Chapter 345: Bring It On

Li An held the secret manual, glanced around, and his eyes showed not a trace of fear. He knew the coming battle would be even harder, but he was ready. He carefully tucked the manual into his bosom, then drew the short blade at his waist and assumed a combat stance.

"Come on, whoever wants this secret manual, just bring it on." Li An shouted loudly, his voice echoing through the market. His voice brimmed with confidence and dominance, as if declaring to all that he would never retreat.

Sasuke attacked first, his ninjutsu reaching its peak at that moment. Flames burned in his hands, sweeping toward Li An. Li An dodged swiftly; his figure wove through the flames like a phantom.

Those around also joined the fight, various ninjutsu and attacks surging toward Li An. Li An dodged left and right; his body was like a fallen leaf in the wind, seemingly weak yet skillfully evading every attack.

"Hmph, with just you lot, you think you can take the secret manual from me?" Li An taunted while fighting. Wisdom gleamed in his eyes; every dodge and counterstrike was perfectly timed.

In the fierce battle, Li An suddenly spotted an opening. Seizing the gap between everyone's attacks, he leaped and charged toward the market exit. He knew continuing to fight here would be disadvantageous; he had to leave as soon as possible.

Seeing this, Sasuke immediately gave chase. "Don't think you can run!" he shouted, his speed increasing slightly.

Li An sprinted desperately ahead while Sasuke pursued relentlessly. Their figures flashed across the street, causing passersby to turn and stare.

Suddenly, a figure appeared ahead: Tsunade. She stood with arms crossed, looking at Li An with a stern expression. "Boy, leave the secret manual here." Tsunade's voice was filled with authority, impossible to resist.

Li An's heart tightened; he knew Tsunade's strength was formidable, and escaping from her was no easy task. But he did not retreat; instead, a faint smile appeared. "If you want the secret manual, then see if you have the skill for it."

Tsunade snorted coldly; her body instantly swelled into a massive fist, smashing toward Li An. Li An swiftly sidestepped; Tsunade's fist struck the ground with a tremendous boom, instantly leaving a huge crater.

"Such immense power." Li An marveled inwardly, yet felt not a shred of fear. He used the system to analyze Tsunade's attack patterns, searching for an opportunity to counter.

Just as Tsunade attacked again, Li An suddenly spotted one of her openings. Without hesitation, he charged forward, thrusting his short blade at her weak point. Tsunade never expected Li An to find her opening; she stared in shock, but it was too late to dodge.

Just as the short blade was about to pierce Tsunade, a black shadow suddenly appeared, blocking the strike for her. Li An looked closely and saw it was Orochimaru.

"Haha, an interesting little one." Orochimaru said with a smile, greed flickering in his eyes. "This secret manual should be handed over to me."

Li An looked at Orochimaru, his heart filled with caution. This rogue ninja's strength was unfathomable; he had to handle this carefully. "If you want the secret manual, you are not qualified enough." Li An replied with a cold sneer.

Orochimaru wasted no more words; his hands quickly formed seals, and a giant snake emerged from his hands, lunging at Li An. Li An dodged swiftly, his body weaving through the snake's attacks, searching for an opportunity to counter.