371-375

*Chapter 371: Joining the Battle*

The endless night sky was adorned with a blood-red full moon, hanging high above.

Beneath the crimson moon, the colossal silhouette of a monster, as large as a mountain range, slowly emerged from the ground.

It had ten massive tails, and as they swung, the earth trembled, the mountains quaked, and the sky seemed to spin.

At first glance, the blood-red moon appeared to be cradled by the ten tails, radiating an intense crimson cross-shaped light.

"One, two, three... eight, nine, ten... ten tails. So that’s the Ten-Tails?"

Kakashi's voice was filled with shock. Jiraiya, Might Guy, Naruto, Killer Bee, and the tailed beasts within them looked on at the colossal creature with horrified expressions.

Jiraiya, who had summoned the two Great Sage Toads and activated Sage Mode, felt the Ten-Tails' terrifying power more acutely than Naruto, even in his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

It was like facing a boundless ocean or an endless abyss—immeasurable and overwhelming. Cold sweat trickled down his back.

"This isn’t good… not good at all." Jiraiya was the first to recover.

His amphibian-like slit pupils shot a sharp glance at Obito, whose Kamui technique they had just disrupted. Urgently, he shouted, "Snap out of it, everyone! We must stop Obito from getting near the Ten-Tails."

"Don't let him execute his plan with Kamui, or it's game over for us. That monster is something we absolutely can't defeat."

Obito’s mask was already broken, revealing his left eye as a Rinnegan and his right as a Sharingan. His face, once handsome, was marred by scars on the right side.

“It’s not a matter of 'or else'; you’ve already lost,” Obito remarked coldly, his gaze fixed on the Ten-Tails, completely ignoring Jiraiya and the others.

Just as the group prepared to launch an attack, a shadow descended from the sky like a meteor, crashing into the ground with such force that it shattered the earth.

“What… what is that?” Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the others halted, instinctively raising their arms to shield themselves.

Through the settling dust, Madara’s figure emerged. With one hand on his hip, he cast a sidelong glance at the Ten-Tails. "Obito, it seems you’ve been having a lot of fun."

"You’ve even managed to resist the Reanimation Jutsu. That’s just like you." Obito looked at Madara with mild surprise.

“That guy… that’s Madara?” Naruto recognized him instantly.

“Madara… so this is him?” Kakashi muttered. At that moment, the entire Allied Shinobi Forces froze in shock at Madara’s sudden arrival.

As the realization sank in, worry consumed them.

Everyone knew Madara had been engaged by the Five Kage. If Madara was here, did that mean the Five Kage were already…?

The mere thought made their hearts sink.

Naruto, unable to control his emotions, shouted angrily, “Why is Madara from over there showing up here?!”

Madara raised an eyebrow and glanced casually at Naruto and the Eight-Tails behind him before turning back to the Ten-Tails. "You haven’t secured the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails yet, and you’re already moving forward with the plan? Impatient, aren’t we, Obito?"

“What happened to the others over there?!” Naruto yelled, his Nine-Tails chakra flaring, manifesting nine golden tails behind him.

“Over there? Who knows?” Madara finally answered, his tone leisurely. “But I doubt they’re unscathed.”

Of course, he wasn’t going to reveal how Tsunade and Mei Terumi had mocked him for being a virgin.

“Damn it…” Naruto used his tails like tendrils to rip off the black rod chains Obito had embedded in the Eight-Tails, hurling them toward Madara and Obito.

With speed surpassing even the cursed seals, Obito frowned and tossed the Uchiha fan to Madara. "This belongs to you."

Madara casually wielded the fan, conjuring a massive chakra shield to block the attack. He then addressed Naruto, “Naruto—or should I say Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—if you’re so curious about the Five Kage, why not ask Aizen?”

Hearing this, Jiraiya and Kakashi exchanged confused glances. Jiraiya asked, “What’s going on here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Madara replied indifferently. “Aizen has already decided to join the battle. Isn’t that right, Aizen?”

As his words fell, a figure descended from the sky, landing between Obito and Madara with a tremor that shook the ground.

