"Great Sage, how can I use Cloud Release to quickly shift between cloud and fog?"
[Great Sage: With enough practice, the host will naturally master it.]
So, it looks like I can't rely on the Great Sage to handle this strange level of control.
Still, it seems I'll need to put Cloud Release training on the agenda soon.
Shigure was more than satisfied with the power Cloud Release displayed this time. It wasn't just an auxiliary ability after all—his earlier assessment had been far too one-sided.
He raised his hand.
The Smoke Cage Technique was lifted.
The thick smoke slowly began to disperse.
At that moment, Orochimaru, who was locked in battle with Might Guy, heard the disturbance. The massive smoke cage finally unraveled, and a smile crept across Orochimaru's pale face.
"It's time to reveal the answer."
"Might Guy, what do you think? Did that brat die inside… or did he simply run out of strength and release the barrier himself?"
Guy's expression hardened. Without hesitation, he drove a powerful kick into Orochimaru's arm, sending him crashing into the rooftop across the street.
Yet even after landing, Orochimaru didn't strike back. Instead, his golden, serpentine eyes turned toward the distance.
The smoke was thinning.
"Everyone, stay sharp! The real battle is about to begin. The First and Second Hokage are likely to appear any moment now!"
"Everyone—"
The Anbu squad leader's words caught in his throat as he saw Shigure emerge from the drifting haze.
He was completely unscathed.
Behind him, the last wisps of smoke cleared, revealing a chilling sight.
Two enormous ice crystals stood silently in the open.
Encased within them were none other than the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Smoke-forged chains bound their bodies, etched with intricate sealing patterns that glowed faintly across the icy prison.
The scene was frozen in disbelief.
It looked as though the two Hokage had been completely sealed away.
The Anbu captain's voice trembled.
"This… this… was it him? Did that boy do this?"
A Genin—just a child—had managed to seal the First and Second Hokage.
How could that be possible?
Moments ago, even the Third Hokage had failed to restrain them. He had thrown everything into his final battle and was still nearly crushed under their combined might. And yet, this boy—barely a Genin—had done what Hiruzen Sarutobi himself could not.
Another Anbu whispered in disbelief.
"How long has it been? Three minutes?"
"He must have… but how can anyone seal the two Hokage in just three minutes!?"
The masked squad could hardly contain their shock. Even through their masks, their widened eyes and stunned expressions were obvious.
Might Guy was no less astonished.
"Shigure… actually sealed the First and Second Hokage."
He clenched his fists, heart racing.
"Has the new generation already grown to such monstrous strength?"
Guy's sharp gaze settled on the binding technique.
"Those chains… what kind of ninjutsu is that? They look like smoke, but that white mist has the power to seal even the Hokage themselves!"
Across the rooftop, Orochimaru's expression darkened.
"What even Sarutobi-sensei failed to accomplish was done by a mere brat from Konoha…"
His golden eyes narrowed as the mist coiled protectively around Shigure, drifting like ethereal streamers. His instincts screamed a warning. Shigure's smoke-based ninjutsu wasn't something he could underestimate.
Shigure met Orochimaru's gaze.
"White Vine Strike—Seal!"
The smoke writhed, taking the form of a massive serpent, and lunged at Orochimaru.
Riding the cloud-like mist beneath his feet, Shigure shot forward with incredible speed. To the onlookers, it was as though a streak of white light had suddenly crossed the battlefield.
The serpent of smoke crashed into the rooftop with a deafening roar, shattering tiles and leaving a gaping crater in its wake.
Dust billowed high.
But Orochimaru had already evaded, leaping clear of the Chūnin Exam arena.
"Lord Orochimaru!" the Four Sound Ninja rushed to him. "Are you unharmed?"
Orochimaru waved them off with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"I'm fine."
But inside, his mind was reeling.
The First and Second Hokage—legends of the shinobi world—had been subdued by a Genin. Even incomplete as they were, it should have been impossible.
That brat's ninjutsu was bizarre. Smoke that could bind and seal even the mightiest shinobi. And he was only at the beginning of his path.
If this child were given time to grow…
He would become truly terrifying.
"OROCHIMARU!" Guy's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Why don't you stay here today? It's been a long time since you returned to Konoha—don't leave so soon!"
Guy stepped forward, his body brimming with restrained energy. Until now, he had held back, worried Shigure wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of the fight. If the boy faltered, Guy would have had to break the barrier himself and face the Hokage directly.
But now that the First and Second were sealed, his hesitation was gone.
The threat to Konoha was clear. Orochimaru had grievously wounded the Third Hokage and come back for revenge.
He could not be allowed to leave.
"Hmph," Orochimaru sneered.
"Keep me here? Might Guy, even if the Third Hokage himself stood beside you, it wouldn't be enough."
"Really?"
The smoke swirled again. Two great clouds rolled across the rooftop, enclosing Orochimaru from either side.
Shigure descended on a current of mist, landing lightly at Guy's side.
"Teacher Guy, suppress him. I'll handle the sealing."
Guy nodded firmly. For a boy who had sealed Hashirama and Tobirama, sealing Orochimaru was hardly unthinkable.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with an unsettling light. His voice dripped with both amazement and disgust.
"A Genin… who can seal even the Hokage."
This was beyond his expectations. Facing Shigure and the Blue Beast of Konoha together, he knew his plan to finish Hiruzen today had failed.
Kai's words cut in sharply.
"From that look on your face, you understand your situation, don't you?"
"Humph!" Orochimaru scoffed, glaring at the wound in his palm where blood still dripped fresh. "Do you really think you can stop me?"
He licked his lips, then turned away.
"Looks like that's all for today. I won't waste my time with you any longer."
Shigure spread his arms wide, smoke swirling as he prepared to conjure another Smoke Cage.
But then—
The ground rumbled.
A wooden coffin slowly rose up, creaking as it broke through the stone floor.
...
TN:
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