Orochimaru thrashed wildly, trying to break free from Hiruzen's grasp. Under his control, the Kusanagi sword burrowed deeper into Hiruzen's heart, twisting and churning. Although Hiruzen's heart was protected by his chakra, barely withstanding the fatal damage, the pain was still immense.
But Hiruzen didn't care. All he wanted now was to extract Orochimaru's soul completely, as quickly as possible. Yet, no matter how hard he pulled, he couldn't draw out even a little more of his former student's spirit.
Has it really… come to this? Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Don't tell me I don't even have the strength to pull out his entire soul…
My old body is so weak, I can't even fight to the death properly…
Orochimaru seemed to see through Hiruzen's thoughts and grinned. "Master, if you were just ten years younger, you might have been able to kill me, hehehe…"
Hearing this, Hiruzen gave him a meaningful look, took a long breath, and said frankly, "It seems… I no longer have the strength to completely extract your soul."
Orochimaru's laughter became increasingly sinister. "I say, it is almost time for you to die. The pain of having your heart stirred must be unbearable! As your student, it truly breaks my heart to see you suffer…" Despite his words, his fingers, which were controlling the Kusanagi sword, continued to twist it vigorously.
"You… are truly suffering," Hiruzen smiled, a look of relief on his face. Then, his joking attitude vanished, and his voice became serious. "But do not get too complacent. While this will not kill you, your ambitions… have already come to an end."
"People are destined to pay the price for their mistakes."
Orochimaru said disdainfully, "My ambitions end here? Don't be ridiculous. How dare you say that. It is not my life that is going to end yet."
"Old man, I advise you to accept your fate and let go. It will lessen your suffering!"
"Take a look at Konoha's current situation. Honestly, my invasion is just a small part of the problem. The Uchiha clan has already invaded on a large scale. The already terrifying Sharingan, coupled with the power of Wood Release… hmph! Even if you were to seal me completely, it would not change the fact that Konoha is doomed!"
"But it is a pity. Although I was the one who turned the windmill of this war, the victory will belong to another. Don't worry, Master. I will avenge Konoha. In the future, the Uchiha clan will be exterminated by me, Orochimaru."
"Now please, let go of my hand and help me, Master…"
Looking at Orochimaru's fake smile, Hiruzen sneered. "Orochimaru, you underestimate the shinobi of Konoha! They will fight to the death to protect their village!"
"The true power in this world is not discovered by learning every ninjutsu. I should have taught you that when you were still a Genin!"
"A shinobi's true power is revealed when they fight to protect those they hold most dear!"
"Hmph!" Orochimaru didn't listen at all, scoffing at Hiruzen's preaching. "Stop your nonsensical rambling and die already, old man!"
"I understand. It truly is impossible to make you turn back from this path," Hiruzen said, shaking his head helplessly. "I will die, but before I do, I will give you a small punishment."
"I am going to take away all the ninjutsu you have ever learned!"