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Kirito delivered two powerful kicks, sending Orochimaru and Uchiha Obito flying.
The entire battlefield fell into an eerie silence.
What had just happened? Orochimaru and Obito—two Kage-level shinobi renowned for their strength—were effortlessly taken down by Kirito moments after the fight began?
As the onlookers grappled with shock, the ruins of the destroyed houses began to tremble.
From beneath a pile of debris, Orochimaru slowly emerged, brushing dirt off his tattered robes. Meanwhile, in another direction, a dark hand clawed its way out of the rubble.
**Crash!**
The wreckage exploded outward, and Obito stood once more, his figure battered. Dust clung to his cloak, which was riddled with tears and holes, while the mask on his face had been fractured, revealing part of his identity.
**Crack!**
The mask finally shattered, exposing Obito's face to everyone. His expression was grim, his fiery red Sharingan burning with rage.
Obito clenched his fists, anger coursing through him like a raging torrent. He had underestimated Kirito. His opponent's previous strike wasn't just random—it was as if Kirito had anticipated his movement through the Kamui dimension, perfectly countering his escape.
"Who *is* this Kirito?" Obito muttered internally, his eyes narrowing. "How could someone this strong have remained unknown in the ninja world?"
Obito's thoughts darkened. His identity as Uchiha Madara had been exposed, and his carefully laid plans were now unraveling. The presence of this mysterious warrior was disrupting everything—the Moon Eye Plan, his control over the Akatsuki, even his own sense of invulnerability.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru observed the unfolding scene with calculating eyes. Dust and debris clung to his disheveled hair, and a rare flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. His confidence had been shaken—Kirito's strength far exceeded his expectations.
At first, Orochimaru believed Obito's guise as Uchiha Madara would ensure victory. Yet, the man who claimed to be Madara had been swiftly overwhelmed. Worse still, Kirito had exposed Obito's true identity before the entire battlefield.
"This Kirito… just how strong is he?" Orochimaru mused, his cold eyes narrowing. He began weighing his options. If Obito couldn't handle Kirito, retreat was the only logical choice. However, if Obito revealed a hidden ace, Orochimaru wouldn't hesitate to exploit the opportunity to crush Konoha.
The tension on the battlefield reached a boiling point.
Nearby, Naruto observed the standoff with wide eyes and a smug grin. "Look at that! These two guys are actually scared!"
The senior Konoha ninjas—Kurenai, Asuma, and Might Guy—paused their battles to watch the clash. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen allowed himself a moment of reprieve, his faith in Kirito's abilities growing stronger.
"If Kirito wins," Hiruzen thought, "the crisis in Konoha will be resolved. But if he loses..." His expression hardened at the thought of Konoha's potential downfall.
In the shadows, Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi watched the confrontation silently.
"Hah! That Kirito is strong!" Kisame chuckled, his sharp teeth glinting as he spoke. "Look at Obito's face—he looks like he's ready to explode!"
Itachi's expression remained impassive, though his sharp gaze betrayed his thoughts. "Don't underestimate Obito," he cautioned. "He's hidden his identity for years, even from us. A man like that has more than a few tricks up his sleeve."
Kisame shrugged, unconcerned. "Maybe. But if I were him, I'd think twice before going up against Kirito. This fight is just getting interesting."
Back on the battlefield, Obito crushed the broken remnants of his mask beneath his heel, his voice cold and filled with resolve.
"You shouldn't have interfered, Kirito. I'm not your enemy—I simply seek to create a new world. A better world. One filled with light and happiness, free from darkness and suffering."
Kirito said nothing. Instead, he smiled faintly, an air of calm defiance radiating from him.
Obito's Sharingan spun violently, transforming into the Mangekyō Sharingan. A wave of malevolent chakra burst forth from his body, gathering above him.
The energy began to take form—a massive, translucent blue warrior with armor and wings, wielding twin swords. The Susanoo towered over the battlefield like a god of war, its sheer presence striking fear into all who watched.
From the sidelines, Kakashi called out desperately. "Stop this, Obito! This is all my fault! If you need revenge, take it out on me—not the village!"
But Obito's voice roared with fury, cutting Kakashi off.
"Your death won't bring Rin back! It won't change this filthy, corrupt world!" Obito bellowed. "I'll create a new world, where Rin and everyone else can live in peace. And for that to happen, you and this entire village must be erased!"
The massive Susanoo raised its twin swords, ready to strike. Orochimaru, now trembling, took a step back, his instincts screaming at him to flee.
Kirito, unfazed, calmly drew a golden blade from his sheath. Its radiant light seemed to pierce the darkened battlefield.
"You can still walk away," Kirito said, his voice steady. "Leave now, and I won't have to kill you."
Obito snarled. "Shameless! Let's see if you can back up that arrogance!"
Kirito raised his blade, a faint smile on his lips. In an instant, the golden sword transformed, its edges cloaked in black, crackling with purple lightning and red energy. The immense pressure of his power caused Orochimaru and even Obito to falter.
The Susanoo charged forward, swinging its massive sword.
Kirito moved. With a single swing of his blade, a dark purple arc of energy shot through the air, colliding with the Susanoo.
**BOOM!**
The explosion rocked the battlefield, shaking the earth. When the dust settled, cracks spread across the Susanoo's armor like spiderwebs.
Everyone stared in stunned silence as the mighty warrior construct began to collapse.
Obito's expression turned from fury to disbelief. For the first time, he truly realized the magnitude of Kirito's strength.
The battlefield held its breath, awaiting the final outcome.