The battle erupted once more.
This time, its intensity had risen by far more than a single notch.
Orochimaru's arrival had fundamentally changed the battle.
His ninjutsu was bizarre and unpredictable, making every attack nearly impossible to guard against.
Hidden Shadow Snake Limbs shot from his sleeves, snapping at Jiraiya's throat.
Soft Body Modification allowed him to contort his body at any angle. When Kakashi's kunai stabbed toward him from an unbelievable direction, he evaded it with an impossible twist.
Orochimaru kept Jiraiya occupied, leaving him unable to break away for the moment.
Their battle resembled a strange dance, every move steeped in their knowledge of each other.
They knew each other too well-well enough to predict the other's next move with their eyes closed.
That familiarity was bitterly ironic when turned against a former teammate.
"Jiraiya, you're still as strong as ever."
Orochimaru dodged a punch from Jiraiya and spoke with a smile.
Jiraiya gritted his teeth.
"So are you."
Orochimaru's smile widened in delight.
"Hehehe... It feels good to receive a compliment from an old friend."
Elsewhere, Kakashi and Obito's duel had reached a fever pitch.
Kakashi's chakra was draining rapidly, and his breathing grew increasingly ragged. His eye remained fixed on Obito, never looking away for even a second.
"Obito!"
He shouted. Obito did not respond, and the power of Kamui spun faster in his eye.
Kakashi clenched his teeth as Chidori gathered in his palm, blazing at its brightest.
"You once said that people who break the rules are trash, but people who don't cherish their comrades are worse than trash!"
Obito's hand paused.
Kakashi charged, driving Chidori straight toward Obito's chest.
Kamui activated.
Chidori passed through Obito's body as though through empty air.
Kakashi fell to the ground, landing on his knees. Rain struck his