A had always been known for his bad temper, and even after seeing Orochimaru's Susanoo, the thought of retreating never crossed his mind.
In his eyes, with his speed and strength, not even the Susanoo should pose a challenge.
As for Orochimaru's Flying Thunder God? Once he understood how the technique worked, he was confident he could counter it.
However, what A couldn't have anticipated was Orochimaru's Mangekyō ability: Space confinement.
Originally requiring a full minute to activate, the technique's preparation time had been reduced to just twenty seconds thanks to Orochimaru's incorporation of the genes of Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Obito.
Additionally, the confinement range had been expanded from a mere five meters to an impressive fifteen meters.
As soon as Orochimaru noticed A entering the battle, he immediately began preparing to use this eye technique.
He knew that while the Flying Thunder God was incredibly fast, it would be insufficient to overcome A's Lightning Release Armor.
After all, the Lightning Armor had previously withstood devastating attacks like the Rasenshuriken, and even the piercing thrust of Chidori failed to penetrate it.
Relying solely on the Flying Thunder God wouldn't work. Breaking through such formidable defense required something far stronger—something only his ocular power could provide.
This is why Orochimaru activated his space confinement technique. The moment A launched his powerful strike, Orochimaru used the confined space to counter and land a direct punch.
After ten seconds of preparation, the technique reduced the A's speed by at least 50%.
And with that opening, missing his target was no longer an option.
When the strike landed, Orochimaru followed up with a rocket blast, ensuring his attack hit with devastating precision.
The clash between Orochimaru and A just moments ago was nothing short of a Kage-level battle.
It was a display of overwhelming destructive power and unimaginable speed.
Ordinary ninjas couldn't hope to intervene in such a fight.
Since their initial ambush had failed, the Kumo ninjas could do nothing now but watch as the battle unfolded.
But if A's display could be considered Kage-level, then Orochimaru's performance had already surpassed that, he was undeniably fighting at the Super-Kage level.
From start to finish, he maintained complete control of the battlefield.
The massive explosion that followed the rocket attack shook the earth, leaving the battlefield utterly devastated.
Dozens of meters around the impact site had been reduced to rubble.
Within the ruins, two figures stood amidst the debris—one larger, one smaller—both shrouded in the crackling glow of Lightning Release Chakra Armor.
The Third Raikage stood at the forefront, his expression grave, while A stood behind him, his breathing labored.
Though incredibly strong, it was clear A was still inexperienced and not yet at his peak.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, taking in the scene. "The defense of that Lightning Armor… it's ridiculously strong. It can't even be pierced by this?"
Meanwhile, the Third Raikage's eyes locked on Orochimaru, his voice heavy with tension.
"Tsuchikage… Suna ninja… are you really just going to stand there and watch?"
The Third Raikage's words carried weight. While he despised the idea of ganging up on a single opponent, it was clear Orochimaru's abilities were far beyond what he had anticipated.
This wasn't a battle that could be won half-heartedly.
And besides, their alliance with the other villages wasn't built on trust. What if the other two Kage stood back and let the Raikage fight to the death, only to reap the rewards afterward?
Unwilling to take that risk, he chose to drag the others into the fray.
Hearing the Third Raikage's call, Orochimaru smiled coldly, dismissing his Susanoo.
"Well then, all of you can come at me together. I don't have the time to waste."
"Boy, I admit your strength is impressive," the Third Raikage growled, "but arrogance will get you nowhere."
"Arrogance?" Orochimaru smirked mockingly. "You sent so many people to ambush me, and now you're lecturing me? Three great ninja villages teaming up to take down just one man? Truly commendable."
"We had no choice but to do this," Onoki said calmly as he floated closer. "If you want someone to blame, blame your own village for failing to protect you. Your death was inevitable."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with amusement at the Tsuchikage's words.
Indeed, Orochimaru was a prodigy. Every village would have loved to claim such a talent for themselves.
But when a genius like him emerged in someone else's village, the only solution was destruction. If they couldn't have him, no one could.
"What a warm welcome," Orochimaru sneered.
His gaze swept over the four individuals now surrounding him in a triangular formation.
"So, the Third Tsuchikage? The Third Raikage? And… the one over there is Rasa from the Sand Village?"
Hearing his name, the young Rasa, who had just arrived, froze in shock.
At only nineteen years old, Rasa wasn't yet the Kazekage. He was just an ambitious young ninja with modest Kage-level strength.
In terms of power, he couldn't compare to Orochimaru.
Even their Magnet Release abilities weren't on the same level.
And when it came to reputation, he wasn't even in the same league.
So, hearing someone like Orochimaru call out his name left him utterly stunned.
"You… you know me?" Rasa asked, clearly surprised.
Orochimaru's lips curled into a smile. "I've heard your name once or twice."
"I'm… honored."
"Honored, are you?" Orochimaru's tone turned mocking. "Well, I suppose I should feel honored as well. To think it would take the combined forces of the three great ninja villages to deal with me… Truly flattering."
Being surrounded by so many powerful figures, Orochimaru couldn't help but mock the situation.
Such treatment was rare, usually reserved for legends like Uchiha Madara during the Fourth Ninja War.
Orochimaru's words made Onoki and the Third Raikage flush with embarrassment.
They were seasoned veterans, long-established as Kage. Yet here they were, forced to gang up on Orochimaru.
But given Orochimaru's earlier display of strength, there was no other choice.
Just as Onoki opened his mouth to speak, Orochimaru interrupted him.
"Do you really think that just because you've joined forces, you can kill me?"
"...What?" Onoki's expression hardened. "Do you think you can survive against all of us? Even with your teleportation technique—"
"Joined forces?" Orochimaru interrupted, his tone dripping with disdain. "Do you really believe your so-called alliance will hold? Let me remind you… when it comes to numbers, I've always held the advantage."
The moment he finished speaking, a sharp cracking sound echoed from behind him.
Orochimaru's back split open, and moments later, five identical clones emerged.
"What the—?!"
Before Onoki and the Third Raikage could process what was happening, the five Orochimaru clones had already scattered, positioning themselves to face each of the Kage individually.
White chakra flared as the clones summoned Susanoo.
Bones, meridians, armor, and even legs materialized, forming five fully-armored Susanoo warriors.
Each Susanoo carried a rocket launcher, their towering forms radiating overwhelming power.
"In this scenario," Orochimaru said with a smirk, "it looks like I have the numbers advantage."
"Wood Release clones?" Onoki gasped. "Does he know how to use Wood Release too?!"
***
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