In Konoha: Three Choices at the Start

Orochimaru watched Liuyun's movements, a feverish gleam rising in his cold eyes. Surrounded by his subordinates, he was in no hurry to leave.

"Could it be? Has Liuyun already taken that step? I can hardly wait!"

He could feel Liuyun undergoing a terrifying transformation within that rainbow-colored energy.

Crack! Crack!

As the rainbow glow faded, the light surrounding Liuyun shattered like glass.

Liuyun appeared before them.

Solid Chakra formed a white robe around him. Black Tomoe marked it—exactly twelve.

He held a pitch-black staff, while Truth-Seeking Orbs floated behind him in a neat circle.

His skin had turned unnaturally pale, but what truly fired Orochimaru's excitement were his eyes.

Purple ripples swirled within them, with six Tomoe arranged in order.

"Those eyes! The same eyes the leader of Akatsuki once had! The Rinnegan?"

Orochimaru's eyes burned, his face thick with greed.

"And this form... Is this the new form he gained by surpassing Hashirama Senju?"

"Six Paths Sage Mode?"

As Orochimaru spoke with feverish excitement, Liuyun stood proudly in midair, his expression indifferent.

Hum!

Visible ripples spread through the air, and a violent pressure burst uncontrollably from Liuyun.

It surged like a vast tide across all of Konoha.

Those with less strength collapsed under it.

Orochimaru's face darkened. He felt trapped in a swamp, the air pressing in on him from every side.

It was as though an immense mountain rested on his back. Even the air around him seemed to be squeezed away.

Orochimaru could barely remain standing. Kakashi was less fortunate: he crouched on the ground, his dull eyes wide with shock.

"So this is Lord Liuyun's strength? It's terrifying!"

"Just the pressure leaking from him has nearly taken away my ability to fight. If I faced him directly, I might not even withstand his presence."

"As expected