Orochimaru hadn't expected Senju Haruto to suddenly unleash an ability unique to the Uzumaki Clan. He quickly formed a one-handed seal, attempting to free the Third Kazekage from Haruto's grasp.
But the binding force of the Adamantine Sealing Chains was far stronger than Orochimaru had imagined.
The chains constricted, dragging the Kazekage down from the sky bit by bit.
"Damn it…" Orochimaru cursed, opening his mouth wide. He spat out a razor-sharp longsword, sending it stabbing straight toward Haruto.
Clang!
Kakashi, moving with the lightning speed of his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, appeared beneath the blade in an instant. With a swift reverse strike of his kunai, he knocked the sword off course, sending it flying.
At the same time, Haruto pulled the Third Kazekage fully down to the ground.
Besides the Uzumaki bloodline, Haruto also carried within him the chakra of the One-Tail.
The One-Tail—Shukaku of the Sand—was naturally gifted with powerful Wind Release, Magnet Release, and sealing abilities. Together with Gaara, Shukaku had even used techniques such as the Desert Layered Imperial Funeral Seal.
Haruto's eyes narrowed. Drawing on Shukaku's chakra, he manipulated the iron sand that still blanketed the area, wrapping it around the Kazekage and sealing him inside a coffin of solid iron sand.
Black sealing marks spread rapidly across its surface until the Third Kazekage was completely bound, severing Orochimaru's control over him.
With the Kazekage sealed, the Iron Sand World Method collapsed in an instant.
"The technique's undone…" Kakashi exhaled, scanning the surroundings. He quickly returned to Karin's side to ensure she wasn't harmed by the falling iron sand.
Now that the jutsu had been canceled, the iron sand was harmless. It had only been dangerous before because contact with it would magnetize a person, allowing the Kazekage to manipulate them.
As the oppressive jutsu faded, the remaining Grass shinobi finally arrived at the scene.
This was their village—no matter how terrifying the opponent, retreat was not an option.
"Those… are Konoha ninja?"
The Grass shinobi caught sight of Kakashi's forehead protector and immediately recognized their affiliation.
"What should we do…?" one of the jōnin muttered nervously, his throat dry.
"He's sealed…"
Orochimaru ignored the newcomers entirely. To him, these fodder-level shinobi weren't worth his attention.
His sole focus remained on obtaining Haruto's body.
But Edo Tensei was still in its developmental stage. The strongest corpse he could summon was the Third Kazekage—and even he hadn't been able to trouble Haruto.
Summoning more would just drain chakra for nothing.
So Orochimaru raised his hand, biting his thumb, ready to gamble on a final battle.
Meanwhile, Kakashi used the opportunity to explain the situation to the Grass ninja. Of course, he added a little embellishment.
He claimed both he and Haruto were Konoha shinobi, and they had come here to capture the rogue ninja—Orochimaru.
At the mention of Orochimaru's name, the Grass shinobi all gasped in unison.
That earlier jutsu alone had cost their village dearly. Many comrades hadn't even had time to react before the iron sand pierced through them.
And now, to hear the name "Orochimaru"…
There was no doubt left in their minds.
Who else but one of the Legendary Three Sannin could unleash such terrifying ninjutsu?
No one.
And Orochimaru himself didn't even bother to deny it.
He stared at Haruto, Kakashi, and Karin, dragging his bloodied thumb across his palm.
"Summoning Jutsu…" Kakashi muttered in a low voice, immediately signaling the Grass shinobi to retreat.
If he guessed correctly, Orochimaru was about to summon another corpse for Edo Tensei.
But this time, what appeared was not a coffin.
Boom!
With an earth-shaking crash, a massive cloud of white smoke erupted, spreading outward.
When it cleared, the sight before them made every soul freeze in horror.
A colossal purple serpent with black markings—large as a mountain—loomed over the battlefield.
Karin's legs gave out beneath her as an overwhelming terror consumed her. She collapsed to the ground with a cry.
Kakashi fared little better. His eyes widened in disbelief, his throat tightening as he swallowed hard.
He knew the Summoning Jutsu well—he could use it himself. But the creatures he could summon wouldn't even amount to a snack for the monster before them.
As for the Grass shinobi…
Though many of them had fought in wars and survived countless deadly missions, none had ever laid eyes on something so massive, so dreadful.
The thought of battling such a beast sent tremors through their arms and legs.
Only Haruto remained calm.
"Manda," he murmured, eyes steady as he studied the giant serpent. He recognized it instantly.
Though Manda was Orochimaru's contracted summon, the serpent never saw itself as his subordinate. Their relationship was closer to equal partners.
Every time Manda aided Orochimaru, he demanded a hundred human sacrifices as payment.
And this time was no different.
Manda lowered his gaze, his tone arrogant and menacing.
"Manda, as long as you help me capture that boy, I'll give you as many sacrifices as you want," Orochimaru promised without hesitation, standing atop the serpent's head.
Following his master's direction, Manda fixed his piercing eyes on Haruto.
Even the great serpent felt a flicker of surprise at the thought of fighting someone like him.
"Orochimaru… you've grown weak. You need me to deal with such a little brat?"
"Two hundred sacrifices," Orochimaru replied coldly.
Though displeased at being summoned to handle a mere "child," Manda didn't argue further. The thought of so many fresh sacrifices was enough to quiet his irritation.
"But before that," Manda hissed, his forked tongue flicking hungrily, "these others look rather tasty as well."
His gaze shifted from Haruto to the Grass shinobi gathered below.
They stood ready, weapons drawn, clearly seeing him as the enemy.
"Then I'll start by devouring them," Manda declared, his voice dripping with malicious glee.
Although a summon, he was fluent in human speech. His words alone sent a wave of despair through the Grass ninja.
Yet even in their terror, they understood: if they didn't kill Manda, they would die.
"Ahhhhhh!"
Driven by desperation, the Grass shinobi roared and charged forward, weapons raised, hurling themselves recklessly at the serpent.