Although the Third Kazekage appeared unharmed, inwardly he was reeling. An unremarkable strike from Orochimaru had possessed such power and speed. Though he had blocked it with iron sand, doing so had also consumed a considerable amount of chakra.
The Third Kazekage could only hope that Orochimaru could not maintain this level of fighting strength for long, and that he could hold out until the end.
While the Third Kazekage's thoughts ran wild, Orochimaru charged toward him again. This time, however, his speed, though fast, was still within a range the Third Kazekage could handle.
Seeing this, the Third Kazekage regained his confidence. He believed Orochimaru could only unleash brief bursts of power, which meant that he, the Third Kazekage, would still be the ultimate victor.
Little did he know that Orochimaru had deliberately given him this false impression.
The Third Kazekage waved both hands, and countless grains of iron sand immediately formed two iron whips, their lengths covered in spikes. Anyone struck by them would have their skin torn and flesh ripped open.
With another wave of the Third Kazekage's hands, the two iron whips lashed toward Orochimaru.
Seeing this, Orochimaru gave a disdainful chuckle. His body seemed to distort briefly, a change impossible to notice without looking closely.
Just then, the two iron whips reached Orochimaru and lashed swiftly at his head. But the next moment, they passed straight through his body.
"An afterimage?!"
Only then did the Third Kazekage realize that what had charged toward him was Orochimaru's afterimage, while Orochimaru himself had vanished again.
Without even thinking, the Third Kazekage turned his hands into blades and slashed behind him.
This time, however, the Third Kazekage had guessed correctly. Orochimaru had indeed appeared behind him, and the slash interrupted his attack.
Seeing his attack fail, Orochimaru immediately