"What is that?"
As the violent Chakra storm swept across, the entire Konohagakure became acutely aware of its presence.
Ninja from every village couldn't help but turn their heads toward the distant source of the disturbance, unsure of what was happening.
"Roar!"
However, the deafening roar of the One-Tail Shukaku quickly pulled everyone's attention back to the immediate crisis, reminding them that the real trouble was only beginning!
"Earth Release: Earth Flow Great River!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to react. He knew the current situation was critical and that he had to assert his strength to resolve the chaos.
If the other Kage present were to harbor malicious intent, it would spell disaster!
"Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!"
Danzō Shimura, quick to respond, leapt into action. As he formed seals mid-air, a sharp wind release jutsu, akin to a scythe, erupted and blasted across the high platform, forcing back the surrounding ninja who were ready to make a move.
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!"
"Combined Ninjutsu: Earth-Dragon Flame Stream!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasted no time. Seeing Danzō in mid-air, he unleashed a powerful combination attack, intertwining two elemental jutsu into a devastating assault that surged toward Danzō.
Boom—
The explosion echoed across the sky, and Danzō was struck, his body riddled like a honeycomb.
"Impressive. Even at this age, Hiruzen Sarutobi can still perform such a seamless combination jutsu."
Ōnoki, observing from the side, couldn't help but express his admiration.
However, while Hiruzen's display was remarkable, the attention of the other Kage soon shifted to Danzō.
They understood that this man was already dead, yet he was being controlled to continue fighting.
This technique... was far more intriguing.
"And it seems... it disregards the fear of death?"
Watching Danzō quickly regenerate, the Kage began to grasp the gravity of such a technique.
"Orochimaru, manipulating the souls of the dead is an act that defies the heavens."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened, but Orochimaru merely licked his lips and smiled indifferently.
"Perhaps. But, Teacher, do you know why he ended up in my hands?"
"What do you mean?"
A sense of foreboding crept over Hiruzen as Orochimaru spoke in a low, eerie tone.
"Because... he betrayed you."
"?!?"
Hiruzen stared at Orochimaru and Danzō in disbelief. Meanwhile, Danzō, having just regenerated, scowled.
Under Orochimaru's control, Danzō couldn't lie. Meeting Hiruzen's gaze, he snorted coldly.
"Hmph! Don't act so surprised. If you can betray me, why can't I retaliate?"
"I betrayed you?"
"That's right. You betrayed me. If you hadn't investigated me, why would I have resorted to such measures?"
Under Orochimaru's control, Danzō's anger boiled over, and he roared through gritted teeth.
"You brought Jiraiya back, intending to make him Hokage. Don't think I didn't know—I heard it all!"
"..."
"Although I managed to stop Jiraiya from succeeding, you then turned to Tsunade. Wasn't that just to block my path?"
"..."
"And you're too soft! The Fourth Raikage came knocking on our doorstep, and you didn't even consider killing him to weaken Kumogakure. Do you even deserve to be Hokage?!"
"..."
Danzō's furious outburst left Hiruzen speechless. What was all this nonsense?
The other Kage were equally stunned. Who would have thought Danzō would say such things?
Him? Hokage?
And they couldn't help but glance at the Fourth Raikage, whose clenched fists and furious expression made it clear how he felt.
The room fell silent, but the amusement in the Kage's eyes was impossible to hide.
"I've always worked tirelessly for Konohagakure, willing to do anything. Yet you gave me no opportunities!"
Perhaps emboldened by the situation, Danzō's rant continued unabated.
"Not only did you deny me any chances, but you also secretly investigated me. What are your true intentions?
And don't act like you're innocent. You've done things to elevate your disciples to power. Why can't I do the same?"
"You..."
Hiruzen's face turned dark with anger, but he couldn't easily refute these claims.
The idea that internal power struggles within Konohagakure had led to the betrayal and death of the Hokage's advisor was already embarrassing enough.
If it were revealed that the investigation into Danzō and Orochimaru's experiments on the First Hokage's cells had been sanctioned by him...
That would be catastrophic.
"Enough, Danzō. Shut up."
Hiruzen interrupted Danzō's tirade, his frustration evident.
"Don't forget—I am the Hokage!"
At this, Danzō truly snapped. Even in death, Hiruzen still dared to assert his authority?
"Alright, everyone. It's time to make a decision."
Danzō wanted to say more, but Orochimaru silenced him, swiftly forming seals with his hands.
Suddenly, two more coffins emerged from the ground!
Orochimaru glanced at the grim-faced Hiruzen before shifting his gaze to the other Kage.
"My preparations go far beyond this. And I'm not acting alone.
The disturbance you felt earlier was likely caused by my allies.
Of course, if you don't wish to act, could you at least remain silent?"
"Who are they?"
The Fourth Raikage stepped forward with a smile, but Orochimaru shook his head.
"At this point, does it matter who they are?
What matters is that Konohagakure is in chaos. It's time to consider the potential gains."
"Indeed, it's time to consider the gains."
The Fourth Raikage nodded, turning to Rasa.
"How long do you plan to hesitate? Without the Daimyō's support, how much longer can Sunagakure hold out?
And with the One-Tail wreaking havoc here, do you think Konohagakure will let you off afterward?"
Rasa remained silent, his gaze fixed on the rampaging One-Tail.
Finally, he gritted his teeth and raised his hand.
At that moment, Kumogakure and Sunagakure made their move!
"You..."
Hiruzen's expression darkened further. Fortunately, Ōnoki and Gengetsu exchanged glances and shook their heads.
"We have no interest in participating. Just don't bother us."
"Doesn't matter. It's all the same."
Orochimaru didn't mind.
He had to thank the Akatsuki. Without them, this scene wouldn't have been possible!
"Roar!"
The One-Tail continued its rampage. Below the high platform, Kumogakure and Sunagakure ninja began their assault, while Orochimaru directed the two coffins to open.
He looked at Hiruzen, whose fists were clenched tightly, and smiled.
"Teacher, do you like this gift?"
But before he could finish speaking, something unexpected happened.
A powerful surge of Chakra erupted, shooting into the sky.
Buzz—
A white beam of light pierced through the One-Tail's chest and struck the high platform!
The two coffins disintegrated before they could fully open.
The beam's energy continued to expand, shattering the high platform entirely!
"What is this?!"
Ōnoki, having already retreated to safety, recognized the phenomenon immediately.
He turned his head, his face pale with shock.
The others followed his gaze, rendered speechless by what they saw.
Through the gaping hole in the One-Tail's chest, they spotted a young figure standing calmly.
"That's... Kitagawa Minamoto?!"
"How does he have Dust Release?"
Ōnoki scratched his head, unable to comprehend. For the first time, he regretted his earlier decisions.
"This is bad... I should've chosen more carefully."
(End of Chapter)
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