Just as Naruto prepared to charge through, Lu Mingze shook his head, looking like he couldn't stand to watch.
"Here, this is the first gift, just for you~"
Lu Mingze floated nearby like a ghost, speaking softly,
"Remember, this is called 'Word Soul.' Only dragons of noble bloodline can use it to communicate with elements and cast skills."
Facing the terrifying tide of snakes, Naruto took a deep breath and steadied himself.
His eyes burned bright golden, not showing any sign of fear.
Instead, they filled with fierce rage.
He slowly opened his mouth, and ancient, solemn dragon runes echoed through the forest.
"Word Soul: King's Blaze!"
A visible burst of wild flames suddenly erupted right in the middle of the snake swarm!
Boom!
The scorching fire, filled with intense heat, turned tens of thousands of snakes into ashes.
The terrifying heatwave swept the fierce wind, igniting the surrounding forest within hundreds of meters.
The fire lit up the sky, visible to almost everyone in the forest.
"What is that?!"
Orochimaru had already moved aside using Earth Release.
But now, looking into Naruto's eyes, he was filled with hunger for knowledge:
"That writing didn't even need hand signs but released such a powerful fire jutsu—it's unbelievable! What kind of power is this?!"
Unfortunately, Naruto had no interest in talking.
He stepped forward again.
The ground within several meters cracked violently under the overwhelming force, forming a huge pit several meters wide.
Dust and air pressure shot up like pillars.
With downward pressure pushing him, Naruto's speed surged drastically.
He broke the sound barrier, smashing through layers of airwaves.
So fast!
Orochimaru couldn't react in time before Naruto was right in front of him.
Suddenly, Naruto clenched his fingers tightly, and the air was crushed by his immense power.
A piercing explosion filled the ears, nearly tearing Orochimaru's eardrums.
The next moment, Naruto's charged fist smashed straight toward Orochimaru's face!
A terrifying aura of death hit him head-on!
He was going to die!
After being promoted to the Sequence 5 Polymath, Orochimaru's ability to sense danger had far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Naruto gathered his strength and threw a punch, and from it, Orochimaru felt a strong aura of death. Without a doubt, if that punch landed, even if he didn't die, he would lose at least half his life!
Orochimaru used the substitution jutsu!
Just as the fist was about to strike, Orochimaru's back was suddenly torn open, and a figure quickly slipped out.
Boom!!!
Immediately, a terrifying gale storm violently exploded in midair!
Visible to the naked eye, thick tree trunks, along with everything in a few hundred meters behind, were all swept away by that punch.
Dust and stones flew everywhere, and the overwhelming force even carved a clear trench into the ground!
"Such incredible power… is that the Nine-Tails?"
Orochimaru narrowly escaped death, but his mind remained calm as he examined the damage caused by the strike. His brow furrowed.
"No, there's no sign of Nine-Tails chakra. This has to be pure physical strength. Without chakra amplification, how is this possible?"
This was the strangest thing for him.
On Naruto, he could not sense any chakra at all. It was as if it was just pure physical power.
"No, that's not right… it's those eyes!" He narrowed his eyes and licked his lips, his pupils showing a hint of desire.
"Yes, it's a brand-new power, not belonging to the 'Ninshu' founded by the Six Paths, a completely different path from everyone else!"
Interesting. It seemed that today's biggest surprise was this "child"!
"Bastard, don't run!"
Naruto charged again like a cannonball, dragging a wild shockwave behind him.
But with experience from the previous two attacks, Orochimaru remained calm, letting the punch go through his body, feeling the power, then transforming into a cloud of white smoke.
"Damn, a shadow clone?!" Naruto's eyes widened.
Suddenly, Orochimaru appeared and spoke in a strict and solemn tone, "Close in!"
At the next moment, several runes appeared around Naruto's body, and the gravity in the area suddenly increased sharply, pressing down on him until he had to kneel on one knee.
A Polymath could master many mysterious techniques. Especially within the Twilight Hermit Order, Orochimaru was able to borrow and learn from others' strengths.
This move was his imitation of the "Justiciar" path's ability, crafted by observing and copying it.
But before Orochimaru could even smile, Naruto, like a wild beast, veins bulging on his forehead, broke free from the "tightly sealed" restraint.
"So, you really can't control me at this level?"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Naruto charging at him, a faint smirk curling on his lips: "Refraction Jump!"
Whoosh!
Naruto lunged again but missed.
The opponent was like a ghost, using his abilities to teleport back and forth in the vast space.
"Damn, I can't catch him!"
Naruto chased with all his might, like a kindergartener swinging a thick wooden stick.
Yeah, he had immense power now, but he just couldn't catch Orochimaru, never landing a hit. After several attempts, his frustration grew.
"Heh, winning a fight isn't only about strength."
Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes burning with desire, calmly said: "Your power probably won't last long, right? I'm curious what happens when you run out."
The huge gap in experience meant Naruto had great strength but couldn't land a decisive blow.
"Devil, come out already!" Naruto was desperate, trying to call Lu Mingze.
"My dear customer~ How can I assist you?" Lu Mingze appeared, wearing a flattering smile, his eyes curved like crescent moons.
"I need more power. I can't catch him!"
Naruto panted, sensing his strength was fading.
If he didn't defeat that guy before his power drained completely, wouldn't a quarter of his soul be wasted?!
Slap!
Lu Mingze snapped his fingers and smiled.
"Now, it's ready."
In an instant, Naruto felt as if something new had awakened deep within his mind. His eyes regained their firm resolve.
"Hmm?"
The boy, who had been panicked moments ago, suddenly calmed down. This strange and sudden change immediately put Orochimaru on high alert.
Naruto took a deep breath, his blazing golden eyes locking onto Orochimaru. Then, quietly but firmly, he chanted,
"Word Soul · Moment. 128x speed!"
His soul let out a roar like a dragon breaking free. In that moment, Naruto shattered the sound barrier, pushing his speed even higher.
Time seemed to freeze around them — even the falling leaves hung suspended in the air.
A visible sonic boom rippled out, sweeping dozens of meters in all directions.
The vibrating air clenched tightly in Naruto's fist resembled a fiery meteor dragging flames as it pierced straight through Orochimaru's body.
Orochimaru, caught off guard, didn't even react in time.
"So fast," he thought, a hint of regret flashing through his mind.
He couldn't make sense of what had just happened, only that his senses were screaming a warning.
Then the piercing blow struck, and if not for the huge blood hole, he might never have noticed.
Naruto, having used all his strength in the attack, fell to the ground, rolling over.
"Heh, interesting," Orochimaru said with a grin, showing no concern for his wound as he stared at Naruto with keen interest.
Now, he was certain — the power the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had just unleashed didn't belong to this world's power system.
"In that case," Orochimaru said, forming a seal, "you're the one I've chosen."
His neck suddenly stretched as he bit Naruto's shoulder gently and whispered, "One day, when you want to uncover why your parents disappeared, come find me. Remember my name — Orochimaru."
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