The Battle's Devastation Spreads

"How is that possible!?"

Chojuro hung from a tree after being sent flying, looking utterly bewildered. He hadn't even drawn the Twin Swords Hiramekarei on his back before he was knocked away.

"Damn it, what kind of monsters are these?!"

Suigetsu, sprawled on the ground, cursed under his breath.

His Water Transformation Jutsu should have let him ignore most physical attacks. But Shinji had struck so quickly that he hadn't even had time to use it.

Chojuro dropped from the tree, rubbing his shoulder as he asked, "What about her?"

Suigetsu sighed. "She probably chased after them."

In that brief clash, only Ringo Ameyuri—who wielded a lightning blade and was the fastest member of their team—hadn't been sent flying. So she was the only one who'd gone after them.

Meanwhile, Shinji...

Orochimaru was a worthy sparring partner, both in strength and experience. Shinji was at a critical point in his attempt to awaken the Rinnegan, but he gradually became immersed in the fierce battle, unable to pull himself away!

Orochimaru was just as amazed. To his astonishment, the Uchiha before him didn't need the Mangekyō Sharingan, a Cursed Seal, or even ninjutsu. With only the most basic Taijutsu, he had forced Orochimaru into this awkward predicament.

By comparison, even though Sasuke had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he still seemed far inferior.

That only made Orochimaru more interested in Shinji!

Gradually, their probing exchanges gave way to a full-force clash.

Their speed and strength climbed higher still. Everything in their path was left in ruins; anything caught in the course of their battle was flattened. Even trees so thick that several people would have to join hands to encircle them shattered beneath their fists, scattering into splinters.

Karui of Kumogakure found a mission scroll in the tool pouch of a Snow