Did Orochimaru just use a genjutsu?
No, not exactly.
It was impossible to cast an illusion from that distance. Genjutsu isn't some invincible technique that ignores distance or movement.
The ability Orochimaru used was indeed a unique Mangekyo technique—"Space Confinement," a different ability from any in his memory.
Of course, it sounds powerful, but there are quite a few limitations.
The range is limited to a hundred meters, with an area of effect only five meters in radius, and the confinement lasts for just five seconds. The strength of the confinement also varies depending on the charge-up time.
Using it immediately upon activation merely slows down the target. To completely immobilize someone, Orochimaru found he needed about a minute to charge it, similar to the preparation time for Itachi's Amaterasu or Kakashi's Kamui.
However, Orochimaru believed that as his mental strength grew, the preparation time would decrease.
Once released after a full charge, the space within a five-meter radius of his target would freeze entirely. Only Orochimaru and those he physically touched would be able to move freely within it.
This was a control-type ability. Even a high-level ninja would be unable to break free if captured. Five seconds of immobilization is enough for a decisive strike in a one-on-one battle, making it nearly unbeatable if used correctly.
As for why Orochimaru awakened a space-based ability… he couldn't quite explain it.
He only knew that both his eyes' Mangekyo abilities belonged to the space-manipulation category, though with somewhat average effects.
One eye could confine space, while the other could tear it apart.
"Space Confinement" functioned as described, while "Space Tearing" was similar to Obito's Kamui. Each user had their own unique spatial dimension, and the effect was likewise an attack.
Instead of warping targets to another dimension, Orochimaru's technique would tear them apart directly within his space.
If you asked Orochimaru which Uchiha had the best Mangekyo ability, he would say without hesitation that it was Obito.
Five minutes of intangibility, the ability to phase through walls and people, plus pulling others into his dimension? The combination of offensive and defensive abilities was unmatched.
It was definitely more versatile than his own powers.
But as someone who had lived two lives, Orochimaru didn't get hung up on his eye abilities. In the grand scheme of things, these techniques wouldn't be the ultimate power he sought.
For a true evolution, he knew that the Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan was the true pinnacle. The Mangekyo Sharingan was merely a stepping stone…
"These wings…"
Orochimaru examined the metal wings Nawaki had removed from the fallen Kong ninja, nodding to himself.
"Injecting chakra into the wings to create a pressure differential for lift and flight? Hmm, interesting. This could be worth researching."
As he spoke, Orochimaru took out a blank scroll and sealed the wings within it.
After all, the ability to fly was a significant tactical advantage in this world. In his memory, only a select few had this skill, aside from those granted Six Paths powers later on.
Individuals like Deidara, Onoki, and Sai.
Flying allowed for greater control over the battlefield, and provided a considerable edge during combat.
Just like those Sky ninjas, despite being fewer in number, they inflicted heavy damage on Konoha's forces without Konoha even touching them.
So Orochimaru decided he, too, needed to develop a way to fly.
"Oh no, the enemy's coming again!"
A sudden shout snapped everyone to attention. The Konoha ninjas quickly tensed, their gazes following the direction of the voice.
Orochimaru looked up to see more Sky ninja approaching from the sky in the distance, their metal wings glinting as they formed a dense swarm, almost like a dark cloud.
The Konoha ninjas scrambled for cover, readying themselves for another assault.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"Nawaki, find somewhere to hide."
"But, sensei, I want to fight too!"
"Fight?" Orochimaru shot back, "All your enemies are airborne. Without the right tools, what exactly are you planning to do?"
"Uh…"
"Just do as I say and get to cover!"
"Understood…" Nawaki responded, albeit reluctantly.
---
Shadow Imitation Technique!
A black shadow extended out, quickly latching onto an airborne ninja.
The Sky ninja was caught off guard, completely immobilized, and swiftly taken down.
With the Sky ninja launching another air raid, the Nara clan's unique abilities shone on the battlefield.
Their high intelligence and shadow manipulation skills allowed them to target the Sky ninja's shadows mid-flight.
No matter how high they flew, they still cast shadows on the ground. This meant the Nara clan could bind them and take them down with ease.
Seeing the Nara clan's success, the other Konoha ninjas steadied themselves, coordinating their efforts with the shadow-users to eliminate the enemy.
Just then… Boom!
A loud explosion drew everyone's attention.
One Sky ninja was blasted out of the sky before he could react.
Looking over, the Konoha shinobi saw Hizashi Hyuga holding a rocket launcher on his shoulder.
The sight of this weapon brought a surge of excitement among the Konoha forces.
Many had almost forgotten that Orochimaru was in their ranks.
And Orochimaru was well-versed in these kinds of advanced tools.
Hizashi himself was momentarily stunned.
"Orochimaru-sama, can this… track targets on its own?"
He could hardly believe it.
The enemy had been flying so fast, yet it seemed that the missile's speed didn't matter once aimed, the target was guaranteed to be hit.
"Of course. I installed a heat-seeking tracker on the front of the launcher."
"A… heat-seeking tracker?"
At thirteen years old, Hizashi didn't quite understand the technical term.
"Doesn't matter," Orochimaru continued briskly. "Just know that we only have two launchers and thirty rockets, so don't waste them. Originally, I reserved them for an ambush on the enemy camp, but given the situation, we're using them now…"
With that, Orochimaru moved quickly to where another downed Sky ninja lay, picking up the enemy's weapon.
Examining it for a moment, he smirked, casually loading the magazine.
"A mini-machine gun? Haha, interesting!"