Ryūchi Cave.
Sasuke was busily preparing for the Seventh Battle, scheduled for seven days later.
The Seventh Battle's opponent had yet to be revealed, but one thing was certain... they had to surpass the Six Paths of Pain!
Kabuto had not yet finished his senjutsu training, so naturally, Itachi served as Sasuke's sparring partner.
In the past, his body's limitations had allowed Itachi to master only half of Shikkotsu Forest's senjutsu. Now, after taking the Sage Medicine, his body had fully recovered and his chakra reserves had undergone a qualitative leap. Mastering the other half had come naturally!
Dark red markings appeared around Itachi's eyes, extending downward to overlap the tear troughs beside his nose before folding upward and stretching to his ears.
The fiery red Sage Power Chakra Cloak he had worn in his Half-Sage State now had longer, flowing edges in his Full Sage State, with an added swallowtail hem that lent his presence an even more ethereal grace.
His gaze remained calm, as still as a clear mirror or undisturbed water, but that calm now held a more human spark than before, making it seem more natural.
Boom...!!
A Wood Dragon erupted from the mountainside, its body coiling downward!
Slash...!!
The Totsuka Blade struck first, severing the dragon's body!
"Sasuke, take this!"
More than a dozen Yasaka Magatama, imbued with Sage Art Fire Release, became gigantic crimson claws of the Phoenix Flower!
"So that's your move..."
Sasuke smiled. His Susanoo's arm abruptly split into the purple tendrils of Earth Grudge Fear, which threaded precisely through the holes in the Yasaka Magatama, strung them into a chain, and hurled them back at Itachi!!
Itachi smiled. "Such precise control over that technique. You've grown stronger again, Sasuke..."
Clang...!
The Yata Mirror flared to life, reflecting every incoming magatama!
Sasuke