Chapter 201 : Suprise!

The battlefield echoed with the cry, "Kill!"

Chaos reigned as the future Ai proved to be an overwhelming force against the Konoha ninjas, an adversary unlike any they had faced before.

Witnessing the situation falling into order, the few Cloud shinobi who followed suit began sealing the remaining resistance. Shouts echoed from every direction—east, west, north, and south. The trail of lightning left behind a landscape of death, with corpses strewn everywhere and grass unable to take root. Soon, only a handful of ninjas remained in defiance.

"Fire Release, Toad Oil Fire Bomb!"

Jiraiya, having prepared for this moment, summoned a shadow clone filled with toad oil, unleashing it alongside his primary body using Fire Escape. The resulting flames engulfed Ai on the battleground, intensifying into a conflagration that marked the attack's Jōnin-level power.

"Bastard, enjoy my stunt!" Jiraiya exclaimed with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"It's useless."

Orochimaru didn't divert his attention from the peculiar actions of the two Cloud shinobi, who remained indifferent to the battle, observing the chaos without direct involvement.

A thunderous explosion accompanied the figure, wreathed in flames, emerging unscathed from the chakra turbulence. The impact of the attack reached the Jonin-level, leaving a smoky aftermath. Ai, seemingly unfazed, continued fighting without acknowledging Jiraiya's presence.

The ineffectiveness of Jiraiya's attack dealt a considerable blow to him.

"Oh, there is indeed a problem."

Orochimaru tightly grasped Tsunade's wrist, leaving a red mark on her delicate skin, yet his attention remained fixed on the Cloud shinobi observing the scene.

The battle had transformed into a one-sided massacre. Ai's every strike equaled the power of A-level ninjutsu, and his defense, the S-level Wind Release: Rasenshuriken couldn't even break in the future. This rendered the Konoha ninjas helpless.

Tsunade, unable to bear the desperate situation, implored Orochimaru, "Let me go! Orochimaru, you're skilled in combat, why aren't you joining in?!"

The current scenario transcended battle—it was a relentless slaughter. Ai's thunderous attacks, reminiscent of A-level ninjutsu, relentlessly pursued fleeing ninjas. Unbeknownst to him, the Sannin had escaped his notice.

"Don't stop me... Orochimaru, aren't you very good at fighting? Why don't you get in there?!"

Tsunade, unable to contain her frustration, roared at Orochimaru. The Konoha ninjas stood little chance of survival, and the brutality of Ai's killings, though less efficient than Minato, was nonetheless effective.

Contrary to the Fourth Hokage, who reaped life with Flying Thunder God, Ai's approach was straightforward and brutal. Regardless of the variety or proficiency of ninjutsu, it all boiled down to a punch. If one couldn't withstand his attacks or breach his defenses, victory was impossible.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was undoubtedly invincible in his era. But even the legendary Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't dare challenge him lightly.

"...Later, you will quietly head south. Once I take action, I will take you away. Otherwise, you won't leave today."

Orochimaru, still fixated on the two Cloud shinobi anomalies, released Tsunade's wrist. His aura grew increasingly obscure. While his Sage Mode had limitations, due to age and body constraints, coupled with his elite combat prowess, it sufficed to deal with the current threat.

"Well... Orochimaru, I didn't mean to imply... Let's find a way to escape!"

Tsunade, realizing Orochimaru's intense focus was not due to her earlier words, but rather directed at confronting the Cloud shinobi, urged him to consider an escape plan.

The tension on the battlefield reached its peak as the fierce flames of battle raged. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru faced the onslaught of the Cloud shinobi, their enemies from the Hidden Cloud Village. The air crackled with energy, and the clash of ideologies and power was palpable.

Tsunade's frustration echoed in her mind. The verbal exchange had been just a momentary outburst, a surge of anger against a monstrous foe. She knew they weren't a match for that creature. Still, a vow lingered in her words.

"Orochimaru, let's retreat for now. We'll settle the score with these Cloud shinobi one day."

