He could even interfere with his companions' Chakra using his own unique Chakra, just like he would against Genjutsu in other situations, causing chaos in their Chakra and impacting their consciousness.
Among all the ninjas in Konoha, Jiraiya showed the best resistance to the Fear Toxin.
He was completely fine.
Sage Mode enhances a ninja in various aspects, particularly excelling in areas like mental perception.
Not to mention, he had two Toads on his shoulders, and the three of them could use their Chakra together to disrupt the illusions created by the Fear Toxin.
"Oh? Konoha still has some capable individuals."
Qingshui stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the battlefield, slightly surprised.
Instead of thinking about detoxifying, he was creatively using the Fear Toxin as a Genjutsu to counter it.
Although it wouldn't cure the root cause and would affect combat effectiveness, it could significantly reduce the potency of the Fear Toxin.
But…
What if I keep releasing the toxin?
"Increase the dosage and push the main battle force forward."
Qingshui issued another command.
As long as the concentration of the toxin doesn't exceed the detoxification capacity of the antidote that the Sand Village ninjas had taken beforehand, they could unleash it freely!
Thousands of Sand Village ninjas, except for the reserve team, were now all mobilized.
Over the years, the combat formations and internal teams of the Sand Village had changed with the modifications brought by Qingshui, but the framework remained the same as before. Under Qingshui's guidance, it transformed into a strategy resembling a three-by-three formation.
Three people formed a small team, and three small teams made up a mini combat group, allowing for measured advancement and retreat, mutual support, and cooperation.
The three-person teams were modeled after Qingshui's original team, with Ninjutsu Ninjas as the main ranged attackers, melee ninjas at the front providing protection for their companions, and Puppet Masters in the middle, capable of both roles.
If a melee companion was injured, then a Puppet would take their place; if the ranged firepower was insufficient, another Puppet could bolster the attack.
However, there was a subtle change: in each mini combat group, one of the teams consisted of four members—the extra member was a Medical Ninja.
After years of training, and with Chiyo's careful guidance along with the vast medical knowledge brought by Qingshui, the Sand Village finally managed to cultivate a certain number of Medical Ninjas.
Although the numbers weren't sufficient to ensure every team had a Medical Ninja, it was enough when distributed among the three teams.
This mini combat group consisted of ten people, making it easier for statistics and organizational management.
Notably, a significant portion of these Puppet Masters chose to fight just like Qingshui, immersing themselves inside their Puppets during combat.
The trend led by Qingshui had indeed changed many Puppet Masters.
The scales of battle were rapidly tipping in favor of the Sand Village.
Even though Konoha had prepared thoroughly for this battle, in the face of the endless new tactics from the Sand Village, those preparations could not be deemed entirely ineffective, but they certainly did not yield the results that Konoha's ninjas had anticipated.
Even with temporary measures against the Fear Toxin, the combat effectiveness of Konoha's ninjas was still significantly weakened, causing them to steadily retreat.
In the rear of the Sand Village, among the reserve team.
A few Puppet Masters stood in front of Qingshui, manipulating equipment taken from the Sealing Scroll.
The All-Seeing Eye Puppet Drones were transmitting real-time footage of the entire battlefield and the surrounding situations faithfully to this location.
On the main battlefield, the Sand Village ninjas had gained a tremendous advantage.
Meanwhile, in another location outside the battlefield, some situations were unfolding.
"Finally made a move. Well, with the main battlefield in such disarray, even Orochimaru can't just sit back and watch this side lose."
Looking at the Konoha ninja team approaching on the screen, a smile appeared on Qingshui's face.
"Are those flying Puppets up there for surveillance? Similar to the flying ninja tools from Sky Ninja Village?"
Orochimaru, who was running on the ground with the Konoha ninjas, suddenly looked up at the small black dots flying above.
His running posture was different from the other ninjas.
While others had their arms behind them, Orochimaru ran with a scientifically correct arm swing.
"Wind Release team, use long-range Wind Release Ninjutsu to disrupt the air currents above and bring down those flying ninja tools!"
"Everyone, our position has been exposed. After taking down those flying tools, accelerate and take a detour from the east side to avoid any ambushes they might set up ahead!"
Orochimaru's expression darkened as he hastily commanded.
The situation was dire!
It was worse than Orochimaru had anticipated!
If they didn't hurry to provide support, Jiraiya would definitely not hold out!
Even if they arrived, defeat was still a possibility, but at least they could consolidate their forces and try to protect the main unit as much as possible.
