276-280

*Chapter 276: Itachi’s Request*

Facing Hattori, Sasuke felt powerless.

Even though he had awakened Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, in front of Hattori, he felt like a rookie fresh out of ninja school, utterly defenseless.

He hadn’t even felt this way when facing Uchiha Madara.

“Damn it, just how strong is this guy?”

With this question in mind, Sasuke hesitated for a moment before asking Hattori, “If I want my parents to be revived, what price would I have to pay?”

“No price can make that happen!”

Hattori shook his head, a look of regret on his face.

“Reviving someone isn’t that simple. Your parents have been dead for over a decade; by now, they’ve likely reincarnated and started a new life. There’s no way to bring them back!”

Of course, this was a lie. Hattori could easily revive someone who’d been dead for one or two decades if he wanted.

But he didn’t plan to do so.

For one, Fugaku Uchiha wasn’t exactly a simple man, and with Sasuke’s propensity for causing trouble, reviving his father could easily create chaos.

Secondly, Hattori didn’t want to waste MP on people he didn’t know well. After all, his Rinnegan was technically still a “prototype.”

Reviving even one person would delay his progress, and if everyone came to him asking for help reviving their loved ones, he’d end up as nothing but a tool.

Hattori didn’t want to become a tool, so he refused Sasuke right away, avoiding future trouble.

Sasuke, however, didn’t believe him. He looked skeptical but remained silent, intimidated by Hattori’s power.

Unconcerned with Sasuke’s thoughts, Hattori turned to Itachi Uchiha.

“Itachi, even though you were a spy for Third Hokage in the Akatsuki, Konoha won’t clear your name for what you’ve done. What are your plans?”

“I plan to stay with Sasuke.”

It seemed he had already thought this through, for he responded with a smile as soon as Hattori asked.

“I want to tell him, ‘Forgive me, Sasuke. This is last time.’ But I’ve repeatedly broken that promise. This time, I won’t break it again.

I want to be with him, watch him get married and have kids, see him with his own family. Whether I have to keep my identity hidden, or if I can’t ever set foot in Konoha again, it doesn’t matter...”

Hattori: “…”

This big brother complex!

Hearing Itachi’s words left Hattori speechless, while Sasuke was moved to tears.

Trying not to cry out loud, Sasuke bit his lip, his Sharingan surfacing in his eyes.

Hattori's mouth twitched at the sight.

“No wonder Sarada awakened her Sharingan while crying for her dad in Boruto. Guess it’s genetic!”

Looking at Sasuke with an odd expression, Hattori noticed the young man seemed suddenly wary.

“What are you planning? I’m warning you… don’t try anything funny!”

Hattori: “(╬￣皿￣)”

Funny? What do you take me for?

Feeling unjustly accused, Hattori’s anger flared.

“Now you’re really going to feel some pain—Ultimate Technique: Black Rod Thousand Years of Death X3!”

Sasuke: “(Д`) Ahhhhhhhhhhh…”

Though Itachi couldn’t see, hearing the technique’s name, he knew what pain Sasuke must be enduring.

Listening to Sasuke’s cries of agony, he remembered his own past suffering.

He thought about stopping Hattori but quickly decided against it.

To him, one “Thousand Years of Death” wouldn’t kill Sasuke; he’d recover in a few days.

Besides, if he angered Hattori, he might end up getting the same treatment, which would be trouble for both brothers.

“Oh, foolish little brother. It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but that this man is just too terrifying. Learn your lesson and behave better from now on!”

With that, he chose silence. Only when Sasuke’s cries subsided did he address Hattori again:

“Hattori, there’s something I’d like to ask. I hope you can find a way to help Sasuke return to Konoha after he defected and joined Akatsuki.”

“Hm?”

Hattori raised an eyebrow at Itachi’s request, then nodded.

“Alright, I can help with that. I’ll just say Sasuke was my undercover agent in the Akatsuki. Nobody will question my word!”

“Thank you!”

Itachi expressed his gratitude, but Sasuke, still on the ground, voiced his opposition.

“I’m not going back! I can never forgive Konoha for how they treated my brother. Danzo was only the first; the rest…”

“Rest, my foot!”