“Of course,” came Aizen’s voice as his silhouette emerged from the dust.

“Why, Aizen? Why are you siding with Madara?” Naruto shouted, visibly shaken.

“Because you’ve already lost,” Aizen said, his gaze shifting to the Ten-Tails. “But don’t worry, Naruto.”

“The Five Kage aren’t dead. As agreed, I’ve taken Tsunade, Chika, and Mei Terumi with me. As for the other three—Onoki, A, and Gaara—I spared their lives out of consideration for Tsunade and Mei. They’re just sealed.”

“Once the tailed beasts are extracted, I’ll revive you, just as I revived your mother. There’s no need to fear for your life.”

“After all, like Sasuke, you’re my precious stepson.”

Naruto’s mind raced. His mother? Like Sasuke? Kushina and Mikoto… are alive? Obito couldn’t hide his surprise as he glanced at Aizen.

He wanted to ask but refrained, wary of Madara’s presence.

“I won’t accept this—I’ll never accept this!” Naruto trembled, his shoulders shaking as he bowed his head. Then, with steely resolve, he raised his eyes.

“Aizen, I’ll never agree with what you’re doing.”

“I said I’d become Hokage and bring you and Sasuke back!”

His eyes burned with unyielding determination.

Aizen smirked dismissively. “As expected. But this isn’t up to you. I won’t hold back now. Don’t worry, Naruto—even if I reduce you to nothing, I can still bring you back.”

With that, Aizen leaped toward the Ten-Tails’ head, followed closely by Madara and Obito.

The crimson cross-shaped light of the blood moon faded as three tentacle-like tubes extended from the Ten-Tails’ head, embedding themselves into the backs of Aizen, Madara, and Obito.

“So this is the power of the Ten-Tails?” Aizen muttered. “Interesting, though it’s nothing more than brute force. With four shadow clones using the Four Red Yang Formation and a sealing jutsu, it could easily be subdued.”

Hearing Aizen’s dismissive tone, Obito frowned. “Of course. A tailed beast only reaches its full potential when sealed inside a Jinchuriki.”

Hands in his pockets, Aizen glanced at Obito and Madara with mild amusement. “So, who’s going to become the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki and cast Infinite Tsukuyomi?”

“Hm…” Aizen tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I’d personally go with Obito. After all, he’s been working toward this for over twenty years.”

“It’d be unfair if Madara swooped in and took the credit. He should at least get his chance. If he fails, then Madara can step in.”

Obito clicked his tongue, preparing to argue, but Madara cut him off. “The Great Genjutsu requires time to summon the moon. Before that, we should use the Gedo Statue’s power to eliminate any obstacles. That will make things easier for us.”

(To be continued…)

*Chapter 372: The Final Linen Robe*

"Madara, you just want to test the power of the Ten-Tails, don’t you?" Obito grumbled, glaring at Madara with discontent. "That’s why you’ve delayed this long. You could’ve arrived earlier but chose not to, acting like a child."

"No, you’re mistaken. Only children act impatiently," Madara retorted sarcastically, mocking Obito for resurrecting the Ten-Tails prematurely.

Standing nearby, Aizen commented, "Let’s just get started. I’m eager to see what kind of power the Ten-Tails can unleash."

Under Aizen’s command, the Ten-Tails lunged forward toward Naruto and the others. Dust rose into the sky, blotting out the sun as its massive form plowed through the terrain.

The entire area, spanning several kilometers, was engulfed in the thick dust clouds.

At this point, Naruto and Killer Bee had already transformed into their Tailed Beast forms. Might Guy, Kakashi, Jiraiya, and the great toads Shima and Fukasaku were sheltered within Kurama’s golden chakra body.

"So, this is the Ten-Tails? Its strength is unimaginable, far surpassing that of the other Tailed Beasts," Fukasaku remarked, cold sweat running down his face.

"Save the awe for later, Naruto," Kurama said gravely, its massive form eyeing a blood-red glow larger than itself cutting through the dust. "That monstrous thing is on its way."

"Can we even defeat something like this?" Gyuki muttered, swallowing hard.

