"This scroll contains all the information on the Chimera Technique, but the latter half is sealed." "The seal will be released once you help
"This scroll contains all the information on the Chimera Technique, but the latter half is sealed."
"The seal will be released once you help me successfully capture a Kekkei Genkai user," Hiruko stated gravely.
"Of course, if you dare to try any tricks, the scroll will self-destruct, and our deal is off."
Orochimaru chuckled at Hiruko's aggressive tone, pocketing the scroll without examination.
"I enjoy working with ambitious individuals like yourself."
"Let's go. I wonder if that brat is still pursuing us. We should leave immediately."
The memory of Uchiha Kai effortlessly defeating even Madara Uchiha with pure taijutsu still weighed heavily on Orochimaru's mind.
Especially Kai's final mention of a gate beyond the Seventh Gate of the Eight Gates Formation.
Facing such a formidable opponent, Orochimaru's only path to security lay in enhancing his own immortality and regenerative abilities.
He needed multiple escape routes; at least ten to feel even remotely secure.
"Good. Now that the deal is sealed, let's depart immediately. Once I capture this target, I'll possess four Kekkei Genkai, drastically increasing my power," Hiruko declared, clenching his fist.
"One more target, and I'll achieve true immortality!"
Hiruko's boastful words faded, leaving Orochimaru to watch with an amused expression as Hiruko impatiently led the way.
Hiruko's excessive boasting wasn't entirely unexpected. It was akin to those wealthy classmates in school who constantly flaunted their wealth; now, having achieved some success, they couldn't resist showcasing their accomplishments at any opportunity.
Minutes after their departure, two figures emerged from the forest, landing directly within the ruins of the battle between the two-headed serpent and Orochimaru.
"Boss, as you predicted, they've met," Kimimaro said calmly after a cursory survey of the area. "Should we accelerate our pursuit?"
Kai didn't deny Kimimaro's assessment; he had already detected Orochimaru and Hiruko's chakra signatures from several kilometers away.
His next objective was to confirm something else.
"Not yet. We'll be the mantis stalking the cicada, the oriole watching the mantis. Let's see their expressions when they realize they have a tail," Kai said, smiling and patting Kimimaro's shoulder before swiftly following.
Half an hour later, more than twenty kilometers away, Orochimaru and Hiruko, maintaining a safe distance, had reached the waterfall's entrance.
The crashing waves created a deafening roar, like the rhythmic pounding of war drums.
The ubiquitous spray of water added a misty, ethereal quality to the surroundings, transforming the landscape into something akin to a fairyland.
"The target is just ahead. Orochimaru, I expect you to pull your weight this time!" Hiruko warned sternly.
"Hehe, your caution isn't exactly my style, but rest assured, I, Orochimaru, will absolutely uphold my end of the bargain…" Orochimaru replied with a playful chuckle.
However, that smile vanished instantly as a sudden chill ran down his spine.
Without a moment's hesitation, the sharp sounds of projectiles piercing the air echoed from all directions.
Splat!
Countless dark shadows rained down from the forest, hidden within the mist, making them nearly impossible to detect.
They launched their attack from a distance of twenty to thirty meters, completely surprising Orochimaru and Hiruko.
Despite the unexpected assault, Orochimaru and Hiruko reacted almost instantaneously.
"Steel Release: Steel Hardening!"
Hiruko formed a hand seal, and a metallic sheen quickly enveloped his body.
The shuriken, senbon, and kunai striking him only produced a series of metallic impacts.
Orochimaru's response was far more direct. His body disintegrated into hundreds of snakes, spreading rapidly across the ground.
The hidden figures' faces paled. A gruff, aged voice echoed.
"Careful! I'll provide cover!"
As the voice fell, the scattered projectiles were instantly drawn together by specialized steel wires, forming a tight cocoon around Hiruko.
A series of clicking sounds, the distinct mechanism of a puppet's joints, emanated from the ground beneath them.
Numerous arms, resembling chains, quickly wrapped around Hiruko's limbs.
Seeing their attack unfolding as planned, a figure, swift and silent as a phantom, emerged from behind the trees.
She appeared before Hiruko.
"Scorch Release: Great Steaming Explosive Blast!"
A familiar, sharp cry rang out.
Two slender hands outstretched, crimson chakra coalesced, rapidly forming a massive fireball.
Without any wasted motion, under Pakura's precise control, the fireball hurtled towards Hiruko.
BOOM!
The intense heat of the explosion was further amplified by the Scorch Release.
The immense force of the blast sent Pakura reeling backward, while simultaneously shattering dozens of trees within a radius of tens of meters.
The ground itself was blasted into a blackened crater.
Pakura, far from showing satisfaction, furrowed her brow, her expression shifting drastically.
"Ebizō, get out of here!"
Her urgent shout startled the hidden Ebizō.
He instantly felt a chilling wind at his back, the palpable presence of death washing over him.
The sudden sensation of impending doom left Ebizō no time to react.
He dodged, his fingers flying as he formed hand seals.
From the ground behind him, Orochimaru emerged, his head resembling a white snake, its gaping maw aimed directly at Ebizō's throat.
At such close range, facing Orochimaru's ceaseless stream of unpredictable techniques, the swift, venomous strike landed squarely on Ebizō's throat.
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