A complete loss, a major defeat, or a minor setback—these outcomes were all different!
And what if they managed to win?
"They're coming."
Qingshui looked toward a certain direction outside the battlefield, behind him were the Sand Village reserve ninjas, ready for action.
They had long been prepared for battle.
Without any wasted words, the two sides clashed like dry kindling meeting a roaring flame, igniting instantly, and as soon as they engaged, the fight escalated into a fierce confrontation.
Once again, it was the Ice Bomb, the Fear Toxin, and the automated cluster puppets.
Qingshui took the initiative to stand in front of Orochimaru.
As long as Orochimaru was defeated, the Sand Village would certainly win this battle.
The only difference would be the scale of the victory.
And Qingshui naturally wanted to achieve a greater outcome!
"*White Secret Technique: Five Machine Maneuvers.*"
Five A+ grade puppets appeared, instantly surrounding Orochimaru.
Various attacks rained down on Orochimaru, and right behind them, Qingshui wielded the Kusanagi Sword, unleashing a magnificent Separation Release sword aura aimed directly at Orochimaru's head.
"*Triple Rashomon!*"
Three massive iron gates were summoned by Orochimaru, blocking the main assault aimed at him.
In the next moment, a giant purple snake emerged.
"Orochimaru, this time I will—"
"Five hundred sacrifices. Hold off those puppets with all your strength before you can no longer endure."
Orochimaru interrupted Manda's words, his tone cold.
"One thousand!"
Manda retaliated.
"Deal!"
Orochimaru spat out two words and then ignored everything else, throwing out a Sealing Scroll, releasing several massive Fūma Shuriken, while forming hand seals with both hands.
"*Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!*"
Each shuriken shot out from the Sealing Scroll split into many more under Orochimaru's movements, cascading down like an unending torrential rain, covering the area where Qingshui stood.
This ninjutsu, which Orochimaru had learned in his youth, had only grown stronger with his age and power.
"*Separation Breathing: Fifth Form: Wind-Lightning Separation Blast!*"
Qingshui raised his hand, and endless plasma sword blades shot out from the Kusanagi Sword, slicing through the shurikens while still pointing directly at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru bolted, quickly shifting to the side, forming hand seals.
"*Wind Release: Wind Cutter Jutsu!*"
Qingshui relentlessly pursued, sword in his right hand and forming seals with his left, unleashing the same ninjutsu.
"*Wind Release: Wind Cutter Jutsu!*"
The two gusts of wind clashed, creating turbulent air currents that sent smaller blades of wind flying, leaving shallow marks on the ground.
Orochimaru's Wind Release was formidable; there were few in the entire Ninja World whose Wind Release could surpass his.
Unfortunately for him, Qingshui was among those few and was likely the strongest in Wind Release.
Because his Wind Release was not just Wind Release.
The airflow tore apart, suppressing Orochimaru's Wind Release, forcing him to change direction and flee again.
Qingshui was still in pursuit.
"*Ninja Art: Snake Cage!*"
Dozens of thick snakes suddenly erupted from the ground, attempting to entangle and bind Qingshui like a cage.
"*Separation Breathing: Seventh Form: Separation Mirror!*"
A bright blue mirror enveloped the snakes, then shattered along with them.
Qingshui's figure rushed like a hurricane toward Orochimaru once more.
Though the Wind Release Chakra Mode was not yet perfected, it already provided a significant boost to the Wind Rush Technique.
And Qingshui's methods were naturally not limited to that.
"*Bolts of Balthakk!*"
This technique was derived from the lightning magic of a certain Dimensional Demon God; it was simple and brutal to use, but both its speed and power surpassed most lightning release ninjutsu in the Ninja World. It only required the corresponding energy to be accumulated in advance, allowing for near-instantaneous use with excellent effects.
"What kind of lightning release ninjutsu is this?!"
Orochimaru ran even faster, his legs transforming into snake tails as he slithered across the ground at high speed.
Blue-purple lightning continuously pursued and bombarded him, leaving craters in its wake.
Just from the power of it, one could tell what would happen if he were hit by even one.
Under normal circumstances, discovering a brand new ninjutsu he had never seen before would have delighted Orochimaru, who sought to master all truths of ninjutsu.
But in a life-or-death situation like this, he couldn't feel any joy at all.
"Orochimaru! How much longer are you going to drag this out? I can't take it anymore!"
Manda let out a pained cry, rearing back and roaring at the sky.
Surrounded by five A+ level puppets, even a top-tier summoning beast like Manda found it difficult to cope.
