A New Snake In The Shinobi World-Chapter 386:

The monster's deafening roar once again echoed through the night sky.

The Gedō Mazō (Demonic Statue of the Outer Path) was immensely powerful, an entity that could only be controlled by someone wielding the Rinnegan.

And now, with eight tailed beasts sealed within it, its combat ability had reached an unprecedented level.

Yet, before it could even demonstrate its power, it was struck head-on by a Bijūdama (Tailed Beast Bomb).

Naturally, it didn't feel too good. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

The destructive force of a Bijūdama was enough to create a massive crater with a single blast.

However, Tsunade remained at a safe distance atop her Mokujin, ready to defend herself at any time.

Meanwhile, Mikoto and Madara had not been at the center of the explosion, so the attack didn't result in any casualties.

When the dust settled, the Gedō Mazō's body had been torn apart.

But it was already regenerating.

This was the Gedō Mazō's power.

A Bijūdama was a fusion of Yin-Yang Release chakra, while devastating, it was incapable of dealing lasting damage to the Gedō Mazō, which had been specifically designed to house the tailed beasts.

Nonō had been right.

This battle was beyond human.

Even those watching from five hundred meters away would struggle to survive without Kage-level strength.

—

"So, you're Orochimaru?"

Uchiha Madara stood atop his Susanoo, arms crossed as he gazed toward the two figures riding on Chōmei's back.

Despite his solemn expression, there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

He had heard about Orochimaru for a long time.

But now that he saw him in person…

He didn't quite match Madara's expectations.

To Madara, a true powerhouse should exude an overwhelming, dominant aura—

Not be so… effeminate.

Pale skin, flowing black hair, a lean and almost sickly figure.

Madara remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

"If you can unify the shinobi world, I will acknowledge you."

Pausing briefly, he glanced at the regenerating Gedō Mazō before continuing.

"Come. Fight me."

"Aside from Hashirama, you are the first opponent I truly wish to battle."

Excitement flickered in his eyes as his Susanoo raised its colossal katana once again.

There were many reasons why Madara wanted to fight Orochimaru.

One of the biggest was what Zetsu had told him.

That Orochimaru was even stronger than Tsunade and Uchiha Mikoto.

Madara had never believed that anyone besides Hashirama could rival him.

To him, the rest of the shinobi world was trash.

Even Hashirama's younger brother, Senju Tobirama, had never been worth his attention.

But today, Tsunade and Mikoto had completely shattered his expectations.

Their power was nearly on par with him and Hashirama at their peak.

If these two were this strong…

Then just how powerful was Orochimaru?

Madara had to know.

However, before he could make his move, Orochimaru's next words nearly made him vomit blood.

"No need to rush. You're not my opponent just yet."

Orochimaru smiled as he continued.

"If you want to fight me, you'll have to defeat my two wives first."

The battlefield fell into silence.

Everyone was stunned.

Even Tsunade, standing atop her Mokujin, pressed a hand to her forehead.

Mikoto, after a brief pause, let out a soft chuckle.

Nonō, who was standing beside Orochimaru, was nearly petrified.

While she believed in Orochimaru's strength, wasn't this a bit too arrogant?

Did he just outright tell Uchiha Madara that he wasn't worthy?

—

"What's wrong? I'm just stating the truth."

Orochimaru's expression remained as relaxed as ever.

Madara narrowed his eyes, studying Orochimaru carefully.

He tried to sense his chakra.

But…

Nothing?

His perception abilities couldn't detect Orochimaru's presence at all.

This was impossible.

Could there really be something in this world stronger than the power inherited from the Sage of Six Paths?

Madara suddenly found himself questioning reality.

But there was no time to dwell on it.

Mikoto's Susanoo was already launching another attack.

As Mikoto charged forward, Tsunade followed closely, providing support.

Orochimaru, meanwhile, took Nonō and vanished from Chōmei's back.

When they reappeared, they were inside Mikoto's Susanoo, standing behind her.

Orochimaru casually lowered himself to the ground, sitting cross-legged.

"Mikoto, excuse me. I'll be resting for a while."

Since Susanoo was a chakra construct, it could support people standing on it.

And naturally, it could also serve as a seat.

Given that Perfect Susanoo placed its caster on its head, Orochimaru's position was essentially the best spectator's seat available.

"No need to apologize."

Mikoto gracefully maneuvered her Susanoo, keeping her focus on Madara while responding to Orochimaru.

"Protecting my husband is only natural."

She knew that Orochimaru had likely expended a great deal of energy rescuing Nagato.

He needed time to recover.

But their casual exchange only served to infuriate Madara further.

The legendary Uchiha Madara.

Ancestor of the Uchiha clan.

The self-proclaimed god of the shinobi world.

Never had he been so blatantly ignored before.

Yet, Orochimaru wasn't wrong.

Even with the Rinnegan, dealing with Tsunade and Mikoto wouldn't be easy.

—

Meanwhile, Nonō, still slightly flustered, turned to Orochimaru with a puzzled expression.

"My lord… Doesn't the Flying Thunder God Jutsu require a marked seal? How did we teleport directly into Susanoo?"

As she spoke, she knelt beside him, gently massaging his shoulders.

Orochimaru simply gestured toward Mikoto's lower back.

Nonō followed his gaze.

And saw a butterfly-shaped tattoo subtly glowing through Mikoto's clothing as she fought.

"That… is a seal?"

"Something I developed when I was bored," Orochimaru said, his voice playful.

"It not only offers protection but also doesn't affect appearance."

He smirked.

"By the way… you're the only one who doesn't have one yet."

Pausing for effect, he added.

"Would you like one? You can choose any design… and place it anywhere you like."

***

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