"Third Tsuchikage, what do you want?" Minato asked cautiously.
"Obviously, information about Konoha," Onoki replied matter-of-factly.
"You were the Hokage, after all. Although the information might be outdated, you should still have valuable intelligence on Konoha—things like ninja lists and personnel distribution could serve as references..."
Minato went silent.
If he handed over Konoha's ninja data and something happened to those people later, wouldn't he become the executioner?
"This is just our war with Lady Tsunade. It has nothing to do with others from Konoha," Minato emphasized.
"Is that so?" Onoki smiled dispassionately. "Then tell me, when conflict inevitably arises, do you think they'll risk their lives for Konoha? For Tsunade?"
"Do you think you can convince them to work for you instead?"
Onoki waited patiently for a long time, but Minato gave no response.
Growing impatient, he waved his hand and turned to leave.
"If we can't be honest with each other, this cooperation will eventually collapse anyway."
"Wait," Minato called out, speaking with difficulty. "I can tell you what you want to know."
Onoki stopped in his tracks, smiling in satisfaction. "Then come with me now."
"Do you need the intel right now?"
"Just to prevent unexpected circumstances. After all, you're an unpredictable ninja who came back from the dead once—who knows what else might happen."
Minato had no words to counter, silently following him toward the Tsuchikage Tower.
...
In Konoha Village, the film regarding Kaguya had already stopped circulating, yet those who wanted to understand already knew everything presented within.
People like Tsunade, Yugao, and Hinata...
The words from Jiraiya and the Sage Slug flashed through Tsunade's mind. She looked thoughtful, as if everything had finally become clear—the truth was exposed, and she understood exactly what they'd been worried about.
Tsunade walked down the street with Shizune at her side. At a street corner, Yugao Uzuki and Hinata Hyuga were already waiting.
Without exchanging words, the group moved together toward where Kaguya usually stayed.
At this moment, Hiroki was trying to calm Kaguya's emotions, preventing another massacre.
The group entered the room without knocking.
Kaguya stood facing away from them, expression blank—as though she had expected this meeting all along.
"Kaguya-sama, is what we've heard really true? About the Infinite Tsukuyomi and all?" Tsunade asked solemnly.
"[Lady] sister..." Hinata murmured softly.
"What? Of course it's true. Is it really so strange that I did such things?"
Her voice dripped with obvious mockery as Kaguya turned around to face the four women standing silently before her.
These people looked stunned—not just by the truth, but also by Kaguya's indifferent, almost defiant honesty.
"What is it? Are you afraid? If you want to leave now, go ahead. If you seek revenge for those who fell before you, you can strike me here and now. Come on… then."
"And those innocent civilians in the theaters—were they your doing too?" Tsunade pressed further.
Kaguya snorted coldly, giving no denial.
Black Zetsu was under her command. Since she hadn't kept him in check, she naturally took responsibility for everything he did.
"Big sis, why did you do that?" Hinata whispered, her face showing confusion and sadness.
"I told you already, I'm not the kind of person you imagine," Kaguya replied.
Hinata was taken aback.
Tsunade, Shizune, and Yugao exchanged glances but said nothing.
Tsunade walked out first with Shizune following closely, and Yugao trailed behind.
With one last look at Kaguya, Hinata stepped outside too.
Watching them leave, Kaguya's face showed a hint of self-mockery as an inexplicable sense of tightness stirred in her chest.
Although her bond with them wasn't as deep as the one she shared with Hiroki, she still hoped to hear unconditional support from them.
Looking at Hiroki, who had remained silent beside her, Kaguya felt a bit comforted and relieved inside.
She took a few steps forward and hugged him, burying her head in his chest so her expression couldn't be seen, her voice muffled.
"Hiroki, do you believe in me?"
"Believe? Of course."
"Will you really always stand by my side?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"It's like that time you spared me when we first met—something I can't quite put into words," Hiroki stroked her long hair gently. "Maybe it's chemistry."
"Cough cough cough..."
A series of coughs echoed through the room. Immediately, Kaguya pulled away from Hiroki's arms, her expression instantly returning to calm indifference.
"I found something," White Zetsu appeared. "It's related to Jiraiya."
"Jiraiya again?" Kaguya said coldly. "He no longer has any value to exist."
Outside the room, Yugao asked Tsunade, "Lady Hokage, do you know what Lady Kaguya intends to do?"
