Stalemate

In the distance, unseen by Sasuke, lies the battlefield ravaged by Ice Release.

The battle with the Sound Ninja Group is over.

The girl wearing the cat-face mask took a deep breath.

He calmed the excited and restless Chakra within his body.

Her pink hair, which moved without wind, fell neatly to her shoulders.

"One dead, three injured... Let the backup handle the cleanup. The Yin Seal still has about 70-80% of its Chakra stored up, that's enough." Those beautiful, jewel-like eyes glanced coldly at the three Sound Ninja lying on the ice, and she said calmly, "First, rendezvous with Shino and Yugao, then we'll charge straight in one go..."

"At a normal pace, this battle should have been over five minutes ago... The test of the new technique took a few minutes longer, but it was worth it..."

Because she had been waiting for Cherry Blossom Impact - Stage Two to be officially completed, she hadn't yet tested the power of this combat system. So she had to test it out before encountering Orochimaru or other powerful ninjas... Otherwise, it wouldn't be a laughing matter if something went wrong when facing those truly strong opponents.

"Sorry to keep you waiting..."

"Hold on, Sasuke!"

After the Great Fireball, the two were locked in a brief standoff.

Deadlock.

Kimimaro was wary of the power of Lightning Blade; even he, if he were to be slightly careless when facing this technique, would either die or be seriously injured.

Sasuke, too, felt helpless against this powerful opponent.

His body was covered with all sorts of wounds and bloodstains, marks left from an extremely fierce and arduous battle with the white-haired youth before him.

The battle between the two left the grassland devastated: from the large, blackened area left by the Great Fireball, to the trenches carved out of the ground by the Lightning Release - Lightning Blade: Lightning Blade charge, to all sorts of Kunai damaged in the battle, and bone spurs broken from Kimimaro's body, etc...

This was the first time Sasuke had ever encountered Kekkei Genkai that used one's own bones as weapons.

The records left behind by the Uchiha Clan contain only a few words mentioning this strange Kekkei Genkai, called "Shikotsumyaku).

It is said that this technique was passed down from the Sage of Six Paths. Ninjas who awaken the Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse) can freely manipulate their own osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and can even extract bones from their bodies for hand-to-hand combat. Their bones are strengthened and are far harder than steel, making them known as the strongest spear in Taijutsu combat).

The document also specifically mentions that ninjas who have awakened this Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai have very strong Taijutsu abilities, and it is best not to engage in close combat with Uchiha clan members who have not awakened Sharingan with Two Tomoe or more!

"Hmph... Forget about the Two Tomoe Sharingan, even with my Mitsudomoe, I'm having a hard time dealing with him!"

Sasuke gritted his teeth and let out a muffled groan.

In his battle with Kimimaro, he honestly considered himself to be the one at a disadvantage.

He used Fire Release Ninjutsu he hadn't used in a long time, precisely because Lightning Blade and Taijutsu had consistently failed to achieve any results!

He had to admit that the arrogance emanating from the white-haired youth before him was not without reason.

That Kimimaro is pretty good!

Just as Sasuke was beginning to feel wary of Kimimaro.

The white-haired youth standing opposite the Red Eye boy also felt that his opponent was extremely troublesome!

"What a formidable opponent..." Kimimaro his hand to disperse the scorching bone wall. Even with the bone wall blocking his way, he could still feel the terrifying impact and burning temperature of the Great Fireball.

If he hadn't reinforced the bone wall's defenses as much as possible, things would have been much worse than just bones being blackened...

As expected of a ninja with the name Uchiha!

However, Kimimaro could see that such a powerful Fire Style was not even considered Ninjutsu that Sasuke practiced.

He is Lightning Release ninja...

The moment Sasuke drew his Kunai and charged forward at the start of the battle, Kimimaro realized this.

The extremely high speed and immense strength unique to Lightning Release ninjas are fully displayed in Sasuke.

Using Lightning Release Chakra to activate the body, making muscles stronger, explosive, and reaction faster, is something only highly skilled Lightning Release practitioners can do. Ninjas who have reached the pinnacle of this path are all renowned figures in the Shinobi World, and Sasuke has already taken a solid step on this path!

Their Taijutsu were already amazing enough.

Not to mention his Lightning Release - Lightning Blade.

To concentrate such a vast and refined amount of Lightning Release Chakra in one's hand and still control it as calmly as water is already remarkable in terms of Ninjutsu and Chakra control; what is even more terrifying is its power, which broke even the hardest bone created by Kimimaro with a single strike of this Lightning Blade!

If Lightning Blade hadn't been momentarily slowed down when the bone was broken, giving him a chance to dodge, he would probably be lying on the ground with a hole in his body by now!

Indeed, even disregarding his Uchiha bloodline and Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Sasuke is still an exceptionally talented ninja... At such a young age, to have such mastery of Lightning Release, Sasuke's talent is truly astonishing!

"No wonder Lord Orochimaru is so eager to possess your body..." Kimimaro looked at Sasuke and said calmly, "Sharingan, Taijutsu, Lightning Release, and Fire Style —your talents are indeed enviable."

"Hmph, unfortunately, I'm not interested in that sticky monster... Although you're very strong, you can't even catch me at this level. If you keep fighting, you'll be ready to die!" Sasuke coldly.

If that disgusting Orochimaru were to possess his body, he'd rather commit suicide!

Sasuke was prepared to fight to the death.

"My life was already nearing its end, and now I'm entirely dependent on medication to keep my body going... I exhausted all my resources when the battle began, and I probably won't live past tomorrow."

Even when faced with such a cruel situation, Kimimaro remained remarkably calm.

Sasuke slightly taken aback. He had only prepared to fight to the death, but he hadn't expected his opponent to be so reckless...

"... How could you go to such lengths against someone like Orochimaru, even risking your life?"

Sasuke was genuinely puzzled as to why someone like Kimimaro would be so loyal to that insane and disgusting Orochimaru.

"I lived an extremely miserable and lonely life, and it was Lord Orochimaru who rescued me from endless darkness... So he is the only important person who can understand me, and helping him realize his dream is the meaning of my existence... And I will not die, but will remain forever in Lord Orochimaru's heart!"

"..." Sasuke fell silent.

To repay a debt of gratitude? He could understand Kimimaro's feelings.

But wasn't Orochimaru's dream to obtain his body?

Moreover, Orochimaru is no good person. He only saved him because he coveted the body with the Kekkei Genkai Orochimaru possessed.

To work for such a treacherous person...

"Have you been brainwashed?"

"You know absolutely nothing, do whatever you want! Now," Kimimaro glanced coldly at Sasuke, "I'm going to use my real skills."

"I just showed you three of my dances. Now, I'm going to use the Dance of the Clematis: Flower in Curse Mark Stage Two State. Watch closely, Sasuke!"

A sinister yet familiar Chakra emanated from Kimimaro.

"Is this the power of the Cursed Seal...?" Sasuke's expression grew increasingly solemn.

A strange Cursed Seal spread across Kimimaro's body, quickly covering his entire form. This was accompanied by a surge of Chakra within him!

The changes that have occurred in the opponent seem to have completely shifted the balance of the battle to the other side!

(There will be another update at 7 PM. Two updates tonight.)

(A lovely reader requested three chapters today... Hmm! I almost agreed! However, my typing speed isn't fast enough yet, so I can't be so reckless... I've written down all the extra chapters I wanted for myself, but I don't have enough drafts, so I'll have to postpone it for now. Also, thank you all for your continued support. It seems like next week will be a highly recommended chapter...)

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