"Finally, I've found you, Orochimaru."
Within the Land of Hot Water, Orochimaru was on his way to one of his other hideouts when the ground in front of him suddenly trembled.
The next moment, the figure of Black Zetsu slowly emerged.
"Oh, it's you, pitcher plant."
Orochimaru didn't seem too surprised; he merely chuckled lightly.
"Our collaboration is over, isn't it? Why are you still looking for me?"
"In a sense, yes, our collaboration has ended. But given the current situation, do you really think it's over?"
Black Zetsu shook his head as he spoke, though inwardly he sighed in relief.
Tracking Orochimaru had cost him quite a bit of effort, but at least he had finally found him.
"According to the information I've gathered, Kirigakure and Iwagakure have already allied with Konohagakure, and Sunagakure has surrendered. We are now wanted by most of the ninja world."
"So what? Haven't we always been wanted?"
Orochimaru didn't seem to care, licking his lips with a smile. However, Black Zetsu calmly shook his head.
"This time is different. You should know they won't let us go, especially not you, Orochimaru."
If I didn't understand that, would I have let you find me?
Orochimaru didn't respond. He was confident in his ability to remain hidden if he wanted to.
But this time, he knew the situation was dire.
Especially after learning about Konohagakure's alliances with Kirigakure and Iwagakure, he immediately realized how precarious his position had become.
After all, he had used Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation.
If it were just Konohagakure or a victorious battle, the trouble wouldn't have been too severe.
But losing so badly changed everything!
Konohagakure might want to save face and not use the Impure World Reincarnation, but who would believe that?
Even Orochimaru himself didn't trust his own restraint.
"But you didn't hold up your end of the deal either. Leaving me to face Kitagawa Minamoto alone—don't you think that's a bit much?"
Orochimaru didn't dwell on the issue, instead lowering his voice to question.
"That brat has already developed Ice Release and Dust Release, not to mention Flying Thunder God, Sage Arts, and Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Are you sure you weren't trying to get me killed?"
"Kitagawa Minamoto is indeed extraordinary. We've lost to him many times..."
Black Zetsu found it difficult to admit but still spoke up.
"And it's not that we didn't want to provide reinforcements. We were also dealing with extremely troublesome opponents and even lost several people."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. He had sensed the battles outside Konohagakure but didn't know the details.
"Who could it be that caused such a situation?"
"You'll find out about that later. For now, let's focus on your problem."
Black Zetsu avoided the topic, unwilling to discuss it further.
"We need you, and you need us. Just like before. And this time, we'll collaborate again. It's mutually beneficial."
"Tell me the specifics. I'm not interested in vague promises."
"With the protection of Amegakure, we'll be safe. Beyond that, we can conduct more experiments. What do you think about Kumogakure?"
"You plan to ally with Kumogakure to resist the three villages' offensive?"
"No, we're not that foolish. We plan to approach them after they've lost."
Black Zetsu spoke coldly, and Orochimaru nodded in agreement. Waiting for them to lose was indeed the most reasonable choice.
"Kumogakure is entrenched in the north, separated from Iwagakure and Kirigakure by the sea, with the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost as buffers against Konohagakure. It's an excellent hiding spot."
Seeing no objection from Orochimaru, Black Zetsu continued.
"Moreover, they are filled with hatred and would likely be willing to cooperate with us. This ensures our safety and provides you with more room for experiments, especially regarding the Impure World Reincarnation."
"So, what you're really after is the Impure World Reincarnation."
Orochimaru licked his lips, unsurprised by this conclusion.
"Well, whether it's you or Kumogakure, you're all eyeing this technique. Especially once they've lost. But this bargaining chip isn't enough to move me."
"I heard you have a child with a serious problem."
Black Zetsu glanced at Orochimaru, hesitating before speaking softly.
"Perhaps I can help you solve it."
"Kimimaro?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, and Black Zetsu remained calm.
"Yes, that child is extraordinary. I can think of a way to help him. But I also hope you'll show some sincerity. After all, we're all in danger right now."
"Sincerity, huh?"
Orochimaru chuckled, knowing the deal was essentially sealed. And as for sincerity...
"I've thought of something quite sincere. Let's see if it meets your expectations."
As he spoke, Orochimaru formed hand seals, causing Black Zetsu to raise an eyebrow and prepare to abandon White Zetsu to hide underground.
But he quickly realized Orochimaru wasn't attacking. Instead, Orochimaru pressed his hands to the ground, revealing a summoning seal.
"The First Hokage and the Second Hokage—does this sincerity suffice?"
As smoke swirled, Orochimaru's voice rang out. Black Zetsu nodded slightly upon hearing this.
The First and Second Hokage—this was no ordinary sincerity.
However, as the smoke cleared, confusion appeared on Black Zetsu's face.
Because there was no one there!
Orochimaru's smile also froze at that moment.
The two stared at each other in silence, the atmosphere growing increasingly awkward.
"Hmph, I never expected that after my death, Konohagakure would experience so much, and my technique would be so misused."
In Konohagakure's ANBU prison, Tobirama Senju snorted coldly after hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation.
"So, you summoned us to prevent Orochimaru from getting ahead of you and to have me help you with research, correct?"
"That's right, Sensei."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. He had only briefly explained recent events, but it wasn't surprising that his teacher could deduce the rest.
"Orochimaru is my disciple. I know him well. He would definitely do something like this."
"Hmph, how did Konohagakure end up like this?"