"If you’re scared, go hide in a can of octopus stew," Kurama snapped. Then, in a commanding tone, it added, "Listen carefully: keep your distance, observe its movements, and avoid its attacks. When the time is right, hit it with a massive counterstrike."

"Not a bad plan," came Aizen’s voice from the dust. "But scheming openly in front of your enemy? Bold move, half of Kurama."

A colossal hand burst through the dust cloud, striking a heavy blow at both Kurama and Gyuki.

The two beasts tried to dodge, but Aizen anticipated their moves. The enormous hand adjusted its angle and delivered a punishing slap, sending both flying like cannonballs. They crashed into a distant mountain, halting their retreat with difficulty.

"What kind of move was that? Kurama, is the incomplete Ten-Tails really this strong? It’s like what the Sage of Six Paths described as the complete version!" Gyuki groaned, still dazed.

"How would I know?" Kurama grumbled, equally frustrated. "Not only was my plan overheard, but I also got slapped in the face. Double humiliation."

After a moment of thought, Jiraiya speculated, "The power of a Tailed Beast depends heavily on its Jinchūriki. The stronger the Jinchūriki, the more power the beast can exert, as seen with Killer Bee and Naruto."

"Although the Ten-Tails lacks a Jinchūriki, under the control of Aizen, Obito, and Madara, it possesses power equivalent to Tailed Beast transformations."

"Especially Aizen," he continued. "With his immense chakra and extraordinary sensory abilities, he elevates the Ten-Tails’ power to a level comparable to the complete form. It’s no surprise the Ten-Tails feels invincible under his command."

Might Guy, stunned, asked, "So we’re doomed?"

"Not yet," Shikaku’s voice suddenly echoed in their minds. "Even though the Five Kage have fallen, other battlefield enemies have been defeated. All allied forces are heading toward you. Hold on."

Through Inoichi’s Mind Transmission Jutsu, Shikaku relayed his strategy to the allied forces.

"The Five Kage lost, the Ten-Tails revived, and Aizen joined the fray—everything we feared has come to pass. Shikaku, what now?" Inoichi asked, his hand on Shikaku’s head, his expression heavy.

"Our only option is to restrict the Ten-Tails’ movements and sever its connection to Aizen, Madara, and Obito. Only then can we stand a chance," Shikaku replied grimly. "I’ve already issued orders to all units. Let’s hope we can trap the Ten-Tails. Otherwise, we’ll need a new plan."

Just as Shikaku finished, clapping sounds echoed through the command center. A figure rose from the ground, morphing into Aizen.

"You... You’re here?" Mabui stammered, her face pale.

"It’s not his main body," Ao said through gritted teeth, still maintaining his sensory water sphere. "Even so, his chakra surpasses that of all Five Kage combined. We’re not even on the same level."

Aizen’s clone smirked. "Relax. I’m not here to kill anyone. If I wanted to, none of you would escape." Turning to Mabui, he added with a chuckle, "I’m here to fulfill a promise. You and I have an unfinished date."

"I’m not going with you!" Mabui declared, her tone firm despite the tension.

"You misunderstand," Aizen said, binding her with a wooden branch. "I’m not here to ask. I’m here to inform." He turned to Shikaku and Ao. "For the sake of Tsunade and Mei Terumi, I’ll give you a heads-up: in about 30 minutes, a Ten-Tails Tailed Beast Bomb will land here. Run if you can. Otherwise, you’ll be obliterated."

With that, Aizen and Mabui vanished.

Back on the battlefield, Aizen smirked, sensing his clone’s report. With a casual strike, he sent Kurama flying once more. "The Ten-Tails is almost ready for its next phase. Though it seems some annoying pests have shown up."

As he spoke, Gyuki and Kurama retaliated, launching a barrage of Tailed Beast Bombs.

"It doesn’t matter," Madara said arrogantly. "We’ll crush them with the Ten-Tails’ power."

"I’d prefer to conserve the Ten-Tails’ strength," Obito added, though he didn’t oppose the idea.

"Then it’s settled. Let’s start with the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails," Aizen said, controlling the Ten-Tails to unleash a massive Tailed Beast Bomb.

