Triple Rashomon—each gate's defensive power surpassing the last—stood firm against Kakashi's Thunder Dance.
With a thunderous crash, the first Rashomon was obliterated instantly, immediately returning back to once it came. The second gate, however, held strong, its resilience that of a steadfast sentinel.
The blue arcs of chakra crackled relentlessly, clashing with the second Rashomon, counteracting the force of Thunder Dance. Despite Kakashi's effort, he couldn't destroy it. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as his breaths grew laboured.
"Ha… Ha… It was blocked," Kakashi muttered under his breath.
His Thunder Dance was still in its basic form. Yet, even at this level, its power exceeded that of his usual Chidori, just barely reaching s rank. It was Kakashi's strongest technique so far.
Kakashi had used it without hesitation, hoping to shock Orochimaru and perhaps injure him, buying an opportunity for escape. However, even with his speed, Orochimaru reacted in time, countering effortlessly.
The Triple Rashomon was among the most powerful defensive techniques in existence. Its strongest version, Quintuple Rashomon, had been used only by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. Its defensive capabilities were legendary, specifically designed to withstand wide-scale ninjutsu.
Kakashi suspected Orochimaru had acquired the technique from the Scroll of Seals. After all, both Edo Tensei and Rashomon were recorded there. As a disciple of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru gaining access to such a scroll would be unsurprising.
The thought of the Scroll of Seals intrigued Kakashi. A collection of forbidden techniques so dangerous that the First Hokage himself had sealed them away. Most of them being impractical for him to learn given his current chakra limitations to use his full arsenal.
But now wasn't the time for curiosity. Orochimaru stood before him—a threat that demanded Kakashi's full attention. His new life was just beginning, and he had no intention of it ending prematurely.
Emerging from behind the Rashomon, Orochimaru surveyed the second gate, nearly destroyed by Kakashi's attack.
"Impressive power," Orochimaru said with a cold smile. "Not even 10% of Sakumo's thunder dance, but commendable nonetheless."
His words were dismissive, as though evaluating a student. Yet, the killing intent radiating from him only intensified.
"You are quite the fascinating little thing," Orochimaru continued, his excitement palpable. "I had thought you'd be crippled by that cumbersome Sharingan as a non-Uchiha, but it seems you've found another path."
Orochimaru's piercing gaze made Kakashi's heart race. The menace in his eyes was unmistakable.
Kakashi gripped his blade, Millennium, tightly. His nerves were taut, but fear no longer gripped him. Instead, a spark of exhilaration ignited within. This was Orochimaru—a Kage-level opponent. A rare and dangerous challenge.
Initially reluctant to engage, Kakashi now felt a deep resolve. Fighting Orochimaru, he could feel the potential to grow stronger.
Orochimaru, noticing the fighting spirit in Kakashi's eyes, chuckled with surprise. "Ah, good eyes. Show me more surprises! Ninja art: hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
Several serpents shot from Orochimaru's hand. These weren't ordinary snakes but his signature technique—deadly and grotesque.
Kakashi met them head-on, slicing through the oncoming snakes with his Thunder Sword.
But it was far from over.
"Wind release: Great Breakthrough!" Orochimaru bellowed, unleashing a ferocious gale. The wind's force was devastating, uprooting trees and tearing through the forest.
Kakashi struggled against the gale, his eyes squeezed shut against its intensity.
This won't do. I can't even see him!
"Sharingan release" Kakashi commanded while pulling up his headband, the seal spinning to life. His vision sharpened instantly, the scarlet Sharingan glowing ominously as its black tomoe spun.
"Oh? Relying on the Sharingan?" Orochimaru sneered. "For an outsider, it's nothing but a burden."
Kakashi ignored the taunt. He closed his right eye, focusing his chakra through the left Sharingan. He knew his reserves were limited—ten minutes at best if he wanted to use it in conjunction with jutsu.
He used shunpo and shunshin together to create a nearly undetectable fast movement technique.
In a flash, Kakashi vanished, reappearing at Orochimaru's side. The speed caught Orochimaru off guard.
"Millennium Slash!" exclaimed Kakashi with fervor.
Blood sprayed as a deep wound opened on Orochimaru's left arm.
Though Orochimaru was injured, Kakashi felt no triumph. The killing intent in Orochimaru's eyes intensified, pressing against Kakashi like a tangible force.
"Shun-po? So, you've inherited other skills from Sakumo. Fascinating," Orochimaru said, his cold laughter sending shivers down Kakashi's spine.
Nearby, Yugao watched in disbelief. Kakashi-senpai had actually injured Orochimaru! A kage level shinobi!
Her initial instinct had been to flee, overwhelmed by the sheer presence of the Sannin. But Kakashi's silent determination now felt like a beacon of reliability.
Orochimaru stared at his bleeding arm, his expression darkening. It had been years since someone had inflicted such a wound on him. His anger simmered, his golden eyes narrowing.
Kakashi braced himself as Orochimaru's killing intent exploded, suffocating and relentless.