Orochimaru was too preoccupied with his own troubles.
He had been cautious, but still got hit by several bolts of lightning, forcing him to use the Great Snake Escape Technique to transfer a significant amount of damage and avoid serious injury to his main body.
This technique was considered one of the best substitution techniques in the Ninja World, far superior to regular substitution techniques. Since it was initiated from within, it didn't require external conditions; all it needed was internal preparation, allowing it to function similarly to a revival technique in many situations.
The only downside was the massive chakra consumption. Aside from Orochimaru, who had undergone snake transformation, very few could handle such chakra drain.
During his time in the white-clad era, Sasuke could only use the Great Snake Escape Technique once before being unable to use it again for a while.
But Orochimaru could.
As long as he didn't exceed his limits within a short period and wasn't controlled by sealing techniques, this slippery snake could indeed escape.
When it came to survival and fleeing, Orochimaru was a professional.
"Crimson Bands of Cyttorak."
Chains extended from Qingshui's hand, slithering like serpents toward Orochimaru.
What? You have new ninjutsu too?
Orochimaru's eyes widened as he reached behind him with a hand.
"Hidden Shadow Many Snake Hands!"
A python emerged from his sleeve, engaging in battle with the chains.
Orochimaru turned back and continued to flee.
Qingshui's feet erupted, and he lunged forward with his sword.
He had figured out what Orochimaru was trying to do.
It was nothing more than a collaboration, similar to what he would do with Jiraiya, hoping to change the situation.
But what good would that do?
"Separation Breathing: Sixth Form: Parting Dragon Night Dance."
A Chi Dragon, formed from Separation Release chakra, manifested, roaring fiercely as it tore apart the giant pythons in its path, charging toward Orochimaru.
"Wild Lion's Mane Technique!"
Suddenly, a lion's head made of white hair clashed with the Chi Dragon, even pulling Orochimaru along to the other side.
"Ninja Art: Needle Jizo!"
The lion's head was sliced apart, and in the next moment, countless strands of white hair appeared.
Jiraiya grabbed Orochimaru, using ninjutsu to envelop and protect them both.
"Separation Release: Thunderclap!"
"Scorch Release: Superheated Murder!"
"Magnet Release: Golden Sand Tsunami!"
Three different kekkei genkai attacked simultaneously against Jiraiya's defensive ninjutsu, shattering it.
There was no sign of Jiraiya or Orochimaru.
Meanwhile, Qingshui was already ahead, wielding the Kusanagi Sword, attacking toward a distant direction.
"Separation Breathing: First Form: Ion Cut!"
As Orochimaru and Jiraiya emerged from the ground using Earth Release, they saw the incoming sword energy.
Without hesitation, Orochimaru immediately dropped to the ground, his mouth opening a full one hundred eighty degrees like a serpent, spewing forth countless pythons.
"Myriad Snake Net!"
A torrent of snakes surged, and bodies flew apart.
Jiraiya clapped his hands together and summoned again.
This time, not only Gamabunta, but also Gamaken and Gamahiro appeared alongside him.
"Orochimaru, this time we have to give it our all!"
Standing on Gamabunta's head, Jiraiya resolutely addressed Orochimaru.
"What do you mean give it our all? We need to escape! Toad! Run! If we don't run now, we'll lose our lives!"
Orochimaru instantly teleported onto Gamabunta's head.
Manda had taken quite a beating and couldn't handle it anymore, returning to Ryūchi Cave after the summoning was released. He could only hitch a ride on Jiraiya's toad getaway.
"Stupid snake! Don't think you can boss me around!"
Gamabunta cursed, but still obediently leaped away, bounding toward the distance.
Gamaken and Gamahiro automatically held up large shields and forks to buy time for the others to escape.
"Orochimaru, this..."
Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru in confusion.
"Just take a look at the battlefield, Jiraiya. We've already suffered a crushing defeat! If you and I fall here, the war will be completely over!"
Jiraiya couldn't help but turn back to look.
The three top experts from the Sand Village were still pursuing them relentlessly.
And further away on the battlefield, the Konoha ninja were collapsing like a house of cards, with remnants of their formations desperately trying to break through the encirclement of the Sand ninja.
As the two main pillars, Jiraiya and Orochimaru, began to retreat, the morale of the Konoha ninja plummeted, leading to an even greater rout.
It was uncertain how many would manage to escape with their lives.
"Orochimaru, shouldn't we do something?"
Jiraiya said seriously to Orochimaru.
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