Before he could finish, Hattori slapped him on the head.

“You talk without knowing anything. Sure, Konoha’s leaders weren’t perfect, but your Uchiha clan wasn’t so great either!

Konoha was attacked by the Nine-Tails twice because of Uchiha. How could they trust you? If there was a rebellion, who else would they target?”

Hattori sighed.

“Another one after another. Can’t any of you be less troublesome? Maybe things will improve once Naruto becomes Hokage.”

“Hmph!”

As soon as Hattori finished, Sasuke grunted, clearly unconvinced.

Seeing this, Hattori didn’t hold back. He slapped him again with a loud “smack.”

“You were prodigy, and Naruto was dead last. Now he’s fighting to save ninja world, while you’re dragging him down.

Look at yourself! No wonder Sakura took a liking to you. But if you don’t go back to Konoha, she’ll end up marrying Naruto, and you’ll be single with your big brother Itachi!”

“Cough, cough…”

Hearing this, Itachi coughed, gesturing with his hand.

“I don’t care if I stay single, but Sasuke has to get married. Hattori, could you tell me more about this girl named Sakura?”

“Oh?” Hattori blinked. “Didn’t Sasuke tell you?”

“No!” Itachi shook his head. “Please, tell me.”

Seeing Itachi’s sincere expression, Hattori nodded.

“Alright, but it’s a long story. We might as well sit down and discuss it.”

With that, he pulled Itachi to sit down on Sasuke’s back, who was still lying on the ground, and started to explain.

“Sakura’s full name is Haruno Sakura. She’s the disciple of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, and was in Sasuke’s class. Her feelings for Sasuke are probably similar to how Izumi felt about you…”

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 277: Hattori’s Deduction*

As Hattori spoke, an image of a resolute girl who deeply loved Sasuke formed in Itachi Uchiha’s mind.

So, when Hattori finished talking, Itachi looked at Sasuke seriously and spoke.

“Sasuke, don’t let this girl named Sakura down. I know I don’t have the right to say this, but I hope you’ll take it as my earnest request.”

“…”

Hearing Hattori’s description just now had already stirred Sasuke’s heart. Although he hadn’t admitted it out loud, he was touched by Sakura’s unwavering dedication to him after so long.

Itachi’s words further softened Sasuke’s heart toward Sakura, even if his pride held him back from saying it.

Knowing Sasuke nature, Hattori didn’t push further. Instead, he pulled out an Anbu mask from the Hidden Sand Village and placed it on Itachi face.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to meet the one in charge!”

Saying this, he placed his hands on Itachi and Sasuke’s shoulders, activating the Flying Thunder God Technique.

With a flash of golden light, the three vanished from their spot and appeared in front of a massive medical tent.

At that moment, Sakura, in her white medical coat, stepped out of the tent.

“Ah… Sasuke-kun?”

Seeing Sasuke in Hattori’s grip, she let out a surprised gasp, her eyes filled with shock and joy.

“You’re back?”

The surrounding ninjas also noticed Sasuke, but unlike Sakura’s delight, they looked on with hostility.

“Isn’t he that rogue ninja from the Leaf, Uchiha Sasuke?”

“Yeah, the one who betrayed the Leaf and joined the Akatsuki. That’s him, right?”

“Yes, and he even attacked the Jinchuriki from the Hidden Cloud!”

“Everyone, be on guard…”

Listening to the whispers around her, Sakura’s excitement was replaced with worry. She wanted to speak up for Sasuke but didn’t know what to say, so she looked at Hattori for help.

Seeing her expression, Hattori gave her a reassuring look before addressing the concerned ninjas.

“There’s misunderstanding. Sasuke isn’t a rogue ninja. He was entrusted by Third Hokage to infiltrate Akatsuki as a spy. This was a top-secret mission, and I can vouch for him.”

To gain their trust, Hattori even brought up the Third Hokage.

His approach worked. The ninjas’ surprised expressions showed their growing trust, and their hostility toward Sasuke began to soften.

“So he went undercover in Akatsuki on Third Hokage’s orders!”

