Chapter 224 : Orochimaru!
Underneath the numbing glow of the silver light, numerous ninjas stood in shock, rendered speechless by what unfolded before them.
Among them were the ninjas of the Cloud Shinobi Village, their astonishment palpable. "Our speciality is Lightning Style," they whispered, "yet none of our Lightning Style ninjutsu can compare to the spectacle of the Kirin before us."
But for Raikage Ai, the foremost thought occupying his mind was how to replicate this remarkable ninjutsu. Despite its flaws, he saw potential in simplifying it into a compound technique, one that could be wielded by many. Should he succeed, it would undoubtedly become a formidable weapon of war.
Deep within the underground base, Orochimaru didn't hesitate to praise, "Truly befitting of someone I admire. Despite its intricacies, its sheer power surpasses that of most S-level Forbidden Techniques."
"I dare say," Orochimaru continued, "even Uchiha Itachi would struggle to withstand such a blow."
But before Orochimaru could finish, Uchiha Madara's voice cut through the air with a derisive snarl. "Orochimaru, have you forgotten our previous encounter so soon?"
"Lightning Style, or any mere ninjutsu for that matter, pales in comparison before the might of the Mangekyō."
With his words echoing, the once-scattered sea of thunder and lightning seemed to freeze over as chilling declarations emerged.
"This is what you seek to replicate. And yet, you're met with failure."
"The Lightning Style Kirin, touted as an S-level Forbidden Technique, has faltered."
"Uchiha Itachi lives on!"
"How can this be?!" Orochimaru exclaimed, disbelief evident in his tone.
In that moment, Sasuke let out a scream of frustration, his eyes brimming with disbelief. How could that man, with such mastery of Lightning Style, elude him?
"Damn it!" Sasuke cursed, his visage contorted with bitterness.
Though Uchiha Madara's video had showcased his remarkable growth, positioning him at the pinnacle of the ninja world, Sasuke couldn't shake off the bitter taste of defeat.
But!
But that's in the future!
He never had the confidence to live until that time, Uchiha Itachi would never give himself that time to grow up!
Moreover, the other party will definitely receive a reward after this battle!
It will be even harder to seek revenge!
(With Uchiha Itachi's resolute voice, the fiery red Chakra materializes, rising from the sea of thunder and lightning!)
[And gradually, the lightning of Lightning Style Kirin begins to dissipate.]
[Finally, a towering skeletal figure, over 20 meters tall, emerges, engulfed in burning red Chakra flames!]
Looking at the terrifying figure, Orochimaru remarks with a different expression:
"I didn't expect Uchiha Itachi to possess Susanoo as well; he's concealed it quite deeply!"
"Susanoo integrates both offense and defense, it's akin to the power of a God. There's no suspense in this battle," Obito remarks casually.
But Orochimaru responds with a smirk:
"The outcome might not be so clear-cut."
Obito narrows his eyes:
"Sasuke's clone, the Orochimaru-Style Body Replacement Technique, is your unique ninjutsu, so he should be revering you as his teacher."
"So Sasuke should have inherited some of your prowess!"
Orochimaru licks his lips: "Keep watching, Obito, you'll be pleasantly surprised."
[As the rain clears and the sky brightens, Sasuke's heart sinks!]
[Uchiha Itachi rises slowly, disregarding the pain in his eyes, and speaks slowly:]
"Sasuke, is this the extent of your ninjutsu?"
"If you possess hidden power, don't hesitate to use it, or you'll never stand a chance!"
[As Itachi's voice resonated, the fiery red Chakra surged once more!]
[Suddenly, Susanoo's skeletal frame began a rapid transformation, flesh and blood proliferating until a grotesque armor encased its entire form!]
"Is this the true power of Uchiha Itachi?"
"As expected of the merciless individual who exterminated the entire clan, it's truly terrifying!"
In the desert, a heartfelt sigh echoed.
At this juncture, he had to concede that, as a fellow member of the Akatsuki, his strength paled in comparison to his opponent's!
Beside him, Deidara sat silent, his gaze fixed on the unfolding spectacle with fervent intensity!
This form...
This beauty...
This... is truly worth showcasing as true art!
Deidara laughed with excitement, only to be promptly chastised and flipped onto the ground by his mother's disapproval.
[The outcome appears to be sealed!]
[Yet Itachi made no move to attack, instead regarding the flustered Sasuke with a calm gaze and remarking:]
"What's the matter, have you exhausted your Chakra?"
[Sasuke, already fatigued, became even more agitated at the question!]
[He wished to retort but suddenly bore the agony of the curse mark!]
[In the next moment, a hoarse, chilling, yet oddly alluring voice echoed in Sasuke's mind:]
["I can lend you strength..."]
In the ninja world, the countenances of many formidable shinobi shifted at this pivotal moment!
"Is that Orochimaru's voice?" Jiraiya queried with surprise.
Tsunade's expression turned grave:
"Yes, indeed. Only he could possess such a repulsive yet smooth voice!"
However, while they recognized the voice, the two of them remained utterly confounded as to why this scene was unfolding before them.
The voice of Orochimaru echoed relentlessly. "Don't you need me, Sasuke-kun?"
"Are you not seeking vengeance for the clan?" he continued, his tone dripping with sinister intent.
"Unleash my power," he urged, his words a dark whisper that seemed to penetrate Sasuke's very soul.
The mere mention of revenge shattered Sasuke's inner defenses, leaving him feeling powerless.
In the blink of an eye, a torrent of white, viscous substance surged forth from Sasuke's Cursed Seal of Heaven.
And then, in an instant, a colossal basilisk emerged, towering over twenty meters tall. It boasted eight menacing heads and was clad in thick, gleaming white scales.
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