Although the opponent wasn't wearing a Forehead Protector, after a brief exchange, Uchiha Gen could infer from the man's commonly used Ninjutsu and combat details that he was likely a Ninja from Iwagakure.
The Ninjutsu level wasn't particularly high, mostly C-Rank techniques primarily focused on Earth Release.
However, his responsiveness was comprehensive, his combat style was organized, and his approach was steady and seasoned.
He was likely a Chūnin with decent strength.
While the possibility of such Ninja discipline coming from a small village couldn't be ruled out, it was more likely he hailed from one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Among them, Konoha and Iwagakure possessed the deepest foundations in Earth Release.
Iwagakure was also the Great Village that most enjoyed hiring external Ninja organizations to handle their affairs.
Bang!
Another heavy side kick slammed into the tall Iwagakure Ninja's body.
With Uchiha Gen's current strength, while completely suppressing this Iwagakure Chūnin during the pursuit, he still had plenty of energy left to observe his teammates.
Since this place had been picked out by Orochimaru as a training ground for young Ninjas, the overall average strength was naturally not going to be too high.
Most of the Rogue Ninjas were just hired from the underground bounty office.
In terms of raw strength, most couldn't compare to Ninjas trained by the Five Great Ninja Villages, and they lacked effective formation coordination among themselves.
However, these young Ninjas from Konoha had basically graduated from the Ninja Academy less than two years ago.
Even if some had accumulated a certain amount of combat experience, it wasn't particularly extensive.
Rogue Ninjas who dared to make a living right under Konoha's nose in the Land of Fire might not have outstanding strength, but every single one of them was a ruthless character who lived on the edge in the underworld, daring to fight and kill.
This was perfect for training these inexperienced Ninjas.
If they were to step onto a real battlefield, the ferocity of enemy Ninjas would certainly be no less than theirs.
The battle between the two sides currently seemed neck-and-neck.
But under the command of Nara Shikaku and Inoichi Yamanaka, the overall situation was still under control.
If someone was injured, nearby teammates would immediately come to support.
If an enemy tried to flee, Hyuga Hizashi, with his Byakugan active throughout, would lead his team to intercept them.
The real trouble lay with those few Ninjas from Iwagakure.
The fact that Uchiha Gen could suppress and hunt down this Iwagakure Chūnin didn't mean others could do the same.
Sarutobi Enjun and Uzuki Ruri's strength far exceeded that of ordinary Genin.
With the assistance of their respective Summoned Beasts, they weren't necessarily inferior to an average Chūnin, but they did lack practical combat experience.
No matter how much seniors taught through words and deeds, these things were ultimately not as effective as experiencing actual combat.
Intelligence Ninjas like these, who were stationed in other countries to serve as contacts for spies during peacetime and handle behind-the-lines sabotage in wartime, were clearly stronger than ordinary Ninjas in terms of combat experience and survival skills.
Even though Sarutobi Enjun and Uzuki Ruri had the advantage of a surprise attack, they still suffered from their lack of experience.
At least their foundations were solid enough to hold their ground.
"There shouldn't be any major problems, but to avoid accidents, it's better to end this quickly."
Taking advantage of Ketsuhan temporarily entangling the enemy, Uchiha Gen used the Body Flicker Technique to dash forward and block the path.
"Summoning Jutsu: Double Rashōmon!"
One red and one green, two massive demonic-faced Rashōmon gates slammed heavily onto the ground.
Since the summoned Rashōmon were used for blocking rather than defense, the two gates formed an obtuse angle upon landing, sealing off the tall Iwagakure Ninja's escape route.
"Damn it! What kind of Ninjutsu is this?"
The tall Iwagakure Ninja, who had barely escaped the snake's mouth, grew anxious when he saw the Rashōmon ahead with Uchiha Gen standing on top, and the Red-Spotted Black Python behind him.
He hadn't seen this defensive Ninjutsu before, but it should be of the same nature as Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall.
In that case...
"Earth Release: Earth Mausoleum Dumpling!"
A massive block of earth and stone flew out, smashing into the red Rashōmon like a thousand-pound cannonball.
Yet, it only left a deep indentation on the surface without breaking through the defense.
At that moment, the Uchiha Gen atop the Rashōmon popped like a phantom.
It was just a basic Clone Jutsu.
However, since the opponent wasn't a Sensory Ninja and Uchiha Gen's clone was realistic enough, the man hadn't had time to distinguish it in his haste to escape.
Uchiha Gen's true body had already stood atop Ketsuhan's head while the enemy was performing Ninjutsu.
He poured a mouthful of oil into his mouth, his hands rapidly forming seals, then spat out a Great Fireball while molding a Gale Palm with his hands.
"Compound Ninja Art: Great Flame Gale Technique!"
It was once again the trio attack of wind, fire, and oil.
This 'Youth Version' of Sage Art: Goemon was performed by Uchiha Gen alone.
Although his Chakra output limit was lower than the combined effort of three people, his Fire Release level was higher than Sarutobi Enjun's.
Thus, the power of the Jutsu was still impressive, only about thirty percent weaker than the previous triple-combined effort.
However, for Uchiha Gen to perform this move, the wind-up was definitely longer than when performing it with teammates.
That was why he needed to arrange the tactics beforehand, using a small deceptive trick to buy time to form seals and mobilize Chakra.
Oil fueled the fire, and wind fanned the flames.
In front of the Rashōmon, it was like a purgatory.
The blazing fire lasted for a full ten-plus seconds, even heating the steel demonic faces of the two metal Rashōmon until they glowed red.
When the flames subsided, all that remained was a cracked earth cover and a charred, carbonized corpse lying within it.
Not far away, Orochimaru stood with his hands behind his back, watching the sea of fire rise and then extinguish in the distance, his expression calm.
"The power of this compound Ninjutsu is very strong."
"Although it doesn't involve Nature Transformation yet, judging by the difficulty alone, it wouldn't be considered low even among B-Rank Ninjutsu."
"To have such talent at this age, he is indeed worthy of being Lord Orochimaru's disciple."
A purple-haired young Jōnin stood beside Orochimaru, commenting with emotion as he watched the commotion Uchiha Gen had caused.
"The first time I developed a B-Rank Ninjutsu was also at twelve."
"I began training in Nature Transformation at thirteen, became a Jōnin at fourteen, and by nineteen, I had mastered at least one form of Shape Transformation for every basic Chakra attribute."
"Only today have I barely reached a fraction of Teacher Sarutobi's level."
"Zixiao, how long do you think he will need?"
Orochimaru asked softly.
"Lord Orochimaru, I don't know, but I am certain that in the future, he will surely become a Ninja capable of stirring the world, just like you."
Mitarai Zixiao said respectfully, his eyes looking at Orochimaru with a hint of fanaticism.
He came from a declined small Ninja Clan and was saved by Orochimaru.
He then actively joined Orochimaru's ranks as a confidant.
Because of his good natural talent and Orochimaru's nurturing, he was now a veteran Jōnin of considerable strength.