Do these conditions not allow Orochimaru access to Sage Mode?
Kabuto implies that the chief reason why he is unable to use Sage Mode is because he lacked a body that could withstand the full brunt of the innate ability from Ryūchi Cave that is Jūgo’s clan, hence his experiments on the former’s enzyme and the creation of the Curse Seal; this problem is solved by using a Zetsu body as a proxy to use Sage Mode due to the genetic modifications of Hashirama Madara placed upon the previous victims of Mūgen Tsukyuomi.
How did he fail? The stakes were used in the same illusion, and he walked out. I don't understand how he failed. Not to mention his sickness, which even Sasuke admits was holding him back severely. Wasn't it shown the weaker your health state is, the more pitiful your techniques become? So, I believe if you don't want to count that as countering Sasuke's illusion, it's safe to say he would.
The genjutsu is supposed to stop someone using pain but obviously Orochimaru doesn't feel pain in his seperate dimension. It's like if a clone is caught in Tsukuyomi the original will suffer too. Not really...
For some reason, people believe that Orochimaru will still slip into a genjutsu and is unable to do a single thing about it. The encounter with Itachi will not repeat itself; Orochimaru is now full aware of the level of genjutsu Itachi has. Any genjutsu bar Tsukuyomi is not defeating or doing much of anything to Orochimaru.
There's the classic way to get around genjutsu, avoid contact with the eyes. Look away at the start and then set up several shadow clones. All of that. But the added bonus of containing a Zetsu body and thus the ability to sense allows for Orochimaru to follow Karin's own rules to identify when you're in a genjutsu [
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]. Once able to identify a genjutsu, arguably the hardest part of escaping Itachi's illusions, Orochimaru's able to escape it with the standard kai technique. Some do insist that Orochimaru's skills are mediocore in genjutsu, and he is unable to do a thing to escape from it. Despite the genjutsu being a paralyzation technique, Orochimaru was able to move his hands to just about together in a panel and was ready to break free from it [
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-
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]. In fact, we even see Sasuke replicate the same genjutsu and Orochimaru shrugged it off in his pursuit for his body [
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]. We're both aware of Itachi's vast skill in the field over Sasuke, so obviously Orochimaru won't be able to casually escape as he did against Sasuke's. But, with the ability to recognize the genjutsu and the fact he was able to almost break out of one meant to freeze movements. I think it's safe to say genjutsu itself is a low factor, the best chance Itachi has with it is to utilize it as a short term distraction instead of a frontal assault style.
Amaterasu GG
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The super fast, very powerful black flames that can not be extinguished! Surely you're thinking this does Orochimaru in, right? Well, sorry if you are FT. The technique itself holds no immediate threat to Orochimaru. It may spread fast, but it's burning rate leaves much to be desired. Any pain that a normal victim would feel is instantly out of the question when you consider what Orochimaru's endured with a smile. Being split in half is one of them.
Orochimaru won't sense it coming, or at least won't have the feats to obstruct or avoid it. Not going to bother that, so you won't need to waste your precious time typing it down. But, what will happen is that Orochimaru will escape it. Oral rebirth is a sure fire counter to Amaterasu. You might think, "Amaterasu to the head prevents this!". But, we've seen Kabuto and Sasuke use the technique differently that gives more options of escape. Sasuke through his chest and Kabuto expand or split his mouth for his abnormal snake attachment to escape [
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-
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]. Withdrawing from the burning body, and leaving through the back or whatever part of his body isn't covered is how Orochimaru escapes the flames.
I don't mean to pull this cliche on you, but even with using this technique, Itachi makes himself open. It obviously does take some effort to use and while he focus' on Orochimaru, a shadow clone can sneak in a strike or even take the concentration away from the real thing.
Totsuka Blitz GG
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As cannon as can be; Itachi defeats Orochimaru due to the legendary Kusanagi variant, the Totsuka blade. He is sealed forever and never to be heard from again. No more room for arguments. Totsuka GG, no re.
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Never mind.
The Totsuka, and by extension the Yata Mirror are Itachi's true trump cards. Something before that Orochimaru did not know he possessed. But, thanks to being inside both Kabuto and Sasuke, he knows of them very well. Along with Itachi's real potential, if anything. The idea that the Totsuka will pierce him a second time is something I take issue with. Itachi would first have to discover which Orochimaru is the real one - As shadow clones are still a thing.
