Because of Akatsuki's strange movements, the Allied Shinobi Forces recalled all units stationed outside, keeping everyone at headquarters for safety.
Two days passed just like that, and Akatsuki still showed no signs of activity.
Meanwhile, the four Hokage revived with Edo Tensei searched the entire ninja world but couldn't find a trace of the Masked Man anywhere…
…
Border of the Land of Rain.
"Even you can't sense their location? That's really strange…"
The Second Hokage folded his arms, sinking into thought.
The Third Hokage reminded him, "Orochimaru conducted many experiments over the years. It's possible he developed something that can block chakra sensing…"
"It's just… that guy couldn't have teamed up with Akatsuki again, right…"
Speaking of this, a faint sadness flashed through the Third's eyes.
Orochimaru was his student—there was still a lingering bond of teacher and disciple between them…
"According to intel from the Allied Shinobi Forces, Akatsuki has already collected six tailed beasts. The power of six tailed beasts is terrifying… Now that they're hiding, ready to strike at any moment! (´°Δ°`)" the Fourth said worriedly.
"Come to think of it, they're quite conflicted. They fear the power of the Shinju, yet they also want the tailed beasts inside the Shinju…"
While the four were talking, a blurry figure appeared ahead, staggering like he could collapse at any moment…
Seeing the Allied Shinobi Forces forehead protector on the man's head, the Fourth Hokage rushed forward, supporting him and asking,
"You're with the Allied Shinobi Forces too, right? Why are you showing up here so badly injured?"
The man wore black clothes, strange markings on his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but when he turned his head, he immediately saw the Edo cracks on the Fourth Hokage's face!
"You're an Edo Tensei shinobi?! You're with Akatsuki's pursuers, aren't you?! (ꐦ ಠ 皿 ಠ) "
The Fourth awkwardly explained, "I am an Edo Tensei body, yes, but the mind-control has already been undone…"
He explained for a while, but seeing the man still not convinced, he had no choice but to bring out the First Hokage.
"This is the First Hokage of Konoha, Senju Hashirama, known in the ninja world as the God of Shinobi. Even if you don't believe me, you should believe him. --003d_--003d"
Sure enough, once the Fourth revealed the First Hokage's identity, much of the man's wariness faded!
"You're saying you're the First Hokage? Then show me a giant Buddha or something? (--003d°ω°)ﾉ" the man said suspiciously.
Senju Hashirama: "..."
"You kid, enough already. (′д｀σ)σ"
Man: (´°Δ°`)
"Speaking so confidently… you really are the God of Shinobi himself! ( ˝ᗢ̈˝ )"
After that, the man finally dropped his guard, weakly sitting down and recounting his experience.
"I'm from the Allied Shinobi Forces' surprise attack unit—Kankurō from Sunagakure."
"I was ordered to launch a surprise attack on Akatsuki's base."
"When our unit located the approximate position of their base, we were attacked by a small force of White Zetsu."
"At first we could still hold our ground, but later they used some unknown method to summon a gigantic wooden Buddha… That thing wasn't only massive— it could use five different elemental releases. It was horrifying, and it destroyed our entire surprise attack unit in an instant! (*꒦ິ⌓꒦ີ)"
"I'm probably the only one who survived."
The Second nodded after hearing this.
"We previously investigated Akatsuki's secret base. It was already emptied, and there were indeed large-scale battle traces above it… What he's saying is probably true."
After analyzing, the Second Hokage turned to the First with a serious expression.
"Brother, that wooden Buddha—do you know what it is? Ծ‸ Ծ "
The First Hokage: "Tobirama, why are you looking at me like that… (||๐_๐)"
"That wooden Buddha… was probably cultivated from my cells…"
The Second didn't press further and turned his attention back to Kankurō.
"During your escape, didn't the Allied Shinobi Forces headquarters contact you at all?"
Kankurō shook his head.
"Communication with HQ is always initiated from their side. Without a communication team around me, reaching them myself was nearly impossible."
After saying that, Kankurō collapsed, as if letting go of his final lingering will.
The kindhearted First Hokage stepped forward to treat him…
At that moment, a sudden change occurred!
"Fwah!!"
The unconscious Kankurō suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed the First Hokage's hand!
At that critical moment, the Fourth immediately fired a Rasengan!
"Whooosh!!"
Under the chaotic chakra of the Rasengan, the White Zetsu's body was shredded apart like torn clay, scattering in all directions!!
"I sensed something off earlier, but I didn't realize he was transformed with the Transformation Technique…" The Second frowned as he looked at the White Zetsu corpse.
The First tidied his clothes and slowly stood up, speaking gravely.
"I sensed his chakra just now—there was nothing unusual at all. These creatures have nearly perfect disguises!"
Just then—
"Vmm—!"
Space rippled beside the four Hokage!
Immediately after—
Three figures emerged from the distorted space: the Masked Man, Orochimaru, and Kabuto!
Sensing danger, the First Hokage reacted instantly, clapping his hands together. "Wood—"
Before he could finish shouting, a strange white body burst out from inside the First Hokage, interrupting his movements!!
At the same time, the other three Hokage suffered the exact same attack!
The Second shouted, "Be careful! This jutsu is absorbing our chakra!"
As he spoke, the highly experienced Second Hokage reached toward the First, planning to use Flying Thunder God to teleport them away…
The Fourth replied, "It should be fine. The chakra recovery speed of Edo Tensei bodies is much faster than whatever this thing is absorbing…"
The Masked Man chuckled lightly.
"Who said I was trying to drain your chakra? All I needed was a single opening!"
As soon as he said that—
"Swsh!"
The space-time vortex created by his dojutsu locked onto the First Hokage!!
The First Hokage vanished instantly!
At the same time, the vortex dragged in the Second Hokage's outstretched hand!
On the other side, after capturing the First Hokage's body, the Masked Man and the others disappeared again!
…
Allied Shinobi Forces headquarters.
Tsunade shot up from her seat with a bang.
"What?! Grandpa was captured by that cunning Masked Man? How is that possible? He's so strong!"
The Raikage said, "Calm down. Everyone knows how powerful the First Hokage is."
"Since the enemy went through the trouble of capturing him, they must have a plan. What we need to worry about now is how to respond…"
The Tsuchikage nodded. "Agreed. The Masked Man is unbelievably crafty."
"And also, that White Zetsu who ambushed the First Hokage revealed something: Akatsuki has a wooden Buddha that can use five elemental releases. (*Ӧ)σ"
The Mizukage asked, "Could they be bluffing? Maybe they said that on purpose?"