Wood Release vs. Wood Release

Orochimaru didn't consider Haku, Karin, Ryūsetsuna, Chiyo, and the others a threat.

Even Chiyo, who had impressed him with her earlier performance, was no more than a prodigy with an unusual talent for Taijutsu in his eyes. Under normal circumstances, he might have found her interesting, but he had no time for that now. His urgent priority was to abduct Sasuke and escape Konoha.

Sasuke, who was being carried on Naruto's back, spoke up. "Naruto, put me down. You're no match for him!"

Naruto shook his head repeatedly. "You're his target. I can't hand you over to him!"

"Hmph!"

Orochimaru gave a quiet snort and attacked again.

He had to act while the First Hokage's forest was driving back Konoha's Jonin squad. Once reinforcements arrived, he would lose his chance.

Whoosh, whoosh!

But before Orochimaru could reach Naruto, Ryūsetsuna and Chiyo attacked him from either side.

Both were incredibly fast and worked together seamlessly. Their relentless assault put Orochimaru on the back foot, leaving him struggling to defend himself.

"How is this possible?!"

Orochimaru was shocked.

A kid as strong as Chiyo was one in ten thousand, in his estimation. The Sound Four he had carefully chosen were utterly outclassed by her.

He had never imagined that Ryūsetsuna could be just as strong as Chiyo. It was a considerable surprise.

"Heh. I didn't expect to be intercepted by a few kids. If I had the time, I'd love to play with you, but unfortunately, I don't!"

As he spoke, Orochimaru formed Hand Seals.

As he channeled his chakra, the First Hokage stopped holding back. He brought his hands together with a clap. "Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"

Rumble!

In an instant, the already rampant forest surged into a frenzy. Every branch and vine seemed alive, lashing out at all their