Chapter 61: Orochimaru’s Crushing Defeat
"Ibuse, break the Ninjutsu on the other side first," Hanzō commanded.
"Ooh-wah, ooh-wah," Ibuse cried loudly, moving its massive body with surprising agility. With a flick of its tail, it obliterated the combined Ninjutsu from the Konoha side, reducing it to ashes.
"Ooh-wah, ooh-wah," the creature seemed to boast to Hanzō, who crouched down and patted its head in encouragement.
Manda's expression shifted as he watched Ibuse. This big guy won't be easy to deal with, he thought grimly.
"Damn, Hanzō's Summoning Beast is incredibly strong," Orochimaru muttered, recognizing Ibuse's power from just that single attack. Facing Hanzō directly, he began to understand why the man was called Demigod.
The Konoha Ninjas and Ame Jōnin clashed in close combat, their Ninjutsu lighting up the battlefield. The chaos claimed lives on both sides.
Orochimaru unsheathed his sword, engaging Hanzō's Kusarigama in a fierce duel. After only a few exchanges, Orochimaru found himself on the back foot, forced to keep an eye on Ibuse's poisonous breath while fending off Hanzō's relentless assault. Frustration mounted as the battle intensified.
Spotting an opportunity, Orochimaru unleashed his Ninjutsu. "Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!" From his sleeves, large snakes shot out, lunging to bite and entangle Hanzō.
"Kenjutsu, Iaidō!" Hanzō's sickle flashed, cutting the snakes apart with ease. The attack left Hanzō unharmed. Seizing the moment, Orochimaru retreated to Manda's back.
Manda, however, was visibly weakened, his body marred with wounds. He had been poisoned—though still holding on, Orochimaru could tell it wouldn't be for much longer. Manda snapped up several Amegakure Ninjas, swallowing them whole to sustain himself.
"I can't hold out much longer. Take care of yourself," Manda warned, continuing to keep Ibuse occupied and away from the Konoha Ninjas.