Chapter 100: Orochimaru: “I’m Not Afraid”

"Show me your strength, Sasuke," Orochimaru's snake-like eyes reflected the young Uchiha, cold and calculating like a viper locking onto its prey.

Tap, tap, tap!

Sasuke darted forward, but instead of a direct charge, he circled Orochimaru, his Sharingan scanning for the slightest opening.

Damn it! Why can't I find a weakness?

Though Orochimaru stood there nonchalantly, as if riddled with vulnerabilities, Sasuke's instincts screamed otherwise—no matter where or how he attacked, it felt impossible to land a clean hit.

But then his gaze shifted to Sakura, bound and helpless in Orochimaru's grasp. Gritting his teeth, Sasuke steeled himself. He couldn't hesitate any longer. Charging in from behind, he leapt into action.

Thwack!

A massive Fūma Shuriken burst forth from a sealing scroll. Its giant, razor-sharp blades glinted with a menacing gleam as it sliced through the air toward Orochimaru's back. Sasuke followed close behind, his speed unhindered, setting up a synchronized assault.

(T/N: Fūma Shuriken are large, four-bladed projectile weapons possessing pre-eminent sharpness and lethality.)

Orochimaru didn't even glance behind him. With a subtle twist of his body, he effortlessly avoided the shuriken. Then, with a grotesque contortion, his neck extended unnaturally, his fangs snapping toward Sasuke.

Forced to dodge mid-air, Sasuke broke off his attack, landing and skidding back to create distance. Yet a smirk crept onto his lips.

With a sharp tug of his left hand, the Fūma Shuriken that had missed spun back toward Orochimaru, trailing a nearly invisible thread of reinforced wire.

"Oh? Impressive." Orochimaru's tone was more amused than concerned, like a teacher casually complimenting a promising student.

The condescension stung. It was a tone Sasuke hated—whether from his father or that man. He wasn't a child to be underestimated anymore.

"My Fūma Shuriken isn't that simple!"

The wires multiplied, entangling Orochimaru before he could react, binding him tightly.

"Sakura, run!" Sasuke shouted, pulling her behind him before swiftly forming hand seals.

"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"

Though a C-rank jutsu, the intensity of Sasuke's flames far exceeded expectations. The searing heat forced Sakura to shield her face, sweat dripping as she stared at Sasuke with stars in her eyes.

Wow, Sasuke-kun is amazing! So cool!

The onlookers weren't silent either.

"Kisame, your thoughts on Itachi's little brother?" 

"Not bad. But for Itachi's standards? He's still far from worthy of awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan," Kisame replied, his tone flat.

Meanwhile, Hidan laughed uproariously in the distance.

"Look at this brat—he thinks his little fire trick actually did something! What a joke!"

"Hidan, maybe tone it down," Deidara cautioned. "You do realize Itachi's standing right there, don't you?"

"What's he gonna do? Kill me—" Hidan's voice abruptly cut off. His body crumpled to the ground, trapped in a genjutsu.

"Ahhhh! Stay away from me!" Hidan wailed, thrashing as Kakuzu calmly buried him underground with an Earth Style jutsu.

"Finally, some peace and quiet," Kakuzu muttered, to the agreement of the group.

Back at the battlefield, Sasuke's triumphant expression faltered. From within the smoldering flames, a shadow emerged—unscathed.

Sasuke's Sharingan widened in disbelief. "How... how is this possible?! You were hit directly!"

Orochimaru chuckled, his forked tongue flicking out mockingly.

"Uchiha Sasuke, you've got talent, but you lack the depth of true power. If you want to grow stronger... come find me."

With a horrifying burst of speed, Orochimaru lunged, his fangs aimed directly at Sasuke's neck.

But then he hesitated, catching sight of two figures in the shadows. His lips curled into a twisted smile.

"Itachi... you're late," Orochimaru hissed as Sasuke collapsed, clutching the black Curse Mark now etched into his neck.

"Am I?" Itachi's tone was calm, almost disinterested.

Orochimaru's smug grin faltered. A sharp pain jolted him, and he realized too late—he was trapped in Itachi's genjutsu. Time rewound in his mind, and he found himself frozen in the same grotesque pose, neck extended and mouth agape.

"So fast..." Orochimaru muttered, his unease growing. What is this man...?

Regaining his composure, he chuckled darkly.

"Interesting... but even you can't keep this up forever. With that little sickness of yours, I'll just wait you out."

Kisame laughed, leaning his massive sword against his shoulder.

"You sure about that? Because you're not just dealing with Itachi-san..."

Orochimaru turned sharply, only to see himself surrounded. Seven cloaked figures with red clouds closed in, their presence suffocating.

"Well, well," Orochimaru sneered, licking his lips nervously. "If only your tongue was as sharp as your wit, I might actually believe you weren't afraid."

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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