Chapter 176: Instant Defeat
Staring into Baishi's calm, unwavering gaze, Orochimaru abandoned the idea of questioning how Baishi had discovered his fusion with Hashirama's cells. Instead, he asked, "Why have you sought me out this time?"
Baishi withdrew his gaze, but instead of answering directly, he countered with a question: "Do you have Jugo with you?"
"Jugo?"
Hearing the name, Orochimaru's expression flickered with surprise. His mind raced, piecing together Baishi's possible intentions.
Why is he asking about Jugo? What could Jugo possess that interests him? And how did he even know about Jugo?
As his thoughts churned, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with understanding, and he blurted out, "You're trying to learn Sage Mode, aren't you?"
Besides Sage Transformation, Orochimaru couldn't think of any other reason why Baishi would care about Jugo. After all, Jugo's unique abilities were closely tied to natural energy and Sage Mode.
The more Orochimaru considered it, the more confident he became in his deduction. Although he couldn't fathom how Baishi had learned about Jugo, his instincts told him that Sage Mode was the answer.
Sure enough, Baishi replied bluntly, "Yes. I want to know the location of Jugo's village."
Baishi made no effort to hide his intentions. With someone like Orochimaru, concealing the truth was pointless.
Besides, with his current strength, Baishi was confident he could force the information out of Orochimaru if necessary.
"Heh, just the location and not the person? You're as confident as ever," Orochimaru chuckled, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.
But his tone shifted, tinged with regret. "Unfortunately, I've made certain agreements. I'm afraid I can't oblige you."
With that, Orochimaru's hands formed seals, and he slammed his palm onto the ground, summoning a coffin marked with the kanji for "Dark."
Baishi's eyes narrowed. He had anticipated that Orochimaru might use Edo Tensei, but based on his knowledge, Orochimaru should only have access to the Third Kazekage at this point.
"What does 'Dark' signify?"
Suddenly, a thought struck Baishi, and he muttered, "Could it be…"
Bang!
The coffin lid fell with a dull thud, revealing a figure who stepped out.
When the figure emerged fully, Baishi's expression turned somewhat peculiar. After a moment, he said dryly, "So, it's you… Danzo."
Indeed, the figure within the coffin was none other than Danzo.
Baishi hadn't expected to encounter the man again, especially in this state.
Still, it made sense. Among the experimental materials readily available to Orochimaru, Danzo and the Third Kazekage stood out as prime candidates. Orochimaru wouldn't let such valuable resources go to waste.
I wonder if Orochimaru has also revived the Third Kazekage. Will he bring him out later?
As Baishi pondered, Danzo finally oriented himself, taking in the surroundings.
His gaze quickly locked onto Baishi, and his teeth clenched in rage as he growled, "Baishi!"
Seeing Danzo's reaction, Baishi smirked. "Long time no see, Lord Danzo."
Hearing the mockery in Baishi's tone, Danzo didn't hesitate. He immediately formed seals and unleashed a flurry of sharp, blade-like wind currents—Wind Release: Vacuum Blades—with reckless abandon.
Danzo's chakra expenditure was extravagant, but for him, chakra was now an infinite resource.
As a revived Edo Tensei subject, Danzo possessed limitless chakra. The only limitation was how much he could output at any given moment, based on his capabilities in life.
Even so, this was a terrifying advantage.
When alive, a shinobi needed to manage their chakra reserves carefully, often holding back the full potential of their techniques.
In death, that restraint was gone. Theoretically, Danzo could now unleash more powerful attacks than he ever had in life.
But theory was one thing, reality another.
Despite months of refinement, Orochimaru's Edo Tensei could only extract around 50% of Danzo's full strength. The fact that Danzo hated Baishi with every fiber of his being was the only reason he could push his performance this high.
Watching the wind blades rushing toward him, Baishi stood his ground, allowing his chakra mantle to absorb the attacks.
Seeing this, Danzo sneered, "Let's see how long your chakra lasts."
Without pausing, he formed more seals and unleashed Wind Release: Vacuum Waves, sending dozens of slicing currents toward Baishi.
This time, Baishi moved.
With a powerful step, he shot forward like a cannonball, charging through Danzo's wind techniques and closing the distance in an instant.
With a single motion, Baishi's fist rocketed toward Danzo's chest.
"Perfect!"
Danzo's eyes flashed with cold light as he prepared to counterattack.
Thanks to his undead body, Danzo was fearless in close combat. Unlike ranged exchanges, where he could only deplete Baishi's chakra, melee combat offered the chance to breach his defenses. Even if it meant trading blows, Danzo believed it would be worth it.
But Baishi wasn't naïve. He knew all too well that Edo Tensei subjects were effectively immortal. There was no point in engaging Danzo in a prolonged battle of attrition.
His true goal was sealing.
Just as his fist neared Danzo, Baishi's left hand flew through seals, and his right fist transformed into an open palm.
Effortlessly, he pressed his palm against Danzo's chest.
Meanwhile, his chakra mantle intercepted Danzo's counterattack.
Baishi smiled faintly and said, "Mental Sealing Technique."
In an instant, intricate sealing patterns radiated from Baishi's palm, spreading across Danzo's body and freezing him in place.
Given that he was dealing with Orochimaru, Baishi had come prepared.
Previously, when planting Seeds of Spirit, Baishi had needed to subdue his target's spirit first. With a few modifications, this process evolved into the Mental Sealing Technique.
This technique was originally intended for the Third Kazekage, but it ended up being used on Danzo instead.
From the moment Danzo emerged to the moment he was sealed, less than a minute had passed.
Orochimaru, who had been observing quietly, couldn't help but scowl.
He had hoped to use Baishi as a test for Edo Tensei's effectiveness, but it was over almost as soon as it began.
Pulling his hand back, Baishi turned to Orochimaru with a smile.
"Well, I've dealt with your 'agreement partner.' Can you answer my question now?"
From the moment Danzo was summoned, Baishi had guessed who Orochimaru's so-called "partner" was.
It was clear that Orochimaru had struck a deal with Danzo to secure his cooperation for experimentation.
Orochimaru's expression turned icy. He wasn't one to take threats lightly.
Raising his hand, Orochimaru summoned several venomous snakes, sending them slithering toward Baishi.
(Chapter End)
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