Orochimaru's attack unfolded exactly as Qingchuan anticipated.
The serpentine arm composed of countless snakes moved with deceptive slowness.
This scenario felt hauntingly familiar.
Just like Itachi's intentionally weakened strikes during their morning spar.
The current Orochimaru was merely probing.
Good...
Qingchuan didn't even bother swinging his sword!
Shifting back to single-handed grip, his free hand extended two fingers as the snake arm approached—
Bakudō #11·Tsuzuri Raiden!
Among elementary demon arts, this binding technique packed considerable punch.
No incantation required.
Diligent morning-evening practice sessions finally paid dividends.
Crackling lightning directly engaged the serpent swarm!
"Seal-less ninjutsu?!"
Orochimaru's serpentine pupils constricted.
Instantly the snake arm disintegrated, charred fragments raining down.
"I've reconsidered, Orochimaru-san."
Retracting his fingers to reclaim sword grip, Qingchuan's tension eased.
"Want answers?"
"Endure two more strikes!"
Shunpo activated!
Qingchuan vanished, reappearing directly before Orochimaru!
Senbonzakura gleamed with soul-piercing coldness.
Against predators like Orochimaru...
Zanpakutō's inherent advantages shone brightest.
Swish—
Clang!
A kunai intercepted the blade.
Behind the crossed weapons, Orochimaru's gaze turned calculating.
The playful hunter's demeanor vanished.
"Greenhorn girl..."
Danger now edged his previously mocking tone.
The Sannin had reassessed his target—
From potential vessel to legitimate threat.
Clang!
Clang-clang!
Qingchuan's blade kept responding.
Reality constrained options.
Against Orochimaru's caliber, only Senbonzakura's soul-rending properties held advantage.
Even his strongest demon art amounted to mere high-level ninjutsu here.
Let alone securing enough chanting time.
Close-quarters combat remained sole viable strategy.
Though granting Orochimaru ample counterattack opportunities.
No alternatives existed.
Yet...
Since the initial Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, Orochimaru maintained defensive posture.
Testing never ceased.
Clang-clang-clang!
Another blade-kunai exchange.
Qingchuan seized opening to Shunpo away.
Orochimaru didn't pursue.
His piercing stare held... unexpected wariness?
"Orochimaru-san plays dirty indeed..."
Regulating breath, Qingchuan's tone shifted from icy to taunting.
The feigned nonchalance nearly amused the Sannin!
Were circumstances different, this cheek mirrored his dimwitted dumpling-loving apprentice.
Though he'd typically dismiss such antics...
This girl...
Defied irritation.
Had she been his first apprentice...
Perhaps...
"Fascinating."
Orochimaru delivered fresh appraisal.
Didn't she realize her opponent's stature?
He was Orochimaru!
Legendary Sannin!
Audacity matched only by...
Hm.
Amusement resurfaced.
Sheathing kunai, Orochimaru shed superfluous expressions.
Perhaps...
This specimen warranted... cultivation.
Thus...
Under Qingchuan's watchful gaze...
Orochimaru transformed instantaneously—
From deranged scientist to aloofly handsome sensei.
"Your talent passes muster."
The Sannin modulated voice and demeanor.
Now embodying Konoha's elite, the legendary Cold Sannin!
"Though underage, I'll arrange early academy admission."
"Don't linger there. Graduate swiftly."
"Then... personal tutelage awaits."
Orochimaru lectured professorially.
Qingchuan's expression twisted incredulously...
What fresh madness was this?
Rewriting their clash as some... test? Face-saving narrative?
Who'd buy this drivel?!
An unprecedented sensation struck Qingchuan—
Not facing martial rival...
But encountering fellow bullshitter...
First time since cross-dressing...
Damn.
Met his match!
"Understood~ Orochimaru-sama!"
Haruko shouldered her sword with saccharine smile.
"After graduation..."
"I'll carve your epitaph personally~"