NOVEL NEXT Chapter 148: Chapter 148
"Are you Orochimaru?"
At Root, he didn't know about the connection between Orochimaru and Danzo. He was still very panicked that Orochimaru dared to penetrate Root so blatantly.
Seeing the other person's appearance, Orochimaru no longer paid him any mind. Two snakes sprang out from his body to restrain him.
After just a short walk, he noticed something was off. Not only were there fewer people in Root, but some of the scenery and buildings had also changed a lot.
Well… how should I put it? It feels more concise.
Orochimaru followed the direction of the Summoning Beas, and soon found it. The size of the big snake was not as large as Manda, but it was still enormous.
It wasn't unusual for it to have a body length of over ten meters and a height of several meters. Orochimaru could clearly see its appearance even from a hundred meters away.
The big snake seemed to sense Orochimaru's presence and turned to look at him, giving an early warning to Sasuke, who was practicing nearby.
At that moment, Sasuke was wearing a mask. Upon noticing Orochimaru's arrival, he leapt onto the head of the big snake, looking down at Orochimaru with calm eyes,
"What are you doing here?"
"Uchiha Sasuke? Interesting. It looks like you've joined Root," Orochimaru said, surprised to see Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't bother to answer his question or delve into why Orochimaru was at the Root. Instead, he seized the opportunity to ask,
"Since you're here, I want to know if it's possible to learn Sage Mode in Ryūchi Cave?"
"How do you know about Sage Mode?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Was it Jiraiya?"
Though Orochimaru's guess was correct, Sasuke remained silent. His original plan had been to follow Jiraiya to learn Sage Mode, but due to Orochimaru's interference, he couldn't. He'd even considered seeking guidance from the Toad Sages of Mount Myoboku.
Now that he was wanted by Konoha, he knew Jiraiya might not offer him protection, let alone allow him to train under him. That left him with little hope of mastering Sage Mode.
That's why he began to rely on the ninjutsu Orochimaru had taught him, using it to strengthen his arsenal.
If he could reclaim Manda, it would greatly bolster his power!
"So, it really was him," Orochimaru sneered, licking his lips. "If you're asking me about Ryūchi Cave, it must mean that Jiraiya refused or couldn't teach you Sage Mode."
"There are indeed Sage Mode that can be learned in Ryūchi Cave," Orochimaru continued, "but they are exceptionally difficult. With your current abilities, you might find it impossible."
"That's none of your concern. I just need to know whether it's possible to learn Sage Mode in Ryūchi Cave," Sasuke replied coldly.
"Now, get lost. Since you taught me these techniques, I'll let you off this time."
Seeing Sasuke's arrogance, Orochimaru let out a soft laugh. "Let me go? Has it been so long that you've forgotten the gap in our strength?"
Orochimaru unleashed his chakra, emanating the pressure of a Kage-level ninja. The sheer force of his presence was enough to remind Sasuke of the difference between them.
But Sasuke was undeterred. His confidence surged as he activated his three-tomoe Sharingan, revealing that he was no longer the same person he'd been.
The confrontation between Orochimaru and Sasuke quickly intensified. Sasuke's newfound strength was evident as he held his ground against Orochimaru's overwhelming chakra.
"Hmm? Your strength has grown?" Orochimaru's eyes widened with excitement. "You truly are a Uchiha prodigy. Given your potential, reaching my level is only a matter of time! But for now, don't expect any mercy!"
Orochimaru viewed Sasuke's evolving abilities as a promising opportunity, considering him a suitable future vessel. Orochimaru then launched a surprise attack, releasing several small snakes toward Sasuke.
Sasuke remained unfazed. The big snake beneath him swung its tail, crushing the smaller snakes with ease.
"Using my own techniques against me?" Orochimaru taunted. "Don't you have any of your own ninjutsu?"
"I'm merely testing my mastery of these techniques," Sasuke replied, calm and collected, clearly showing he didn't consider Orochimaru a serious threat.
Seeing Sasuke's dismissive attitude, Orochimaru's temper flared. "Arrogance will be your downfall, Sasuke Uchiha!"
Without holding back, Orochimaru summoned Manda. Manda appeared and, upon seeing Orochimaru and Sasuke facing off, seemed thrilled.
"Well, well, the two of you are fighting! This is going to be fun. Whoever loses is getting eaten!" Manda hissed in delight.
Both Orochimaru and Sasuke stood their ground, neither showing any fear on the outside, although they both knew how formidable Manda was.
Sasuke, not wanting to waste time, opened his three-tomoe Sharingan and used a Genjutsu upon Manda, attempting to assert his dominance.
Manda's massive eyes narrowed, focusing solely on Sasuke, ready to gauge the young Uchiha's strength.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg