As long as he could block this attack, he and his companions would be able to activate the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier. At that point, forget about this kid in front of them—even the Hokage-sama himself would struggle to break through.
"Break!"
Shiki's three sword projections shot straight toward the thick earthen wall.
"That kid..."
Hayate Gekko, watching from a distance, narrowed his eyes in shock. Out of everyone present, only he truly understood the Dance of the Sword.
While it possessed immense attacking power, it was still a sword technique leaning more towards finesse. The three slashes sealed off all avenues of escape for the opponent, forcing him to perish within the deadly whirlwind of blades.
But this wasn't a particularly good breakthrough method, especially against Earth Release—the most defensive among the five elemental transformation jutsu.
That kid's being reckless again.
Hayate reached that conclusion, but still didn't care, because even so, Shiki Uzumaki had the upper hand.
He also didn't believe Hokage-sama would die so easily under these circumstances.
Yet immediately afterward, what unfolded before his eyes shocked him even more.
The swirling blade wielded by Shiki actually pierced into the thick earthen wall.
The wall shattered under intense chakra impact, yet the blade's ferocity did not diminish in the slightest.
"How is that possible?"
Jirōbō's eyes widened—he never imagined that his prideful Earth Release techniques would prove utterly powerless before this child.
Could it be that this boy is a Jonin?
Breaking through his Earth Release defenses with such ease was nearly unimaginable.
Now panic filled his face. For him, Earth Release had always been his strongest defense. Even though his physical strength was also very high, how could he resist such a fierce sword attack? Would he just offer his own head as a target?
Even activating the cursed seal right now wouldn't save him.
"Damn it."
Cursing inwardly, Jirōbō felt like his life was about to end.
How could there be such a monster who, while killing, showed absolutely no emotional fluctuation—attacking directly with such overwhelming force?
Not even giving him a moment to respond.
"Whoosh! Shiki Uzumaki just keeps getting more thrilling."
Orochimaru observed from afar. Although everything happened in the blink of an eye, to him it was as leisurely as watching a small stream slowly flowing.
Yet he remained indifferent, despite knowing exactly how powerful the Eight Gates Formation really was. Fatefully chosen—someone would rise to challenge him.
"Qing Mu, let me see just how much difference there is between the cursed seal and the legendary Eight Gates Formation."
Orochimaru mentally roared, even as he remained concealed within the Kazekage's (Wind Shadow's) cloak.
The gleaming golden tiles around Jirōbō shattered underfoot, flying apart violently. The sheer force turned fragments into shards as sharp as kunai.
Amidst the chaos, a pale white hand suddenly emerged, covered in eerie black bar-like markings.
"You useless fool, do your job properly."
The dazzling sword dance came to an abrupt halt. That hand had actually caught Shiki Uzumaki's blade mid-strike. To be continued.
Chapter 196: Failure
How could this be?
Shiki stared at the boy before him, completely stunned.
Even though dark streaks covered his skin and his appearance had slightly changed,
Shiki still recognized him instantly.
Hyuga Ao.
Of all people, it was actually him.
"You didn't expect this either, did you, Shiki Uzumaki?" Hyuga Ao spoke calmly. "I never thought we'd meet like this. I used to feel sorrow for being unable to contribute to Lord Orochimaru, but now I see your progress has also been impressive."
Ao's expression lacked the madness usually seen in those transformed by the Cursed Seal.
Instead, he looked genuinely pleased about Shiki's improvement.
The black markings on his face couldn't hide his sharp features or make him ugly—in fact, they gave him a dangerously handsome charm.
His long black robe fluttered in the wind as he firmly gripped the Seiquan Sword with his right hand, seemingly unaffected by its sharp blade.
"Tch, if I had time to enter Level Two, I wouldn't need you here anyway," Jirobo muttered, clearly unimpressed with Ao's words.
Although this kid had improved quickly under Orochimaru's training, for now at least, there was no way he could replace him.
After grumbling angrily, Jirobo squatted back down where he was to form hand seals.
But they needed to hurry—thanks to that red-haired brat holding them up earlier, the Anbu of Konoha were getting closer.
Shiki gathered his strength once more and thrust forward, even though Ao remained so calm.
But the blood flowing along the sword told a different story.
Still, the Seiquan Sword had become much stronger too. Previously, it would've shattered under such an attack.
Ever since it was repaired by Makoto's father, however, the blade had noticeably improved.
"So, you're thinking of having a long chat with me, my 'friend'?"
There was something accusing in Ao's voice, but he knew he couldn't keep this up forever.
Even just now, he wouldn't have used his bare right hand to block Shiki's sword unless forced.
Even with enhanced regeneration from Cursed Seal Level Two, if this continued, his arm would be ruined.
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