Chapter 170: Land of Demons
Orochimaru was astounded.
After over four months of working together, it wasn't until Naruto pointed it out that Orochimaru noticed the unique nature of Naruto's existence—a life form completely different from a "normal person." Naruto had abandoned his physical body, existing only as a soul.
"The soul is truly fascinating," Orochimaru muttered, circling the blond figure several times before stopping. Unable to resist, he reached out to touch him, only to be swiftly struck away by the scabbard. "To abandon the body and still live."
"I thought... after death, the soul would either dissipate or, like that old man, be captured by some strange death god."
Naruto's tone remained calm: "I've said it many times. The decay of the body does not equate to death; it is merely the beginning of another phase of life."
Orochimaru shook his head: "Even with you as an example before me, I wouldn't dare to attempt something like that so easily."
Naruto turned to look at Sasuke, who was standing beside them, holding his new sword: "Sasuke can master this power too."
He walked over and drew Nine-Tails. After returning to the Soul Society, Naruto had learned the technique to separate a soul from its body. It was a simple technique, which he had inscribed on the end of his sword's hilt.
Sasuke didn't evade, though he couldn't help but feel nervous, his body stiffening. Naruto held Nine-Tails in a reverse grip, and with a flick of the hilt, he struck Sasuke on the forehead. Sasuke's physical body immediately went limp and collapsed to the ground. But another "Sasuke" remained standing—it was his soul.