Escape

With Kazuya's intervention, the intensity of the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru skyrocketed.

"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"

"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"

"Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Technique!"

"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"

"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"

Ninjutsu clashed in a series of explosive confrontations. Chakra erupted, creating shockwaves. 

Now this is more like it! No more fake fighting. Just a glorious display of powerful ninjutsu!

But seriously, Orochimaru... do you have any other techniques besides Hidden Shadow Snake Hands? You're driving me crazy.

"System, is there a way to block specific golden light pickups? I want to block Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!" Kazuya asked in frustration.

[Do you want to block the ninjutsu: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands?]

"Yes, block it!" Kazuya commanded without hesitation. That technique is useless to me.

[Blocking successful]

Finally, Kazuya could breathe a sigh of relief. Picking up attributes is great, but getting embarrassing skills, even Bloodline Limits, can be quite annoying. 

For example, Hidden Shadow Snake Hands! And Orochimaru's blood ability – the Iburi Clan's Smoked Blood! Kazuya blocked those along the way. He also discovered that he could wash off unwanted ninjutsu or Bloodline Limits immediately after picking them up. Perfect!

With his mind at ease, he focused back on the fight.

More golden lights flew towards Kazuya.

[You picked up 200 points of Chakra]

[You picked up 200 points of Chakra]

[You picked up 50 points of Water Style talent]

[You picked up 50 points of Earth Style talent]

[You picked up Ninjutsu: Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet]

[You picked up 1000 points of Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet skill experience]

[Your Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet has leveled up, currently: lv2 (0/1000)]

As expected from a battle between a Sannin and a Hokage! A-rank ninjutsu, 3000 points of Chakra, and hundreds of Water and Earth Style talents! Amazing! Too bad there weren't more ninjas in Orochimaru's experimental base to produce a vast array of golden lights.

Could it be... Orochimaru has already evacuated his subordinates?

Kazuya pondered. Orochimaru, being a Sannin, must have many followers. It was strange that none were present in the underground experimental base. It seemed that Orochimaru anticipated this and transferred his forces ahead of time. What remained in Konoha were likely expendable foot soldiers.

As expected of a legendary Sannin! Orochimaru will undoubtedly reestablish his forces quickly, as he did with Otogakure. Never underestimate the world's heroes!

Kazuya sighed, recalling other times of deception: during the Chūnin exams, Sasuke faked being beaten up by Rock Lee, and Jiraiya infiltrated the Land of Rain only to be defeated by Pain. Even Uchiha Madara fell victim to betrayal by Black Zetsu.

Man! One must stay humble and keep a low profile!

As Kazuya mused, the battle reached a turning point. Orochimaru was struggling. Despite his power, the combined efforts of the Third Hokage and two elite Anbu proved too much.

"I have no choice!" Orochimaru's face darkened. He tore a scroll, instantly releasing a surge of Chakra.

"This is..." The Third Hokage hesitated, sensing danger.

Kazuya reacted quickly, hurling several kunai towards Orochimaru and vanishing in an instant.

Hum! Boom!

The scroll exploded, producing two distinct, ear-piercing sound waves. 

"Argh!" The Third Hokage coughed up blood, the closest to the blast. Enma, Neko, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke were flung back, disoriented and incapacitated.

"You've grown weak, Sarutobi-sensei," Orochimaru taunted, the sole figure standing. "This new sonic ninjutsu was a gift, just for you."

"You..." The Third Hokage glared, unable to respond.

"Pity," Orochimaru sneered. "It seems a little bug has escaped."

But mid-sentence, a white light flashed. Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Orochimaru.

Shlunk! 

A specially made Flying Thunder God Kunai pierced Orochimaru's back.

"Ahhh!" Orochimaru screamed, blood gushing.

"Who is it?" Orochimaru turned in horror, seeing an Anbu in a white cloak and mask.

It's him! That Anbu! But how did he get behind me!?

Orochimaru, a veteran of countless battles, was stunned. 

Boom! Boom! Boom! Smoke bombs exploded, filling the area with thick smoke. Orochimaru reacted swiftly, throwing a smoke bomb and vanishing.

Who is this strange Anbu in the village!?

"Kazuya... Is this the Flying Thunder God Technique!?" The Third Hokage was equally shocked.

Kazuya, did he really learn it? In just half a month?

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kazuya nodded. He glanced at Tenzo and Sarutobi Shinnosuke on the ground, then declared, "Orochimaru, I will never let you hurt the village's ninja! I will capture you and bring you to justice!"

He clenched his fists, his body trembling with apparent rage. Underneath his mask, he remained calm, even glancing at the Third Hokage with mild disdain.

What a faker! Pretending to be injured and not fighting seriously, wasting all those golden opportunities!

"Kazuya..." The Third Hokage's eyes softened. Kazuya reminded him more and more of Minato: wise, just, loving, with a pure heart, and mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique!

The Third Hokage sighed deeply, "Kazuya, capture Orochimaru alive. Remember, even if you can't complete the mission, prioritize your safety!"

"Yes," Kazuya nodded and vanished.