“We misunderstood you. Sorry!”

“Thank you for your hard work…”

Meanwhile, Sakura’s face lit up with joy.

“So… Sasuke-kun didn’t betray the village. That’s wonderful! Are you hurt, Sasuke-kun?”

Seeing the three black rods embedded in Sasuke’s back, Sakura’s expression shifted to anger.

“Was this Madara Uchiha’s doing? How cruel! Don’t worry, I’ll heal you right away!”

“No…”

Sasuke started to refuse, but Hattori swiftly yanked black rods from Sasuke’s back with a “shhht” sound.

“Ahh…”

The sudden pain made Sasuke wince, choking off his words.

Hattori didn’t give Sasuke a chance to protest and called out to Sakura.

“Sakura, he’s bleeding! Madara may have injured his rectum. I suggest immediate surgery. I’m counting on you!”

“Understood!”

With a determined nod, Sakura responded confidently.

“I swear, as medical ninja, I won’t let anything happen to Sasuke-kun.”

She then picked up Sasuke in a princess carry and rushed into medical tent.

Watching her go, Hattori smirked and patted Itachi on the shoulder.

“Alright, Sasuke’s in good hands. You stay here with him. Don’t remove your mask, and if anyone asks, just say you’re one of my Anbu.”

“Understood,” Itachi nodded, adding, “Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. I’ll be off!”

Without waiting for Itachi’s reply, Hattori activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, disappearing in a golden flash.

…

Since Itachi defeated Kabuto, there were no more Reanimated undead on the battlefield. White Zetsu army was nearly wiped out, and the war seemed close to ending.

With Madara Uchiha defeated, victory would be within reach.

Hattori’s presence had boosted the Allied Shinobi Forces’ morale, and some were already discussing celebrations. But the Kage weren’t as optimistic; they understood Madara’s terrifying strength.

If Madara came at them openly, it wouldn’t be so intimidating. But his silence hinted at a grand plan, increasing their unease.

The unknown is always the most frightening.

Among the Five Kage, Hattori seemed the most relaxed—eating, sleeping, and taking it easy. With Mabui now close to him, he stayed up with her each night, arriving at the command post with tired legs every morning.

This gave everyone an odd impression—that he wasn’t here to fight a war, but something else entirely.

A few days later, Hattori showed up with dark circles under his eyes, prompting the Fourth Raikage to finally confront him.

“Kazekage, Madara hasn’t shown himself. What is he planning? How should we respond?”

All eyes turned to Hattori, awaiting his answer.

Realizing this, Hattori suddenly slapped his forehead.

“Oh, right! I forgot to tell you all: Madara will have to get through me if he wants to cause trouble. He’ll probably come after me during full red moon.”

“The full red moon?”

The Fourth Raikage looked to Shikaku Nara. “When’s that?”

“Uh…”

After a moment of thought, Shikaku replied.

“It should be the sixteenth, tomorrow night. Otherwise, we’d have to wait until next month.”

“Tomorrow night? Next month?”

Hearing Shikaku’s response, the Fourth Raikage looked back at Hattori. “When do you think Madara will come?”

Hattori considered for a moment before answering.

“Tomorrow night, I think. We’re not the only ones eager to end this. Madara won’t wait until next month. Call back Killer B and Naruto. Madara’s likely to make his move tomorrow night.”

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 278: Uchiha Madara’s Ideal*

Hattori figured Uchiha Madara wouldn’t have the patience to wait until next month. He was sure Madara would strike on tomorrow night’s full moon, launching his attack.

But this time, he guessed wrong.

Madara made his move that very night—not with an attack, but by deploying a barrier that covered the entire Allied Shinobi Forces headquarters, including Hattori.

“It’s the Four Red Yang Formation!”

Seeing the massive red barrier walls surrounding them, the experienced Onoki immediately recognized it, and his expression changed drastically.

“What’s Madara planning by trapping us inside this Four Red Yang Formation? Does he intend to kill us all here?”

His words caused the faces of the Allied Shinobi Forces leaders to pale.

Only Hattori maintained a calm smile, shaking his head nonchalantly.

