Orochimaru's expression became serious.
But it was not because he was wary of Fuguki's strength.
It was because of the appearance of the Water Dragon Possession.
"In such a short time, another new Zanpakuto has appeared."
"Counting the time, it's been less than a year."
"Kiriichimonji, Blue Rose Sword, Dragon-Bone, and now this one."
"Since when has it become so easy to forge such high-level Ninjato?"
"In the future, how many more can that Blacksmith create?"
"If there are dozens, which Ninja village can stand against Hidden Mist Village?"
"I, Jiraiya, Minato... probably wouldn't be enough."
"The number of Shinigami Squad members will be much greater."
Orochimaru's eyes flickered.
"At that time, if Konoha wants to fight against Hidden Mist Village, I'm afraid only my experiments will suffice."
"If I could get a Zanpakuto to study, that would be great."
Orochimaru looked at the Water Dragon Possession in Fuguki's hand.
"Earth Substitution!"
As the two water dragons were about to hit Orochimaru, he used Substitution Jutsu. In his previous position, there was now an earth clone. Orochimaru's figure appeared elsewhere. The earth clone shattered under the impact of the Water Dragon Bullet.
However, Orochimaru noticed that the Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu, which should have dissipated after one impact, reformed on the ground. Caught off guard, Orochimaru tried to respond but it was too late.
"Bang!"
The water dragon's impact sent Orochimaru flying. Meanwhile, the giant snake summoned by Orochimaru was severely injured by Yagura's Water Mirror Jutsu. With a burst of white smoke, it disappeared and returned to Ryuchi Cave.
"It's not just replication..."
Orochimaru quickly got up from the ground. Several snakes fell limply from his chest and back.
At the critical moment, Orochimaru summoned several snakes to cushion himself. Most of the impact force was borne by the snakes, so Orochimaru himself didn't suffer much.
"What a pity."
Seeing Orochimaru stand up unscathed, Fuguki felt a bit disappointed. He had hoped to catch Orochimaru off guard with the ability of the Water Dragon Possession, exploiting Orochimaru's lack of information.
But Orochimaru's response was too quick and too effective.
"This is the Sannin."
Yagura said, "In terms of experience, they are much more seasoned than us. Fuguki, don't be affected. I'm almost done on my side, and I'll cooperate with you."
"Understood, Yagura Senpai."
Fuguki swung the Water Dragon Possession. In the next moment, the reformed water dragon charged towards Orochimaru once again.
Although Fuguki had not had the Water Dragon Possession for long, he had already figured out three ways to use it.
One method is to directly control water and attack using the manipulation of water flow, similar to how Liver uses it in the World of Akame Ga Kill.
The other method is like the current one. First, form hand seals to use Water Release Ninjutsu. Before all the water from the Water Release Ninjutsu dissipates, use the power of the Water Dragon Possession to control this part of the water, combining it with the residual Chakra in the Water Release Ninjutsu. This way, the Water Release Ninjutsu can be revived, eliminating the need to form hand seals again.
The former method is convenient to use, while the latter can be more powerful because it essentially combines the power of Ninjutsu and the Water Dragon Possession.
The third method, which Orochimaru discovered, involves using the power of the Water Dragon Possession to replicate the Water Release Ninjutsu while forming hand seals for it.
"That Zanpakuto can not only replicate Ninjutsu but also reuse it?"
Orochimaru fought while retreating.
"I wonder if it is limited to Water Release."
"If not, the ability of this Ninjato is too powerful."
"It essentially turns subsequent Ninjutsu into No Seal Ninjutsu."
"Without the time needed for hand seals, attack efficiency will greatly increase."
"It leaves the opponent with insufficient reaction time."
"Even if it only works for Water Release, it's still extremely impressive for the ninjas of Hidden Mist Village."
Compared to enhancement-type abilities, Orochimaru prefers functional abilities because, in his view, functional abilities offer greater possibilities and operability.
Fuguki also believes that the Water Dragon Possession is stronger than Samehada, but for a different reason.
Fuguki simply feels that the ability of the Water Dragon Possession is more compatible with himself.
Despite Orochimaru blocking the recent attack, Fuguki was only momentarily disappointed and quickly became excited again, eager to continue his assault. Making a distinguished member of the Three Sannin like Orochimaru suffer a minor setback was almost unthinkable before.
