NRAO: Chapter 416/418

Chapter 416

The Ōtsutsuki clan called themselves gods.

And their combat prowess was, indeed, no different from the deities of legend.

Just like now—

As soon as Momoshiki finished speaking, he merely raised his hand, and immediately, dark clouds filled the sky.

Around him, flames roared like dragons, lightning crackled like serpents, and violent tornadoes churned in every direction.

The next second.

Countless torrents of chakra rained down upon Orochimaru, as if there were no limit to them.

With just a wave of his hand, he unleashed super S-rank ninjutsu, vastly superior to ordinary S-rank techniques.

Yet, despite the overwhelming attack, Orochimaru and Kaguya remained utterly still.

Even as the sky and earth were torn asunder and the land was ravaged beyond recognition.

They did not move an inch.

The Truth-Seeking Orbs' barrier could not be broken by mere ninjutsu of this level.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Lightning and firestorms raged, sand and rock were hurled into the air, and the entire battlefield trembled.

And then—

After a single round of devastating attacks.

Orochimaru's hoarse voice rang out from within the destruction.

"Please. If you're going to deal with lowly creatures like us, at least try to be serious. An attack of this level? Are we playing children's games?"

"What?!"

Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki's expression darkened in fury!

That was exactly what he had said earlier!

"Hmph, you think you're clever? Let's see how your so-called 'Truth-Seeking Orbs' handle this!"

Floating in midair, Momoshiki raised one hand toward the sky.

In an instant, a massive, purple-black chakra sphere began forming above him, quickly expanding to cover the entire battlefield.

A Tailed Beast Bomb.

A ridiculously massive one.

If it were to be detonated in Konoha, the entire village would be obliterated.

Unlike Chibaku Tensei, which merely left ruins, this attack would leave nothing behind.

"This is bad!"

"Get out of here!"

"Was he planning to use an attack of this level from the start?!"

The other Ōtsutsuki clan members who had been pulled into this space by Kaguya immediately fled in panic at the sight of the colossal Tailed Beast Bomb.

For those who couldn't wield Truth-Seeking Orbs, this technique was certain death.

Meanwhile—

Orochimaru smiled casually, and Kaguya, seeming to understand his intent, walked over to stand beside him.

The Truth-Seeking Orbs that had been forming a shield around them suddenly merged together, transforming into a massive black sphere, enveloping both of them completely.

Now, within the desolate battlefield.

Only a single black dome remained, surrounded by the scattered corpses of the Ōtsutsuki clan members who had been trapped in this space.

BOOM!!!

The Tailed Beast Bomb struck the ground, shaking the heavens and splitting the land apart!

For a moment, the very world seemed to change color.

The earth trembled violently.

The surrounding terrain was reduced to rubble!

Even the hardest stone was pulverized into dust beneath the sheer force of the explosion.

The remains of Ōtsutsuki Takeshi and his eight subordinates, unprotected, were instantly vaporized, their existence erased from the universe forever.

No one knew how long had passed.

Slowly—

The aftermath of the explosion faded, and the thick smoke gradually dispersed.

The battlefield was left with a massive crater, spanning tens of kilometers, resembling the impact site of a meteor.

And at its very center.

Orochimaru and Kaguya still stood, completely unharmed.

Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki descended from the sky, his gaze sweeping over the scene.

His brows furrowed slightly.

Orochimaru smirked.

"How dull… it's always the same pattern with you."

Before Momoshiki could react.

Orochimaru had already leaped into the air!

A white robe, a black sword, and golden snake-like eyes.

Momoshiki's frown eased into a smirk.

"Close combat? You think you can challenge a Byakugan user at this level?"

To the Ōtsutsuki, engaging in taijutsu against a high-level Byakugan wielder was suicide.

At the same time.

The other Ōtsutsuki clan members who had retreated to escape the explosion had begun returning to the battlefield.

Without waiting for Momoshiki's command, they charged toward Orochimaru without hesitation!

Each of them soared through the air, wielding long black rods.

For any chakra-based opponent, regardless of strength, being pierced by a black rod would significantly weaken their combat ability.

Momoshiki knew this all too well.

A massive black sphere suddenly burst forth from Orochimaru's palm.

BZZT!

Blinding light and violent air vibrations erupted simultaneously!

The Six Paths-enhanced Senjutsu was far beyond ordinary ninjutsu.

"This is…!"

"No! Something's wrong!"

The surrounding Ōtsutsuki immediately reacted, closing their eyes and attempting to solidify space around themselves!

But—

WHOOSH!

At the very same moment.

The Truth-Seeking Orbs around Orochimaru fragmented, transforming into dozens of black rods and shooting outward in every direction!

POOF! POOF! POOF!

Every single shot hit its mark.

Impossible!

As the blinding light dissipated, Momoshiki's expression shifted.

In the sky.

The Ōtsutsuki warriors he had brought with him had all fallen to the ground!

Although they hadn't been killed outright.

Each of them had a gray bone embedded in their body.

Kaguya.

She had landed a direct hit with her All-Killing Ash Bones.

The warriors whom Orochimaru had knocked out of the sky had been unable to resist Kaguya's finishing blow.

"Damn it… I was actually outplayed by Kaguya…?"

Momoshiki's thoughts raced, realizing that Kaguya had to be dealt with first.

But at that moment, Orochimaru was already in front of him, sword raised.

"What a pity… looks like you're the only one left."

"No, I'm still here!"

WHOOSH!

Suddenly—

A red battle-axe swung into Orochimaru's path.

CLANG!

A metallic clash rang out as sword met axe.

Orochimaru twisted midair, using the impact to propel himself backward!

His golden snake eyes locked onto the new arrival.

Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki.

Chapter 417

Is combat experience useful?

Of course!

When people debate who is stronger, Madara or Kaguya—the core argument often revolves around combat experience.

One was an Uchiha genius who had survived countless battles during the Warring States Period.

The other was a naïve princess, someone who had barely fought and had been sealed away for thousands of years.

Based purely on combat experience, Kaguya shouldn't be a match for Madara.

But as stated before, there was an essential difference between them.

One was a god, the other a human.

Humans cannot kill gods.

But gods can easily kill humans.

This was a gap that combat experience alone could never bridge—which was why Madara could never defeat Kaguya.

And now, a similar gap in combat experience existed between the two sides.

On one side were the Ōtsutsuki, beings who had lived in peace for millennia, obsessed only with the pursuit of power.

On the other was Orochimaru, a man who had survived endless wars.

When both sides possessed the same power, when they were capable of killing each other at any moment.

Combat experience became the deciding factor.

The Ōtsutsuki's combat style was primitive.

They relied entirely on overwhelming force to crush their opponents.

Even in hand-to-hand combat, they depended solely on absolute speed and strength.

There was no strategy involved, nothing but brute force.

And because of that.

With one White Rage Technique and Kaguya's All-Killing Ash Bones, Orochimaru had already wiped out most of Momoshiki's subordinates.

At this moment, Orochimaru's gaze fell upon Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki standing before him.

And his lips curled into a smile.

Without hesitation, he launched his black sword forward, aiming straight for Kinshiki!

At the same time.

He drew the Kusanagi Sword, preparing for close-quarters combat!

Whoosh!

Almost simultaneously, Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki raised his hands.

The chakra orbs forming in his palms launched toward Orochimaru in rapid succession!

Momoshiki—his red Rinnegan embedded in both palms—possessed infinite power.

His right palm absorbed all ninjutsu.

His left palm amplified the absorbed energy and fired it back with devastating force.

Even without absorbing attacks, he could still fire chakra cannons as powerful as Tailed Beast Bombs.

These chakra blasts were like solid steel spheres, utterly indestructible!

Seeing the incoming attack.

Orochimaru reacted instantly.

As he retreated midair, he commanded his Truth-Seeking Orbs to intercept the chakra orbs!

Whoosh!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Truth-Seeking Orbs collided with the chakra blasts, causing violent tremors but no explosions.

Orochimaru's Truth-Seeking Orbs were formed from his own power—they were essentially limitless.

