A cold, sinister voice echoed through the forest.
Kakashi's pupils constricted as he instantly retreated, creating distance.
A massive python burst up from beneath the ground, coiling itself protectively in front of Kabuto.
As the smoke dispersed, a familiar figure emerged.
Orochimaru.
His face was deathly pale, golden slit pupils gleaming beneath purple eye shadow as his long tongue slowly licked his lips.
"Orochimaru," Kakashi said in a low voice.
"I didn't expect you to uncover Kabuto," Orochimaru chuckled softly. "It seems I underestimated you, Kakashi-kun."
"But since you're already here…"
His tongue flicked out again, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Why don't you play with me for a bit?"
The instant the words left his mouth, Orochimaru's neck stretched unnaturally, shooting toward Kakashi like a venomous serpent.
Sword of Kusanagi!
A razor-sharp blade burst from Orochimaru's mouth, stabbing straight toward Kakashi's vital points.
Kakashi's Sharingan spun rapidly, tracking the trajectory as he dodged to the side.
"Excellent reflexes," Orochimaru smiled.
Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!
Countless venomous snakes poured from his sleeves, their fanged mouths wide open as they surged forward.
Kakashi formed hand seals.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
A massive fireball roared forth, incinerating several of the snakes into blackened ash.
Yet more snakes bypassed the flames from both sides.
Kakashi slammed his palms onto the ground.
Lightning Release: Earth Flow!
Crackling lightning spread across the ground, forming a web of electricity.
Zzzzt! Zzzzt!
The snakes convulsed violently before collapsing one after another.
But Orochimaru had already appeared beside Kakashi.
Soft Physique Modification: Snake Body Replacement!
Orochimaru's body twisted unnaturally, boneless and flexible, as he struck toward Kakashi's ribs with his palm.
Kakashi vanished in a blur, using the Body Flicker Technique to retreat.
Lightning Release: Cell Activation!
Blue-white lightning wrapped around Kakashi's body, his speed surging explosively as he counterattacked with a sharp elbow strike.
Orochimaru's neck snapped backward, evading the blow, then rebounded like a spring as his forehead smashed toward Kakashi.
Bang!
Kakashi blocked with crossed arms, skidding backward several steps under the impact.
"Your physical strength isn't bad either," Orochimaru chuckled.
"However…"
His hands flew through hand seals.
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
A violent gale roared forward, wind blades slicing through the air.
Kakashi responded immediately.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!
A towering earthen wall rose up, blocking the blast. Deep grooves were carved into the surface as the wind blades tore through it.
Kakashi leapt from behind the wall.
Lightning Release: Chidori!
Blinding lightning erupted in his right hand, accompanied by the shrill cry of piercing electricity.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.
"Kakashi's signature technique… let me see it."
He opened his mouth, and a massive white snake burst forth, shielding him.
Boom!
The Chidori pierced straight through the snake, its body exploding into blood and fragments.
Yet Orochimaru had already shed that body, reappearing several meters away.
"Impressive power," he said, licking his lips. "But landing Chidori on me won't be so easy."
His hands formed seals once more.
Summoning Technique!
With a burst of smoke, an even larger python appeared, lunging toward Kakashi with its enormous jaws.
Kakashi sprang into the air.
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!
Multiple fireballs shot forth, striking the python in rapid succession.
The snake shrieked in pain but continued charging.
Kakashi thrust his hand forward.
Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!
A lightning-formed wolf burst forth, slamming into the python's head.
Boom!
The beast convulsed violently before dispersing into smoke.
Kakashi landed lightly on the ground.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"Strange…"
"How many techniques have you used already?"
"Chidori, Great Fireball, Lightning Beast Tracking Fang… plus everything before that."
"An ordinary jonin would have exhausted their chakra long ago."
"But you…"
His gaze sharpened.
"Still seem to have plenty left."
"Your chakra reserves far exceed the intelligence reports."
Kakashi remained silent.
The enhancements to his body had pushed his chakra far beyond his former limits—now rivaling that of a Kage.
"Interesting…" Orochimaru murmured.
"Kakashi-kun, you've become far more fascinating."
"What exactly have you experienced over the past two years?"
"Just normal training," Kakashi replied calmly.
"Is that so…" Orochimaru smiled.
"But chakra alone won't allow you to defeat me."
Two massive snakes surged out from his sleeves, charging simultaneously.
Kakashi's Sharingan whirled.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!
A roaring water dragon rose from the ground, crashing into the snakes.
Boom! Boom!
The collision sent shockwaves rippling outward.
Using the opening, Kakashi circled to the flank.
Lightning Release: Chidori!
He launched forward again.
This time, Orochimaru didn't evade.
Secret Technique: Snake Shedding!
His body molted like a snake shedding its skin as a new body crawled out from his mouth.
The discarded body was pierced clean through by Chidori.
The new Orochimaru appeared behind Kakashi.
Sword of Kusanagi!
The blade shot straight toward Kakashi's back.
Kakashi vanished with a Body Flicker.
Orochimaru chuckled.
"Kakashi-kun, your strength truly is remarkable."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes.
"…The power of one of the Legendary Sannin lives up to the rumors."
The two faced each other in silence.
After a moment, Orochimaru withdrew his killing intent.
"Kakashi-kun, I have a proposal."
"What is it?"
"You're powerful—someone with the potential to stand at the pinnacle," Orochimaru said slowly.
"But Konoha is holding you back."
"The Third Hokage is old, and the higher-ups are rotten, consumed by internal struggles."
"You know better than anyone how much filth Danzo has done in the shadows."
"A village like that has no future."
Kakashi listened calmly.
"And?"
"Join me," Orochimaru said, extending a hand.
"I can give you power. I can give you freedom."
"With me, you won't be shackled by decaying rules."
"And…"
A strange light flickered in his eyes.
"I know the regrets buried in your heart."
"Your best friend—Uchiha Obito."
"And the one you cherished—Rin Nohara."
"Their deaths still torment you, don't they?"
Kakashi's expression remained unchanged.
"I have mastered the Impure World Reincarnation," Orochimaru smiled.
"I can summon the souls of the dead."
"You could see her again."
"Even if it's through Edo Tensei, isn't that better than never seeing her at all?"
"And…"
"I can grant you immortality."
"Enough time to research how to truly bring them back."
"How about it?"
Kakashi was silent for several seconds.
Then he shook his head.
"Sorry. I refuse."
"Why?" Orochimaru frowned.
"First," Kakashi said evenly,
"those summoned by Impure World Reincarnation are controlled. That isn't true resurrection."
"That's not what I want."
"Second, I have no reason to trust you."
"Even if you summoned them, they would be your puppets."
"And third…"
His gaze hardened.
"The dead deserve peace."
"Using forbidden techniques to desecrate them violates a ninja's convictions."
"I won't allow that."
Orochimaru fell silent.
Then he laughed softly.
"What a disappointing answer."
"Though… I expected no less."
"Kakashi-kun, you're far too stubborn."
"Konoha will rot and destroy itself eventually."
"When that day comes…"
"I hope you won't regret this."
Kakashi replied calmly.
"It's not the village leadership I believe in."
"It's myself."
"I will change Konoha."