Chapter 99 : Battle and Conspiracy

" Serpent Torrent Burial!"

Facing the charging cloud ninjas and two Jonin, Orochimaru's eyes turned cold. His potent Chakra surged out instantly, transforming into numerous fierce white snakes that intertwined and rushed forward recklessly.

The ninjas on the battlefield were terrified by this horrifying spectacle. Orochimaru's blood-stained figure appeared like a gateway to the abyss. Countless snakes emerged from various parts of his body, forming a hellish snake torrent of destruction.

"Silence-!!"

The countless snakes transformed into torrents and swept through the area. Anbu ninjas hurriedly escaped, while Cloud Ninjas, be it Chunin or Genin, were indiscriminately entangled, bitten, and then screamed as they were dragged into the abyss of death eventually torn into pieces.

"Help!"

"Run! I don't want to die!"

Cloud ninjas had never witnessed such a terrifying scene before. Countless living ninjas were devoured right before their eyes.

Cloud ninjas might have the courage to face various formidable enemies, but facing a monster was an entirely different matter.

Even the Anbu ninjas were shaken, yet Orochimaru fought to give them a chance to survive, prompting them to shout out loud:

"Captain is mighty! We will surely turn the tide in our favour!"

Hyuga Kazuki gazed at Orochimaru with excitement, a fervent enthusiasm gleaming in his eyes.

Falcon, who was usually indifferent, found himself short of breath at that moment, and Nightingale's eyes shimmered with brilliance.

With the Black Snake on their side, victory was within reach, and their survival seemed possible.

"Haha, do you really think so... cough!"

Orochimaru finally glanced back at them, sending shockwaves through everyone.

Orochimaru's condition was dire. His previous injuries hadn't fully healed, and there was a gaping wound in his chest. His already pale complexion had grown even more wan. His Chakra was depleted.

"This enemy must be vanquished!"

A Cloud Genin and Chunin growled lowly. When Orochimaru unleashed his full power, they could only evade for a time, struck by the terrifying onslaught of snakes.

Orochimaru's Serpent Torrent Burial was akin to the Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes, albeit simpler and more brutal. It didn't require hand seals. The ninjutsu was unleashed freely around him, requiring no deliberate control. He could sustain it as long as he had enough Chakra.

With the five attributes complete, Orochimaru's snakes had grown more powerful, immune to ordinary elemental ninjutsu, rendering techniques like Raiton less effective than before.

By now, most of the snakes had dissipated, and the Jōnin's intent to kill had escalated.

"Aren't the so-called reinforcements here yet? Or do they wish us to perish here?"

Orochimaru coldly gauged the distance, as if he remained unyielding.

"If this goes on, I'll have no choice but to retreat."

Orochimaru fixed his gaze on the two Jōnin, itching to engage.

"Swallow—!"

Countless streams of blood-coloured brilliance flowed from the myriad corpses on the ground, coalescing into a torrent of energy imperceptible to most. It surged into Orochimaru's body, instantly revitalizing him. His devouring ability proved unexpectedly potent.

The art of devouring was indeed a formidable skill on the battlefield. As long as Orochimaru remained alive, he could absorb the fallen enemy's strength, persisting until the battle's end.

"I sense my Chakra and physical strength have recovered by half. With full recovery, progress is assured. War truly is the catalyst for my growth!"

Orochimaru's cold smile surfaced, and he drew a sharp blade from his palm, catching everyone off guard.

"I sense a challenge. Kenjutsu : Sinister Strike!"

Orochimaru boldly initiated the attack, transforming the Kusanagi sword into myriad sword shadows that darkened the sky, converging upon the two Jōnin.

"Don't get too arrogant! You insolent fool, I'll snap your neck!"

The two Cloud Ninjas grew incensed. Both were prideful Jonin Ninjas, unwilling to tolerate such provocation.

