Hiruzen Sarutobi, watching the battle, couldn't help leaning forward slightly.
He'd lived for so many years and seen countless Ninjutsu, but this was the first time he'd seen Lightning Release compressed into a light sword and fired from range.
Danzo stood at his side, his single eye narrowing slightly. No one knew what he was thinking, but his fingers unconsciously tightened around his cane.
Clearly, Lord Danzo had begun to covet talent again. Whenever he saw someone gifted, he wanted to drag them into Root.
"Way to go, Mirai!" Kushina jumped up at the edge of the field and shouted.
Minato clenched his fists as well. "Is this a new form of Chidori Stream? Mirai really is... incredibly gifted!"
Naori said nothing, but her gaze remained fixed on Mirai's back, the corners of her lips unable to stop themselves from rising.
Mirai was the impressive one, so why couldn't she help feeling proud of him?
The pace in the arena didn't slow because of that cheer.
Orochimaru's figure blurred for an instant—then, in the next moment, he appeared at Mirai's side. His five fingers came together like a hand blade as he struck straight for Mirai's ribs.
So fast!
Mirai's pupils contracted slightly. He could only barely twist aside to avoid a vital strike and raise both arms to block.
Bang—!
With a muffled impact, his entire body was knocked back several meters, his feet plowing two shallow furrows through the mud.
Orochimaru's strength far exceeded his expectations. Even though the man clearly hadn't used his full power, Mirai's wrists were still left numb from the blow.
The second strike followed immediately.
Before Mirai could adjust his center of gravity, Orochimaru's knee was already driving toward his abdomen.
He could only cross his arms again and take it head-on—
Then