Tobirama Senju hadn't expected to encounter such a situation immediately after being revived.
A joint Chūnin Exam, Sunagakure and Kumogakure colluding with Konohagakure defectors, and even the Impure World Reincarnation being involved.
In the end, he was summoned as part of the mess. It was truly infuriating!
As he pondered, his gaze swept over Kitagawa Minamoto.
He noticed that the boy's chakra was astonishingly strong!
Although he hadn't regained his peak strength, or even half of it, his sensory abilities were still sharp.
"I've told you countless times, Tobirama, that your reckless experiments would lead to trouble."
Hashirama Senju shook his head disapprovingly from the side, though his focus wasn't on the technique.
Instead, he curiously observed everyone present, especially Kitagawa Minamoto. After a while, he suddenly laughed heartily.
"Time flies so fast. Monkey, you've grown old, and Tsunade has grown up. But why are you still the Third Hokage?"
"Hey, is this the time to discuss that? Can't you be serious for once?"
Seeing his brother's demeanor, Tobirama Senju felt exasperated.
"And if not for my technique, would we even be awake right now?"
"I'd rather not be awake."
"Shut up! We need to discuss the village's situation!"
"If not for you, would we even be in this mess?"
"..."
Watching the two brothers bicker, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others lowered their heads, not daring to speak. Tsunade looked equally helpless.
Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Guy, on the other hand, were stunned, not expecting the First and Second Hokage to be like this.
Only Kitagawa Minamoto seemed amused, as if he had anticipated this scene.
The First Hokage was exactly as he remembered.
"Alright, enough nonsense. Let's focus on the important matters."
Tobirama Senju grew tired of his brother's chatter and rubbed his temples before speaking.
"I'll study the Impure World Reincarnation thoroughly. But in the meantime, you need to prepare for various contingencies. Beyond material concerns, we must also strategize for external threats.
While this situation has caused significant trouble, it also presents an opportunity for Konohagakure. With the three great villages allied and Sunagakure surrendering, Konohagakure can gain greater benefits!"
Everyone except Hashirama Senju nodded at Tobirama Senju's words. Although Konohagakure had faced setbacks, Kitagawa Minamoto's single-handed defeat of two Kage had already shifted the tide dramatically!
"I believe Sunagakure cannot be allowed to continue as it is. This is a rare opportunity."
Tobirama Senju's eyes narrowed as he spoke coldly.
"We should find a way to control their Kazekage!"
"Gasp—"
Everyone present inhaled sharply. Why did this sound so familiar?
"Provide personnel, resources, and support to help them select a suitable Kazekage!"
"..."
"But to minimize our own losses, let them figure out the funding themselves. Is the Daimyō still providing resources?"
"Yes."
"Hmph, then let them consider replacing the Daimyō!"
"..."
"With them as an example, their infamy can serve as a deterrent to other Daimyō, preventing them from causing us trouble!"
"..."
"Additionally, have them send us the remains of their strong ninja to prevent Orochimaru from using the Impure World Reincarnation. It will also give us additional leverage."
"..."
As Tobirama Senju finished speaking, the room fell into silence.
Hashirama Senju covered his face, unwilling to comment.
Meanwhile, everyone on Hiruzen Sarutobi's side instinctively turned to Kitagawa Minamoto.
Kitagawa Minamoto, however, stroked his chin and nodded, seemingly approving of the plan.
"What's with those expressions?"
Tobirama Senju noticed the atmosphere and frowned in confusion.
"Second Granduncle..."
Tsunade couldn't hold back her curiosity.
"Do you have any descendants?"
"Wouldn't you know if I did?"
Tobirama Senju's face darkened, unsure of what Tsunade meant. Hiruzen Sarutobi then pointed to Kitagawa Minamoto.
"Sensei, your plan... is identical to Minamoto's."
"?"
Tobirama Senju froze, turning to look at the boy Hiruzen Sarutobi had indicated.
Not only him, but Hashirama Senju also looked over in surprise.
"Moreover, Sensei, it was Minamoto who first noticed Orochimaru's ambitions and proposed using the Impure World Reincarnation preemptively."
Homura Mitokado nodded, and Koharu Utatane added,
"Also, the Fourth Kazekage and the Fourth Raikage were both defeated by Minamoto."
"Is he really that capable?"
Both Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju were astonished. Such accomplishments at such a young age?
"So, do you have any other ideas?"
Tobirama Senju pondered for a moment before walking over, curious.
"I'd like to hear your thoughts or suggestions."
"Actually, I had another proposal, but the Third Hokage didn't give me a clear answer."
Kitagawa Minamoto stroked his chin, glancing at Hiruzen Sarutobi before speaking.
"I suggested we make better use of the death row inmates in the village."
"?"
"Simply killing them is too lenient. Why not use the Impure World Reincarnation to have them atone for their crimes?"
"..."
"After all, the Impure World Reincarnation doesn't require money, food, or rest. It's perfect labor, isn't it?"
"..."
"What do you think, Second Hokage?"
"..."
Tobirama Senju didn't respond immediately, standing silently as he contemplated.
But a thought crossed his mind:
"This boy is so much like me... but even more ruthless?"
Meanwhile, Hashirama Senju pulled Hiruzen Sarutobi aside, his expression serious.
"Monkey..."
"Yes, First Hokage?"
"After my death, is this what Konohagakure's education has become?"
"..."
"Is this... really okay?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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