Master and Disciple Cross Blades

Warm sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, falling across Kyohaku Uchiha. The strange, almost sickly pallor he had possessed after merging with White Zetsu had faded away, replaced by a healthy rosy complexion, as though boundless vitality surged through his body. His black, spiky hair had grown considerably, now hanging to his shoulders and neck, thick beyond belief. If Jiraiya saw it, he would surely marvel at how perfectly suited it was for his Wild Lion's Mane Technique.

Deep within the Forest of Death lay an open clearing. Orochimaru studied his disciple with great interest, curiosity and satisfaction glimmering in his golden slit pupils.

"It seems Kyohaku-kun has made some gains recently," Orochimaru said with a hoarse laugh, his voice carrying its distinctive magnetism. "Not only has your chakra increased, but your physical vitality has also risen to a new level. What... wonderful evolution."

"It is thanks to my teacher's guidance and resources." Kyohaku gave a slight bow, respectful but not meek. His Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly turned as he entered a combat stance. "This power still needs to be tempered in real battle."

"Hehehe... quite right." Orochimaru extended his long tongue and licked the corner of his lips. "Then let your teacher test just how far you have come."

Before his words had even faded, Kyohaku struck first! His hands flashed through seals so quickly that only afterimages remained.

"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

A massive fire dragon roared forth, its scorching heat igniting the surrounding air in an instant. Faced with his disciple's "greeting," Orochimaru neither dodged nor retreated, swiftly forming seals as well.

"Water Release: Water Wall!"

Boom!

A massive wall of water rose from the ground and crashed violently into the fire dragon. Steam flooded the area at once, obscuring their vision. The instant the white mist surged up, several kunai wrapped in Explosive Tags shot from different angles toward the spot where Orochimaru had been standing.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions rang out in succession.

Yet a black figure slithered from the smoke like a snake. It was Orochimaru, completely unharmed. The Kusanagi Sword in his hand flashed with cold light as it stabbed straight for Kyohaku's throat. Kyohaku reacted instantly, drawing his own ninja blade in a backhand grip to block.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The clash of steel rang without end. Their taijutsu exchange was swift as lightning, swordsmanship and blade work colliding amid the Sharingan's predictive insight and the bizarre changes of direction granted by Orochimaru's Soft Physique Modification. For a time, neither could gain the upper hand.

"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!"

Kyohaku stomped the ground, and the solid earth beneath Orochimaru's feet instantly turned into a muddy swamp. Orochimaru gave a soft sound of surprise, but his body leaped lightly as though weightless. At the same time, countless venomous snakes shot from his sleeves, hissing as they lunged at Kyohaku.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Claw Crimson!"

Shuriken wreathed in flames precisely struck down and incinerated each venomous snake in midair.

The battle escalated rapidly. The two traded blows, using traps, the Clone Technique, the Substitution Technique, and all manner of B-rank and A-rank ninjutsu with casual ease. The forest clearing suffered for it, its ground blasted into craters and its trees scorched black and toppled.

Orochimaru's attacks grew increasingly fierce. The immense chakra and vast experience of a Kage-level powerhouse gave him an overwhelming advantage. Kyohaku began relying more heavily on the Sharingan's perception and chakra reserves far exceeding those of an ordinary Jonin to defend and counterattack. He often made up for slight gaps in technique through sheer volume, his chakra seemingly inexhaustible as he freely unleashed one ninjutsu after another, causing strange light to flicker repeatedly in Orochimaru's eyes.

"Truly astonishing chakra reserves... then how about this?" Orochimaru clapped his hands together, gathering a vast amount of chakra.

"Summoning: Ten Thousand Snakes Formation!"

Countless ferocious venomous snakes surged from the summoning array, becoming a tidal wave that rushed toward Kyohaku with terrifying momentum.

Kyohaku's pupils narrowed slightly. He drew a deep breath and slammed both hands onto the ground!

"Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags!"

An Explosive Tag was summoned in an instant. Then, it began endlessly summoning thousands upon thousands of smaller Explosive Tags in a cycle, clinging to the surging tide of snakes like maggots on the bone!

Rumbleeeee--!!!

A continuous, deafening series of explosions instantly swallowed everything! Flames soared into the sky and smoke filled the air as the enormous shockwave crushed every tree in the vicinity! This forbidden technique, developed by the Second Hokage and learned by Kyohaku from Orochimaru's records, displayed terrifying power when fueled by his immense chakra reserves.

The violent explosions continued for more than ten seconds before gradually subsiding. The smoke and dust slowly dispersed, revealing the scene within.

Orochimaru still stood where he had been, but before him towered a massive, sinister Rashomon carved with a demon face! The incomparably sturdy gate had completely blocked the devastating chain of explosions, leaving only a few scorched marks on its surface.

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Looking at his disciple, who was breathing lightly but whose eyes shone brightly, then at the forest that had been utterly destroyed, Orochimaru slowly lowered his hands. The Rashomon turned into white smoke and vanished along with them.

"Heh... hehehe..." Orochimaru laughed deeply, his voice filled with delight and approval. "That is enough, Kyohaku-kun."

Kyohaku also relaxed his battle stance, calming the surging chakra within him. He knew his teacher had not come close to using his full strength, but in this first spar, he had already displayed all his growth.

"Your growth has surpassed my expectations." Orochimaru stepped forward and patted Kyohaku's shoulder. "Whether it is your chakra reserves, your use of ninjutsu, or your decisiveness... you now possess the means to survive the coming turmoil and seize what you desire."

"It is all because of your cultivation, Teacher," Kyohaku said sincerely. Without Orochimaru's wholehearted instruction and the resources he had provided, he could never have come this far.

Orochimaru looked at him meaningfully. "Continue onward, Kyohaku-kun, along the path you have chosen for yourself. I am looking forward to... your final form."

With that, he turned around, and his figure slowly sank into the ground before disappearing.

Kyohaku alone remained in the middle of the devastated battlefield, his black hair drifting lightly in the breeze. The Three-Tomoe slowly turned as he gazed in Konoha's direction, filled with an unprecedented calmness and anticipation for the coming storm.