"Bzz!"
Just then, the space overhead shifted, and an immense pressure bore down on Orochimaru, making him shrink back and take another defensive stance.
"Tempest Kick!"
River swung his right leg down, sending a slashing blast howling into Orochimaru.
Strangely, Orochimaru's body twisted like a snake at that instant, bending into a contorted shape. Yet as he struck the ground, it quickly returned to normal.
"You're quite interesting yourself, Orochimaru!"
River landed and smiled lightly at Orochimaru, who was slowly getting up nearby.
"I'm just as interested in you."
Orochimaru extended a hand, and a kunai appeared in it. "Is that so?" he asked with a smile.
Then his spine lengthened like a snake's, and the tongue in his mouth became forked as he shot forward.
In an instant, he was in front of River, swinging his right hand sharply.
"To think Minato's younger brother possessed such exceptional talent."
"You've truly surprised me!"
"More than twenty years, and I've never heard a word about it!"
As those words echoed in his ears, River swung his own kunai, meeting Orochimaru's with a fierce clash. A metallic clang rang out, and sparks flew.
"There's plenty you haven't heard of!"
"Orochimaru!"
River swung the kunai in his hand again, attacking him.
Orochimaru blocked. With a clang, his wrist shook violently, and the kunai flew out of his grasp. His slit pupils narrowed, and he immediately retreated.
"Such powerful Taijutsu. Truly frightening!"
"It seems I shouldn't fight you at close range."
Then he brought his hands together, preparing to use Ninjutsu.
But at that moment, Orochimaru's pupils suddenly contracted, and shock surged through him. His opponent had vanished again.
A shadow appeared behind him, accompanied by rippling energy and a sharp, rapidly spinning force at the back of his head.
"If we keep fighting