The orb condensed in its mouth, then exploded outward in a fiery red beam, obliterating everything in its path as it raced toward its targets.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 373: The Art of Cement Mixing

*Rumble...*

The Tailed Beast Bombs of the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails collided midair and were shattered, sending a fiery beam straight towards the overlapping forms of the two tailed beasts.

As the dust cleared, all that was left was a severed tentacle of the Eight-Tails and the dismembered body of the Nine-Tails.

“Still alive, huh?” Madara Uchiha remarked, slightly surprised to see the Nine-Tails clinging to life.

“It’s not so much about their resilience,” Aizen replied calmly. “It’s more that the Ten-Tails in its current state is far too weak—only capable of this level of destruction. Clearly, its current power isn’t enough. But they’re already at the end of their rope.”

Looking skyward, Aizen let out a small laugh. “Finally, they’ve arrived.”

*Distracted by the Ten-Tails, huh?* Obito was startled to see Naruto’s clone and Kakashi being flung towards them by the Nine-Tails.

Just like in the original series, Kakashi used Kamui to release the Eight-Tails, whose Tailed Beast Bomb began forming in its maw, ready to strike.

“Still going with the same old tactics?” Aizen made a symbolic hand seal. “Hado #90: Black Coffin!”

To the astonishment of both Obito and Madara, a massive black structure materialized around the Eight-Tails, enclosing it completely.

Amid its horrific screams, the Eight-Tails fell silent.

“B-Big Bro Bee!” Naruto’s clone shouted anxiously.

“This is my original technique, the Black Coffin from the 'Hado Series.' Those trapped inside are pierced by countless blades. Relax; I held back. The Eight-Tails is an important jinchuriki, so I only used about a third of its power. It won’t kill him,” Aizen explained casually.

“But before we discuss that, you should worry about yourselves first.”

Aizen rarely explained his abilities, but as the Black Coffin shattered, the heavily injured Eight-Tails plummeted from the sky, leaving a trail of blood mist. It reverted back to its human host, Killer Bee, who lay unconscious.

“That’s quite a jutsu,” Madara commented, arms crossed. “One strike capable of taking down a tailed beast. Impressive.”

He looked up at Naruto’s clone and Kakashi. “But it seems we still have a couple of pests to deal with.”

As Madara spoke, he controlled the Ten-Tails’ tails, sending them hurtling toward Naruto’s clone and Kakashi.

As in the original storyline, Naruto’s clone pushed Kakashi out of harm’s way, taking the full brunt of the attack himself.

This action enraged Obito, as it triggered memories of his own sacrifice to save Kakashi, where he was crushed under a boulder.

While the Ten-Tails’ attention was focused on Naruto’s clone, the Nine-Tails seized the opportunity to approach, scooping up Kakashi and the half-destroyed Killer Bee before retreating and reverting to its human form.

The Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails were now out of chakra.

Naruto and Obito then engaged in a heated verbal exchange. Frustrated, Obito wrested control of the Ten-Tails from Aizen and unleashed a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Aizen made no move to stop him, allowing the attack to be released.

At that moment, thanks to Ino’s mind-transfer jutsu and Neji’s precise Byakugan guidance, the trajectory of the Beast Bomb was redirected. It detonated harmlessly in the distance.

“What’s meant to happen will always come to pass,” Aizen murmured as the Allied Shinobi Forces finally arrived, tens of thousands strong.

Leading the charge were:

- *The First Division*, with Darui at the helm.

- *The Second Division*, led by Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi.

- *The Third Division*, currently without a captain as Kakashi had gone to reinforce Naruto.

- *The Fourth Division*, now led by Temari after Gaara’s defeat.

- *The Fifth Division*, commanded by Mifune of the Land of Iron.

- *The Sensor Division*, headed by C.

- *The Medical Corps*, with Shizune and Karin at the forefront.

The Allied Forces gathered, their combined might a sight to behold. The atmosphere was electric, brimming with hope and defiance.

Naruto readied himself to rally the troops with his iconic shout, “This is the power of the Allied Shinobi Forces!”

