Sasuke Was No Fool-He Understood

Orochimaru clicked his tongue in wonder, growing more excited the more he thought about it, utterly ignoring the almost tangible murderous intent radiating from Itachi beside him.

"So what if I successfully seize Sasuke's body?"

"In just a few short years, I'll have to start all over again."

"But if I have Sasuke produce a large number of descendants..."

"Then I'll have an endless supply of specimens carrying the Uchiha bloodline!"

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, his voice feverish and unhinged. The more he spoke, the more obsessed he became, until he was completely immersed in his vision of the perfect experiment.

"And I could even selectively combine bloodlines!"

"If I paired the Uchiha bloodline with the Uzumaki bloodline, could I create children with the Sharingan, along with that tremendous vitality and self-healing ability?"

"What about children born with someone from the Hyuga Clan? Would they have the Sharingan or the Byakugan? Or could they have both?"

"If I found girls with other Kekkei Genkai, would their children be even stronger?"

"I could explore countless possibilities and cultivate countless perfect vessels!"

"This Sky Screen really came at just the right time. It's given me such incredible inspiration."

"Heh heh heh..."

"I'm an absolute genius! I could use Sasuke as the progenitor of an entire clan with a super bloodline!"

Orochimaru's excited, perverse laughter rang out again and again!

Then, a moment later...

Bam!

Uchiha Itachi blasted Orochimaru's clone to pieces!

Uchiha Itachi radiated a bone-chilling cold, the murderous intent in his eyes reaching its absolute peak.

He could accept bearing everything and sacrificing everything.

He could accept being branded with infamy and sinking into darkness.

He could accept the destruction of the Uchiha and bearing the blame himself.

But he could never accept-

Anyone scheming against his little brother Sasuke and Sasuke's children like this!

At that moment, Itachi had only one thought.

Orochimaru must die.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru, who was lying low in some unknown corner of the Shinobi World, received his clone's memories and pursed his lips.

"Itachi, you really don't know what's good for you, after all the thought I've given you."

"You're so stupid it's almost adorable."

"Unlike you, I'm actually doing what's best for Sasuke. Why can't you understand that?"

"Forget it. I'll give up on Itachi's body."

"I can't let him rub off on me!"

The Sky Screen!

Inside the dim secret chamber, the atmosphere was thick with deadly tension.

After Sasuke exposed his scheme to exploit his bloodline with a single remark, Orochimaru fell silent for a long time.

His feverish excitement slowly faded, replaced by a cold smile that held both self-mockery and a hint of amusement.

Orochimaru let out a soft breath and looked at Sasuke, whose eyes were icy and who refused to yield an inch, then said mildly:

"Ah, Sasuke. I did give you a chance."

"Unfortunately, you weren't up to it."

"I have no interest in romance or reproduction. I merely wanted you to enjoy a lifetime of pleasure and live without regrets."

"And repay my kindness along the way!"

"Unfortunately, you're too young."

"You have no idea how many people would envy the kindness I've offered you."

Those words sounded gentle, but they tore away the false warmth of their three years as master and student.

Sasuke was no fool. He understood!

I can go for the kill now!

A cutting sneer curled Sasuke's lips as his fighting spirit surged. He gave no ground and conceded nothing.

"Orochimaru, you think far too highly of yourself."

"My body is right here. If you want it, come and take it."

Sasuke's gaze was sharp and brimming with confidence. Every word rang clear, revealing the young man's fierce edge.

"Three years ago, I really was powerless to resist. You could do whatever you wanted with me."

"But now, you want to steal my body-you may have the desire, but you no longer have the strength!"

"And I'm no longer who I was back then!"

Every word struck where it hurt, laying bare Orochimaru's weakened state.

Orochimaru's pupils abruptly contracted. His gaze sharpened like a blade and locked onto Sasuke as he asked, his voice heavy with suspicion and concern, "Sasuke... what exactly do you know?"

He had never revealed even a fraction of his most deeply hidden trump card to Sasuke.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes slightly, fully baring his chilling killing intent:

"It's just that Forbidden Technique of yours, isn't it, Orochimaru?"

"I've had three years to investigate. I know all about it."

"The Forbidden Technique that grants eternal life by seizing other people's bodies and transferring your soul—Living Corpse Reincarnation."

Boom!

Everything was out in the open!

Orochimaru froze. After a brief silence, instead of becoming angry, his eyes blazed with intense excitement and admiration.

He slowly straightened his weakened body, his delicate face full of admiration. "Just what I'd expect from the Sasuke I personally nurtured for three years."

"Clever, patient, concealing your edge and waiting for your moment. You truly haven't let my careful training go to waste."

As his words fell, his presence abruptly turned cold, and his desire to fight ignited in full.

"Since you know everything and understand my goal..."

"Are you ready, Sasuke?"

"Become my vessel!"

There was no need for more words, no need for more pretense.

Their bond as master and student, the debt of his training, their mutual exploitation-all of it became meaningless at that moment!

Sasuke raised his eyes, a smile full of defiance and fighting spirit lifting the corners of his mouth.

The next instant-

Bzzzt-!!

Blinding lightning suddenly burst from his palm!

Razor-sharp Lightning Release chakra rapidly condensed, extended, and took shape!

"Chidori Spear!"

A long spear of lightning formed in an instant. Without the slightest hesitation, Sasuke struck!

The deadly lightning spear tore through the air and pierced straight through Orochimaru's body!

Lightning exploded, punching through flesh!

Sasuke stood with the spear in hand, his gaze fierce and defiant:

"I'm right here!"

"If you've got what it takes, come and take my body!"

With the lightning spear piercing his body, Orochimaru showed no pain. Instead, his lips curled into a crazed, sinister smile.

Countless white snakes writhed out of his wound as his shattered body rapidly squirmed and re-formed.

"Interesting... so very interesting!"

Orochimaru let out a wild laugh. Countless snake scales appeared across his body, swarms of snakes surged forth, and icy chakra shot into the air!

Three years of nurturing had ultimately ended in a battle to the death!

Outside the Sky Screen, the entire Shinobi World erupted!

"They're fighting! The ultimate showdown-Sasuke versus Orochimaru!"

"My god! Sasuke held back for three years and figured out Orochimaru's goal ages ago! He was playing weak to catch him off guard the whole time!"

"So cool! He's not afraid of Orochimaru at all! He's taking him head-on, completely fired up!"

"Master and student scheming against each other, biding their time, laying their plans, and finally fighting to the death! That's the game shinobi play!"

"Orochimaru's right. Sasuke doesn't know how to seize an opportunity."

"I feel like Sasuke didn't understand what he meant. He's too young."

"Yeah, if I had Sasuke's looks and presence, who knows how many girls I'd have sweet-talked by now."

"Uh, isn't Orochimaru's Forbidden Technique the important part? He can steal bodies."

"What's that got to do with me? Am I going to get this Forbidden Technique and steal someone else's body, or is someone going to want this body of mine that's worse than an old man's?"

"Good point!"