"She mentioned something about stronger enemies beyond the Ninja World," Tsunade sighed.
"What about us then..."
At this moment, Kaguya and Hiroki walked out. She ignored whatever was on their minds and commanded Tsunade directly:
"Tsunade, take some people and capture Mount Myoboku. I know where it is located. Except for that old frog, there's no one there who could rival you."
"But..." Tsunade hesitated, "The Cloud Village is currently under attack. If we deploy many forces now, we might not be able to assist Konoha in time if anything happens."
Kaguya glanced at her, thought for a moment, then said coolly, "Then handle Jiraiya instead. He keeps associating with Orochimaru and frequently goes in and out of the Country of Rice Fields."
"Him..." Tsunade was stunned.
Shizune and Yugao both turned their eyes to her simultaneously.
"Don't we still need Orochimaru's research materials?" Hiroki interjected.
Kaguya just stared at Tsunade. "Having second thoughts? Are you getting soft-hearted again, Tsunade? You've let him go many times before. Did he ever care?"
Tsunade remained silent briefly before asking, "Lady Kaguya, is what you previously told me about your plan true? And those potential enemies..."
"Yes." Kaguya nodded flatly, unwilling to elaborate further. "It was true back then, and it's still true now, Kaguya-sama."
"If you're unwilling, I'll deal with it myself," Kaguya finished and turned to leave.
She hadn't walked far when Tsunade's voice reached her ears, "I understand."
...
Having made her decision, Tsunade began deploying forces.
Although Orochimaru had occupied a small nation and gathered followers, compared to the great ninja villages, he was naturally no match.
Even if some ninja were sent out, Konoha wouldn't become vulnerable.
The only concern was that both Orochimaru and Jiraiya were Kage-level experts, and few could stand against them.
Hiroki also submitted an intelligence report on the Country of Rice Fields to Tsunade.
For example, Sasuke had joined Orochimaru's ranks when he left Konoha.
"Tsunade-sama, will you personally lead this mission?" Yugao asked inside the Hokage's office.
"...If you can't handle it, I'll come to reinforce," Tsunade hesitated briefly before responding.
...
That afternoon, a force of twenty-four ninjas left Konoha heading for the Country of Rice Fields.
Might Guy, Yugao, Anko Mitarashi, Izumi Uchiha, and others were among them.
Some carried personal grudges.
Anko Mitarashi volunteered the moment she heard they were targeting Orochimaru's hideout.
Izumi participated hoping to capture Sasuke and use him as bait to draw out Itachi Uchiha.
White Zetsu silently tracked their movements while Hiroki stood ready to provide backup at a moment's notice.
...
Within the Country of Rice Fields, Orochimaru had already taken over vast territories. The ninja he had lured away or those who willingly pledged allegiance formed a considerable force.
Although not yet officially recognized as Otogakure Village, it essentially functioned as one.
Konoha ninja advanced unimpeded, gradually closing in on this emerging village.
Izumi Uchiha led from the front.
Yugao and Guy each demonstrated their skills, swiftly eliminating peripheral enemy ninjas.
"Let's heat things up! Yugao, how about a little friendly contest?" Might Guy shouted enthusiastically.
Yugao just shot him an exasperated glance.
Ignoring possible reprimands from Orochimaru, a ninja rushed into his lab, panting heavily, "Lady Orochimaru, Konoha ninja are attacking..."
Orochimaru halted his movement, responding calmly, "So this day has finally arrived. They've found me."
"How many came?"
"Not too many, but they're all strong. The guards couldn't stop them... There's Might Guy, the former Konoha rogue ninja Yugao, and your student, Anko Mitarashi."
After hesitating momentarily, the ninja mentioned several names he recognized.
"Release everyone imprisoned in the prison. Their time has come."
Orochimaru stepped outside after giving the order.
Meanwhile, sounds of battle had already drawn attention across the base. Sasuke also emerged.
Likewise, Jiraiya and Naruto arrived near the Base.
Outside the base, fallen enemies littered the ground groaning in pain, while Konoha suffered only minor losses.
"So you're all here indeed," Yugao and Izumi moved ahead of Konoha's forces, facing Orochimaru and his group.
Izumi still had a cloth blindfold over her eyes. Through the gaps, she stared directly at Sasuke Uchiha. "Sasuke Uchiha..."