But before he could, a jarring voice rang out:

“Aizen-sama! You took Tsunade-sama, Chika, and even Hinata with you. Why didn’t you take me? I want to be part of your family too, just like them!”

Karin, standing beside Shizune, screamed her lament while staring tearfully at Aizen, who was perched atop the Ten-Tails’ head.

The battlefield fell silent. Even Madara, Obito, and Aizen froze, black lines metaphorically streaking across their faces.

The Allied Forces looked at Karin in disbelief.

Madara and Obito turned their gaze toward Aizen.

Breaking the awkward silence, Shizune quickly covered Karin’s mouth and stammered, “Don’t mind her! My junior here is a bit of an airhead, and she’s a little infatuated because Aizen once saved her life…”

“Aizen, that girl’s from the Uzumaki clan, isn’t she?” Madara quipped, smirking. “Another one of your little wives?”

“No!” Aizen’s face turned crimson. “She and her mother were refugees in Kusagakure, used as chakra batteries. I saved them because they were Uzumakis and sent them to Tsunade. Later, when Tsunade became Hokage, she brought them to Konoha.”

Trying to salvage the situation, Aizen stepped forward and called out, “Karin, if you want to go to Tsunade’s, leave the battlefield. I’ll send a clone to pick you up.”

To everyone’s surprise, Karin shoved Shizune’s hand away, muttering, “I don’t want a clone.”

Then, in a bold, dramatic fashion, she pointed at Aizen and shouted, “There’s no way I’m leaving in the middle of a battle! These people are my comrades! I’m going to defeat you…”

Her declaration stirred the Allied Forces’ spirits, inspiring hope and determination.

“…and bring you home as my husband!”

The entire battlefield collapsed into chaos. Soldiers fell over themselves in disbelief, their legs in the air, sending dust flying.

“In front of her allies, on the battlefield, she confesses to an enemy commander?” Madara said, his voice full of disbelief. “Aizen, you’ve certainly saved a peculiar girl.”

Obito, for once, didn’t argue with Madara, nodding in agreement.

Unbeknownst to them, Karin’s antics were partly a deliberate ploy to distract them—a technique she dubbed the "Cement Binding Jutsu" to buy time.

That said, her performance may have been more authentic than she'd intended.

As predicted, while Madara and Obito were distracted, Darui and C led a barrage of lightning and storm-style attacks.

The Ten-Tails, forced to shield its eyes, momentarily lost focus. Even Madara and Obito instinctively raised their hands to block the blinding light.

Meanwhile, Aizen casually pulled a pair of sunglasses from his inventory and watched the show unfold.

The shinobi forces worked in unison:

- Iwagakure used *Earth Style: Earth Core*, creating a massive sinkhole to trap the Ten-Tails.

- Kumogakure followed up with *Lava Style: Lime Formation*, pouring quick-drying cement into the pit.

- Kirigakure added *Water Style: Whirlpool Mixing* to stir the concoction.

Watching this bizarre spectacle, Aizen chuckled. “Madara, Obito, doesn’t the Allied Shinobi Forces remind you of a construction crew? Using cement to trap the Ten-Tails—what an idea.”

“Is fire next to speed up the curing process?” he joked, shaking his head as the chapter concluded.

*(End of Chapter)*

Chapter 374: The Third Generation About to Be Exhumed and Whipped

“Hearing you say that, it does seem to make sense.” Uchiha Madara chuckled, noncommittal. “Still, the coordination of the allied forces was somewhat unexpected.”

“To think the Five Great Nations, once so hostile to each other, could cooperate to this extent.”

“True, but it’s only temporary. All of this hinges on them having a common enemy,” Aizen said with a smirk. “When it comes to Fire Release, the only true masters were the Uchiha clan and the Sarutobi clan. The Uchiha were wiped out by Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo, and I took care of the Sarutobi clan.”

“The current Fire Release unit must be a patchwork of leftovers. They won’t achieve a perfect finale.”

“Otherwise, it would’ve been quite the flawless performance—a benchmark for construction teams across the shinobi world.”

