The pressure Uchiha Chi exerted on Orochimaru at this moment was far greater than what he had felt years ago when the Sannin had fought alongside one another against Hanzo. After all, he had clearly perceived Hanzo’s strength back then and knew the limits of his reach.
Furthermore, the Orochimaru of that time was much younger than he was now. Back then, he had been entirely confident that he would eventually surpass Hanzo, but Uchiha Chi brought with him only a sense of powerlessness. This made him all the more devoted to his research into Forbidden Technique; after all, only an endless life would allow him to pursue his dream of mastering every Ninjutsu in existence.
In the days that followed, Orochimaru spared no effort, traveling back and forth multiple times between Konohagakure and the mysterious, treacherous Ryuchi Cave. Though his journeys were rarely smooth, he relied on his iron will and exceptional ability to overcome every obstacle.
Chapter 373