The roaring Cloud Jonin exhibited tremendous strength, though a bit portly, his muscle mass was exaggerated. Arms thicker than an average person's waist were clad in weighty metal guards, clearly signifying his formidable might.

His fists, now drenched in plasma, collided with Orochimaru's sword shadows, causing countless illusory forms to scatter.

The other Jōnin wielded a hefty metal spear. Fiery chakra erupted from the spear's tip, transforming it into a red-hot, blazing instrument.

"Fire Release, Great Flame Spear!"

He executed his ninjutsu, sending countless fiery spear shadows hurtling towards Orochimaru, determined to incinerate and pierce him.

"Activate Super Senses!"

Orochimaru chose not to gamble his life this time. While normally he would have the confidence to pay a price for victory, he currently acted with caution. He didn't even activate his Ghost Mode transformation.

The two Cloud Ninjas, though Jonin level, launched fierce and swift attacks. But Orochimaru's Super Senses skill was truly exceptional. When facing opponents with Taijutsu mastery, his heightened sensory abilities keenly predicted their actions. Coupled with his robust physique, he handled their onslaught with ease and grace, virtually invulnerable.

"What a cunning kid!"

The two Jōnin are puzzled over Orochimaru's prowess. As they fought, their anxiety grew. It seemed as if their opponent anticipated every move. Not only were their attacks thwarted, but Orochimaru possessed the strength to counterattack.

Concurrently, Orochimaru's Kusanagi sword proved a formidable weapon, unparalleled in sharpness. The Jōnin's armour and weaponry, while high-quality, still bore cracks. Despite their impressive strength, the Cloud shinobi's were gradually faltering.

Nonetheless, Orochimaru couldn't afford complacency. His Super Senses drained immense mental energy. When its effects dissipated, Orochimaru would find himself vulnerable. After all, his swordsmanship skills remained nascent, relying heavily on the heightened senses.

"Impressive lad. I hope you survive. It's a pity."

In the distance, a bloodied figure sprinted frantically. Yet, his expression remained detached.

He clutched a scroll tightly, leaving behind a trail of smoke rising into the sky. On closer inspection, the smoke originated from numerous ninja troops, each bearing the insignia of Iwa Ninja!

In another direction, an Anbu member too fled toward the battlefront, trailed by numerous Mist Shinobi!

"The time is ripe. Your reinforcements have arrived."

Yaksha and Tazun reached the Forest area, several hundred meters away, yet they could still perceive Orochimaru's battle.

"I never expected him to possess such strength.It's unbelievable. Yet, this only ensures he can't escape death."

Yaksha wiped blood from the corner of her mouth, chuckling. "Given his character, once he learns of our plan, he'll harbor sinister intentions and resent Konoha. But he won't survive."

At present, Yaksha was no longer the valiant and graceful figure. Her right half was drenched in blood, fair skin transformed into charred flesh. Her right hand was incapacitated.

Burns adorned her body, with blood staining her black clothing even deeper.

Yaksha's face veil had been discarded long ago. What was once a pretty visage had turned somewhat sinister, as she gazed coldly down at Tazun beneath the rock.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Tazun fared even worse. He had no chance against Yaksha. When his chakra fueled by anger was depleted, Tazun was completely overpowered. His life dwindled away, beyond salvation.

Several minor wounds adorned Tazun's chest, abdomen, legs, and feet, each a penetrating gash. Worse yet, these wounds appeared black, with blood ceaselessly flowing. He barely clung to life.

Had a few Cloud ninjas not arrived to assist, Tazun would have met his end. Regrettably, those ninjas too had perished.

"I underestimated you, despicable villain! It's evident you seek to instigate a war among the Shinobi villages!"

Tazun spat bitterly. "I regret rashly charging out alone. Such foolishness! You're from Konoha, aren't you? Sunagakure should lack control over this sector!"

"Oh? Who's to say?"

Yaksha licked the blood from her blade, eyeing the weakening Tazun with amusement. Her violet hair danced in the wind.

"You, go on ahead to hell!"

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