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Sasuke Uchiha activated his one-tomoe Sharingan. With the Sharingan active, the attacking snakes seemed to move much slower in his eyes.
He had awakened his Sharingan during the mission in the Land of Waves, not during the Uchiha massacre as in the original story.
Therefore, both of Sasuke's eyes were currently symmetrical, both possessing a single tomoe, unlike the original timeline where one might have evolved ahead of the other.
"<Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!>"
The snakes were large targets, making them relatively easy to hit. Sasuke's Ninjutsu wasn't wasted this time.
However, the giant snakes summoned by Orochimaru were tough. Even after being hit by the Ninjutsu, they weren't killed.
A giant snake over ten meters long could certainly withstand a mere Great Fireball Technique.
The main reason they weren't killed was Sasuke's own lack of strength.
Orochimaru had arrived but remained hidden, observing Sasuke's battle and assessing his strength.
"A bit disappointing."
Orochimaru was indeed somewhat disappointed by Sasuke's current level. He was stronger than the average Genin, perhaps comparable to an ordinary Chūnin.
But such strength meant nothing to Orochimaru. Compared to his older brother, Itachi Uchiha, the gap was immense.
Unfortunately, Itachi was too strong, and now part of the Akatsuki. Even if Orochimaru wanted Itachi as his vessel, it was impossible.
Since he couldn't target Itachi, he had to settle for Sasuke Uchiha.
"How can one grow stronger without pressure? Sasuke-kun, let me give you some pressure."
Orochimaru emerged from his hiding spot, his cold gaze fixed on Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, emanating icy killing intent.
The moment Orochimaru appeared, Naruto and Sasuke froze, cold sweat breaking out on their skin under the pressure of his killing intent.
"This killing intent… it's even more terrifying than Zabuza's!"
Sasuke Uchiha gritted his teeth, barely managing to stay conscious.
Though he didn't faint, Sasuke wasn't doing well. The overwhelming killing intent forced him to his knees.
"Bullying a few kids? Orochimaru is getting more shameless," Kushina couldn't help but comment to Shin.
While Orochimaru was observing Sasuke and the others from the shadows, Shin and Kushina were observing Orochimaru.
"He never cared about face to begin with," Shin waved his hand dismissively.
Orochimaru truly wasn't someone who cared about appearances. He only cared about benefits. Sasuke Uchiha was the vessel he currently desired.
In the critical moment, it was Naruto Uzumaki who withstood Orochimaru's killing intent, gritting his teeth and demanding Orochimaru's identity.
However, Orochimaru completely ignored Naruto. His target was clear: Sasuke Uchiha.
As for Naruto Uzumaki… Orochimaru had no plans for him. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki status was troublesome. Killing him would disrupt his future plans.
"Sasuke Uchiha, if this is all you've got, you probably won't have a chance to avenge yourself against Itachi Uchiha." Orochimaru ignored Naruto, deliberately provoking Sasuke.
Sasuke, who was about to be overwhelmed by the killing intent, suddenly looked up, his eyes fixed firmly on Orochimaru.
"You know that person?"
Orochimaru smiled with satisfaction. This kind of vessel is more interesting. He didn't need a weak container.
"Of course I know him. Though the people of Konoha call you a genius, compared to Itachi, you're nothing."
"Where is he?! Tell me! Or I'll kill you!"
Rage burned away Sasuke Uchiha's rationality. He completely disregarded the power difference between them.
"Want to know? Then show me your strength. If you can defeat me, I don't mind telling you everything about Itachi Uchiha."
"Sasuke, don't go!" Naruto saw Sasuke about to attack and quickly tried to stop him.
"Get lost!" Sasuke ruthlessly kicked Naruto away, then charged towards Orochimaru.
Reaching Orochimaru, Sasuke used the Leaf Whirlwind, a technique copied from Rock Lee using his Sharingan, aiming a powerful kick at Orochimaru's head.
Orochimaru's head and body dissolved into mud, scattering on the ground. Sasuke, still mid-air, stared wide-eyed. Even an idiot would know he'd hit an Earth Clone.
The Kusanagi Blade pierced Sasuke Uchiha's abdomen, pinning him to the ground.
Sasuke let out a bloodcurdling scream. Blood gushed from the wound, soaking the ground beneath him.
"SASUKE!" Naruto roared, Nine-Tails chakra erupting from him. Seeing Sasuke in such a miserable state, Naruto couldn't hold back any longer.
As for being kicked away by Sasuke earlier? Naruto didn't care about that at all.
"I'll kill you!" Six tails suddenly burst forth from Naruto's back. Having lost his sanity, Naruto charged madly towards Orochimaru.
"Naruto and Sasuke truly are true love." Shin watched this scene unfold, muttering to himself.
Earlier, when facing the giant snakes, Naruto had been in constant danger, almost swallowed whole and turned into dung.
Even then, Naruto hadn't unleashed the Nine-Tails' chakra. But now, seeing Sasuke injured, he immediately erupted with six tails.
What else could it be but true love? Shin glanced at Sakura, who had fainted nearby.
Although Naruto still maintained a humanoid form, his body was completely enveloped by the Tailed Beast cloak formed from Kurama's chakra.
He emanated an Evil, hateful chakra, having completely lost consciousness, acting purely on instinct.
Orochimaru pulled the Kusanagi Blade from Sasuke's body, then kicked Sasuke far away.
This was to prevent Sasuke from getting caught in the crossfire.
The upcoming battle wouldn't be easy, even for Orochimaru. He had to toss Sasuke aside to avoid him being killed by the aftermath.
As for Sasuke's injuries, Orochimaru had controlled the blow. He wanted Sasuke to experience the helplessness of near-death, but he didn't intend to kill him.
After all, Sasuke Uchiha was his intended vessel; Orochimaru wouldn't kill him carelessly. In fact, he had even secretly healed Sasuke's wounds slightly just now.
"Orochimaru versus a partially transformed Jinchūriki—who will win?" Kushina asked Shin.
"Just watch and see. If I spoil it now, what's the fun?" Shin wore an expression anticipating a good show. He hadn't expected this scene either.
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