Chapter 297:
The citizens of Rōran, who had noticed the commotion from a distance, had retreated to safer ground, terrified of being caught in the crossfire.
When they saw Sasuke crash into a wall after being sent flying, they silently thanked their decision to hide earlier.
In the battlefield, Sasuke's Susanoo had vanished. He struggled to pull himself out from the debris, his breathing heavy and labored.
Orochimaru stood calmly in front of him, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You're aware that I possess the Sharingan, yet you didn't account for the Flying Thunder God technique?"
"F-Flying Thunder God?" Sasuke stammered, his eyes widening in disbelief. "When… when did you—?"
Subconsciously, Sasuke glanced down at his ankle—the spot Orochimaru had grabbed earlier. Sure enough, there was a snake-shaped Flying Thunder God seal engraved on his shoe.
"Using a Mangekyo Sharingan against me?" Orochimaru's voice carried a trace of mockery. "I've had these eyes long before your father ever did. Susanoo's defense may be formidable, but the space where the user stands is vulnerable. With the Flying Thunder God technique, slipping inside and targeting the main body is child's play."
"Damn it…" Sasuke muttered, clenching his fists in frustration.
"Enough, Sasuke!" Kakashi intervened, stepping between Sasuke and Orochimaru as the young Uchiha tried to rise again. "No matter what time period, Lord Orochimaru's strength is far beyond anything you can handle!"