This wasn't one of the most powerful giant snakes from Ryūchi Cave.
It was just the most ordinary summoning snake from the lower hierarchy. However, it was definitely enough to deal with existences below the standard of an ordinary Jōnin. Facing Menma, who had only just erupted with the strength of the Nine-Tails' three-tailed state, Orochimaru wouldn't specifically summon an existence of Manda's level.
Moreover, ordinary giant snakes like this were a dime a dozen in Ryūchi Cave. Even if a batch of them died, it wouldn't be a heartache at all.
However, the giant snake Orochimaru summoned this time was still far stronger than the one he used to toy with Naruto and Sasuke earlier.
After all, the power Menma was displaying right now was something Naruto and Sasuke couldn't catch up to even if they tried.
Summoning Jutsu? It really looks cool.
Looking at Orochimaru standing atop the snake's head, an envious look instinctively appeared in Menma's eyes.
What boy doesn't want cool stuff?
If there's a chance, I definitely have to get one too.
Just as this thought flashed through Menma's mind...
Whoosh.
From the opposite side.
Under Orochimaru's command, the giant snake lunged fiercely at Menma. Its soaring speed already exceeded that of the vast majority of Jōnin.
If it were Menma in his ordinary state, reacting to such speed would have been extremely difficult. But now, utilizing the Nine-Tails' chakra...
Every aspect of his abilities had been enhanced to an extreme degree.
Facing the giant snake that ordinary ninja would consider unmatched...
Menma's expression didn't change in the slightest.
Leaping up with ease...
"Rasengan!"
In his single palm, a swirling sphere of azure chakra condensed.
"?!"
A technique completed in an instant.
Whoosh.
His body shot forward.
He thrust downward violently.
Orochimaru's expression tightened. He leaped up in advance, attempting to continue controlling the giant snake to open its gaping maw and swallow Menma whole.
But Menma's speed was clearly superior.
Bang!
Dodging the abyssal maw in advance...
Aiming directly above its head...
He slammed the azure light down viciously.
After a loud boom...
Crash!
The giant snake couldn't withstand the power unleashed by the Rasengan at all. Upon contact, its massive head exploded.
A pungent and incredibly thick spray of blood shot out in all directions.
This brat.
Having already created some distance, Orochimaru's gaze became extremely dangerous. This former Sannin was slightly angered by Menma.
A mere junior...
Boom.
Cold light intensified in Orochimaru's pupils. As his chakra erupted further, he opened his mouth and pulled out a long sword gleaming with sharpness directly from his body.
Kusanagi Sword.
The moment he saw that long sword...
Not far away, Menma's pupils contracted slightly.
This long sword could already be called a divine artifact; ordinary defenses couldn't block the sharpness of the Kusanagi Sword.
This proved that one of the former Sannin was starting to get serious.
Kage-level strength? That's just right for testing my limits here!
A sharp glint appeared in Menma's eyes at this moment.
The most appropriate timing, the most suitable location, and the best opponent.
Boom!
The blood-red chakra color became increasingly vivid and bright.
Menma bent his body low.
Bang!
Accompanied by the exploding airwave...
At this moment, Menma sprinted toward Orochimaru's position with all his might.
"Heh!"
Their figures reflected each other.
A hint of bloodlust appeared simultaneously in Orochimaru's snake eyes.
Clang clang clang!
Clang!
The two clashed instantly.
Constantly flashing lights and shadows.
Layers of rippling airwaves, and the ceaseless sound of metal colliding.
Bang!
Rumble!
Rolling momentum.
Explosive sounds.
The collision between the two became faster and more intense.
Continuously flickering cold lights.
Surging power.
Boom!
This was entirely a high-level ninja duel.
Even the battle between Zabuza and Kakashi a few months ago fell a notch short of this.
And under such constant exchanges...
Menma's body was adapting to the Nine-Tails' chakra bit by bit—faster, stronger explosive power.
Even though Menma was suppressed by Orochimaru due to lack of experience and gaps in technique, and Orochimaru used the sharpness of the Kusanagi Sword to break through the Nine-Tails' chakra cloak and injure him...
Before the Nine-Tails' chakra and the Uzumaki clan's immense regenerative power, these minor injuries didn't count as injuries at all. Menma only grew stronger as he fought.
Menma was getting more and more into the zone.
"This brat!"
Such a development greatly exceeded Orochimaru's expectations.
Originally, he thought that for Menma to be able to use the Nine-Tails' chakra at this age was already outstanding, and that the chakra volume of three tails would definitely not be something Menma could control easily—one slip-up, and he could be reverse-controlled by the Tailed Beast.
However, what Orochimaru didn't know was that although Menma hadn't reached a level of mutual understanding with the Nine-Tails, their initial agreement was enough for the Nine-Tails to support Menma to a certain extent. With the Nine-Tails' cooperation, plus Menma's own efforts and the Uzumaki bloodline... this was definitely no joke!
Three tails?
No!
This was absolutely not his current limit.
Before, he had no experience, but now, in the battle with Orochimaru, Menma was grasping his current state with increasing precision.
Kurama, more! I need more chakra!
The blood-red fox eyes gradually emerged.
Buzz!
The Nine-Tails' chakra poured out even more nakedly.
Being suppressed by Orochimaru?
That wasn't the result Menma wanted.
He wanted the qualification to talk to Orochimaru as an equal.
"This is?"
The erupting Nine-Tails chakra, the chakra cloak becoming richer and redder, the palpable, terrifying, suffocating sensation—especially seeing the fourth tail manifesting behind Menma...
Orochimaru's pupils shrank violently. At this moment, he finally couldn't maintain his previous leisurely posture.
With the power of three tails...
Orochimaru was confident he could still suppress it, but Menma with four tails was already enough to pose a lethal threat to him.
Not to mention, the Nine-Tails was the strongest Tailed Beast.
Even if it dragged on...
Menma could wear him down to death. Continuing to tangle was meaningless.
Moreover, this was only four tails. What if it became five, or even six? Even if the probability was low, Orochimaru had to consider the possibility. Plus, this was still the Hidden Leaf Village.
He had to have some scruples.
Thinking of this.
"Ninja Art: Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes."
Orochimaru hesitated no longer.
Mobilizing a large amount of chakra, he spat out a terrifying number of snake shadows from his mouth, blocking the space between him and Menma.
By the time Menma barely cleared these snake shadows...
Orochimaru had already re-established a safe distance.