NRAO: Chapter 386/387

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.

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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Chapter 387
Nonō understood Orochimaru's meaning, and her face flushed red with embarrassment.

The Flying Thunder God Technique mark, once engraved—was permanent. It could be called the mark of death when placed on an enemy.

But when inscribed on oneself, it became a mark of protection?

And engraved in any position…?

Did that mean it could be placed on… anywhere?

Curiously, she glanced at Tsunade in the distance.

For some reason, she suddenly wanted to know where hers was located.

Looking back at the lifelike butterfly on Mikoto's waist, she found herself feeling a little tempted.

The butterfly looked much better than the standard Anbu tattoo…

—

While Orochimaru and Nonō carried on their casual conversation, Madara's irritation grew.

But right now, he was fighting two opponents at once, and dealing with them wasn't easy.

Now, with Chōmei (Seven-Tails) joining the fray, his situation became even more complicated.

Glancing between the Gedō Mazō, which was rapidly regenerating, and the Chōmei, which was circling above, waiting for an opening to strike, Madara had a nagging sense that something wasn't right.

But in the midst of battle, he had no time to think further.

—

Roar!

The Gedō Mazō's recovery was complete, and it let out another monstrous roar.

Seeing this, Madara smirked and clasped his hands together.

"Let's deal with this tailed beast first."

"Fūinjutsu: Gedo Kain!" (Binding Chains of the Outer Path!)

A chain of pure chakra shot from the Gedō Mazō's mouth, moving at lightning speed.

Before Chōmei could react, the chain wrapped tightly around its neck!

The captured beast struggled violently, its wings flapping wildly.

But this was the ultimate seal designed specifically to suppress tailed beasts.

Escape was impossible.

Slowly, but inevitably, Chōmei was dragged toward the gaping maw of the Gedō Mazō.

And just like that.

The final tailed beast was sealed.

Now, the Gedō Mazō contained all nine tailed beasts—completing its transformation into the most perfect vessel for the Ten-Tails.

A deafening roar erupted from the massive creature.

Its body pulsed with raw power as it began its evolution toward the Ten-Tails.

And at the same time.

A surge of Yin-Yang Release chakra gathered in its mouth.

—

"That's…"

Tsunade's eyes narrowed.

"A Bijūdama?!"

The moment the Gedō Mazō finished regenerating, it had already begun charging its attack.

The Jūbi's Bijūdama wasn't a perfect sphere like those of ordinary tailed beasts.

Instead, it took on the form of an elongated fruit.

Not only was it more powerful than a standard Bijūdama, but it also condensed much faster.

And unlike typical Bijūdama, which traveled in straight lines.

This one followed a parabolic trajectory.

Whoosh!

Before anyone could react, the attack was already launched.

The terrifyingly dense energy curved through the air, headed straight for Mikoto.

But Mikoto was fast.

She immediately controlled her Susanoo, raising its sword in defense.

"Yata no Tsurugi!" (Yata Mirror Blade!)

With a single slash, the Bijūdama split in two!

The fragmented energy scattered in all directions, creating countless small explosions throughout the battlefield.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Mikoto quickly scanned the area.

"At least there are no allies nearby."

She stole a glance toward the Five Kage's position.

That area had been cleared beforehand, none of the Kage, their subordinates, or the elite spectators were within range.

And Namikaze Minato stood in front of them, ready to shield them from any remaining energy.

As for the other four Kage, their combined strength would be enough to withstand the scattered shockwaves.

But—

With the Ten-Tails now present on the battlefield, Madara's burden was significantly reduced.

Combining its raw power with his own Susanoo and Rinnegan abilities, he became an even greater threat.

This battle…

This battle was shaping up to be just as legendary as the one at the Valley of the End.

"Hmph… how troublesome."

Madara sneered.

"Let's see the true power of the Rinnegan."

Standing atop his Susanoo, he lifted his gaze to the sky.

His Rinnegan glowed with ominous energy.

And then.

"Tengai Shinsei!" (Heavenly Obstruction Meteor!)

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A deep, earth-shaking rumble echoed through the sky.

Everyone instinctively turned their eyes upward.

For now, nothing could be seen in the darkening sky.

But they felt it.

Something massive was approaching.

A crushing pressure filled the battlefield.

A suffocating weight bore down on everyone.

"What… is this?"

The Kage looked at each other, shock written all over their faces.

"This oppressive feeling… it's unreal."

Both Tsunade and Mikoto felt a sense of dread creeping in.

And then, the source of the noise finally revealed itself.

Breaking through the evening clouds.

A colossal meteorite, several kilometers in diameter, came crashing down.

"Impossible…"

The flaming mass illuminated the sky, a terrifying spectacle against the encroaching night.

The sheer heat from its descent burned the air itself.

"Is this a joke?!"

"No way…"

"This guy Madara is insane…!"

Realization hit hard.

This wasn't just going to affect Madara's enemies.

This meteorite was so massive that everyone on the battlefield was in danger.

"We can't just stand by! We have to stop it before it lands!"

"Agreed!"

"Let's move—together!"

For once, even the stubborn Ōnoki agreed without hesitation.

Everyone knew.

No single person could stop this alone.

Summoning a meteorite in battle…?

This was beyond insane.

The Five Kage prepared to intercept.

But one voice cut through their panicked discussion.

"You four, trap the Ten-Tails with Shisekiyōjin (Four Red Yang Formation).

"Leave the meteorite to us."

The voice was calm.

So relaxed that it almost sounded like the situation wasn't urgent at all.

Everyone froze.

They knew this voice.

"Orochimaru…?"

"Telepathy?"

Minato instantly recognized the technique.

It was similar to the Yamanaka clan's Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Transmission Technique).

But now was not the time to question it.

The Kage exchanged glances.

Then, without hesitation, they nodded to one another.

The Raikage and Ōnoki moved to one side.

Minato and Rasa took the other.

They sprinted toward the Ten-Tails.

Because at this moment, they had no choice but to believe in Orochimaru.

Orochimaru had planned for Madara's resurrection.

He had planned for Kaguya's return.

And—

He had already accounted for this meteorite.

"Mikoto, fall back."

"Tsunade, hold Madara."

"Got it!"

Mikoto didn't hesitate.

Her Susanoo leaped backward, its wings carrying it to the rear of the battlefield.

At the same time, Orochimaru placed his hand against her back.

Mikoto's eyes widened as a sudden surge of power filled her body.

"Orochimaru-sama… this is…?"

Orochimaru smirked.

"Synchronization."

"Isn't fusing Susanoo interesting?"

Mikoto's lips curled into a playful smile.

"Very interesting indeed."

At the same time, Susanoo moved on its own, reaching back and detaching a specially modified rocket launcher from its back.