“No, he doesn’t have that kind of power. The purpose of the barrier is likely to prevent me from using Tengai Shinsei!”

“…”

Hattori’s words stunned everyone. Then, they fell silent, wearing expressions of bitter realization.

Have we… really become a burden?

Everyone knew the destructive power of Hattori’s Tengai Shinsei—the technique could summon a meteor with a diameter of several kilometers to crash down on the battlefield.

Even Uchiha Madara couldn’t counter it and would have to rely on Izanagi for survival.

But now, Madara had used the Four Red Yang Formation to seal the Allied Shinobi Forces headquarters, preventing anyone inside from escaping.

This meant that if Hattori unleashed Tengai Shinsei, he might escape using the Flying Thunder God Technique, but everyone else would be doomed.

“Madara really is ruthless!”

Hattori couldn’t help but sigh, then turned to the gloomy Raikage and others with a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. This barrier mainly restricts me. If Madara summons Susano’o later, just keep your distance. I’ll handle him!”

“…”

Although Hattori sounded relaxed, his words only deepened the bitterness in everyone’s expressions, making them feel like even more of a burden.

They had little time to dwell on this, however, as in the next moment, a colossal creature appeared before them, roaring thunderously.

“Roar!”

The Ten-Tails!

Seeing this, everyone was stunned, while Hattori’s eyes filled with understanding.

“So that’s it. You trap me with the barrier and then try to overwhelm me with the Ten-Tails. Not a bad plan. Uchiha Madara, I acknowledge your ingenuity!”

Madara: “…”

Do I look like I need your approval?

Upon hearing Hattori’s words, Madara, standing atop the Ten-Tails’ head, frowned and spoke.

“Hattori, you’re obstructing everyone’s happiness!”

“What?” Hattori’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Madara like he was an idiot. “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Of course I do. I want to create a world where no shinobi ever have to fight again. I want to correct the mistakes of Hashirama Senju!

I want to change this world… this world where even young children are forced onto the battlefield!”

Madara didn’t seem to notice Hattori’s mocking gaze and continued speaking earnestly.

“Driven by this ideal, Hashirama and I established the Hidden Villages, but that didn’t bring true peace.

People can’t trust each other; fear, suspicion, hatred… these emotions never cease. Shinobi combat has never ended.

In fact, the formation of Hidden Villages led to an escalation of military power among nations, expanding battles into full-scale wars with countless casualties!

The First Shinobi World War, the Second, and the Third… War has never ceased. This is the shinobi world that Hashirama created!”

Madara’s face was full of disappointment, soon replaced by determination.

“I will change all of this. Though I started the Fourth Shinobi World War, causing many casualties, it’s because you refuse to hand over the Tailed Beasts.

Now, release the Tailed Beasts and let everything return to order. This way, no one else will die, and war will cease forever. Everyone will live in peace!”

“This is your ideal world?”

After hearing Madara’s words, Hattori looked at him with a complicated expression.

“If things unfolded as you envision, even a false world might be acceptable. But it’s not that simple, Madara. You’re being used.”

“I’m… being used?”

Hearing Hattori’s words, Madara’s face twisted in anger, and he shook his head. “No one can manipulate me. This is my own will!”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Seeing Madara’s unwavering expression, Hattori’s gaze softened with a hint of pity.

“Remember what I told you before? I said that the Uchiha Clan’s tablet might have been altered. Have you ever considered that?”

“What?” Madara frowned deeply at Hattori’s words. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, although the tablet in the Uchiha Clan’s sanctuary was left by Sage of the Six Paths, someone tampered with its content, and that person was Black Zetsu!”

With that, Hattori revealed the truth to Madara.

“Black Zetsu isn’t your will; he’s will of Kaguya Otsutsuki. Eye of the Moon Plan isn’t about creating a dream world. It’s a scheme to drain everyone’s chakra to resurrect Kaguya. Madara, you’ve been manipulated!”

“What? That’s impossible!”

Hearing Hattori’s words, Madara’s face turned furious. “You’re lying!”

Madara looked enraged, as though Hattori had just said something outrageous.

But his intense reaction revealed a hidden truth—he was shaken!

