Chapter 177: Naruto's Blood, Sakura's Rampage [End] (Patreon)

Chapter List: Naruto: Sakura Blizzard

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"To think a Konoha Genin could possess such immense power..."

Shock was evident in Orochimaru's eyes. While ninjas could achieve many wonders with chakra, Zetsu's manipulation did not extend to controlling natural lightning. There's a vast difference between the power of nature and chakra. Anyone who could control the forces of nature might as well be deemed a god.

However, alongside his astonishment, a deep greed welled up in Orochimaru. How wonderful it would be if he could harness this power for himself. At this moment, he regarded Sakura with the same importance as Sasuke. He coveted both their bodies. The fact that Sakura was a female was of no consequence to him, someone occasionally referred to as Orochi Princess.

"There's much you're unaware of, Orochimaru. Are you prepared?"

Sakura's eyes betrayed no emotion, only the chilling tone in her voice revealing her current state of mind. "Prepared to defy the reality of this world!"

"What?!"

Before Orochimaru could comprehend what Sakura meant, the ground beneath him quaked. Suddenly, a blazing column of lava surged upwards. Had Orochimaru not quickly evaded, he would've been reduced to ash.

One after another, lava columns spewed from the ground. Despite his constant evasion, he was always moments from being engulfed. Glancing at his left arm, which narrowly avoided being incinerated by the molten rock, Orochimaru's expression turned grave. The attack resembled the Lava Release of the Four Tails Jinchuriki, but he couldn't detect any chakra fluctuations. These lava pillars seemed like natural phenomena, and he felt like an unfortunate soul singled out by nature.

As the lava erupted and cooled rapidly upon contact with the air, Orochimaru remained vigilant, not daring to let his guard down.

A fierce gust brushed past his cheek. In an instant, Orochimaru dodged sideways, narrowly evading a slicing wind blade that left a long gash on his face.

"First lightning, then lava, and now gales? Is she harnessing nature itself to assault me?!"

Orochimaru's face was a portrait of fervor. Such power was unprecedented to him. How wondrous it would be if he could obtain it.

"Orochimaru, for your wrongdoings, there's always a price. Your Shedding Snake Technique is indeed remarkable, but I wonder how many times can you utilize it..."

Sakura's right hand loosely clenched, pointing in Orochimaru's direction. A deep purple energy roiled within her palm. As her words settled, the purple energy bolted out like lightning. "Power. Strike..."

The path of the purple lightning left nothing but destruction. Rocks and trees disintegrated, unable to resist this pure energy assault.

"This is bad..." Sensing the imminent threat, Orochimaru didn't hesitate. He dipped his thumbs into the blood on his clothes, quickly forming a seal and slamming his hand to the ground. Three massive summoning sigils appeared. "Summoning - Triple Rashomon..."

In the moment the summoning was completed, Orochimaru turned and fled without hesitation. Though he ardently desired the bodies of both Sasuke and Sakura, he felt the looming threat to his life. Even with his reluctance, when faced with a life-or-death situation, Orochimaru knew how to prioritize.

Three massive gates, each bearing a ghostly face, rose from the ground. These heavy gates acted as a wall, blocking the path of the purple lightning. Yet, the moment the two made contact, the formidable gates shattered as if they were made of paper. Still, influenced by the gates, the purple lightning changed its course. After pulverizing trees in its path, it vanished without a trace.

"Sakura..."

A weak call came from Naruto from behind. The Kusanagi Sword was tossed aside, its blade stained with blood. Though the external wound on his chest had stopped bleeding and seemed to have healed, his internal injuries were still severe.

"Phew..."

Sakura exhaled deeply, the oppressive aura around her dissipating instantly. Seeing Naruto in a frail state but still alive, she let out a sigh of relief and hugged him tightly.

"I'm glad you're okay..."

"Cough, cough, Sakura, remember I'm still seriously hurt..." Naruto's face reddened slightly. While excited inside, he still felt the need to remind Sakura.

"You nearly scared me to death earlier..."

Sitting on the ground, weariness showed in Sakura's eyes. Her furious manipulation of nature's power to attack Orochimaru drained her mentally. The exhaustion became overwhelming the moment she let her guard down.

"Cough, cough, I'm still here, aren't I?"

Naruto managed a smile, but blood tainted the corners of his mouth. "Even though I don't have destructive powers like Sasuke and the others, my vitality is robust. I can shield Sakura from harm. With me around, you won't have to worry about getting hurt!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? While your regenerative abilities give you enhanced vitality, it doesn't mean you're invincible. If your heart is injured, recovery is slow. What if it's a head injury next time? Will you still recover?"

Looking at Naruto's pale face, Sakura spoke earnestly, "Next time, I won't allow such recklessness. Understand?"

"Ah, I get it!" Naruto responded with a grin. But Sakura could tell from his expression that he hadn't taken her words to heart. Deciding not to push the issue, Sakura thought to herself that they should be more cautious in the future. They couldn't recklessly endanger themselves or their companions.

"Sasuke, why have you been silent?" Naruto turned to Sasuke, who sat beside them, his face filled with confusion.

"You're feeling unsatisfied, aren't you?" Sakura, discerning Sasuke's mood, ventured a guess.

"I thought I had become powerful. But now I realize how insignificant I still am," Sasuke admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "I could only watch helplessly as Naruto got hurt. If it wasn't for your timely rescue, Orochimaru might've already branded me with his Curse Mark."

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 178: Sasuke Activates Mangekyo Sharingan​1​