Bang!
Manda vanished, sent back to Ryūchi Cave.
But Shinji knew he was doomed, unless he could survive having his head cut off!
The terrifying Petrification Curse would rapidly eat through Manda's entire body, finally turning him into a lifelike stone sculpture.
If Ryūchi Cave ever became a tourist attraction, the Manda sculpture would surely become a pilgrimage site for countless influencers to check in at.
Just then, the enormous commotion finally drew Hidan and Tobi over.
"Shinji, sir, we're here~"
"Is this neither-man-nor-woman our enemy this time? I wonder if Lord Jashin would like an offering like this."
Orochimaru's expression darkened. Although he did not yet know Manda was close to death, losing such a powerful helper, coupled with the arrival of enemy reinforcements, left him at a serious disadvantage.
His gaze briefly swept over the encased Kusanagi Sword and the immobilized Hozuki Clan brat beside the stream.
He was already preparing to make a strategic retreat.
There would be plenty of opportunities later.
"Many Snake Array!"
"Evil Snake Coil!"
Orochimaru suddenly released countless venomous snakes to obstruct Shinji and the others, then summoned a winding giant snake.
The moment it appeared, the winding giant snake swallowed Orochimaru whole, then rapidly slithered forward, charging straight toward the sealed Kusanagi Sword.
But just as the winding giant snake was about to swallow the Kusanagi Sword as well, the Blood Crystal encasing it suddenly exploded. Countless fragments shredded the snake's mouth.
The Kubikiribōchō and the Crimson Triple-Bladed Scythe came flying at the same time, striking the winding giant snake's body and pinning it to the ground. Its eyes filled with extreme pain.
But its eyes immediately turned numb and vacant. Clearly, Orochimaru had begun forcibly controlling it.
Riiip...
Without any regard for it, Orochimaru forced the winding giant snake to tear