Sasuke looked at her. Something felt familiar, but he couldn't place it immediately.
"I didn't expect you to track me down so quickly..." Izumi murmured.
"It's normal," Sasuke replied. "The sealing formation I placed on the ground could block White Zetsu, but also completely exposed this location, telling them there was something suspicious here."
Orochimaru took over the conversation.
"Jiraiya, you handle things here. I'll take Naruto and retreat with the others."
Orochimaru never considered himself selfless and was unwilling to give too much.
Besides, he didn't want to reveal too many hidden cards.
Although abandoning this well-established location brought him slight regret, Orochimaru wasn't planning to fight Kaguya's side head-on like Jiraiya was willing to do.
He never wanted to be a savior.
With that, Orochimaru walked toward Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto hesitated for a moment but did not resist. Sasuke, however, clearly refused.
Why should they run? Was escaping all he could do?
If he just had a bit more time to recover his strength, what were these people to him?
He was Indra reborn!
Jiraiya couldn't help glancing at him. "Sasuke Uchiha, is this part of your plan?"
"Huh? You mean those people were brought here by you?" Naruto asked.
"Baka." Sasuke cursed angrily.
"Never mind that. Let Jiraiya hold them off while we regroup and retreat," Orochimaru said calmly.
Izumi used the Body Replacement Technique to block their path. "Sasuke Uchiha, you're not leaving."
"Lord Orochimaru..." Anko also broke free from regular ninja interference and appeared in front of Orochimaru.
Orochimaru sneered. "Has Konoha truly fallen to the point where it must rely on women to lead now?"
As they talked, numerous grotesque monsters—looking barely human—roared out from the prison cells.
They attacked indiscriminately, as if driven by pure rage.
[Konoha Mighty Cyclone!] While Might Guy knocked down many enemies, he flashed his bright white teeth toward Jiraiya.
"Master Jiraiya, I'll be the one to take you on this time!"
Orochimaru gave a cold glance but didn't care about these expendable enemies.
"Master Jiraiya, we came specifically for you. If you don't want to bring unnecessary slaughter upon others, then please stop running," Yugao Uzuki spoke up.
Jiraiya smiled bitterly and rubbed his forehead. "So everyone really sees me as a coward now."
He lifted his head high and fixed a serious gaze on Izumi, Guy, Anko, and the other Konoha ninjas.
Yugao Uzuki bore Kaguya's mark, and her power had been enhanced—making her one of Kaguya's most loyal followers.
Trying to change her mind was pointless.
But maybe the others could still be awakened.
With that thought, his expression turned grave. "Fellow shinobi, have any of you seen the video that caused so many deaths?"
The Konoha shinobi exchanged glances but remained silent.
Before leaving, Tsunade had told them that Yugao would be their leader, even Might Guy was placed under her command.
Orochimaru snorted, thinking it was just another stupid move by naive Jiraiya.
Anko glared at Orochimaru, eyes narrowing. Seeing how he remained unconcerned about his current situation and could even divert his attention elsewhere, her gaze chilled. She quickly formed hand seals.
Snakes shot forth from her hands, but before they could reach Orochimaru, he had already grabbed one person in each hand, dodging aside with Sasuke and Naruto.
"What's wrong, Anko? Surely you're not trying to use what I taught you against me," Orochimaru said mockingly.
"Let go of me," Sasuke coldly yanked his wrist free from Orochimaru's grip.
At this moment, Izumi's brow furrowed deeply. She didn't want to see Orochimaru escaping with Sasuke, so she ripped the cloth covering her eyes away.
The bandage slowly fell onto the ground, revealing Izumi's Mangekyo Sharingan for all to see.
Even Jiraiya couldn't help glancing in her direction.
"Mangekyo... With these eyes, even Itachi Uchiha wouldn't amount to much," Orochimaru licked his lips, showing a rare expression of greediness.
Sasuke stared at her eyes intensely, feeling resentful. "You too are... Uchiha..."
He thought bitterly that he should be the most gifted one, yet each of those bastards somehow had stronger eyes than his.
[New chapter updates have been delayed, but finally there is a solution on apps where sources can be changed. Download Huanyuan App here to switch sources and view the latest chapters of this novel across multiple sites.]
Sasuke forced himself to calm down.
Calm, calm. As long as I remember Indra's experiences from back then, my eyes will awaken too... Soon!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>