Naruto held a trident-shaped kunai infused with Wind Release chakra, which significantly enhanced the kunai's cutting power and extended its effective range.
In Sasuke's eyes, three pitch-black tomoe rotated within his Sharingan, exuding an eerie presence. His right hand gripped the White Fang tanto tightly, with Lightning Release chakra gathering on its blade.
"It's impressive enough that you're young and already capable of manifesting Wind Release, and Sasuke, you've even awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan at this age—you two have truly surprised me greatly!"
Orochimaru couldn't quite hide his delight, his gaze on Sasuke growing greedier by the second. A twelve-year-old possessing the Three-Tomoe Sharingan was simply extraordinary—an unsurprising choice for Orochimaru's next vessel. Thinking about how soon this body would be his, Orochimaru stared at Sasuke as if he wanted to devour him entirely.
"Disgusting bastard—die!"
A chill ran down Sasuke's spine under Orochimaru's creepy stare. What was with those cannibalistic eyes? Indeed, just like Sakura had warned, Orochimaru must have been eyeing his body for himself—planning to take over his body and then go after Itachi? At that thought, murderous intent surged from Sasuke. His Brother was his alone—how dare an outsider desire him, let alone a creepy shemale like Orochimaru?
Determined to keep his Brother from falling into perverted hands, Sasuke's aura erupted violently. Stimulated by Lightning Release chakra, he slashed the tanto forward in a sudden, unannounced strike toward Orochimaru.
Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Four: Naruto's Blood, Sakura's Rage [Middle]
"So, using Lightning Chakra to stimulate your cells for instant explosive speed?"
Orochimaru dodged sideways, easily evading Sasuke's slash. Then he casually pulled out a kunai and slashed toward Sasuke's neck.
"Clang!"
The sound of metal rang out as Naruto arrived just in time, intercepting Orochimaru's strike with his own kunai. Taking advantage of the distraction, Sasuke kicked straight toward Orochimaru.
"Boom!"
Orochimaru raised his arm to block Sasuke's kick. The impact made a dull thud as both fighters pushed against each other, forcing Orochimaru to retreat backward slightly.
"This is our chance!"
Another Naruto leaped from behind Orochimaru, driving his kunai directly into Orochimaru's back.
"A Shadow Clone, huh?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly. His body suddenly bent like it had no bones at all, curving perfectly away from the attacking clone behind him.
"True to his name!"
Jumping back, Sasuke and Naruto distanced themselves from Orochimaru. Alongside Sakura, they formed a triangular encirclement around him. Thinking back on Orochimaru's inhuman movements just now, Sasuke couldn't help but get goosebumps.
"That [Soft Physique Modification] technique—he developed it specifically to counter your teammate Tsunade Senju, right?"
Sakura couldn't help but sigh. Tsunade Senju's specialty was Superhuman Strength, yet Orochimaru's Soft Physique Modification had precisely countered it. If they were to rely purely on brute force alone, there seemed little chance of defeating Orochimaru. Fortunately, the Soft Physique Modification had been developed specifically to deal with Superhuman Strength, and wasn't particularly effective against other types of attacks.
"You know this technique?" Orochimaru slightly frowned. "Only a handful of people should even know about this move."
"I know a bit about it!" Sakura didn't elaborate. "However, Soft Physique Modification might work fine against raw power like Superhuman Strength, but when facing other types of attacks, it won't be so effective!"
"Is that so? Then by all means, give it a try!"
Orochimaru, of course, knew the strengths and weaknesses of Soft Physique Modification inside out. While it worked decently well against superhuman strength, it proved useless against blade-based attacks. A body softened by the technique could absorb some of the impact from blunt attacks, but offered little defense against blade edges.
[Water Release: Water Fang Technique]
In an instant, Sakura had completed her hand seals. Several high-pressure water jets erupted from the surface beneath them, roaring toward Orochimaru.
"Using Water Release jutsu for ranged attacks and interference, while creating opportunities for your allies—it's actually not a bad strategy!"
Orochimaru remained expressionless. His body twisted like something without bones, effortlessly evading each Water Fang Technique attack at just the right moment. Then he stretched out his right arm, aiming at Sakura. Two venomous snakes shot from his sleeve, slithering toward her.
"Snakes are fine, but I've got no interest in getting up close with poison ones—especially ugly-looking ones!"
Sakura drew Starlit Night and swung it rapidly. The sharp blade sliced cleanly through the snakes' bodies. Their severed heads hit the ground, twitching violently, yet new snakes already emerged, continuing their relentless assault on Sakura.
During her time training with Zabuza in the Land of Waves, Sakura learned sword techniques over a certain period. She couldn't exactly call herself an expert, but she'd come a long way from only partially mastering Draw Slash before. At least now she understood basic sword forms.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto shouted and extended his left hand. Upon hearing this, Sasuke immediately understood, stretching out his own left hand as well. Within a few steps, they leapt onto a tree trunk. Lightning Release chakra extended from their palms, connecting midair and forming a chain of lightning between them.
[Lightning Release: Lightning Transmission]
They pushed off with their feet, their bodies dropping instantly from the tree. The lightning chain connected them as they fell. It slashed directly across where Orochimaru stood, slicing the attacking snakes clean in half. As soon as they landed, they continued their movement. Both simultaneously swung their arms, sending the lightning chain straight toward Orochimaru.
Orochimaru shifted his footing, abandoning further attacks on Sakura. He rapidly retreated backward. The lightning chain nearly grazed his nose as it passed. Had he not dodged quickly enough, he might have already been cut clean in two.
Originally, Naruto's nature affinity was Wind, but after obtaining Six Paths power, he became attuned to all five nature transformations. The same applied to Sasuke. However, both still primarily relied on their previously dominant affinities. They only possessed a superficial understanding of other nature transformations, lacking deep mastery over them.
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