Fierce Battle

"Orochimaru, are you planning to invade Konoha?"

Uchiha Shisui shouted, his eyes shifting into the three-tomoe state as he unleashed a genjutsu.

Orochimaru remained unmoved, merely sneering, "Your technique has already been seen through by me!"

What is going on!

Shisui froze, staring at Orochimaru in confusion.

He was known as the strongest genjutsu ninja in Konoha and a member of the Uchiha Clan; his techniques had long since transcended the scope of ordinary genjutsu.

He only needed to catch a glimpse of his opponent from a distance to ensnare them, just as he had done to those Mist Ninja moments ago.

Yet, Shisui was currently locked in eye contact with Orochimaru, and he had already cast his technique—why had Orochimaru not fallen for it?

Could it be an illusion?

Shisui's three-tomoe Sharingan spun, and he immediately grasped the reason.

Orochimaru's feet were planted firmly on the giant snake beneath him, their chakra systems already linked as one.

A simple hypnotic suggestion on Orochimaru alone would have no effect.

So that's it!

Uchiha Shisui sneered.

If that was the case, he would simply hypnotize the snake as well.

But as he looked into the giant snake's eyes, he couldn't help but gasp, suddenly feeling at a loss.

The eyes of this giant snake had been sealed; there was no need to guess—this was undoubtedly Orochimaru's doing.

"Hahahaha!"

Orochimaru let out a loud laugh and said, "It has been a long time since I dealt with an Uchiha; I truly missed it. As one of the Sannin, I am well aware of the characteristics of the Sharingan. Uchiha Shisui, if you don't bring out your real skills, be careful, or you might just be killed by me!"

He had made extensive preparations to deal with Uchiha Shisui.

Not long ago, Orochimaru had ambushed Ao and his group; aside from Ao, who managed to flee, the rest were captured alive.

Orochimaru used genjutsu to hypnotize several Mist Ninja, driving them toward Konoha to create explosions and chaos, while he took the opportunity to summon the blind snake with its eyes sealed. In doing so, he wiped out the other two members of Shisui's squad in one fell swoop. As for the remaining Konoha chunin, Orochimaru had left him alive on purpose.

"Bastard!"

Uchiha Shisui finally realized that Orochimaru had come specifically for him.

But with his comrades in Orochimaru's hands, he could not simply walk away.

"Body Flicker!"

Shisui's figure blurred, and he instantly appeared atop the giant snake. Since genjutsu was ineffective, he would resort to Nintaijutsu.

With the enhancement of the Sharingan, his Nintaijutsu was formidable.

Even when facing the legendary Sannin, Body Flicker Shisui would not feel fear.

However, Orochimaru had no intention of engaging him in close combat, having already witnessed the terror of Shisui's ocular jutsu. To be ensnared just by a glance from afar—such a genjutsu was truly unheard of.

The only reason he could currently remain immune to Shisui's genjutsu was the help of the blind snake beneath his feet. If his feet were to leave the snake's body, he might fall victim to Shisui's technique; even if it were only for a second, the outcome would likely be decided.

In truth, Orochimaru was deeply wary of Shisui's genjutsu.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Three Evil Ghosts appeared before Orochimaru, and he leisurely pulled out a flute.

"Since you are also a genjutsu-type ninja, let us decide the victor with genjutsu! Let's see whether your ocular genjutsu is stronger, or my auditory genjutsu."

Orochimaru placed the flute to his lips and began to play a melody.

"Ninja Art, Phantom Dance Manipulation Song!"

The three Evil Ghosts had no eyes, but guided by Orochimaru's music, they charged toward Shisui.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Though the three Evil Ghosts were massive, their movements were exceptionally swift, and their coordination was seamless.

However, Shisui possessed the Body Flicker, often dodging their attacks in a split second.

This brat is quite troublesome!

A cold glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

After all, this was the border of Konoha; if he dragged this out too long, he would alert those old geezers. Although he did not fear them, it would be a nuisance.

"Demon Flute: Dreamy Sound Chains!"

Orochimaru shifted his tone, changing the melody.

This is...

Uchiha Shisui immediately felt the effects, his body gradually growing stiff.

Genjutsu?

He used a Body Flicker to dodge the assault of the three Evil Ghosts, escaping the range of the auditory genjutsu attack.

Behind a large tree, Shisui quietly watched Orochimaru in the distance.

Although Orochimaru's sound-based genjutsu could not be considered formidable, it was impossible to guard against; even if one plugged their ears, it could still be transmitted through the auditory nerves.

Did he run?

Orochimaru let out a cold laugh and said, "Since when have the ninjas of Konoha learned to abandon their comrades and flee alone? Heh, though I suppose that does align with the Uchiha personality."

"Ahhh!"

The chunin pinned beneath the Blind Snake let out another miserable scream.

I cannot wait any longer!

Uchiha Shisui took a deep breath and used the Body Flicker Technique to appear directly in front of Orochimaru.

He would absolutely never abandon a comrade to flee on his own.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

Shisui quickly formed a few hand seals and launched his attack at Orochimaru.

To capture the bandits, one must first capture the ringleader; rather than getting entangled with a few summoned beasts, it was better to finish off Orochimaru in one fell swoop.

The Great Fireball Technique was the signature skill of the Uchiha, its power depending on the individual's ability; the power of Uchiha Shisui's Great Fireball had already surpassed that of Uchiha Fugaku, making him the best in the Uchiha clan.

A massive fireball engulfed Orochimaru and the giant snake beneath his feet.

"Summoning Jutsu: Triple Rashomon!"

Orochimaru's hands moved in a blur to form seals, summoning the Rashomon to block Shisui's Great Fireball.

The flames were obstructed, and a massive cloud of smoke billowed through the forest.

Now is the time!

Shisui used the Body Flicker Technique to appear before the Konoha chunin, moving to rescue him from beneath the giant snake.

"Cunning brat!"

Orochimaru sneered, bringing the flute in his hand back to his lips.

"Ninja Art: Chaos of the Demon Realm!"

Three Evil Ghosts spat out chakra-devouring vengeful spirits; these spirits could distinguish living organisms and automatically pursued Shisui.

Uchiha Shisui checked on the chunin and discovered that one of his legs was broken. After performing a simple treatment, he placed the chunin at a safe distance and turned back to charge at the three Evil Ghosts.

"Fire the signal, seek reinforcements, and report back to the village!"

Shisui left without looking back.

Although Orochimaru was powerful, he still had trump cards he had not yet revealed; for now, he had to buy some time for his comrade to escape.

"Captain Shisui!"

The chunin understood their current predicament; this was already beyond his capabilities, and staying here would only be a burden to Shisui.

Enduring the agonizing pain of his broken leg, the chunin limped toward the direction of the village.

He had barely traveled a kilometer when the figure of Hōzuki Mangetsu suddenly blocked his path.

"Sorry, but I won't let you go back."

He smiled at the chunin, his gaze lingering on the center of the battle.

He had gone to such lengths to get Orochimaru and Shisui to fight; how could he let this chunin ruin things?