Chapter 112

"No wonder he's the boss—he's incredible!"

Rinya's voice suddenly rang out as he arrived with Megumi and Pakkun.

Tenten's eyes lit up.

"You're here! Megumi, quick, help us out!"

Megumi rushed over without hesitation. She first checked Tenten and confirmed she was fine, then began treating the others. After all, she knew very well how much her boss worried about his future wife.

As she performed Shōsen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique), the injuries of Neji, Lee, and Sasuke gradually stabilized. With some ointment and proper rest, they'd be fine. As for Naruto, he was only unconscious with some minor injuries—breathing steadily, no danger at all.

Sakura clenched her fists again, frustrated.

She had also gone to the hospital to study medical ninjutsu, but the time was too short. She couldn't even save a fish yet. At most, she could bandage wounds, and that was about it.

Useless! She was still nothing but a burden!

Fortunately, no one noticed her expression. Everyone's attention was focused on Natsuki and Orochimaru's fierce battle. Even if they couldn't see every move clearly, they could grasp the situation.

Natsuki, with his powerful swordsmanship and combinations like Suiensatsu (Water Disk Slash) and Doton Koma (Earth Style Spinning Top), was steadily suppressing Orochimaru.

Orochimaru had many jutsus too, but aside from Wind and Earth Styles, most of his moves revolved around snakes — tricky to deal with, but still ineffective against Natsuki.

After all, Natsuki's attacks weren't just fast and strong — their range was large too.

Several times, Orochimaru barely managed to dodge, or had to use Hebi Kawarimi no Jutsu (Snake Substitution Technique). He clearly couldn't gain the upper hand.

Now that Manda was dead, even summoning other snakes would be pointless. Orochimaru had to rely on the Kusanagi Sword's traits to contend with Natsuki, but he hadn't achieved his objective yet, and was growing increasingly anxious.

Natsuki didn't want to keep dragging this out either. But killing Orochimaru wasn't easy — for now, he could only suppress him.

"In that case… I'll go big!"

Natsuki's eyes flashed. After forcing Orochimaru back, he didn't follow up immediately. Instead, he sheathed Ma Dō Senren and took a deep breath. His chakra began to surge violently.

"Hachimon Tonkō! (Eight Gates Released Formation) — Gate of View, Kai!!"

Buzz!

A green chakra whirlwind engulfed his body, lifting his hair, making him look like a Super Saiyan.

Lee was stunned.

"He actually opened the sixth gate! That's risky!"

Tenten and Neji couldn't hide their worry. Team 7 might not know, but Team Guy was very familiar with the Eight Gates. Opening the third gate didn't harm the body, but from the fourth onward, the toll grew massive. Opening the sixth gate directly was pushing it.

Orochimaru grew cautious.

"The Eight Gates… and you went straight to the sixth. I have to say, I'm impressed."

Natsuki couldn't be bothered to reply. In the next instant, he vanished.

When he reappeared, he was right in front of Orochimaru — delivering a punch that sent him flying into the sky.

"So fast! No—too late—!"

Orochimaru wanted to resist, but he underestimated Natsuki's speed.

Natsuki appeared before him again midair, unleashing a series of punches. Each one caused shockwaves and frictional flames — forming fiery bursts across the sky.

To the onlookers, it was like witnessing a magnificent display — fire spreading like a peacock fanning its feathers.

"Asa Kujaku!! (Morning Peacock) Ora ora ora ora!!"

Each punch was faster and heavier than the last. Orochimaru had no time to counter — his body was charred, and he kept coughing up blood.

This was clearly his real body.

He didn't even have the chance to use Hebi Kawarimi no Jutsu — Natsuki was too fast, not giving him any opening. At this point, he could only hope he wouldn't be killed.

Boom!

The final punch smashed Orochimaru down to the ground, creating a massive crater. He lay there like a dead snake, motionless.

But Natsuki didn't relax. He deactivated the Eight Gates and remained alert, staring at the pit.

Sure enough, moments later, Orochimaru stirred. He dragged himself up with great effort and vomited a mouthful of blood. He didn't even attempt another substitution jutsu.

"Heh… hehehe…"

He was still laughing — a dry, grating laugh that made everyone uncomfortable.

"Subarashii… Subarashii, Natsuki-kun. I didn't expect you to be this strong. You really held back when you fought in front of others, didn't you? Well, it's about time I left. Until next time."

With a poof, he vanished again.

Natsuki extended his senses, confirming Orochimaru was gone. Only then did he breathe a deep sigh of relief, visibly exhausted.

Tenten ran over and hugged him tightly. After checking him over and seeing he had only light injuries, she relaxed. Still, she called Megumi over to heal him.

Natsuki flicked Tenten's forehead.

"I told you to run if you ran into Orochimaru. Why didn't you listen?"

Tenten quickly clung to his arm and acted spoiled.

"Come on, don't be mad~ I couldn't just stand by and watch our fellow villagers get hurt! Besides, I held on for a long time! Long enough for you to show up, didn't I? Darling~ don't be mad, okay~? Please~?"

Eek. That sounded way too cheesy.

Since when did Tenten know how to act all cutesy?

Natsuki had no choice. A girlfriend like this could only be spoiled — what else could he do?

Just then, another noise came from the forest. Everyone tensed — but to their relief, Kakashi and Anko emerged.

Sakura exclaimed,

"Kakashi-sensei, Anko-san— you scared us!"

"Sorry, sorry! Everyone okay?"

Kakashi looked around at the devastated battlefield. It was obvious a major fight had taken place. Thankfully, all the students seemed safe. Naruto had passed out, but he didn't look seriously hurt.

Anko clenched her teeth.

"It was Orochimaru, wasn't it?! He really was hiding in the forest!"

"Yo, Kakashi. Late again, huh?"

Pakkun greeted him casually.

"Oh, Pakkun, you're here too? Looks like you helped guide them. Good job."

Kakashi praised lazily, then asked Pakkun to explain the situation.

Pakkun, used to this by now, gave a quick summary — basically, how Team 7 and Team Guy had encountered Orochimaru, and he had helped find them. Natsuki then arrived in time and forcefully defeated Orochimaru.

Sakura also pitched in, mostly describing how Team 7 was in danger, how Team Guy came to their rescue, how Sasuke fought bravely, and how Natsuki arrived just in time. Her account was detailed — though this seemed to be the only way she could contribute...

(End of Chapter)

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