From beginning to end, swordsmanship seemed to be only supplementary.
But in the world of the Shinigami, swordsmanship had already evolved into the level of the Way of the Sword.
And within just half a month, Senju Yukika had elevated his basic swordsmanship from beginner to intermediate level.
Even though Ulquiorra specialized in reaping enemies with scythes and spears, his legacy of swordsmanship was by no means weak.
Sensing the right moment, Yukika swung the Sword of the Thunder God with precision. Before Orochimaru's longsword could strike him, he had already parried it in advance.
"Not bad," Orochimaru said, not hiding his appreciation. He nodded slightly at Yukika, and then, with a sharp increase in speed, swung his sword again. This time, the blade shimmered with a pale blue glow.
Chakra.
Yukika suddenly realized he had underestimated something.
While he had focused intently on the form and technique of swordsmanship, he had neglected what was perhaps the most crucial element in the world of shinobi—chakra.
Perhaps in terms of pure swordsmanship, the shinobi world lagged behind the world of the Shinigami, but ninja had a unique advantage: they could channel chakra into their blades, vastly increasing the power of their techniques.
Realizing this, Yukika became completely serious.
This was his best opportunity yet to get a firsthand understanding of shinobi swordplay—before ever meeting Sakumo Hatake.
Never underestimate your opponent.
Still...
Channel chakra into a weapon...
An idea formed in Yukika's mind. He gripped the Sword of the Thunder God tightly in one hand and slowly channeled chakra into it through his meridians.
Crack!
In that instant, the sword, which already shimmered faintly with lightning, let out a sharp, piercing hum. Violent lightning erupted from the tip of the blade with dazzling force!
What are you, a beast?
Orochimaru's gaze grew complicated as he stared at Yukika, who looked like he'd just had an epiphany.
The Sword of the Thunder God, with its special chakra-conductive properties, was more suitable for chakra infusion than the longsword Orochimaru wielded.
Even so, a beginner wouldn't typically be able to channel chakra into a weapon like that—not even once in ten days, let alone control it with such precision.
And yet...
He just saw it once and figured it out on his own?
That kind of monstrous talent was difficult to accept.
Orochimaru let out a deep sigh, his expression growing more solemn. While he didn't have the upper hand in weapon choice, he had the edge in experience—and he was determined to teach Yukika a lesson through that.
The assessment continued.
Their clashing swords sparked again and again, ringing with crisp resonance—fueled by chakra-infused strikes and the Sword of the Thunder God's innate elemental properties.
The real battle had begun.
Orochimaru's swordsmanship wasn't weak. He had once studied sword techniques under Sakumo Hatake himself and learned a fair number of high-level tricks.
Yet what shocked everyone present was this:
Senju Yukika, a complete novice, not even officially graduated as a genin, was managing to hold his own against Orochimaru's relentless, storm-like attacks.
Not only that—he even found moments to counterattack effectively!
Who taught him swordsmanship?
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought. A figure suddenly surfaced in his mind.
White Fang?
But he didn't recall ever hearing of any direct contact between Sakumo and Yukika.
"Why hasn't Orochimaru gone all out yet?" Danzo suddenly leaned toward Hiruzen and whispered the question.
The pacing of the battle wasn't aligning with what they had expected.
From beginning to now, Orochimaru hadn't unleashed his full strength as a jonin to overwhelm Senju Yukika.
What is he doing?
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. Just like Danzo, he didn't fully understand what was happening either.
Clang!
Suddenly—
A crisp snapping sound rang out.
Everyone turned their attention in that direction—