Because of that—

He had no fear of being drained.

Deflecting Momoshiki's attacks, Orochimaru suddenly reversed course.

Instead of retreating, he rushed forward!

His body spun midair, and his sword slashed downward with unstoppable momentum!

Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki immediately moved to protect Momoshiki!

Clang!

A sharp metallic clash rang out!

Buzz!

A wave of invisible energy pulsed outward—

Space confinement had activated again!

If swordsmanship wasn't enough, pupil power would compensate.

Orochimaru's Six Paths-enhanced space confinement made him nearly invincible in a one-on-one fight.

Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki was one of the last remaining warriors of the Ōtsutsuki clan.

A guardian, a caretaker to Momoshiki.

His weapon—a red ring—could transform into various deadly forms.

His raw power was immense, capable of shattering the earth and ripping through anything.

However—

His control over space-time abilities was inferior even to Ōtsutsuki Takeshi.

And Orochimaru was not the type of ninja who would engage in a pure contest of raw power.

The moment space confinement took hold—

Multiple sword slashes cut through the air.

Blood splattered.

Bang! Bang!

The instant Kinshiki regained movement, Orochimaru kicked him with both feet, launching him violently backward!

"This guy…!"

Watching from a distance, Momoshiki frowned deeply.

Kinshiki's raw strength was undeniably monstrous.

And yet, this man had disarmed him within seconds?!

"Tsk, tsk, tsk… So much for being 'higher beings.' You're really not that impressive."

Orochimaru's voice was mocking.

Yes—having more chakra granted an advantage in battle.

But at Six Paths-level combat, chakra was rarely depleted.

Against someone like Momoshiki, Orochimaru knew how to turn chakra into a weapon rather than a resource to be drained.

Hearing Orochimaru's words.

Momoshiki's expression turned ice cold.

He called himself a god.

He was arrogant, seeing humans as nothing but insects.

Even Kaguya—to him—was a mere rat who had fled in disgrace.

But now.

Orochimaru had annihilated his subordinates and humiliated Kinshiki in mere moments.

This was an insult.

And Momoshiki would not tolerate it.

"Momoshiki-sama is invincible! Die, insect!"

Kinshiki—wielding his red battle-axe lunged at Orochimaru once more!

So fast!

And—

There were two axes this time?!

Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki was certain that Orochimaru couldn't use the Flying Thunder God Technique here.

If his attack connected.

He was confident that Orochimaru would be split in two.

Even with Truth-Seeking Orbs, Orochimaru wouldn't be able to stop the sheer force of the strike!

His giant axe, blazing with red light, carried the power to cleave mountains.

And it swung straight for Orochimaru!

But—

Would Orochimaru really lower his guard just because he was speaking?

Of course not.

He had survived countless battles, never once did he let his vigilance slip.

Just before the axe struck.

Orochimaru twisted sideways, narrowly avoiding the blow.

And then.

A white skeletal hand materialized out of thin air.

And grabbed Kinshiki's entire body!

"Damn it… it's you!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 418

Susanoo!

The massive white skull stopped in midair, its enormous palm gripping Kinshiki tightly.

Kinshiki struggled to push Susanoo away with his strength, but how could Orochimaru give him the chance?

The moment Susanoo caught Kinshiki, Orochimaru had already thrown the Kusanagi into the air—executing two actions at once!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Thick white smoke rose into the air!

Countless Kusanagi blades spread across the entire battlefield.

Whoosh!

Like a torrential storm, the countless Kusanagi swords rained down, all piercing toward Kinshiki.

Orochimaru had developed this technique long ago, but he rarely used it in actual combat.

"Aaaagh...!"

Kinshiki roared in fury.

Boom!

A massive explosion erupted. With overwhelming strength, Kinshiki finally broke free from the grasp of Orochimaru's Susanoo. The crimson weapon in his hand swung furiously, attempting to parry the incoming Kusanagi blades.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The relentless sound of metal clashing rang out continuously!

But there were simply too many swords. Even with Byakugan, Kinshiki couldn't block them all under Orochimaru's precise control.

Splurt!