Ai, the seemingly invincible warrior, silently withdrew. The fact that these two "Virgins" took the initiative to flee was a testament to the dire situation they faced.

"Don't worry, I'm not foolish," Orochimaru reassured, his eyes narrowing as he gauged the perfect moment to strike.

Seizing the opportune moment, Orochimaru surged forward like an arrow released from its bowstring, unleashing the might of his Sage Art, "Extinguishing Fire." The fiery onslaught resembled the breath of a dragon, a force capable of incinerating everything in its path. Fueled by natural energy, the attack surpassed the limits of ordinary ninjutsu, reducing everything to ashes.

The battlefield transformed into a scene of devastation. The bodies and earth evaporated, leaving behind only the echoes of death. The Cloud shinobi, caught off guard, vanished like a erased drawing from a picture scroll.

"Ah! Lord, help!"

The surviving Cloud shinobi, now bereft of their comrades, cried out for aid. They had underestimated the hidden strength of Konoha. Ordinary ninjas seeking fortune on the battlefield, they had failed to notice the stealthy arrival of Takeshi.

"Darn it! You insolent brat, you're asking for death!"

From a distance, the Third Raikage Ai, still dealing with the remnants of Konoha ninjas, was alarmed. His eyes widened in fury as he witnessed Orochimaru's ruthless annihilation of his comrades.

"In the eyes of ninjas, there is no absolute good or evil. Yet, how can I tolerate the slaughter of my comrades?" Ai's determination spurred him into action.

Orochimaru remained composed. He taunted, "Too slow!"

The unexpected attack had left the Cloud shinobi in disarray. Orochimaru's right hand crackled with lightning, resembling a sharp blade, while his left sleeve disgorged an army of ninja snakes. The serpents, biting and constricting, aimed to finish off the remaining Cloud Ninjas.

"Hidden Shadow Snake Hand!"

Though slightly inferior to Takeshi's true essence-infused ninjutsu, Orochimaru's technique was formidable. Transforming into a white ninja snake, it caught the Cloud shinobi off guard. As Chidori surged through Takeshi's right hand, another Cloud Ninja felt the impending danger.

"Go to hell!"

Third Raikage Ai, accelerating with Hell Stab · Three-Finger Nukite, charged forward. But Orochimaru, calculating the timing, knew he had the advantage.

"Orochimaru!"

Tsunade and Jiraiya's voices resonated with concern. The absence of Orochimaru left them feeling vulnerable. As they witnessed Third Raikage Ai closing in, a chill ran down their spines.

"Sage Mode, Chidori!"

Empowered by natural energy, the lightning-infused attack became more potent. Multiple bolts pierced another Cloud Ninja's chest, rendering him lifeless. Unconscious and with a futile attempt to resist, the ninja's heart had succumbed, leaving behind a haunting image of plasma spurting from his mouth.

Orochimaru's gaze froze as he swiftly clutched his skull. Soon, an imperceptible yet malevolent black energy seeped out from his celestial visage.

"Hehe, should I feel honored? To be inadvertently targeted by someone of this caliber."

Orochimaru's eyes remained indifferent as a white flame ignited in his palm, swiftly incinerating the meager black gas. A faint scream lingered in the air.

"Be on your guard!"

Having dispatched the assailant, Third Raikage Ai charged forward. The formidable spear, crafted from three extended fingers, thrust directly into Orochimaru's chest!

Even at such proximity, Orochimaru couldn't evade, but he chose not to. Instead, he silently shifted his stance while desperately activating a peculiar chakra manipulation technique within his body.

"Boom!"

Orochimaru was forcefully pierced through, taking a brutal hit from the enraged third Raikage Ai. His shattered form scattered into the sky, the upper body cleanly separated, and the mist of blood sprayed in the direction where Tsunade and Jiraiya were concealed.

"Cough cough... The future third Raikage of Kumogakure truly lives up to the reputation."

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes were blood-red, his voice remaining indifferent and aloof.

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