Battle Orochimaru

Sasuke was initially in disbelief, but seeing Uzumaki Reikawa truly holding his own against two opponents—and seemingly waiting for his support—a strange thought began to stir in his heart: perhaps he really could do this!

Orochimaru, meanwhile, grew more alarmed the longer the fight dragged on. What kind of background did this person have? Adamantine Sealing Chains from the main branch? Weren't the Uzumaki Clan supposed to have been wiped out?

Furthermore, he didn't seem to be using his full strength; was he actually trying to use him as a whetstone for Sasuke? Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. He had miscalculated the strength of his opponents; it seemed he wouldn't be able to take Sasuke away this time.

Not only had he failed to gain anything, but more regrettably, he had failed to impress Sasuke with his power, meaning he would have to resort to force in the future.

Through this, Orochimaru also began to realize that his recent state of mind was off; various matters had frayed his nerves, and his recent actions had been irrational—this was not his style. He used Soft Physique Modification to twist his body and dodge a lunging chain.

The chain struck the ground, smashing a large crater and sending a spray of gravel flying.

Seeing that Orochimaru had no intention of attacking and was simply stalling, Uzumaki Reikawa frowned. My chakra is running low, I need to end this quickly! "Sasuke! Follow my lead! Ignore Kabuto, 7 o'clock, lower left, use a Kunai!"

Sasuke saw nothing in that spot, but without hesitation, he instinctively threw his Kunai.

Orochimaru's brow furrowed. If he dodged to the position that guy mentioned, his prestige would undoubtedly suffer a heavy blow. He jumped sideways repeatedly to evade, but his rear was blocked by chains.

However, if he didn't dodge in that direction, he would be pierced through by the chains; compared to the chains, which carried a sealing effect, the Kunai was undoubtedly easier to deal with.

Compared to his conscious thoughts, his body's instinctual reaction had already made the decision. As the Kunai arrived, Orochimaru landed at that exact spot, though because of Uzumaki Reikawa's shout, he had thrown his own Kunai to deflect it in advance.

Uzumaki Reikawa suddenly smiled, having expected Orochimaru to risk taking a hit from a chain rather than jump where he had directed. "Use your Sharingan to observe his attack angle and trajectory carefully. Do your best to predict his movements, or use Genjutsu to guide his actions. I will create the opportunity for you."

Compared to Orochimaru, Kabuto was struggling; limited by his Ninjutsu and lacking the strength he would possess later, he was at a loss against long-range attacks, and any attempt to close the distance was blocked and interrupted by the chains. At this moment, he was only facing two chains, while Lord Orochimaru was dealing with six.

To Uzumaki Reikawa, although Orochimaru might only be slightly stronger than Kabuto in a direct confrontation without using his summoning beasts, the main issue was that he was Orochimaru—heaven knows what insidious techniques he had up his sleeve. That alone was enough for Uzumaki Reikawa to take him seriously.

He had already boasted; it would be too embarrassing to fail at showing off in front of Sasuke.

Sasuke was also feeling incredibly frustrated. He tried hard to see Orochimaru's movements, but the speed was too great, and Orochimaru's Soft Physique Modification allowed him to dodge attacks in ways that defied common sense. How could he see through it? What was he supposed to do?!

Seeing Sasuke's bewildered expression, Uzumaki Reikawa looked at him as if he were a foolish child. Since the person Sasuke cared about most was Naruto, he said, "Do you think you can't do it? Uzumaki Naruto has already surpassed you, yet you were stronger than him before. If the dead-last can do it, why can't you?!"

Naruto?!—Thinking of Naruto, the look in Sasuke's eyes, which had been wandering aimlessly and failing to keep up with Orochimaru's rhythm, gradually became firm. His state of mind returned; this battle was a rare opportunity! His Two-Tomoe Sharingan spun frantically! Eyes! Focus on the eyes!

If he couldn't keep up with Orochimaru's movements, he would predict them. Only by predicting could he keep up. If the dead-last could do it, why couldn't he, who was called a genius?

With no one to interfere, Sasuke's emotional fluctuations continued to intensify. That man! And Uchiha Gen! I must become stronger! I must take revenge and find the truth!!!

Uzumaki Reikawa watched as the Three-Tomoe began to coalesce in Sasuke's eyes. Hmm, it seems a best friend is the best motivation. If I'm not mistaken...

What stimulated the Sharingan most was the intense determination to be acknowledged by those one cared about (including himself). In the original world, it was the death of Itachi, the realization that his goal had been reached, and the regret upon learning the truth that caused the emotional explosion that birthed the Mangekyo. (This is just my personal theory.)

When the Three-Tomoe fully formed, Sasuke was finally able to see. His pupils followed Orochimaru's rapid movements!

The next landing spot...

"12 o'clock, directly above!"

"12 o'clock, directly above!"

Sasuke and Uzumaki Reikawa spoke simultaneously! Suddenly, both of them smiled.

Hearing the voice, Orochimaru's expression changed, because this time it wasn't a call made in advance like before; it was as if he were following the instructions as he jumped.

Another Kunai was fired over. Although it posed no threat to Orochimaru and was easily deflected, he glanced at Sasuke out of the corner of his eye and suddenly saw the Three-Tomoe in Sasuke's eyes. This brat is truly capable of posing a threat to me now!! But as Sasuke's strength increased, Orochimaru's greed only grew.

Such a perfect vessel...

His goal achieved, Uzumaki Reikawa no longer intended to play around. "Sasuke!"

At that moment, Sasuke seemed to know what to do. With perfect tacit understanding, he used his Sharingan to launch a Genjutsu at Orochimaru.

Discovering that Sasuke had awakened the Three-Tomoe, the prepared Orochimaru did not look into Sasuke's eyes, causing the power of the Genjutsu to be greatly diminished. However, Uzumaki Reikawa took advantage of Sasuke's cover; his eyes flickered downward, turned red for a split second, and then returned to normal.

Orochimaru's movements suddenly froze! Seeing this, Kabuto was shocked. Ignoring the chains in front of him, he tried to rush over to support Orochimaru, but halfway through his movement, he suddenly retreated violently and fled.

Left in front of Uzumaki Reikawa and Sasuke was a Mud Clone wearing human skin, which had been pierced through by Sasuke's Lightning Blade.

"..."

Seeing this, Uzumaki Reikawa felt a bit helpless. If he could have openly used his Sharingan, he wouldn't have let Orochimaru escape. However, even without opening his eyes, since he had managed to deceive him, this clone must have contained a fragment of his consciousness.

Just as he thought of this, he suddenly felt a message transmitted from the clone he had left with the Akatsuki.

His chakra was almost exhausted; he had to find a place to dispel the clone, and his goal had already been achieved.

Withdrawing the Adamantine Sealing Chains, Uzumaki Reikawa walked toward Sasuke, but seeing the look of regret on his face, he was speechless. Good grief, this kid actually wanted to kill Orochimaru. Second Pillar, you really think you're something now, don't you?

"I hope you won't tell them about today."

"? Why?"

Sasuke was very confused by this, and even more puzzled as to why Uzumaki Reikawa wanted to hide his strength.

"You'll know in the future. Go back now. Like I said, I can guarantee that I can escape, but I can't guarantee your safety." Uzumaki Reikawa gave a mysterious smile and used the Body Flicker Technique to depart.