Seeing this, Orochimaru abruptly opened his mouth wide and retched. Cold steel flashed between his lips as a sharp longsword shot straight toward Raito's face.
The Kusanagi Sword!
Clang!!
Raito flicked his blade back, knocking the flying sword away with pinpoint accuracy.
The longsword traced an arc through the air, only to be caught by Orochimaru's arm as it stretched like rubber.
With the sword in hand, Orochimaru's entire presence changed.
An icy smile spread across his face. "Boy, don't think you're the only one who knows how to use a sword!"
That surprised Raito a little. Competing with him in swordsmanship? Was Orochimaru tired of living?
Since you're asking for a beating, I'll oblige!
Watching Orochimaru grip the Kusanagi Sword, Raito pushed off and accelerated in an instant.
It was only a pure taijutsu sprint, lacking the unpredictable movement of the Body Flicker Technique, but at such close range, his speed was still astounding.
His blade came crashing down with tremendous force.
Orochimaru blocked with both hands on his sword.
Clang!!
Sparks flew.
Clang, clang, clang!!
Raito unleashed three consecutive strikes, each lethal, pressing forward with every step.
Sweat beaded on Orochimaru's forehead. The longer they fought, the more alarmed he became.
Before, he had only watched from a distance. Now that he faced it himself, he truly understood how terrifying Raito's swordsmanship was.
The boy's blade was impossibly steady, fluid, and precise. It was as though he could see straight through Orochimaru, exposing every blind spot in his defenses.
The fourth strike!
Raito's blade struck the weakest point along Orochimaru's sword, and the tremendous force knocked the Kusanagi Sword clean out of his hands.
Whoosh!!!
The two figures swept past each other.
A spray of blood blossomed in the air.
Orochimaru staggered to a halt and whipped his