Hattori understood this, so he prepared to press further. Even if he couldn’t win Madara over, he hoped to turn him against Black Zetsu to stop Kaguya’s resurrection.

But before he could say another word, a pitch-black hand suddenly burst through Madara’s chest from behind!

“I didn’t want to act so soon, but Madara, you’re too weak!”

Amidst the shocked stares of everyone, a hoarse voice sounded.

“Madara, you’ve lived a hundred years, yet you let a mere kid shake your resolve, forcing me to act early. You’ve truly disappointed me!”

“I… I can’t move!”

As Madara looked down at the hand piercing his chest, shock and disbelief filled his face.

“Black Zetsu, why… why are you doing this? I created you; you’re my will!”

“No, Madara, you’re wrong. My will belongs to Kaguya!”

At that, Black Zetsu’s voice turned fervent.

“A thousand years of effort won’t go to waste. The time has come to resurrect my mother—right now!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 279: Black Zetsu's Master Move

With a roar from Black Zetsu, Ten-Tails, which had been thrashing beneath Madara Uchiha’s feet, began to liquefy, rapidly flowing into Madara’s body. Under Black Zetsu’s control, Madara was forcibly transformed into the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki.

Now floating, thanks to his new powers as Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, Madara rose into the sky. Controlled by Black Zetsu, he unleashed his most powerful genjutsu upon the red full moon above—

*Infinite Tsukuyomi!*

As the Rinnegan’s circles and tomoe appeared on the moon, Hattori looked on in horror.

“How can Madara activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi? He doesn’t even have all nine Tailed Beasts… Oh, wait, I get it!”

Realization dawned on Hattori, his face darkening.

“Gathering the chakra of the Nine Tailed Beasts… it’s not about having the actual beasts; it’s about the chakra type. If you just need a mix of chakra types, quantity doesn’t matter!”

In the original storyline, the Fire Temple had a pseudo Nine-Tails Jinchuriki named Sora, who carried the scattered chakra of the Nine-Tails instead of the real beast itself. If the Nine-Tails’ chakra could be gathered in this way, surely Black Zetsu could manage it with the other beasts.

“This guy could probably even track down Rinnegan if I flushed it down the toilet. Gathering some chakra would be child’s play… damn, this is bad!”

Seeing the moon turning from red to white, radiating light as intense as the sun, Hattori realized he couldn’t reach Sasuke in time.

All he could do now was try a desperate move. He quickly activated his power.

“*Susanoo!*”

With a shout, a Susanoo engulfed him, blazing with black flames, shielding him from the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Hattori’s gamble paid off; protected by Susanoo, he remained unaffected. But others weren’t so lucky.

Bathed in the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the allied ninja forces—including the Kage from the other villages—became immobilized, their eyes transforming into ringed Rinnegan.

Meanwhile, giant roots burst from the ground like monstrous pythons, reminiscent of scenes from Anaconda.

*Divine: Tree World Advent!*

These roots, the companions of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, separated into vine-like strands, wrapping the immobilized people and lifting them onto the tree branches.

Soon, everyone but Hattori was bound in cocoons, dangling from the massive trunk.

Seeing this, Black Zetsu’s voice was filled with excitement and joy.

“After countless nights, the chakra dispersed among ordinary humans has, at long last, returned to me under the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, reuniting as one!”

As he spoke, the chakra from those bound to the tree poured into the Divine Tree, forming streams of visible energy.

Multiple streams of chakra, visible to the naked eye, flowed upward, merging into Madara’s body, making him swell to an enormous size like a balloon about to burst.

“This is bad!”

Having just deactivated Susanoo, Hattori watched with a grim expression.

“If I don’t act now, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki will revive soon… I have to cut off that chakra!”

With a fierce resolve, he lunged toward the bloated Madara.

But just as he reached him, Madara’s white hair extended, binding Hattori in one swift move.

Reacting quickly, Hattori performed a counter-jutsu as Madara’s hair held him.

“*Universal Pull!*”

Madara was instantly drawn to Hattori. Ignoring the unpleasantness of the situation, Hattori wrapped his arms around Madara and activated his Rinnegan’s chakra absorption ability.