As if on cue, moments after the words left his mouth, Jiraiya and a group of shinobi from various nations, wearing mismatched uniforms, approached the pit’s edge and unleashed Fire Release.

The cement hardened at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Then, led by Naruto, the Allied Shinobi Forces charged down, targeting Aizen, Obito, and Madara, who stood atop the Ten-Tails.

“A performance is just a performance—it’s not worth mentioning.” Obito sneered at the advancing shinobi.

“They seem to have abandoned attacking the Ten-Tails and are focusing on us instead. A good strategy—attacking the enemy’s leaders—but they’ll have to stop the Ten-Tails first,” Madara said with a sly smile. “Speaking of which, the Ten-Tails is almost ready.”

As the allied shinobi launched long-range attacks, Aizen, Madara, and Obito remained indifferent. Just as the attacks were about to land, the Ten-Tails’ tails twisted open like a braid.

Suddenly, they lashed out violently, scattering the allied shinobi, leaving heavy casualties in their wake.

Looking back at the Ten-Tails, it had evolved from its crawling form to a frail, upright figure. Its tails had transformed into claw-like appendages, and its head bore a single eye, one ear, and a gaping mouth.

“Controlling the Ten-Tails is becoming increasingly difficult. We’ll need Hashirama’s cells to bind it,” Madara reminded.

“Understood,” Obito replied slowly. As they spoke, a milky-white tendril extended from Madara’s chest and the right side of Obito’s back, merging with the Ten-Tails’ head.

Both of them then turned to Aizen, as it was clear the tube connected to the back of his neck alone was no longer enough to control the Ten-Tails.

They were eager to see what Aizen would do.

Otherwise, Aizen risked losing control of the Ten-Tails.

“You two go ahead and handle it. I’m not about to sprout disgusting tendrils like that,” Aizen said indifferently.

In truth, the tube extending from the Ten-Tails was more than sufficient for Aizen to maintain control. There was no need for Hashirama’s cells.

“Well then, let’s test just how strong the Ten-Tails is in this form,” Madara said with a sinister smirk, planning to bombard the Allied Forces’ headquarters.

“Ah, let me demonstrate the Ten-Tails’ current power,” Obito said, catching on. He began preparing a tailed beast bomb.

Despite interference from the Allied Forces’ Earth Release techniques and several failed attempts, Obito and Madara gradually refined their control of the Ten-Tails. Finally, a tailed beast bomb hit the Allied Forces’ headquarters without fail.

“Hah! I thought they’d foolishly stay at headquarters for the sake of their so-called duty,” Aizen chuckled. Feigning curiosity, he asked, “Did you just target the Allied Forces’ command post?”

“Of course. Just as eliminating enemy medics is standard, taking out the leadership is common sense,” Madara replied with confidence and amusement.

“Still, controlling the Ten-Tails is becoming increasingly challenging,” Madara added, touching the Hashirama cells embedded in his chest. “In this state, we can manage, but without a jinchūriki, we’ll lose control soon.”

“To become the Ten-Tails’ jinchūriki, one must first be a living body,” Madara said meaningfully, glancing at Aizen and Obito.

Aizen shrugged lightly. “Don’t look at me like that. I’ve said it before: everything has an order. If Obito is willing to let you become the jinchūriki, I wouldn’t mind using a resurrection technique to bring you back.”

“Of course, you could also ask Obito to sacrifice himself like Nagato did to perform the Samsara of Heavenly Life.”

Obito, shocked, turned to Aizen. “You know a resurrection technique?”

“Of course. Even an old woman like Chiyo from Sunagakure developed a resurrection jutsu like Reincarnation Ninjutsu. With my talent and knowledge of ninjutsu, why wouldn’t I be able to do it?” Aizen replied calmly.

“The so-called side effects are just because the practitioner isn’t strong enough. That’s why they die after using it.”

“When Kabuto agreed to serve under me, his condition was to revive his foster mother. Unfortunately, after reviving her, it seems she convinced him to betray me.”

“But it doesn’t matter anymore. At this stage of the war, Kabuto’s presence or absence is irrelevant,” Aizen said with a playful smile. “So, Obito, would you like me to revive Rin for you? Though, seeing you like this, I wonder how she’d feel.”

