Who Goes There?

As the only human to have experienced the pain of having his tail severed, Orochimaru had never wanted such an experience. Stimulated by the pain, his behavior became even more snake-like.

Orochimaru tensed his muscles, then shot forward in an instant and bit down on half of Sasuke's body. Next, Orochimaru's body rapidly coiled around him. Once he had him bound, he contracted every muscle in an attempt to suffocate Sasuke into unconsciousness.

"Lightning Style: Chidori Stream!" The pair of palm-shaped fleshy wings on Sasuke's back gripped the snake's body tightly while he swiftly formed a hand seal. Lightning erupted from within him and traveled into Orochimaru's body. A wave of numbness immediately swept across Orochimaru's entire body. Seizing the opportunity, Sasuke slashed upward with his lightning-charged katana, striking the vital point and cutting Orochimaru cleanly in two.

As though his fatal weakness had been struck, Orochimaru's enormous body went limp, freeing Sasuke from his bindings. Sasuke sheathed his katana and withdrew from Cursed Seal State. Looking at Orochimaru, who had been cut into three pieces, he said, "Is it over? That was unbelievably boring..." Before he could finish, he felt unwell and dropped into a half-crouch.

"Heh heh heh... It's about time it took effect!" Orochimaru, who had been lying on the ground pretending to be a dead snake, raised his head and looked smugly at Sasuke. "This giant white snake's blood turns into anesthetic when exposed to air. I am immortal! Your ninjutsu alone can't kill me!"

Sasuke looked up at Orochimaru, his expression turning grave.

"Fine, I'll take your body!" Orochimaru waited a little longer. Once he was certain Sasuke could no longer move, he opened his mouth wide and bit down...

Meanwhile, Ming Jing and Hizashi Hyuga stood outside the forensics department at Police Department headquarters.