With Samehada in hand, Fuguki was inferior to Orochimaru in every aspect.
Fuguki couldn't help but think, "Samehada is far inferior to the Water Dragon Possession!"
At the same time, Fuguki imagined various ways to use the Water Dragon Possession. Facing Orochimaru now, Fuguki wanted to try all of them.
Orochimaru is very strong, but the stronger the opponent, the better the test of the ability's effectiveness.
"Being defeated by a Konoha Genin is a disgrace to our Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"But if Yagura Senpai and I can defeat Orochimaru, this disgrace can be instantly washed away."
"No one can disrespect someone who has defeated Orochimaru."
Fuguki harbored a touch of ambition in his heart.
"Even if I defeat Orochimaru with Yagura Senpai's help, it's is still a huge achievement, especially since before I arrived, Yagura Senpai had already been defeated and was at a great disadvantage. Everyone will know my contribution!"
Under Fuguki's control, two water dragons launched a fierce attack on Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Yagura was also attacking Orochimaru with ninja tools and long-range Water Release Ninjutsu.
For a moment, Orochimaru seemed to be at a disadvantage, unable to attack and forced to either dodge or block.
The Hidden Mist ninjas watching cheered up.
"Great!"
"Orochimaru is going to lose!"
"Fuguki Senpai's strength is incredible now!"
"Even without Samehada, his strength hasn't decreased; it's increased!"
"Is this the change the new Zanpakuto has brought to Fuguki Senpai?"
"Fuguki Senpai and Yagura Senpai together will surely defeat Orochimaru."
A Hidden Mist ninja couldn't help but shout excitedly.
"Kill Orochimaru, and Hidden Mist Village will surely win!"
Orochimaru's expression darkened.
"The ability of this Zanpakuto is indeed troublesome."
"Even if I shatter these water dragons, they can revive and reappear."
"Combined with Yagura, it's no longer possible to easily defeat them."
"Fine, then I'll crush them head-on."
After dodging Fuguki and Yagura's attacks once again, Orochimaru bit his finger and formed hand seals.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Using the Summoning Jutsu again, this time was different from the last. A much larger snake appeared, its entire body a deep purple, its scales gleaming with a cold light. A strong stench filled the air, mixed with the smell of blood.
"Manda!"
The Konoha ninjas showed expressions of joy.
"Alright, the suspense is over!"
"Orochimaru-sama even summoned Manda. The outcome is no longer in doubt. Yagura and Fuguki cannot possibly win. Orochimaru-sama will surely be victorious!"
"You Hidden Mist ninjas can only be happy for just moment."
"So what if a new Zanpakuto appeared?"
"It's just a mere Ninjato."
"Do you really think you can defeat Orochimaru-sama with just a Ninjato?"
"Dream on!"
Manda raised its head.
"Orochimaru, you still owe me a sacrifice from last time!"
Manda had a violent temper and even towards Orochimaru, its attitude wasn't much better. It could be said that among the Sannin, Orochimaru had the worst relationship with his Summon Beast.
"These people can all be your sacrifices."
Orochimaru pointed towards the Hidden Mist ninjas across from them.
Manda extended its tongue and flicked it in the air.
"More Hidden Mist Village ninjas, huh?"
In the next moment, Manda charged fiercely towards Yagura and Fuguki. With its huge size advantage, immense strength, and powerful defense, Manda didn't need to worry much. It simply used its own body as a weapon.
"Water Release: Water Wall Jutsu!"
Fuguki and Yagura simultaneously formed hand seals.
"Boom!"
Manda crashed into the two Water Walls.
Countless water droplets splashed everywhere in an instant, like a sudden downpour.
Yagura and Fuguki took advantage of this opportunity to create distance.
Manda shook its head and revealed a cruel smile.
"Warm-up's over!"
It charged towards Yagura and Fuguki once again. Along the way, its tail whipped sideways, sending two or three Hidden Mist ninjas flying.
In an instant, the situation reversed.
Manda's attacks were relentless.
Furthermore, Yagura and Fuguki had no effective means to deal with Manda.
Apart from their own formidable abilities, Summon Beasts were also a significant factor in the Sannin's prowess. Such large Summon Beasts were rare in the entire shinobi world.