“Shut up!” Obito snapped, his face darkening with fury. “If you dare mention Rin again, I’ll kill you, even if it means we both die.”

“Oh, are you angry now? Such a romantic,” Aizen chuckled. “Fine, have it your way. If you die, I won’t get to see you become the Ten-Tails’ jinchūriki.”

Aizen’s tone was light and unapologetic, making Madara frown. For the first time, he realized that neither he nor Obito held the upper hand. It was Aizen who had seized control of the situation.

Meanwhile, after a series of twists and turns…

Guided by Sasuke, Orochimaru, Suigetsu, and Jūgo arrived at the ruins of the Uchiha Naka Shrine, beneath which lay a stone chamber.

“First, we need the Death God mask, which is stored in the mask storage hall of the Uzumaki clan at the edge of Konoha. We’ve already secured it.”

“Next, we summon the Death God and have it possess the caster. By cutting open the Death God’s stomach, the sealed souls will be released, and the seal will be undone. However, the caster will become the sacrifice,” Orochimaru explained as he donned the mask.

With a single slash from the Death God, both Orochimaru’s and the Death God’s stomachs were cut open.

The souls of Orochimaru’s arms and the First through Fourth Hokage were released.

“Jūgo, transfer your Cursed Seal energy to Sasuke. This will resonate with the White Zetsu implanted in him by Tobi, forcing it to reveal itself. Sasuke, Suigetsu, be ready.”

As Orochimaru’s arms were restored, he issued the commands urgently.

What Orochimaru didn’t know was that Sasuke harbored more than just White Zetsu.

And soon, they would find out—likely to their great surprise.

*Chapter 375: Sealing the Nine-Tails... and Dying for It?*

Following instructions, Jūgo channeled the power of the Curse Mark into Sasuke's body.

Sasuke's body visibly shrank in size.

Six White Zetsu clones hidden inside Sasuke's body revealed themselves.

One was grabbed by Suigetsu, another was absorbed by the now-shrunken Jūgo to restore his size, and the remaining four were bound by four white snakes that slithered out of Orochimaru’s pant legs.

“Damn it! How did you find us?” one of the White Zetsu shouted indignantly.

Orochimaru clutched his abdomen, where a wound bled profusely. Panting heavily, he sneered, “You see, thanks to my experiments, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of Hashirama’s cells, including methods to sense them. It’s all thanks to Kabuto and the flesh he gave Anko—it contained quite a lot of interesting information.”

“Suigetsu, get ready,” Orochimaru ordered before slamming his hands onto the ground.

“Reanimation Jutsu!”

The ground erupted with seals of the Reanimation Jutsu as dust swirled and gathered around the four White Zetsu clones, shaping them into the forms of the First and Second Hokage.

Meanwhile, Suigetsu, as instructed, pried open the mouth of the White Zetsu he held captive.

As soon as Orochimaru finished the Reanimation Jutsu, his true form emerged from his heavily damaged body. Slithering into the White Zetsu’s body, he completed the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique, taking over the Zetsu's form.

“So this is the legendary First Hokage, the so-called God of Shinobi?” Suigetsu muttered as he eyed Hashirama, who was clad in red armor. At first glance, he did seem the part.

Hashirama looked at Suigetsu, puzzled, before turning to his brother Tobirama, who stood nearby. “Is that ninja named Orochimaru again?”

“What’s going on here?” Hashirama asked.

Sarutobi Hiruzen answered, “First Hokage-sama, it seems the Reaper Death Seal binding us was undone, and we’ve been resurrected by Orochimaru’s Reanimation Jutsu.”

“Orochimaru, what’s the meaning of this?” Sarutobi asked sternly. “I sacrificed my life to strip you of this technique. How are you still able to perform it?”

Orochimaru stretched his newly acquired hands, reveling in his revival. “Sarutobi-sensei, you’re as senile as ever. Didn’t you just say the Reaper Death Seal was undone? Naturally, my abilities have returned as well.”

“The Reaper Death Seal can be undone?” Minato Namikaze asked in shock, staring at Orochimaru.

