Before Namikaze Minato had time to react, Sora's attack struck his abdomen with crushing force. The impact sent him hurtling into the trunk of a nearby tree, where he collapsed, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
He gasped for air, his mind racing. Sora had been right—the battle had ended in an instant.
Sora strolled toward him, his expression calm as he looked down at him. "You've lost this competition."
Namikaze Minato wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, forcing a weak smile. "That move… Is it the new technique you've been working on? It's incredible. Even though it's still Thunderbolt Flash, it's much faster and far more powerful than the regular version.
"I didn't think the gap between us would be this large—so big that I couldn't even take one of your moves. Sora… I lost this fight."
Sora studied him, tilting his head slightly. "You don't seem depressed at all," he remarked.
"In fact, you look even more fired up.
"Logically speaking, since you consider me your rival, seeing this kind of gap should leave you at least a little frustrated. Maybe even a little… hopeless."
Minato shook his head and smiled faintly. "No, Sora. I'm not frustrated at all.
"It's because I see you as my rival that I'm excited, not discouraged.
"This fight has shown me how far I still have to go, and it makes me want to push myself even harder.
"I'll keep working, step by step. First, I'll train to handle just one of your moves. Then two. And eventually, I'll close the gap between us."
Sora rolled his eyes and scoffed, his tone dry. "As long as it makes you happy. What a boring match."
He turned on his heel, ready to leave.
As he walked away, Minato called after him. "Sora, earlier, you said this technique wasn't complete. But just now… did you finish it?"
Sora paused, glancing over his shoulder. "No," he replied simply before continuing on his way.
Minato let out a quiet breath as he slumped against the tree.
Even unfinished, that technique was that powerful?
Sora's first form, Thunderbolt Flash: Divine Speed, was indeed incomplete.
The move required him to channel Lightning Release chakra to stimulate the meridians in his legs to their maximum potential, creating an explosive burst of speed.
However, Sora could feel a clear limit—his legs couldn't yet handle the full strain of the technique. The stimulation from the Lightning Release chakra wasn't strong enough to push his speed to its true peak.
Even now, his legs throbbed from the effort. The technique had taken a considerable toll on his body, and its chakra consumption was immense.
Still, even in its unfinished state, Thunderbolt Flash: Divine Speed was far faster than the ordinary Thunderbolt Flash.
And because it was simply a derivative of his original technique, Sora could still use it effectively, even without perfecting it.
Minato glanced at the charred ground and the deep footprints Sora had left behind. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
I'll catch up to him. No matter how far ahead he is, I'll close the gap.
Thunderbolt Flash: Divine Speed and the Qi-type Fire Thunder God were two distinct developmental paths for Sora's techniques.
Thunderbolt Flash: Divine Speed pursued ultimate power through ultimate speed.
On the other hand, Qi-type Fire Thunder God was a more versatile technique that combined elements of other sword styles. Though its speed was slightly slower than Divine Speed, it offered a more balanced approach to combat.
Sora winced as he felt the soreness in his legs and sighed softly.
Training in Thunderbolt Flash was progressing, but there was no need to rush. This technique couldn't be perfected with sheer practice alone. His legs needed time to adapt, and the meridians in his body had to strengthen to withstand greater stimulation from Lightning Release chakra. Only when his legs could endure the immense strain would he be able to truly master Divine Speed.
Leaving Namikaze Minato behind, Sora found a secluded area to continue his training.
In his opinion, unless Minato learned the Flying Thunder God Technique or Sage Mode, he wouldn't be able to fight him on equal footing. Even if he managed to create the Rasengan, it would ultimately prove ineffective against him.
With these thoughts, Sora began his consolidation training.
The Next Morning
The remaining 32 ninjas who were still capable of fighting gathered once again.
Orochimaru, still acting as commander, stood before them, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group.
"Everyone," Orochimaru began, his tone cold and commanding, "use the Clone Technique to create as many clones as possible. Then, create one Shadow Clone each. Form groups, and ensure your main body and clones remain in alignment as we advance the front line. Jiraiya!"
Jiraiya straightened and responded seriously, "I'm here!"
Orochimaru issued his next order. "You and I will position ourselves at opposite ends of the team. Summon your beasts and use them to drive away the Kumogakure shinobi. Any who slip past will be dealt with by the two of us."
Jiraiya nodded, his voice low but resolute. "Understood!"
Next, Orochimaru called out, "Sora!"
Stepping forward, Sora replied, "I'm here!"
Orochimaru continued, "You have a separate task. You're the fastest and most agile among us. Your job is to scout within a 50-meter radius of the team. If you encounter enemies, use your summoning beast to notify me immediately."
Sora tilted his head slightly. "Teacher Orochimaru, is this pure reconnaissance?"
Orochimaru's tone grew colder. "If you're certain of your target, kill them."
Sora gave a small bow. "Understood!"
Turning to the remaining ninjas, Orochimaru addressed them. "The rest of you, unless Kumogakure shinobi close in, your task is to maintain the integrity of the Shadow Clone and clone formations. Do you understand?"
The group responded in unison, "Understood!"
Orochimaru nodded. "Then begin advancing the front line. After covering ten kilometres, we'll set traps and secure the area. Be prepared to act on my orders at any time."
The ninjas moved swiftly, creating their Shadow Clones and forming into groups. Each ninja separated into a formation consisting of themselves, their Shadow Clone, and five regular clones, resulting in a unit of seven. With 32 ninjas, the total force now appeared to exceed 200 people—a significantly larger presence.
Orochimaru observed the formations with satisfaction. "Let's move out!"
Under Orochimaru and Jiraiya's command, the group began advancing. Sora broke off from the main force, scouting within the 50-meter perimeter assigned to him.
Two Kilometers Out
Sora's initial patrol yielded no results. The forest was silent, devoid of enemy movement.
However, as he approached the two-kilometre mark, subtle signs of activity began to emerge.
Sora quickly formed a series of hand seals, placing one palm against the ground.
"Ten Thousand Snakes Formation!"
Unlike Orochimaru's signature method of summoning snakes from his mouth, Sora's technique called forth a large number of snakes directly from his sleeves. The serpents slithered outward, spreading in all directions to gather intelligence and relay it back to him.
At the same time, Sora summoned a small black snake from Ryūchi Cave.
"Go to Teacher Orochimaru. Let him know there's movement ahead and to stay alert."
The black snake coiled itself tightly, bowing its head respectfully. "Understood, Master Sora!" It slithered away at an incredible speed.
Moments later, several snakes returned to Sora, wrapping around his arms and relaying the information they had gathered.
"Three-man team scouting ahead?" Sora muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing as a cold glint flashed in them.
His hand moved to the hilt of his ninja sword, tightening her grip.
Time to fight.
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