speak further, when Gekko Chizan cut him off with a loud shout.
"Sensei, you don't need to persuade me."
"I know what you want to say—that war is all about using any means necessary."
"But people have tempers! I'm pissed! And if I'm pissed, then I'll fight!"
"Besides, we have no retreat left, do we?"
Orochimaru froze slightly. He was right—they had no retreat. They had to block Sunagakure's offensive here at Kikyo Pass.
Otherwise, Konoha's situation would grow only more dire.
"Hehehe… yes, since that's the case, then let us continue to fight."
"But… can your body still endure this?"
After such intense battles, Orochimaru still worried about Gekko Chizan's condition.
But Chizan's response was to act—to show him what true willpower looked like.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Bang!"
A plume of white smoke erupted. Once again, Chizan split into three clones. Then he shouted loudly ahead:
"Manda! I know you're still there!"
"Come out and help!"
The instant his words fell, Chizan charged forward.
Hearing his roar, the originally hidden Manda burst from underground.
"Still fighting???"
"Cut the crap! If you don't fight, I'll have Jinlin and the others come looking for you later!"
A threat! A blatant threat.
Manda's heart ached bitterly.
That thing in front of him was the One-Tail! He couldn't beat it!
But if he didn't fight, once he returned to Ryūchi Cave, he'd face a brutal gang beating.
Helpless, Manda had no choice but to keep fighting Shukaku. After all, even if he lost here, he could retreat to Ryūchi Cave. But if his home was burned down, he'd be truly helpless.
Watching Chizan threatening Manda, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Manda is actually this obedient?"
"Looks like I was too good to him before… hehehe, seems I can change our relationship a bit."
Manda: ???
Orochimaru: Hehehe… trying to rebel? Where is my disciple, Gekko Chizan???
Manda: You're the boss! You're amazing! You're unstoppable!
Orochimaru once again bit his finger and performed a summoning. Since Chizan had occupied Manda, Orochimaru needed helpers too.
With a puff of smoke, three massive anacondas appeared on the battlefield, immediately lunging at the One-Tail.
Orochimaru stood atop one of their heads and began forming hand seals.
"Sensei, use wind to support me!"
"Go ahead!"
The master and disciple formed seals together.
A sea of fire erupted once more, but this time Orochimaru was the support.
A gale far stronger than before howled, countless wind blades riding the storm.
These winds and blades boosted the power of the Majestic Blaze tremendously as they roared toward Shukaku.
"You slimy creatures! Another type of thing this great one hates!"
"And you, you detestable little brat!"
"Be buried in the desert!"
The desert surged again, once more a massive Sand Waterfall. But before the sand could surge forth, it was blasted apart by flames and wind blades.
"Manda!"
"I know!"
Chizan leapt from Manda's head. In the next instant, Manda dove headfirst into the desert beneath them.
When he resurfaced—it was already behind Shukaku.
"Stop right there!"
Manda opened his massive jaws, biting straight at Shukaku's face, while his giant body coiled tightly around the beast.
"You filthy mudfish!"
Shukaku cursed irritably, then grabbed Manda by the neck. Restrained, Manda thrashed madly, trying to slip free with his smooth scales.
But Shukaku wasn't afraid. Sand clung like glue, locking Manda in place.
"Aren't you slippery?"
"Show me how you slip free then!"
Under Shukaku's control, the sand exploded with unimaginable force. For once, Manda had bound himself in a cocoon.
"Damn it!"
"Let me go, you bastard!"
How arrogant was Manda usually? Now, being restrained by Shukaku sent him into a frenzy.
But Shukaku ignored him, tightening the sandy grip even further.
"Magnet Release: Gold Dust Imperial Funeral!"
"Chizan! Our battle isn't finished yet!"
It wasn't just Shukaku rampaging—Rasa's gold dust surged forth once more, countless golden spikes hurtling at Chizan.
"Hidden Shadow Many Snakes!"
But this time, Chizan didn't need to move. Orochimaru raised both hands high, and dozens of serpents shot toward Rasa.
Seeing this, Rasa was forced into defense, his gold dust forming a shield. But the serpents didn't relent.
They coiled around his protective sphere, and with Orochimaru's strength pulling down, they wrenched Rasa from the sky to the ground.
"Chizan-kun, leave Rasa to me. Go fight without worry!"
Even as he spoke, Orochimaru drew his Kusanagi Blade.
"Rasa, your shield before me—is worthless."
Snakes, blades—Orochimaru shifted his style, rushing in himself. His Kusanagi suddenly extended, piercing straight through the golden shield.
With its sharpness, it stabbed directly into Rasa's shoulder.
"Damn it!"
"Orochimaru, you're asking for death!"
"Gold Dust Coffin!"
Enduring the pain, Rasa raised his hand, unleashing countless golden hands to seize Orochimaru.
Even as he recalled his Kusanagi, Orochimaru's three anacondas surged forward, crashing against Rasa.
The battle between two village prodigies erupted then and there.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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