Two fresh wounds burst open, and Kinshiki was injured again.

Where there was one, there was another.

The second sword, the third, the fourth.

Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki watched the scene unfold before him.

"Kinshiki, fall back!"

Momoshiki shouted angrily. Keeping an eye on Kaguya, he swiftly raised his hand, releasing a burst of chakra to block the incoming Kusanagi swords. At the same time, he extended his left hand, pulling Kinshiki toward him with absorbing force.

"Master... I'm sorry!"

"There's no point in saying that now. Step back for now!"

"Yes!"


---

On a rooftop near the teleportation portal, several figures crouched together, examining a map spread on the ground.

"Danzō-sama, based on the positions marked here, there are too many areas we need to attack. Moving as a single unit won't be feasible."

Danzō narrowed his eyes and said solemnly, "Split into three groups!"

"Understood." One of them nodded. "I'll lead the northern assault, you take the west, and you handle the east!"

Zetsu nodded. "No objections."

"Then let's move out!"

"All units, advance!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Countless White Zetsu clones responded, moving swiftly toward their designated battlefields under the command of their respective leaders. Meanwhile, the teleportation portal continued to transport reinforcements.

With White Zetsu relaying information, those arriving later wouldn't lose track of their targets.


---

"Yasogami Kūgeki!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Watching as Momoshiki was sent flying by Kaguya's barrage of chakra fists, Orochimaru smirked.

"A god? Is that all?"

"How… how is this possible?!" Momoshiki roared, barely stabilizing himself as he landed.

He was utterly shaken!

How could these two—who had, at most, the power of a divine fruit—be capable of defeating him?

"Damn it!!"

"Master, use that technique… Just like before."

Kinshiki, bloodied and battered, approached Momoshiki and spoke respectfully.

Hearing this, Momoshiki froze for a moment, then a cruel smile spread across his face.

"Let's do it."

Without hesitation, he stretched out one clawed hand.

The red Rinnegan in his palm flashed ominously, and a massive surge of energy instantly engulfed Kinshiki!

Within moments, Kinshiki's body compressed and transformed into a heart-shaped chakra fruit!

Momoshiki didn't hesitate. He grabbed the fruit that had once been Kinshiki and devoured it in large bites.

In less than a moment, the pale-skinned man had turned into a monstrous being with red skin and sharp fangs!

A purple Rinnegan emerged in the center of his forehead, while the Rinnegan on his palms changed from red to gold.

Despite being a celestial race, the Ōtsutsuki clan was not immortal. Their natural lifespan capped at two thousand years.

However, consuming divine fruits not only increased their power but also extended their lifespan!

Momoshiki, having lived in luxury, had always taken divine fruits, eating them like snacks; he was the epitome of indulgence!

Kinshiki's body was, in fact, nothing more than a chakra construct created by Momoshiki.

His entire being was composed of chakra, no different from the Tailed Beasts created by the Sage of Six Paths!

Perhaps the only difference was that Kinshiki was humanoid.

Of course, now, he no longer existed in any form.

He had been compressed into a blood-red, heart-shaped fruit… and devoured by Momoshiki.

"Now, behold the power of a god!" Momoshiki roared!

The Rinnegan on his forehead flashed, and from the crater below, a colossal lava giant, its body dripping with molten rock began to rise!

As soon as the lava giant emerged, it didn't hesitate. With overwhelming might, it swung its massive fist downward toward Orochimaru!

Orochimaru prepared to counter, but at that moment, a rift in space suddenly appeared behind him!

"Dodge this first!"

Kaguya's voice echoed from afar!

Sensing that it was Kaguya, Orochimaru didn't resist and allowed her to pull him into the rift!

Boom!

The instant Orochimaru vanished, the lava giant's punch landed, shaking the earth violently.

Orochimaru reappeared beside Kaguya.

"That attack wouldn't have harmed me."

"I know, but..."

Seeing Kaguya hesitate, Orochimaru chuckled.

"Oh? Is this concern for me?"

"It's not."

"Heh… Kaguya, you're even more arrogant than I thought."

"Idiot!"

(To be continued.)