“*Chakra Devour—Drain it all!*”

As Hattori shouted, his Rinnegan absorbed chakra from Madara, and notifications began flooding his vision—

*[MP +10000]*

*[MP +10000]*

*[MP +10000]*

Within seconds, these notifications piled up dozens of times!

In no time, the hundredfold Yin Seal he’d depleted earlier to revive Itachi was full again.

The Yin Seal was maxed, but the *[MP +10000]* messages kept appearing.

“Can’t waste this!”

Thinking quickly, Hattori released the seal, pouring over a million chakra points to upgrade his Rinnegan.

*[Upgrading… Consumed 1,270,000 MP. Insufficient MP to continue!]*

With that message, his Yin Seal was drained. But within mere seconds, it refilled.

Hattori repeated the process without hesitation—

*[Upgrading… Consumed 1,270,000 MP. Insufficient MP to continue!]*

Thanks to Hattori’s massive consumption, Madara’s bloated body began to shrink, deflating rapidly.

Seeing this, Black Zetsu panicked.

“Hattori, stop! You don’t understand… do you know what you’re doing?!”

But Hattori ignored him, focusing on draining Madara’s chakra, using it to upgrade his Rinnegan as fast as he could.

These few seconds equaled nine days’ worth of chakra accumulation, and he couldn’t waste them bickering with Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu panic.

“How is he absorbing so much chakra? He’s a monster! If this continues, Mother won’t be able to revive… are we going to fail again?”

In desperation, Black Zetsu made a terrifying decision.

Hattori was stunned as he watched Black Zetsu abandon Madara and forcibly extract the Ten-Tails, sealing it directly into Hattori’s body.

As he did so, Black Zetsu attached himself to Hattori, screaming wildly.

“Awaken, Ancestor of Chakra! Almighty God! The revival ends here!”

“Damn it!”

Realizing that Black Zetsu intended to use him as a vessel for Kaguya Ōtsutsuki’s revival, Hattori’s heart sank in dread.

“This is it… I’m done for!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 280: Daring to Ask Where the Path Lies*

To resurrect Kaguya Otsutsuki, four conditions must be met:

1. A person with both the Sage's Body and the Sage's Eyes.

2. The divine tree itself, also known as the Ten Tails.

3. Kaguya's will, which is embodied by Black Zetsu.

4. An immense amount of chakra.

Now that these four conditions have been met through Hattori, Kaguya Otsutsuki’s revival is seemingly unavoidable! Therefore, Hattori is filled with despair, while Black Zetsu is brimming with confidence.

However, neither anticipated that after Black Zetsu finished the “revival speech,” nothing happened. Kaguya didn’t return, and Hattori didn’t even feel a thing. It was as if Black Zetsu had merely shouted a slogan and done nothing more.

In reality, Black Zetsu had done everything necessary, yet for some reason, it had no effect.

“Did it fail? Could it be that Indra’s reincarnation is required?”

With that thought, Black Zetsu decisively gave up on possessing Hattori any further and attempted to burrow underground to escape.

But having been deceived by Black Zetsu, Hattori wasn’t about to let it escape so easily and immediately activated his most powerful sealing technique.

“Ninja Art: Reaper Death Seal!”

With a shout, Black Zetsu, who had just started burrowing, felt himself seized by an invisible hand, rendering him completely powerless.

“No…”

He only had time to shout once before losing consciousness entirely.

When Black Zetsu regained consciousness, he found himself standing in an endless green field.

Standing beside him was someone he had longed to meet—Kaguya Otsutsuki!

“Mother?”

Seeing her, Black Zetsu felt as though he were dreaming, his face full of disbelief.

“Wasn’t the revival a failure? Wasn’t I sealed? Why am I seeing Mother? Is this a dream?”

As he puzzled over this, a hoarse song reached his ears.

“You carry the load; I lead the horse, welcoming the sunrise and sending off the sunset…”

Hearing the song, Black Zetsu turned toward the voice.

He saw a disheveled, pale-faced man singing with all his might not far away.

