The Flying Thunder God Technique, a move once used by the Second Hokage to kill Uchiha Madara's younger brother, Uchiha Izuna.
Back then, the technique was still in its infancy. It lacked speed and fluidity, the movements far from seamless.
But now...
"So fast!"
"Be careful!"
"Tch! Don't underestimate us!"
*Clang!*
Metal clashed as two swords collided!
One was Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword, imbued with wind chakra, and the other was a finely crafted ninja blade infused with lightning chakra.
There was a clear disparity between the weapons, and the incompatible chakra properties only heightened the difference.
When the two blades met, the outcome was decided in an instant.
The Kumo ninja's eyes widened in disbelief, his expression frozen in shock.
Time seemed to slow as he stared at his shattered ninja blade and the scarlet glint of Orochimaru's eyes.
*Shhhk!*
The sharp edge of the Kusanagi Sword pierced through his chest like paper.
He couldn't even register the pain before Orochimaru vanished, leaving behind only the chill of death.
"So fast…"
The Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God had always been devastating, but it lacked follow-up. The technique wasn't fluid enough to chain attacks together.
But Orochimaru had perfected it. He not only improved the speed and continuity but also added his own overwhelming strength and the sharp precision of his Kusanagi Sword.
Earlier, over thirty kunai had scattered into the battlefield simultaneously.
And with the precision of Orochimaru's Sharingan?
Even without formal swordsmanship training, his sheer combat efficiency was terrifying!
Bodies fell as the light of his blade flashed across the field.
To the onlookers, Orochimaru was nothing more than a ghostly figure darting through the chaos.
Each time he appeared, another life was taken.
Most of the Kumo ninja didn't even catch a glimpse of him before they were struck down, stabbed through the heart, throat slit, or decapitated in a single clean strike.
Facing these enemies who sought his life, Orochimaru unleashed the violence in his heart without hesitation or mercy.
"Damn it! Is this really the Flying Thunder God Technique of the Second Hokage?!"
"Fall back!"
The Suna ninjas, having previously witnessed Orochimaru's fight with the Third Kazekage, were already somewhat familiar with his version of the technique.
They had shared this knowledge with the Kumo ninjas, but even so, only a handful had reacted in time just now.
"This technique… it's terrifying."
"What kind of speed is that?"
The Kumo ninja who had stepped into Orochimaru's kunai-covered zone were now nothing more than lifeless corpses, littering the ground in mere moments.
Above the valley, the ninja observing the battle all frowned deeply.
In the midst of the chaos, Orochimaru stood in the battlefield holding the blood-streaked Kusanagi Sword. His crimson eyes swept over the fallen bodies, a mocking smile tugging at his lips.
The remnants of his Sand Iron Boundary Technique hovered behind him, forming a circular shield that guarded his back.
Though many Kumo ninja remained at least fifty by a rough count they were hesitant now, unwilling to approach the range of Orochimaru's Flying Thunder God-marked kunai.
"Is he using those kunai to move at high speeds?"
"If we stay clear of the kunai, we won't be caught off guard!"
"That's right!"
"But... there are so many kunai. We can't even get close to him."
The Kumo ninja held their swords tightly, warily observing Orochimaru while trying to formulate a plan.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, showed no urgency. His golden pupils glimmered with amusement as he studied their hesitation.
The kunai scattered around him formed a network of marked points, with Orochimaru at the center, creating a 150-meter radius of danger.
If the Kumo ninja wanted to attack, they'd either have to strike from beyond that range or find a way to neutralize the marked kunai.
"I have an idea!" one Kumo ninja suddenly declared.
"Oh?"
The ninja gestured to his comrades, who immediately understood his intent.
"Let's work together and keep an eye on the location of those kunai!"
"Understood!"
The Kumo ninjas stepped forward again, blades in hand, moving with renewed determination.
Watching their movements, Orochimaru silently acknowledged their adaptability.
They had begun working in pairs, collecting his Flying Thunder God kunai as they advanced.
But the distance between the kunai wasn't small, and their caution slowed them down. Even if they managed to avoid his attacks, their approach would take too long to pose any real threat.
"It's inefficient," Orochimaru murmured, raising his hand.
With a flick of his wrist, he recalled all the marked kunai into the system storage space, erasing the network of danger that had surrounded him.
The Kumo ninja didn't hesitate. Seizing the opportunity, they charged toward Orochimaru!
Their swordsmanship was superb, and their speed was extraordinary.
But did they truly believe Orochimaru would abandon the Flying Thunder God Technique to engage them in pure swordplay?
He had no such intention.
"Got you!"
One Kumo ninja leapt into the air, bypassing the Sand Iron Shield, and swung his blade horizontally at Orochimaru's neck.
Orochimaru didn't flinch. His scarlet Sharingan flickered, tracking the trajectory of the blade.
He tilted his head slightly, effortlessly avoiding the strike.
In the same instant, he spun around, the Kusanagi Sword flashing as it struck.
*Shhhk!*
Blood sprayed.
Another Kumo ninja fell.
Orochimaru moved swiftly. The space around him warped as the Kusanagi Sword vanished from his grip.
With a swift kick to the fallen ninja's abdomen, Orochimaru propelled himself backward while simultaneously forming hand seals.
*Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!*
*Whoosh!*
A massive gust of wind roared forward with devastating force, its cutting edge sharp enough to shred anything in its path.
Fueled by an enormous amount of chakra, the technique's power reached an S-rank level.
"Damn it…"
"How is this possible…?"
Caught in the center of the storm, the Kumo ninja screamed in agony as they were torn apart.
Above the battlefield, everyone watching froze in shock.
"Doesn't this guy ever conserve chakra?"
"Every move is a big one…"
Orochimaru wasn't concerned about their remarks. As he forced back the enemies before him, his hands began forming seals for another attack.
But suddenly, his senses flared in alarm.
Instinctively, he turned to his right.
*Boom!*
A towering figure, wrapped in lightning, came crashing down from above.
"Damn brat! I'll be your opponent!"
*Lightning Release: Thunderclap Axe!*
*Bang!!*
The figure's descent mirrored the devastating power of Tsunade's Heavenly Foot of Pain, striking with thunderous force.
The ground shattered instantly, splitting apart as cracks raced outward in all directions. Rocks exploded into the air, and thick clouds of dust rose, obscuring everyone's vision.
"Is it over?"
***
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