And, Itachi has to pierce Orochimaru before he can escape utilizing the mayflower technique. I'm not going to say it's slow, this is entirely dependent on distance by the time a full Susano'o is brought out. But it's only rational to believe that once a skeleton emerges, Orochimaru is going to lay back. Having no real technique capable of breaking through it.
Assuming the distance between the original and Susano'o is great, or at least reasonable for the situation. Orochimaru's escaping, evading, using the mayflower before he is pierced. He knows exactly how quick it travels, how long it takes to get to A to B from his first encounter with it. He won't allow himself to be easily pierced.
The Environment and Knowledge
The environment may not play as large a role in this match up. But it's still worth some note of Orochimaru's inherent advantage here. The match up is put at Kakuzu versus Kakashi. A forest made up of monumental trees [
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]. With the mayflower, the attack prevention jutsu, and obsticales to shield himself with or use to plant surprise attacks from. It'll prove to give ol' Orochi some edge.
Knowledge, on the other hand, is very important. Thanks to his past experiences with Itachi, not to mention being inside both Kabuto and Sasuke. Orochimaru has been able to view to great opportunities of Itachi fighting. One in a sick form, while the other in a superior Edo State. He knows what to expect, Itachi's general techniques and a decent idea of the strain of what happens when they are used.
Orochimaru's Victory
As I mentioned in the first section; Any genjutsu Itachi attempts will be met with resistance and countered accordingly. Nothing he can do bar Tsukuyomi will put down or stop Orochimaru for more then a few seconds. With clones, that's even less time. Now, factor in that Genjutsu is a popular starting technique for Itachi and we can see right from the beginning his style will be ineffective.
Both pain and physical damage are but minor annoyances to Orochimaru, who when tangling with the Kyuubi shrugged off more than what would gruesomely kill a man. Fighting in close ranged combat with one or more so clones is the next step for Orochimaru here. Though, unknowingly to Itachi, a trap will be placed once he is even within a set distance of Orochimaru. Zetsu spores will escape from his or the shadow clones and attach themselves onto Itachi. Much like what happened to the Kages and their body guards at the meeting. Despite none of them being in direct contact save the Raikage.
Factor in Orochimaru's fuuton to direct them accordingly, from multiple sides if the Shadow Clones opt to use them too. I don't see Itachi escaping from this attack. Specifically due to his lack of knowledge, and the fact that only two shinobi were able to find a way to discover them. Kabuto and Itachi. Despite Ao and Fu being sensors, neither noticed the spread of the Spores on their fellow Kage.
Tsukuyomi is avoided with basically ignoring direct eye contact. Amaterasu is ineffective and will leave Itachi open for any attacks from shadow clones or the original, if Itachi manages to miss the original. Katon is not a factor in this battle.
I'll rap it up, seeing how this is only an opener and I have been keeping you waiting for some time. Once Susano'o of any notable stages rises, Orochimaru is going to retreat. Gain distance, et cetera. For a broader perspective return to the Totsuka GG spoiler. But, with the addition of any surviving or creation of shadow clones, Orochimaru will send them in first.
With how many is needed to do the job; They can just attack from below with the Kusanagi blade or with the intent to make contact. There are three possible ways for Orochimaru to end the fight like this.
Activating the spores and having them drain Itachi of chakra at this point; While using his most draining technique, with additional battle injuries or fatigue being tacked on.
Even if he takes the spores out with minimal effort, he still has to deal with the shadow clones now. The next method of defeating Itachi is having the shadow clone(s) attack with just the Kusanagi. injure his leg, try to go for a more meaningful blow. It doesn't matter. Any damage inflicted will be good enough, as the true Orochimaru hides away and waits for the time to strike.
The third attack or way to defeat Itachi is to give him the cursed seal. Something that is sure to be far too great a nuisance with a Skeleton or more Susano'o up. With at best momentary paralyzation and worst being immobile for an extended period of time. Itachi's done for.
All three of these can or will happen in close proximity to each other if not at the same time. I very much doubt Itachi's ability to actively counter the spores and not be killed by the Kusanagi or marked by the curse. Or, avoid the Kusanagi and not be drained by the spores.
All in all; there is still One more trump card oro has. Supposing at some point, Susano'o isn't up. Orochimaru can always choose to attack him while in his true form. With each injury, poison will be leaked out and Itachi momentarily stunned. All Orochimaru has to do is then bite a chunk of his throat and he wins the battle. GG, no RE.
Lol House Bolton is one of the most powerful houses in Westeros now. Wardens of The North ring a bell? What does Littlefinger have again? A girl and Harrenhal?
