Chapter 209: The End of an Era

Disclaimer:

Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.

I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 209: The End of an Era

The fiery explosion that followed was potent enough to render the surrounding area hotter than the core of a volcano.

Naruto hovered a safe distance away, observing the aftermath while taking a moment to catch his breath.

This was the most destructive technique he could use at the moment, given his current cultivation level, and the second most destructive in his entire arsenal. However, it was also extremely draining on his reserves, so he won't be able to use it again for a while.

After witnessing Orochimaru's resilience and incredible regenerative abilities, Naruto made the decision that this was the safest way to ensure his definitive destruction.

Below him, the raging inferno continued for a long moment before it finally began to die down.

The fiery lotus flower that had bloomed in the sky vanished without a trace, and the flames emanating from it started to dissipate.

The ground beneath had melted into molten magma, and a large part of the lake's water had evaporated, creating a dense vapor that mingled with the existing mist, further reducing visibility.

Naruto descended closer to the ground, his gaze locking onto the massive corpse of the eight-headed snake.

The once-pristine white scales were now charred black, though much of the body remained intact. This could be called a testament to Orochimaru's tenacity and tremendous resilience.

"You truly earned the title of Legendary Ninja," Naruto said, his voice calm as he studied the snake. "In all my years, this is the first time anyone has survived that technique…" Though his face betrayed no emotion, he couldn't deny his surprise at what he was seeing.

One of the snake's heads, resting against its massive body, began to tremble. Its mouth opened slowly, and a burned figure crawled onto the blackened scales.

Orochimaru's body was almost unrecognizable, charred beyond repair.

"So you were in there..." Naruto had initially thought that he had transformed his body into that of the white snake, but it has become apparent that he was merely hiding inside it.

Being inside the snake had saved his life, albeit temporarily. The severe extent of the burns had made recovery impossible, all of his organs would shut down long before he could heal them.

The Sannin opened his mouth, but no words came out, only gurgling noises. His jaw stretched unnaturally wide, and from within, another body began to emerge.

This new form was pristine, unscathed by the flames, and completely intact.

"How many lives does this man have?" Naruto muttered, watching the scene unfold.

"Urgh…" Orochimaru dragged himself out of his former body with visible effort. Even in his regenerated state, he appeared exhausted.

Naruto's sharp senses confirmed that Orochimaru was running on empty. The fight had drained him completely.

"Was that your last trick?" Naruto's feet touched down on the burned snake's corpse as he approached.

Orochimaru managed to roll onto his back, staring up at Naruto. His new body bore fewer human features, now resembling a grotesque blend of man and snake.

"Y-You… w-w…" Orochimaru's voice was faint, his new vocal cords were struggling to function.

"I don't have patience for last words. You've used up all your chances." Naruto extended his hand, aiming directly at Orochimaru's chest.

"Arrghhh!" Orochimaru's mouth opened unnaturally wide, and from deep within his throat, a sharp sword shot out, aimed straight for Naruto's face.

This one caught the blade with his left hand, feeling the cold steel bite into his flesh.

"Goodbye," he said calmly before unleashing several blasts of compressed air. The attacks tore through Orochimaru's new body, leaving gaping holes.

The Sannin, utterly drained of chakra, could no longer resist nor heal these severe wounds. His vision darkened, he tried to form some last words but was unable to say anything...and his body went limp as he succumbed to his injuries.

Naruto stood over Orochimaru's lifeless form, sprawled atop the charred remains of the eight-headed serpent and surrounded by magma, and waited for a bit longer until he was sure there were no more surprises.

Satisfied that the man was truly dead, Naruto's attention turned to the blade in his hand. Its craftsmanship was remarkable, and this was no doubt a peerless legendary weapon.

"I'm keeping this," he said aloud. "Consider it compensation."

He glanced back at Orochimaru's corpse. With a swift motion, he severed the Sannin's head for good measure and sealed both the head and the body into separate storage scrolls that he had prepared.

"I wonder if I can still use those eyes…" Naruto mused, recalling the Sharingan Orochimaru had recently acquired. "After all, he worked so hard to get them. It'd be a shame to let them go to waste."

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud commotion from the other side of the lake.

Naruto's eyes narrowed down."Something's happening over there…"

He could now detect two unknown sources of chakra. It appears that Kakashi and Yamato are dealing with more than just the Bijuu. " I'd better take a look."

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