Xu Ming wasn't lying when he said he held back.
Had he directly detonated the attack on the Senju warrior wielding the blade, only shattered limbs would have remained.
"As for 'Ignite,' it has also been enhanced thanks to the Sage Body," Xu Ming mused.
"Previously, I had to focus for about a second before flames would slowly manifest and begin to burn the target.
"But now, they appear instantly."
Xu Ming lightly touched his eye sockets, feeling the power of these eyes.
"The summoned flames also seem to have a will of their own, rushing toward the target. Even if the object isn't flammable, it burns in an unnatural manner."
"I wonder what Orochimaru's Sage Transformation will be like?"
Xu Ming's gaze shifted toward a distant location.
Through his Sage Body's heightened perception, he detected chaotic energy from one kilometer away—the location of the experimental base. Multiple people were engaged in a fierce battle, and among them, an exceptionally cold and powerful aura stood out.
Compared to the others, this chilling presence was far more potent, its quality unmistakably higher.
"That must be Orochimaru."
Xu Ming nodded knowingly.
Back when he trained in the secluded mountains, he had sensed Orochimaru's distinctive 'cold' energy—undoubtedly the manifestation of his Sage Transformation.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Xu Ming activated the Body Flicker Technique repeatedly, closing the distance to the base in an instant.
Thanks to the Sage Body's enhancements, he no longer experienced the usual stiffness that followed rapid movement techniques. As a result, he could use the Body Flicker Technique continuously without any drawbacks.
"The two Senju warriors back there didn't have any real intent to kill me," Xu Ming thought.
"Perhaps they just wanted to issue a warning.
"But things might not be the same at Orochimaru's base. After all, that place holds valuable research samples and data. Would the attackers allow such knowledge to remain intact?"
Xu Ming's heart grew tense.
Deep in the Forest
Boom! Boom! Crash!
The battle inside the Wood Style research base raged on. Over a dozen figures clashed, the air filled with the deafening sounds of battle.
Wind, lightning, earth, fire, and water—
Ninjutsu of all five elements exploded across the battlefield, countering and being countered in an endless cycle.
Boom!
After a massive explosion, the fighting came to a sudden halt.
"Surrender."
A masked, silver-haired elder stepped forward, fixing his gaze on the research room deep within the base.
"You're outnumbered. We've already taken down all the capable fighters, leaving only you researchers, who lack any real combat ability."
He glanced at the quivering researchers and continued in a grim tone.
"We are all from the same village. I don't wish to shed unnecessary blood.
"Destroy all research materials and samples, and then leave.
"The choice is yours."
Inside the research room, the remaining scientists exchanged nervous glances.
Many of their expressions wavered.
This was supposed to be a secret research facility. Yet, the fact that infiltrators had broken in—and with insider help—made it clear: this was a high-level political struggle within the village.
They were mere pawns. It wasn't worth getting caught in the storm.
Perhaps it would be wiser to step back and let the dust settle.
"It's a reasonable offer," a voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tense silence.
"But I'm afraid I cannot accept it."
Orochimaru stepped forward, smiling coldly as he met the elder's gaze.
"The research data and experimental samples inside are far too valuable. Destroying them would set my work back for at least half a year."
"Orochimaru…"
The masked elder's eyes sharpened.
"I don't think you understand the situation. Do you truly believe you can keep those blasphemous abominations that insult the legacy of Lord Hashirama?"
"Don't let Hiruzen deceive you. What you're doing now tramples on Lord Hashirama's will!"
As he spoke, several more figures emerged from the shadows.
Among them were members of the Senju clan, as well as other factions within the village.
The opposition to First Hokage cell research wasn't limited to the Senju alone—it had drawn resistance from various groups.
The only difference was that the Senju clan spearheaded this rebellion.
"Whether I can keep them or not… we'll find out after the battle." Orochimaru licked his lips, unfazed.
"How arrogant!"
The elder's eyes burned with fury as he spoke in a chilling tone:
"At first, I merely intended to teach you a lesson. But seeing how depraved and obsessed you've become…
"I'll kill you today!"
Clang!
In the blink of an eye, the besiegers drew their weapons.
No blade was visible—only a glint of cold steel flashing through the air, like a streak of lightning striking Orochimaru's neck in less than half a second.
The researchers gasped.
The attack was ruthless and precise, carrying a murderous intent as thick as a battlefield's blood-soaked air.
Ding!
The blade met an unexpected resistance, ringing out like steel clashing against iron.
Upon closer inspection, Orochimaru's neck was covered in fine, pale scales.
These protective scales had blocked the lethal strike, leaving only a shallow, bloody scratch.
"So, you do have some skill." The elder smirked.
"Ah…"
Orochimaru exhaled sharply, a cold sweat breaking out on his back.
He hadn't reacted in time.
His body had instinctively entered Sage Transformation mode, forming tough snake scales to shield himself.
"Seems like I've caught the attention of the seniors…"
Orochimaru was about to make a sarcastic remark when his expression suddenly changed.
Boom!
The ground beneath him cracked open.
From the depths of the earth, a hand emerged, gripping a kunai aimed straight at his right foot.
Orochimaru leaped back, but the blade still pierced through his sole.
Warm blood oozed from the wound.
Earth Style: Head-Hunting Jutsu!
But the caster hadn't used it to drag Orochimaru underground—they had aimed to cripple him first.
"Young man, did you think the battlefield would give you time to talk?"
The elder's voice echoed coldly next to him.
"You're far too naive."
A shiver ran down Orochimaru's spine.
He turned sharply, only to see nothing—
Just an arc of cold, silver light, a crescent moon of steel slashing toward his exposed eye.
—Two hundred meters away—
Xu Ming suddenly sensed a disturbance.
He raised his gaze toward the research base.
A chilling presence surged outward, expanding at a rapid pace.