Changes in the Deep Forest, Finale of Volume Two

The moment the crack appeared, purple-black cursed power surged through the Metal Wood toward Chiba's neck.

"Come in."

Instead of blocking the conduit, Chiba connected both Poison Wood and the new purification branch to the protective ring.

Orochimaru noticed the change in the conduit, and the force of the snake head's bite increased accordingly.

"You want to draw my chakra into Wood Release?"

"Why refuse something delivered right to my door?"

"Too much appetite will burst your body."

"Worry about your snake first."

The Metal Spear pierced through Orochimaru's chest. Poison Vines sprouted from its tip and coiled through flesh and blood toward his spine.

The pierced body opened its mouth, and swarms of tiny snakes crawled out. The remaining skin hung from the spear shaft and rapidly shriveled.

The real Orochimaru flipped out from behind the swarm, pressing his palm against the back of Chiba's neck.

"Got you."

Purification Light burned from the point of contact up his wrist. Orochimaru did not withdraw his hand; instead, his fingers dug in even deeper.

Purple-black curse markings passed through the damaged protective ring, forming three curved tomoe along Chiba's neck.

Silver markings met the curse markings. The Sage Body forced the invading power in his meridians toward the skin, while the new purification branch cleansed it from the outside in.

The three forces collided at his neck.

All Chiba could hear was the dull tearing of his meridians, while gold-green and purple-black severed the vision on his right.

"The pain will pass. The power will remain."

Orochimaru pressed against his back, sending more cursed power into the incomplete mark through his fingertips.

"Give up resisting, and I can make this easier for you."

"You talk too much."

"You can still speak. Looks like the dose isn't enough."

"Add more."

Orochimaru's hand