Chapter 163: Shiyu VS Orochimaru – Part 2
Orochimaru executed a masterful Substitution Jutsu, successfully deceiving Shiyu Uchiha's Sharingan and creating some distance. He quickly launched a counterattack using The Five Natures Ninjutsu. During this exchange, Shiyu Uchiha keenly realized these were techniques specifically crafted to outmaneuver the Sharingan—an art form Orochimaru, as a seasoned ninja, had perfected. He resolved to analyze it in detail later, realizing how skillfully Orochimaru had mastered and refined that technique.
Orochimaru possessed an extraordinary mastery of The Five Natures Ninjutsu, wielding numerous techniques with impeccable precision. Although these jutsu weren't ranked highly, the way he used them was like poetry—masterfully fluid and unexpectedly creative, sometimes even combining into powerful Composite Ninjutsu that frequently caught Shiyu Uchiha off guard.
Faced with Orochimaru's relentless offensive, Shiyu Uchiha cleverly alternated between the Flaming Blade Variation and Fire Release Ninjutsu. At first, he used the Flaming Blade Variation's speed advantage to effectively deflect Orochimaru's assault while launching continuous counterattacks.
However, since Shiyu Uchiha's repertoire of Ninjutsu was relatively limited, Orochimaru gradually began choosing Water Release techniques specifically to counter him. Even more troubling, other elemental techniques were now being fused with Water Release, forming even stronger Composite Ninjutsu incorporating Water Release. As a result, Shiyu Uchiha's position grew increasingly difficult.
Shiyu Uchiha understood clearly that his mastery of Fire Release was still slightly lacking, preventing him from achieving an elemental counter. Therefore, at this stage of the battle, he inevitably found himself at a disadvantage.
Luckily for him, his swordsmanship was highly refined and gave Orochimaru pause, preventing the latter from fully capitalizing on his edge. In addition, he still had the Shifting Body Technique as his ace in the hole. While the situation looked grim, he was by no means defeated.
Meanwhile, under the immense pressure and elemental suppression exerted by Orochimaru, Shiyu Uchiha deepened his understanding of Fire Release. These precious insights were quietly stored away, destined to serve as cornerstones for his future progress.
However, since this was strictly a sparring match, Shiyu Uchiha had no intention of revealing his trump card too soon.
Therefore, he maximized the flexibility of the Shifting Body Technique to disrupt Orochimaru's attack rhythm with his swordplay. Then, taking a few quick steps back and sheathing his blade, he began forming Hand Seals with both hands.
With the unique assistance of the Sharingan inherited from the Uchiha Clan, Shiyu Uchiha unleashed his original Fire Release jutsu—the Blazing Meteor. A series of intensely burning fireballs, like meteors streaking across the sky, hurtled toward Orochimaru, clashing violently against his Composite Ninjutsu incorporating Water Release.
This jutsu clash carried deeper intentions for Shiyu Uchiha; not only did he aim to shift momentum in his favor, but also to gain valuable insight from the water-fire interaction that could propel his future evolution in Fire Release.
Drawing on the immense power of Blazing Meteor, supported by the Sharingan and at great chakra cost, Shiyu Uchiha hurled one blazing meteor after another into the sky. Each tore through the battlefield with incredible heat and destructive force before colliding violently with Orochimaru's techniques.
During this prolonged clash, the intense combat further unlocked Shiyu Uchiha's potential. His understanding and control of Fire Release soared to new levels, leading him to realize that there remained room for improvement in his Fire Release abilities.
He began experimenting with different hand seals and chakra control methods based on his instincts and experience, attempting to make [Blazing Meteor] even more powerful.
As time passed, his efforts significantly enhanced the power of [Blazing Meteor]. This sudden surge of strength turned the tide, allowing him to gain the upper hand over Orochimaru.
Seizing this rare opportunity, Shiyu Uchiha didn't wait for Orochimaru to react. He swiftly drew the tanto from his back, merging man and blade as one, charging straight toward Orochimaru.
He pushed his [Shifting Body Technique] to its limit, his figure moving like a phantom across the battlefield. At the same time, he activated the [Seven Killings Sword Technique]—the tanto in his hand flashing with flames—as he launched fierce attacks against Orochimaru. Each slash carried deadly force that demanded utmost caution.
With every swing of his blade, the fact that it was the renowned Orochimaru who now struggled to evade brought Shiyu Uchiha a feeling of exhilaration. Under such circumstances, his sword techniques grew increasingly refined—sharper and more ruthless—with each strike threatening Orochimaru.
However, amidst the intense battle and flying [Flaming Blade Variations], Shiyu Uchiha began to feel his chakra depleting too quickly. He realized he couldn't continue fighting at this intensity much longer, or else he might find himself in trouble. Therefore, he had no choice but to temporarily ease up on the offensive and look for other opportunities.
Orochimaru, however, seemed to have anticipated Shiyu's condition beforehand. He took the chance to use a [Substitution Jutsu], trying to create distance and regain his rhythm.
This time though, using his sensor ability, Shiyu detected Orochimaru's movements in advance. One step ahead, he attacked Orochimaru's landing spot with [Blazing Meteor]—but hit only the residual afterimage left behind, triggering an explosion with soaring flames and swirling dust.
Clearly, Orochimaru had dodged once again, but this time he'd barely managed it, failing to escape the locking gaze of the Sharingan.
Following that, Shiyu Uchiha kept releasing [Blazing Meteor], forcing Orochimaru into continuous retreat. However, Orochimaru did not intend to yield either—he deflected Shiyu's strikes with practiced ease, all while setting up his own counterattacks—never giving his opponent an opening.
Just then, Shiyu spotted an opening in Orochimaru's defense. Without hesitation, he swung his tanto straight toward Orochimaru's vital point. Orochimaru showed surprise on his face, hastily dodging sideways. However, just before impact, Shiyu suddenly halted his [Ci].
This time, the opening Orochimaru revealed was indeed real. However, experienced as he was, Orochimaru remained calm and turned the tables by using a pre-released water clone to set a trap. Had Shiyu not hesitated at the last second, the fight might've ended right there.
After exchanging glances, both ceased their attacks simultaneously, using the Seal of Reconciliation to call it a draw—for now. They exchanged some polite compliments before Shiyu excused himself. Nevertheless, he succeeded in making contact with Orochimaru.
"Teacher, who won your fight with Lord Orochimaru just now?" Kurenai Yuhi and Anko Mitarashi curiously asked.
"No one won—it was a draw. It was just a friendly spar; neither of us went all out, so there's really no winner or loser."
"However, Orochimaru still has at least half his chakra left—just a bit more than what I have remaining. So if we keep fighting, I'll probably end up losing," Shiyu Uchiha replied, though deep down he still felt pretty confident in himself.
And that was exactly how things stood. Orochimaru had only used some basic Snake-style Ninjutsu and Composite Ninjutsu techniques from The Five Natures. He hadn't employed any Kinjutsu whatsoever. Therefore, Shiyu suspected that although Orochimaru had been ordered to test him, he was just going through the motions. Thinking about it, this wasn't strange at all—after all, Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake had always gotten along well.
Hearing this answer, the two young girls felt a bit disappointed but were still impressed by their teacher. After all, they knew that Orochimaru was one of the Sannin—an incredibly powerful ninja—and their teacher was merely a junior. Being able to hold his own against him was already an incredible feat.
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