The intent behind the attack was unmistakable precise, ruthless, and aimed directly at vital points.
This was no longer the inexperienced academy graduate from a few months ago. Sasuke Uchiha had grown into a true shinobi. His transformation was evident not only in his raw power, but in his sharpened instincts, combat awareness, and refined technique.
The opening strike alone was enough to prove it fluid, decisive, and executed with lethal efficiency. This was not a level that ordinary ninja could replicate.
A flicker of appreciation passed through Menma's eyes.
In the next instant
His figure blurred.
With effortless precision, Menma evaded Sasuke's killing blow.
The failed assassination did not surprise Sasuke in the slightest.
Within his scarlet pupils, the three-tomoe Sharingan spun rapidly, locking onto Menma's movements with chilling clarity. His presence tightened like a shadow, pressing forward relentlessly, refusing to give even a moment's reprieve.
Menma's gaze sharpened.
At close range, he formed a one-handed seal.
"This is !?"
"Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets."
The technique was completed almost instantly.
A volley of compressed wind spheres erupted forward at high speed, tearing through the air with sharp, piercing force.
Sasuke's expression shifted slightly.
At such close range, there was no room for error.
His muscles tensed in unison as the barrage closed in.
This was not an attack a genin or even an average chūnin could hope to evade.
In that fleeting instant
"Buzz!"
The curse mark at Sasuke's neck pulsed violently.
Dark, flame-like markings spread rapidly across his body, engulfing him in an instant. His form shifted as he entered the second stage of the Curse Mark.
A surge of sinister chakra exploded outward.
"Boom!"
His speed skyrocketed.
Lightning chakra surged through his body, further stimulating his cells and enhancing his physical capabilities.
"Whoosh!"
Within mere seconds, Sasuke weaved through the incoming wind bullets with near-perfect precision, avoiding each deadly projectile by the narrowest margins.
The aura radiating from him now rivaled that of elite jōnin.
Menma observed him calmly.
So this is the second stage… a form influenced by natural energy. There's definitely research value here.
Unlike their clash at the Valley of the End, where his focus had been divided, Menma could now fully assess Sasuke's strength.
It was no exaggeration Sasuke had already reached jōnin-level combat capability.
But
Still not enough.
A faint, cold intent flickered in Menma's eyes.
There was no need to draw upon the Kurama's chakra.
"Bang!"
Chakra burst from beneath his feet as Menma accelerated forward at extreme speed.
"Whoosh!"
Sasuke met him head-on.
"Clang!"
"Bang!"
Their figures collided in rapid succession, weapons clashing, sparks flying in bursts of light.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
The exchange intensified instantly.
Blades met, fists struck, and bodies twisted through the air as both fighters engaged in a relentless close-quarters battle.
Each movement was precise. Each strike carried lethal intent.
This was no longer a fight within the realm of ordinary shinobi.
Even among jōnin, few could match the speed and ferocity displayed here.
To outside observers, their movements would be nearly impossible to follow.
Yet within the clash
Sasuke's expression grew colder with every passing second.
He had already learned the truth.
The Nine-Tails. The jinchūriki.
After coming under Orochimaru, Sasuke had deliberately sought out information about Menma. He understood clearly that the most powerful tailed beast, the Nine-Tails, was sealed within him.
That power… was the foundation of Menma's strength.
Sasuke could accept that.
If Menma's superiority came from an external force, then perhaps it was tolerable.
But now
He had already drawn upon the power of the Curse Mark.
And yet Menma had not used the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Still
He was evenly matched.
No
At a disadvantage.
Sasuke's jaw tightened.
His eyes grew colder, darker.
Unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Menma remained composed.
Through continuous battles, experimentation, and refinement under Orochimaru's guidance, his strength had advanced significantly.
Ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu his growth had been comprehensive.
Combined with his increasing synchronization with Kurama's chakra, his physical capabilities had also reached new heights.
Even without tapping into the Nine-Tails' power, Menma now possessed strength firmly within the jōnin tier and beyond.
Sasuke, despite his rapid growth, simply had not reached that level yet.
"Bang!"
Another fierce clash erupted.
In that brief opening
Menma's kunai flashed.
"Slash!"
The blade grazed Sasuke's chest, slicing through fabric and leaving a shallow line of blood.
Sasuke's expression darkened.
Using the recoil, he leapt backward, widening the distance.
The faint sting of pain only sharpened his focus.
Enough.
His hands moved rapidly.
"Chidori!"
Lightning chakra roared to life.
The air filled with the piercing sound of a thousand birds crying out the unmistakable signature of Chidori.
Sasuke surged forward.
Menma's eyes narrowed slightly.
Then
"Buzz!"
In his right palm, a sphere of swirling chakra formed instantly.
"Rasengan."
The rotating mass of chakra condensed with perfect control.
At the moment both leapt forward
They collided head-on.
"BOOM!!!"
The impact shook the entire training ground.
Wind and lightning clashed violently, chakra erupting outward in a destructive wave.
Sasuke's expression shifted sharply.
His lightning chakra
Was being suppressed.
Overpowered.
"Damn it !"
At such close range, retreat was impossible.
"Boom!"
The Rasengan surged forward, overwhelming the Chidori and striking directly against Sasuke's palm.
Pain exploded through his arm.
His face contorted for a split second.
The chakra in his hand collapsed.
"Bang!"
In the next instant
Menma shifted seamlessly.
His palm clenched into a fist.
"Thud!"
A heavy strike landed squarely against Sasuke's chest.
The force sent Sasuke flying backward, his body crashing through the air as the impact echoed across the field.