The blood of the last snake lingered on souba's edge as Kadaj moved in, and struck at Orochimaru. He was slowing, and it showed; even though he'd been ready, the twin blades still snagged at clothing, slicing it neatly.

Kadaj had to block with his off hand, keeping Orochimaru's outstretched fingers from making contact. He saw and felt the glow of gathered chakra at the tips, but didn't recognise the technique. He didn't need to in order to know he didn't want to find out what it did.

With an effort, he ducked Orochimaru, making the other man move as he aimed a couple of fast kicks and swung for the offending hand with his sword, hoping to remove it.

He failed, but pulled away sharply, landing near Nnoitra and telling him, "He's getting slower."