“Overcoming obstacles to pave the way, overcoming dangers to set off again... again… la la… la la la la la la…”

Seeing the man singing wildly, Black Zetsu was momentarily stunned before showing a look of surprise.

“That’s… Orochimaru? He’s still alive?”

Hearing Black Zetsu’s words, Orochimaru looked over and, seeing Black Zetsu and Kaguya, burst into laughter.

“Hahaha… Daring to ask where the path lies—it lies beneath our feet… hahahahaha…”

Black Zetsu: “╭(°A°`)╮”

Has this guy… gone mad?

Just as Black Zetsu was beginning to doubt Orochimaru’s sanity, a massive monkey suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Four Tails?”

Seeing the giant monkey, Black Zetsu was instantly surprised.

But he quickly recovered, showing a look of excitement, and turned to Kaguya beside him.

“Mother, it’s the Four Tails! Absorb it quickly, and your power will be restored somewhat!”

“Sigh!”

Seeing Black Zetsu’s excitement, the Four Tails sighed, its face showing a hint of helplessness. It shook its head, then pointed at Orochimaru.

“See him? When he arrived, he was even more arrogant than you, but now he’s ended up like this.

“So I suggest you two behave yourselves and learn to sing ‘Daring to Ask Where the Path Lies’—it’ll be good for you to listen and learn.”

Black Zetsu: “(╬￣皿￣)”

Learn my foot!

Feeling insulted, Black Zetsu sneered but did not attack.

“How dare you spout such nonsense in front of my mother… the ancestor of chakra, the almighty goddess! I’ve already foreseen your end!”

After saying this, he transformed into a shadow and burrowed into Kaguya’s sleeve, urging her in a hoarse voice, “Mother, make your move!”

“…”

In response, Kaguya remained silent and still, just standing there in a daze.

After a few minutes, as Black Zetsu grew increasingly confused, Kaguya finally spoke.

“Have you betrayed me, just as they did?”

“Huh?”

Black Zetsu was stunned.

“Mother, what do you mean by this? I am your will; how could I betray you?”

“If you haven’t betrayed me, then how do you explain all this?”

Her voice grew more agitated.

“Power taken away, consciousness sealed, surrounded by terrifyingly powerful souls… explain to me what you intend!”

“Uh…”

Kaguya’s words left Black Zetsu utterly dumbfounded.

Before he could process it, he noticed more figures appearing around them—grim reapers, each wearing white robes. These reapers had ferocious faces, blades in their mouths, prayer beads in hand, and radiated a soul-shaking aura.

“Reapers!”

Seeing this, Black Zetsu was completely shocked.

“And there are 27 of them? Weren’t these beings supposed to be sealed in the Underworld? Why are they here? Is this the Underworld?”

“Hahaha… This is not the Underworld!”

Seeing Black Zetsu’s confusion, Orochimaru, his voice hoarse from singing, chuckled and walked over.

He looked Kaguya up and down, then focused on Black Zetsu in her sleeve.

“Who’d have thought we’d meet like this? Since you’re here, it means you tried a soul attack on that guy, right?”

“That guy?” Black Zetsu asked in surprise. “Hattori?”

“Ha! I thought so.”

Hearing Black Zetsu’s response, Orochimaru laughed even harder, his slitted pupils gleaming with schadenfreude.

“In that case, you can give up. Now that you’re here, you’ll never leave. Hahaha…”

He laughed, but before he could finish, one of the reapers, seemingly annoyed by his noise, swiftly slashed down!

Swish!

With a swift strike, Orochimaru was sliced in two.

The reaper’s long tongue coiled around one half, swallowing it with a loud crunch.

While the reaper devoured him, Orochimaru’s other half regenerated. Smiling at the dumbfounded Black Zetsu, he sneered.

“Hehe… don’t worry. As long as your soul is strong enough to regenerate quickly like mine, you won’t have to worry about dying… but if you can’t…”

He glanced at the Four Tails, smiling.

“You’d better start learning to sing ‘Daring to Ask Where the Path Lies,’ or you’ll disappear without a trace!”

Black Zetsu: “…”

Daring to ask where the path lies?

(End of Chapter)