“Of course,” Orochimaru replied. “I’ve always been fascinated by ninjutsu, and the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan are no exception. I’ve studied every bit of information I could find after the technique was lost to history.”

Hashirama looked at Minato, puzzled. “And who are you?”

Minato hesitated before pointing to the kanji emblazoned on his back, “Fourth Hokage.”

Hashirama’s face lit up with delight. “Oh, the village already has a Fourth Hokage? The village must be at peace!”

Minato scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Well, I wouldn’t know about that. I died before the Third Hokage did.”

“How did you die?” Hashirama asked curiously.

“Sealing the Nine-Tails,” Minato answered solemnly.

“You died sealing that thing?” Hashirama rubbed his chin, looking doubtful.

Minato chuckled nervously, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. Compared to the God of Shinobi, his status as the Fourth Hokage felt lackluster.

“That’s enough chatter,” Orochimaru interrupted impatiently. “Time is of the essence.”

“Another Reanimation Jutsu?” Tobirama scowled as he examined his undead body. “Orochimaru, using my forbidden jutsu... Are you planning to attack Konoha again?”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Orochimaru replied seriously. “I have no such intentions, which is why I haven’t restricted your personalities. But you shouldn’t have created this jutsu in the first place.”

“Can you sense it? Far from Konoha, at the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, even non-sensor ninja should feel that immense chakra.”

“What... What is this?” Tobirama focused his senses, only to pale in shock.

He could feel an unprecedentedly massive chakra signature. It included the Ten-Tails, the Eight-Tails, the Nine-Tails, the chaotic clamor of the Allied Shinobi Forces, and the overwhelming presence of Madara Uchiha.

Orochimaru continued, “As you can see, this is war. Obito, in alliance with Aizen Fujiwara, has launched the Fourth Great Ninja War. My former assistant, Kabuto, also joined in, reviving Madara Uchiha and numerous legendary shinobi under Aizen’s command.”

“Although Kabuto was eventually persuaded by his foster mother and released the Reanimation Jutsu, Madara remains.”

“It seems Madara now seeks to kill every ninja in this world. The Five Kage have already fallen, and I imagine he’s slaughtering his way through the battlefield as we speak.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone’s expressions darkened.

Hashirama sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. “It’s always war, isn’t it?”

Orochimaru smirked and added, “We have the Second Hokage to thank for this war, don’t we?”

Tobirama frowned. “Me?”

“Yes. If you hadn’t created the Reanimation Jutsu or chosen my dear sensei Sarutobi as Hokage, this war might have been prevented altogether.”

Orochimaru’s gaze shifted mockingly to Sarutobi, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

“What’s the meaning of this, Sarutobi?” Tobirama demanded.

“Second Hokage-sama, I—” Sarutobi faltered, feeling helpless. He had died long ago and couldn’t fully explain the situation. He only knew that his clan was wiped out, his son and grandson maimed, and he had died under the villagers’ scorn.

“I’ll explain,” Orochimaru interjected with a sly smile. “You all remember Aizen Fujiwara, don’t you?”

“The young man from back then?” Tobirama recalled Aizen’s face and turned to Sarutobi. “Didn’t you seal him with the Reaper Death Seal?”

Sarutobi shook his head. “No, Second Hokage-sama. Aizen was far more cunning than we anticipated. He used genjutsu to disguise a crow as himself and hid his true body until I was on the verge of death.”

“Indeed,” Orochimaru confirmed. “Aizen knew far more secrets than we ever imagined, including the Reaper Death Seal.”

Orochimaru continued, “Aizen was the most brilliant ninja I’ve ever seen. Born to civilian parents in the village, he should have become a cornerstone of Konoha. Even after his parents were killed by the Nine-Tails, that wouldn’t have changed—”

“Until our dear Third Hokage gave him an order,” Orochimaru said, his smirk growing wider.

Minato’s thoughts raced back to the night of the Nine-Tails’ attack. He recalled Aizen’s presence and pieced it together. “Was it the order to wipe out the Uchiha clan?”

---

(Chapter End)