There were only a few places in the shinobi world where Summon Beasts lived, and these places could be considered sacred. Even fewer had mastered Senjutsu.
Yet, Konoha had established connections with all three of these Summon Beast sanctuaries.
To other ninja villages, this was considered Konoha's luck.
"Water Release: Water Fang Bullet Jutsu!"
Fuguki formed hand seals and raised the Water Dragon Possession.
Around him, numerous water-based spears condensed, not one or two but a whole array of them, numbering in the hundreds, forming a wall-like structure.
"Go!"
Facing such attacks, even Manda chose to evade their sharpness.
However, Fuguki's use of such attacks also caused significant depletion of his own chakra.
"Hiss!"
Manda looked towards Fuguki, its eyes becoming sharp.
"Damn Hidden Mist ninja, how dare you injure me?"
Most of the water spears were either dodged by Manda or blocked, but there were still a few that hit Manda. Under high-speed rotation, Manda's weak spots in its scales couldn't withstand the impact.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"Can it even shatter Manda's scales?"
"This is definitely not a simple Water Fang Bullet Jutsu!"
"So, that Zanpakuto even enhances the power of Water Release Ninjutsu?"
"Unlike the previous Water Dragon Bullet, which was intentionally not enhanced..."
"A completely pointless concealment."
Orochimaru shook his head.
"Fuguki, such a Zanpakuto in your hands is a complete waste."
Manda was furious.
"Seeking death!"
As Manda's enormous form pressed heavily onto the ground, the earth trembled. And then, suddenly, Fuguki felt an unusual sensation beneath his feet. He quickly dodged aside and saw a sharp object thrusting out from underground, gleaming with a chilling light.
It was Manda's tail.
A miss with the first strike was followed by another. Just as Fuguki's feet touched the ground, he saw a red forked tongue coming towards him.
At that moment, Fuguki had no way to dodge and could only use Water Dragon Possession to block in front of him.
"Bang!"
The immense force struck Fuguki. However, at the same time, Manda's tongue also felt the pain and quickly withdrew.
Orochimaru saw Manda injured but wasn't concerned at all. With Manda's size, such injuries were like a human being bitten by a mosquito, having little impact.
"Only Fuguki alone can't hold off Manda."
"As for Yagura..."
Suddenly, Orochimaru felt something amiss with Yagura beside Fuguki.
"Water Clone?"
"Where is Yagura's real body?"
Just then,
"Water Release: Water Mirror Jutsu!"
Yagura felt Chakra rapidly draining from his body.
In the next moment, a mirror appeared.
Orochimaru's figure was reflected in the mirror.
Then, an identical figure to Orochimaru emerged from the mirror.
"Finally, found an opportunity!"
Yagura sighed in relief seeing the successful Water Mirror Jutsu.
"This time, there are no Hyuga Ninja by your side, Orochimaru."
No Hyuga Ninja nearby, that's one thing.
More importantly, Orochimaru's attention was drawn to Fuguki. Precisely, to the Water Dragon Possession in Fuguki's hand.
The passion for research is both Orochimaru's strength and weakness, allowing him to achieve so much and truly earn the title of the ninja world's great scientist. Yet, at the same time, it's also a flaw.
In battle, seeing the capabilities of Water Dragon Possession made him unable to resist thoughts of research. Hence, it gave Yagura this opportunity. Not noticing Yagura's covert use of Water Clone Jutsu, a flaw was exposed.
When Water Mirror Jutsu was successfully used against Orochimaru, it meant that regardless of what Ninjutsu or moves Orochimaru used thereafter, the replicas created by Water Mirror Jutsu would respond in the same way. Orochimaru would be firmly restrained. Meanwhile, Yagura could join Fuguki in facing Manda. Orochimaru furrowed his brow. "It's because I haven't engaged in intense combat for too long, always taking on leadership roles. Suddenly, I feel somewhat unaccustomed, leading to such a glaring mistake."
"This is my fault. But do you two think you can defeat Manda? You two aren't enough!"
Fuguki, who was knocked back, landed heavily on the ground.
As Manda prepared to attack Fuguki again, Yagura's support couldn't arrive in time.
"Fuguki!"
Yagura shouted in concern.
Suddenly, a figure appeared, standing in front of Fuguki.
"If the two of them aren't enough, then how about adding me to the mix?"
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