Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
Flashes of fire appeared, accompanied by the shrill clang of metal striking metal!
Neither the Third Hokage nor Orochimaru had any intention of exchanging pleasantries. Perhaps from the moment Orochimaru chose to defect, he had already cut ties with his past. And the day the Third Hokage had softened and let Orochimaru go, he had put an end to the bond between them as teacher and student.
"Teacher, your movements are slower than I expected!"
Orochimaru parried the Third Hokage's attacks with his sword, taunting him as he did.
"I'm still more than fast enough to deal with you!"
The Third Hokage shot back at once.
He had led Konoha through three Shinobi World Wars and had experienced more battles in his life than he could count. No matter how dire the situation, and no matter that his opponent was once his student, nothing could disturb his composure or cloud his judgment.
Clang.
After parrying another powerful sweep from the Third Hokage, Orochimaru smiled. "You're hesitating!"
"Hmph!"
The Third Hokage gave a quiet snort and said no more.
The long staff in his hand was his summoning beast Enma, transformed into a weapon called the Adamantine Staff. Just as its name suggested, it was as hard as adamantine, yet could extend and contract at will.
In an ordinary situation, the Third Hokage had no need for the Adamantine Staff. When he brought it out, it meant he was serious.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
The Third Hokage swung several more times in rapid succession, forcing Orochimaru to retreat again and again.
The long staff swept through the air, smashing apart everything in its path—trees and buildings alike. Nothing escaped its blows!
With nowhere left to dodge, Orochimaru raised his sword to parry. With a clang, he blocked another strike