The battlefield grew eerily tense as Orochimaru's transformation revealed an unsettling, unfamiliar visage. The watching ninjas felt an involuntary chill at the sight of the woman-like face now claiming to be Orochimaru.
"What's going on?" one ANBU murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Is this still Orochimaru? What is that technique?" another asked, fear etched into their tone.
Despite their confusion, the atmosphere thickened with dread. Orochimaru's serpentine eyes gleamed with malice, and his unsettling laughter echoed across the field.
Satoru, preoccupied with his ongoing battle against Tobirama, barely spared a glance at Orochimaru's theatrics. His focus remained sharp, his six eyes scanning the battlefield for any clue about the unnerving malice directed at him moments ago.
"Who the hell has it out for me this much?" he wondered, dodging another precise swing from Tobirama's katana. The blade narrowly missed his white hair, and he winced at the close call. "I'd rather not get scalped today."
For a brief moment, Satoru activated his teleportation skill, vanishing and reappearing a safe distance away. His pale blue eyes flickered toward the perimeter, attempting to locate the source of the malicious intent. "No point overthinking it now. Whoever it is will slip up eventually."
Back near the barrier, Orochimaru's twisted grin widened as he turned his attention back to Sarutobi.
"Do you understand now, Sensei?" Orochimaru's voice slithered through the tension. "This is the power of my immortality—a body that can be discarded and replaced as needed. I've transcended mortality."
Sarutobi's expression hardened. "You've become a monster, Orochimaru. This isn't immortality—it's a mockery of life itself."
Orochimaru let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as though disappointed. "Always so sentimental, Sensei. You cling to outdated ideals while your body withers and crumbles. My methods are simply... practical."
Sarutobi's eyes flickered to Satoru, who was still holding his own against Tobirama. "So that's why he's here…" The realization struck like a lightning bolt. "Orochimaru sees him as a potential vessel, just like Sasuke."
Orochimaru caught the direction of Sarutobi's gaze, and his serpentine grin grew wider. "Ah, you've figured it out. Yes, Sensei, Satoru is exceptional—more so than I anticipated. I can't let such brilliance go to waste."
The words made Satoru's eye twitch. "Can we not make this about me?" he muttered under his breath, evading another water attack from Tobirama.
Orochimaru continued, unbothered by Satoru's dismissiveness. "I was drawn to Sasuke for his Sharingan, but now I've seen what Satoru is capable of." His voice lowered, almost reverent. "He may be the key to unlocking truths even I can't yet grasp."
Sarutobi's jaw tightened. "You would sacrifice anyone for your selfish ambitions."
"Sacrifice?" Orochimaru scoffed. "They should consider it an honor to become a part of my legacy."
Meanwhile, Tobirama's relentless attacks pushed Satoru to his limits. Even with his teleportation and keen observational skills, the Second Hokage's mastery over time-space ninjutsu left little room for error.
"I need to change the pace," Satoru thought, his mind racing. He tossed a cluster of kunai in various directions, teleporting between them to confuse Tobirama. In the split second of disorientation, Satoru struck, forcing Tobirama to retreat momentarily.
Panting slightly, Satoru muttered, "You'd think being dead would slow him down."
On the other side, Hashirama's Wood Release erupted once again, creating a massive cage that ensnared Sarutobi before he could react. Thick roots wrapped around his body, tightening their grip.
Orochimaru's triumphant laughter filled the air. "It's over, Sensei. You've always been too naïve, too sentimental. Now you'll die as you lived—burdened by your failures."
The Konoha ninjas watching from outside the barrier cried out in desperation.
"Hokage-sama, don't give up!"
"Konoha needs you!"
Their voices, though well-meaning, grated on Satoru's nerves. "Great pep talk, guys," he muttered sarcastically. "Very inspiring."
Satoru's eyes flicked toward Sarutobi, his pale gaze narrowing. "As much as I hate the guy, I can't let Orochimaru win."
He reached into his pouch, pulling out another marked kunai. His hand paused for a moment, gripping it tightly as he made his decision.
"If I don't step in now, this'll end before I get the answers I came for."
With a sharp breath, Satoru teleported across the battlefield, reappearing beside the entangled Sarutobi. In one swift motion, he slashed at the binding roots with a kunai imbued with his chakra, severing them enough for the Hokage to break free.
Sarutobi stared at Satoru in surprise. "Why are you—"
"Don't read too much into it," Satoru interrupted, his voice curt. "I'm not saving you. I just don't want this snake to win."
Orochimaru's amused laugh echoed once more. "How noble. But Satoru, do you truly think you can outlast me?"
Satoru shot him a sharp glare, his lips curling into a smirk. "I don't need to outlast you, Orochimaru. I just need to ruin your plans."
As the battle raged on, Satoru's presence shifted the dynamic. His calm yet resolute demeanor injected a new tension into the battlefield. Orochimaru's twisted ambitions clashed with Satoru's unpredictable defiance, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance.