At the Critical Moment
In the end, at that critical, life-or-death moment, Black Zetsu displayed astonishing speed and agility. Like a black Inazuma, he seized that fleeting, meteor-like opportunity with lightning speed.
Black Zetsu moved with Inazuma speed, his figure like a ghost, instantly passing through Madara's defenses, giving Madara no time to react. His movements were like those of a ferocious beast, filled with boundless killing intent and ferocity, as he pounced on Madara with overwhelming force.
This pounce was as fierce as a tiger descending a mountain, or Sanjuan Wolf pouncing on its prey. Black Zetsu's movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation or doubt. In the blink of an eye, he pressed down on Madara like a mountain, suppressing Madara completely and rendering him utterly immobile.
Immediately afterwards, Black Zetsu unleashed his final, deadly technique—forcibly fusing with Madara's body! This move was the result of his long period of meticulous preparation and planning, and it was his only hope of defeating Madara.
In the instant of fusion, a cataclysmic energy erupted like a volcanic eruption. This energy was extremely powerful, seemingly capable of tearing the entire world apart. The Shockwave it released swept across everything around it like a raging torrent, utterly destroying everything in its path. Wherever it passed, it was as if the apocalypse had arrived, everything was utterly annihilated. Mountains collapsed instantly under its impact, rivers evaporated without a trace, and forests turned to ashes in an instant, leaving only desolation and ruins. The dazzling light was as bright as the sun, blinding to the eye, but as the light gradually dissipated, Black Zetsu's figure had completely vanished.
Instead, a being exuding an aura of terror appeared— Kaguya Otsutsuki! Her appearance was like a demon emerging from hell, her body radiating a terrifying aura that sent chills down one's spine. At this moment, Black Zetsu had merged with Kaguya Otsutsuki, his body radiating an unparalleled majesty, as if he were the ruler of this world.
Every movement he made carried boundless power, capable of causing the heavens and earth to change color with every gesture. His eyes were cold and ruthless, as if the entire world were merely a plaything in his hands. Faced with such a powerful enemy, Team 7 Konoha did not flinch in the slightest; they fearlessly launched their final battle.
This decisive battle was destined to be a thrilling and fierce fight, with both sides giving their all to determine the victor. In the intense battle, although Obito Uchiha was seriously injured, he still showed a tenacious fighting spirit. Every attack he made was filled with endless hatred, as if he wanted to exchange his own life for the destruction of his opponent.
However, no matter how hard he struggled, he could not withstand the combined attack of his two powerful opponents, Naruto and Sasuke. In the fierce battle, he gradually fell into a disadvantageous position and was eventually defeated by the combined efforts of Naruto and Sasuke.
With a deafening roar, Hoshigaki Kisame's body was sealed within a massive jutsu, vanishing from the world forever. This breathtaking battle became a highlight of Naruto history.
In this fierce battle, Hoshigaki Kisame displayed unwavering fighting spirit and dedication to his mission. Even knowing he could not escape his fate, he still chose to end his life by summoning a summoning beast in order to protect vital information about his Akatsuki comrades.
Guy expressed deep respect for Hoshigaki Kisame's actions. He remarked that although Hoshigaki Kisame was an enemy, his courage and determination were admirable, and he would never forget this rival for the rest of his life.
On his deathbed, Hoshigaki Kisame was still trying to complete one last mission. He set up a Water Prison Technique trap inside the scroll containing information about the Allied Shinobi Forces that he had tried to take with him, successfully trapping the Konoha and Cloud Ninja. At the same time, he ordered his summoning beast to bring the data back to Akatsuki, ensuring the safe transmission of the intelligence.
And so, Kisame Hoshigaki ended his life in a heroic way, fulfilling his mission. His final battle not only made Guy remember his name, but also left a deep impression on everyone who witnessed the fight... Might Guy, who had never remembered his opponents' names before, sighed, "He lived like a true ninja and died like a true ninja. Kisame Hoshigaki, I will remember your name for the rest of my life."
Orochimaru, a legendary figure from Konoha in the Land of Fire, was once one of the renowned "Legendary Sannin." He, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were all disciples of the Third Naruto, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Orochimaru's strength is terrifying. He is not only proficient in various ninjutsu, but also possesses near-immortal regenerative abilities. This makes him virtually invincible in battle, becoming a nightmare for his enemies.
However, Orochimaru harbored immense ambitions. He had an almost obsessive dedication to the study of ninjutsu, and especially craved the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan. This excessive pursuit of power gradually led him astray from the right path.
Orochimaru embarked on this path of no return largely because he witnessed too many deaths. The fragility of life was magnified infinitely in his eyes, leading him to firmly believe that the human body contains endless potential that people can never fully unleash in their lifetime. Thus, he began a frantic search for how to achieve immortality so that he could learn all ninjutsu and ultimately grasp the truth of the world.
Despite Orochimaru's ambitions, his plans were repeatedly thwarted. In his battle against Sasuke and Itachi, he was ultimately sealed by Itachi's Totsuka Blade, seemingly shattering his ambitions completely.
However, fate is always full of drama. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Orochimaru saw Kabuto Yakushi's defeat reflected in Anko Mitarashi and Kabuto Yakushi. At that moment, he seemed to see his own reflection and realized how absurd his past actions had been.
Orochimaru began to reflect on his life, yearning to witness a life completely different from his own, a life full of hope and light. This yearning led him to a complete awakening, and he resolved to let go of his past obsessions and re-examine his path.
Ultimately, Orochimaru was resurrected by Sasuke and Edo Tensei one of the four former Naruto using the Shinobi World War. He joined the four Naruto and Taka on the battlefield to support the Allied Shinobi Forces, contributing his strength to the victory of the war. After the Fourth Shinobi World War, Orochimaru finally ushered in a turning point in his life. Once considered a rogue ninja of Konoha, he was blacklisted and despised by everyone. However, now he was no longer seen as an enemy and instead gained a certain degree of freedom. Not only that, he was also allowed to continue his insane experiments as long as he did not harm others.
During this time, Orochimaru created two Android — Mitsuki Kazumi. These two children became his masterpieces and a part of his life in Konoha.
Orochimaru, the name itself is shrouded in mystery and terror. As his name suggests, he has a close connection with giant snakes. For him, summoning Manda is not difficult; it seems to be an innate ability.
Orochimaru's appearance perfectly matches his name. He has long, black hair that cascades down his shoulders like a waterfall. His eyes are golden, with elongated pupils that exude an eerie aura. Purple eyeshadow extends to his nose, giving him a bewitching yet sinister look. His skin is as pale as paper, seemingly devoid of any color. And his pair of blue-green magatama-shaped earrings add to his mysterious image.
Orochimaru always gives off an impression of being sinister and cunning. Even after undergoing reincarnation, he still manages to disguise himself as his original self. This disguise makes him stand out in a crowd, while also fueling speculation about his true intentions.
So, what exactly did Sasuke learn during his two years with Orochimaru? To some extent, Orochimaru can be called an ambitious man. His heart was filled with a thirst for power and strength, a desire that drove him to constantly explore and experiment. At the same time, he was also a cruel person; his disregard for life made him stop at nothing in pursuit of his goals. Furthermore, Orochimaru was a self-centered person; his actions often only considered his own interests, disregarding the feelings of others.
However, despite Orochimaru's numerous misdeeds, it is undeniable that he was a devoted teacher. He imparted his knowledge and skills to Sasuke, and although these skills may not have been entirely ethical, they undoubtedly contributed to Sasuke's growth. Like Jiraiya, Orochimaru also had his own unique methods and approaches to teaching his disciples.
Orochimaru was able to train Sasuke to be so powerful not only because of his own exceptional strength and superb skills, but more importantly because he taught Sasuke to focus on in-depth analysis of the enemy's abilities and to cultivate the ability to formulate strategies when facing enemies. This training method laid a solid foundation for Sasuke, enabling him to handle various complex situations with greater ease in battle.
However, Orochimaru's growth was not without its challenges. His personality as a child was drastically different from his present one; he was negative-minded and extremely self-centered. This personality trait led him to lack trust in his companions, fearing they would be harmed, yet he also distrusted their power. This viewpoint is completely at odds with Naruto's worldview and values.
Orochimaru's childhood was filled with misfortune. He lost both his parents at a young age, which undoubtedly brought him immense trauma. This pain was amplified when he witnessed the deaths of his close friend and disciple. The departure of Tsunade's lover Dan Kato, and her younger brother, Nawaki, gave Orochimaru a deeper understanding of the fragility of life.
Furthermore, the disregard for life during wartime profoundly influenced Orochimaru. He witnessed people's lack of appreciation for life during wartime, which made him question the essence of life. These experiences combined to gradually darken Orochimaru's personality, and his actions became increasingly terrifying.
Orochimaru blindly believes in ninjutsu and power, even ignoring the inherent nature of life. He fantasizes about changing the world by developing techniques for immortality, an obsession that leads him further down the path of power, ultimately turning him against justice. However, to achieve his personal goals, he is willing to abandon and sacrifice the lives of others, including his own subordinates, using them as experimental subjects. This cruelty leads the protagonist and his allies in Konoha, and even the members of the Akatsuki organization he later joins, to regard him as an enemy. Therefore, he becomes the antagonist in the early and middle stages of this anime series.
Orochimaru's behavior stems from his childhood experiences and his own beliefs. His past shaped his thirst for power and his indifference to the lives of others. This unique upbringing became the source of his later actions.
Orochimaru's Curse Mark -related ninjutsu— the Cursed Seal Technique —was the result of his research into Jugo's body. In battle, Orochimaru would extend his neck and bite the enemy's neck. Once bitten, Three-Tomoe Curse Mark would appear on the opponent's neck.
This Curse Mark has two states, the strongest of which are the Heaven Cursed Seal and the Earth Cursed Seal. The Heaven Cursed Seal was given to Sasuke and Anko Mitarashi, while the Earth Cursed Seal was given to Kimimaro. When the person who obtains Curse Mark uses it, even if their body's chakra is exhausted, the Curse Mark will continuously draw out chakra, giving them great power.
However, it's important to note that the success rate of implanting Curse Mark is extremely low, only about one in ten. This means that the vast majority of those who attempt to implant Curse Mark will face death. This is why Orochimaru himself does not possess Curse Mark.
However, the Curse Mark is not merely a dangerous entity. It also possesses an extremely important function: it can serve as a crucial medium for Orochimaru's resurrection. Even if Orochimaru's physical body unfortunately dies, as long as the Curse Mark and Orochimaru's living cells remain, it is possible to resurrect Orochimaru from the Curse Mark through some means.
Furthermore, Orochimaru possesses a powerful ninjutsu called the "Cursed Binding Seal." When he uses this technique, he extends his neck and bites the enemy's neck like a venomous snake. Once bitten, a Cursed Seal Technique immediately appears on the enemy's body, binding them completely and rendering them immobile. In chapter 634 of the original manga, Orochimaru successfully used this technique to instantly incapacitate Tobi.
Besides the "Cursed Binding Seal," Orochimaru also possesses a sinister and vicious ninjutsu called "Curse Mark Poison." He can release a small venomous snake from his sleeve, which quickly burrows into the opponent's body and bites them. Once bitten by this snake, the person Curse Mark Poison will be unable to move or speak for a short period of time, falling into an extreme predicament.
Finally, Orochimaru was also proficient in a powerful ninjutsu called "Summoning Technique: Triple Rashomon".
The Fivefold Rashomon, inherited from the First Naruto, is an astonishing defensive barrier. Its existence seems to have been summoned to resist all attacks, its gaping maw seemingly devouring all power without restraint.
Each layer of this Rashomon has a unique function. The first gate, which withstands direct attacks, acts like an indestructible shield, forcefully blocking powerful attacks. The second gate acts as a buffer, further reducing the power of attacks received by the first gate. Finally, the third gate acts like a powerful force, dispersing the pressure of attacks so that all attacks are significantly weakened before reaching the caster.
However, summoning such a Rashomon is no easy feat, as each summon requires a significant amount of chakra. Orochimaru's ability to summon three Rashomon simultaneously is undoubtedly the best proof of his immense power.
Since the First Naruto, no one in Konoha has been able to unleash this ultimate Absolute Defense ninjutsu. The Rashomon is like a gate to Asura summoned from the depths of despair; it effortlessly deflects the opponent's attacks with a disdainful air, as if mocking their incompetence.
Faced with such a powerful defense, the prey targeted by Orochimaru could only feel utter despair. Their attacks became insignificant before this triple Rashomon, and what awaited them next was likely only the fate of being easily defeated by Orochimaru.
At this moment of despair, Orochimaru unleashed another of his ultimate techniques— the Summoning Technique Jutsu: Edo Tensei.
This is an amazing ninjutsu— the Otherworld Summoning Technique developed by the Second Naruto, Senju Clan Tobirama! Its principle is quite complex and mysterious. First, a certain amount of flesh needs to be extracted from the dead, and then this flesh is combined with the body of a living person, making the living person's body a container for the soul of the dead.
Next, through a special summoning ritual, the soul of the deceased is summoned from the Pure Land to the mortal world. Once the soul of the deceased successfully attaches itself to the container, the body of the living is covered with dust, allowing the soul of the deceased to be reborn in the mortal world and transformed into the appearance of the deceased in life.
This Summoning Jutsu is extremely difficult, requiring not only a profound understanding of the manipulation of the soul and body, but also a powerful amount of chakra. Moreover, because it involves the boundary between life and death, there are certain risks involved in using this ninjutsu.
Besides the Otherworld Summoning Technique, there is another related Summoning Jutsu —Summoning Orochi. This is a C-rank ninjutsu, belonging to the category of space-time ninjutsu. Once a ninja forms a contract with a summoning beast, they can summon the beast anytime, anywhere.
Orochimaru made a pact with the snakes underground, allowing him to summon them when needed. These snakes not only serve as a shield to protect Orochimaru but also play various roles in battle, such as attacking enemies and gathering intelligence.
In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, we also see the Summoning Manda. This is Orochimaru's strongest summoning beast, from the snake clan of Ryuchi Cave. Manda is enormous and incredibly powerful, making it an extremely powerful summoning beast.
However, during a fierce battle with Deidara, Manda was unfortunately trapped in a genjutsu by Sasuke, becoming Sasuke's shield. Ultimately, Deidara's self-destruct bomb killed Manda, demonstrating the unpredictability and danger of Summoning Jutsu in combat.
In addition, there is a sealing-type Five Elements Seal, which is a powerful sealing technique that can be used to seal an enemy's chakra or other powers. This sealing technique usually requires superb skills and powerful chakra to perform, making it a very powerful ninjutsu.
A-rank ninjutsu is an extremely powerful and complex technique. It requires the user to concentrate their chakra highly on their five fingers and then skillfully utilize the power of the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—to seal the demon. The principle behind this sealing technique is to construct a powerful sealing barrier through the mutual generation and restraint relationships between the five elements, firmly sealing the demon's power within.
Orochimaru deliberately used the Five Elements Seal to disrupt the power of the even-numbered Four Symbols Seal that the Fourth Hokage Naruto had inscribed on Naruto. This method prevented Naruto from freely using the Nine-Tails' chakra, thus greatly weakening his strength. Moreover, because Naruto's own chakra and the Nine-Tails' chakra were mutually restraining, he often felt unbearable pain, as if his body was being torn apart by two powerful forces.
The Reaper Death Seal: Release is an even more mysterious and dangerous ninjutsu. To perform this technique, the user must first obtain Death God Mask and attach it to themselves. In this way, the user's body will materialize into the form of Death God. With the power of the Death God, the user can cut open the Death God's stomach and release the soul Reaper Death Seal. However, this ninjutsu is not without its price; the user must offer their own body as a sacrifice to complete the process.
In addition, there is a support-type ninjutsu called Regeneration Technique. This ninjutsu allows damaged body parts to regenerate automatically, whether it is a wound, a fracture, or other bodily injury, it can be restored to its original state in a short time. In episode 175 of the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime, Regeneration Technique was officially demonstrated, showing its important role in battle.
Finally, chakra absorption is also a common ninjutsu technique. Through specific hand seals and chakra flow methods, the user can absorb chakra from their opponent, thereby enhancing their own strength or weakening their opponent's abilities.
Orochimaru stretched out his hands, as if he could penetrate his opponent's body, and gently touched his skin. In an instant, a powerful suction force emanated from his palms, like an invisible vortex, continuously drawing away the chakra from his opponent's body.
After his resurrection, Orochimaru not only regained his former strength but also unlocked Sage Mode on Kabuto Yakushi. His already sinister face now exuded an even more chilling aura, like a demon from hell.
Immediately afterwards, Orochimaru took back his own chakra from Kabuto Yakushi's body without hesitation. The power that Kabuto Yakushi had taken from him returned to Orochimaru's body, making him even stronger.
Just then, Orochimaru unleashed a ninjutsu he had stolen from the Third Naruto — the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, Rank A. He suddenly hurled a giant shuriken forward, which spun rapidly in the air, tearing through the air like Inazuma.
However, this was only the beginning. Suddenly, tens of thousands of smaller shuriken emerged from around the giant shuriken, swarming towards the opponent like locusts, forming a dense net of attacks.
This is the terrifying aspect of the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique: it can create a large number of shuriken in an instant, launching a continuous attack on the enemy, making it impossible to defend against.
Finally, Orochimaru also possessed a forbidden technique— the Living Corpse Reincarnation. This forbidden technique allowed his soul to transfer to other bodies, thus achieving immortality.