306-310

*Chapter 306: Hidden Strategy*

In the Palace of Las Noches, Kimimaro looked at Jiraiya with a surprised expression, unable to believe how things had progressed.

“So that’s the situation. Tsunade had no choice but to entrust Naruto to you,” Jiraiya explained as he brought Naruto to the palace.

At this moment, Naruto was exploring the various halls of Las Noches, unaware of the real reason for his arrival. He thought he was here to discuss the upcoming Shinobi World War with Kimimaro.

Otherwise, given his personality, he would have raised a commotion by now.

“You five great nations certainly have faith in me. Aren’t you afraid I might not be able to stand against Pain either?” Kimimaro asked, his tone half-joking.

“In the Limited Tsukuyomi World, you single-handedly subdued the Nine-Tails. They’ve seen your strength firsthand, so they’re confident you can handle it,” Jiraiya replied calmly.

Kimimaro chuckled. “And you’re not worried I might hand Naruto over to Pain? You’d be wasting your effort.”

Jiraiya shook his head. “You’ve already turned against Pain. If you handed him the Nine-Tails, you’d lose control of your fate. You’re not someone who leaves his destiny in others’ hands.”

Jiraiya’s confidence in Kimimaro was evident.

Kimimaro sighed, rubbing his temples. “Looks like you’ve all made up your minds. You came prepared.”

“Haha, you could say that. Tsunade felt guilty about this, but on the bright side, this could be an opportunity for you,” Jiraiya said with a grin.

“Opportunity? What kind of opportunity?” Kimimaro raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.

“You’re too smart not to know. Don’t waste Tsunade’s goodwill,” Jiraiya quipped.

Kimimaro understood. This arrangement was a way for him to ally with the five great nations, proving his loyalty during the Fourth Shinobi World War. After the war, his past ties to the Akatsuki could be absolved, and he could integrate into Konoha.

Although Kimimaro didn’t need Tsunade’s protection, her gesture moved him. However, his plans were fundamentally different from the great nations, making this “opportunity” less meaningful.

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have sought out Tsunade all those years ago,” Kimimaro mused, though he knew he owed his life to her intervention.

“Kimimaro, I’m leaving Naruto in your care. When the time is right, I’ll return for him. Please take care of him,” Jiraiya said, preparing to leave.

Kimimaro didn’t stop him. After all, Tsunade had made the request, and he couldn’t refuse. Moreover, having the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki at his disposal was a significant asset.

“Maybe I could strike a deal with Nagato. Exchange the Nine-Tails for the chakra of the other eight beasts,” Kimimaro thought briefly but dismissed the idea.

He had a connection with Naruto, and selling him out didn’t sit right. More importantly, the time wasn’t ripe for such negotiations.

Naruto, led by Jūgo, finally arrived before Kimimaro.

“Hey, Kimimaro! Where’s Pervy Sage? Wasn’t he here to see you first?” Naruto asked, cheerful as ever.

“I regret to inform you, Jiraiya has left you in my care. You’ll be staying here in Las Noches for the foreseeable future,” Kimimaro said with a smile.

Naruto froze for a moment before exclaiming, “What?! Pervy Sage left me here?”

“Precisely. You won’t be leaving until the war ends,” Kimimaro explained.

“Darn it! I’ve been tricked! He’s trying to keep me out of the war! That’s so unfair!” Naruto yelled, making a dash for the exit.

But Kimimaro wouldn’t let him go so easily. He traced a pattern in the air and chanted, “Bakudō #30: Shitotsu Sansen!”

Three beams of light shot out, pinning Naruto to the wall.

“Let me go, Kimimaro! I need to fight alongside everyone!” Naruto roared, struggling against the restraints.

Kimimaro approached calmly. “Naruto, your power now rivals that of the Five Kage. But your true opponent, Pain, wields the Rinnegan and the Gedo Statue. You’re not ready unless you gain the Nine-Tails’ full cooperation and become a perfect Jinchūriki.”

“There’s no time for that now!” Naruto protested.

“Heroes always arrive at the final moment. Didn’t you once say that yourself?” Kimimaro reminded him with a smile.

Naruto blinked, recalling his own words.

“But I don’t know how to win over the Nine-Tails. Even if I’m as strong as him, he still won’t acknowledge me,” Naruto admitted, disheartened.

“Gaining a Tailed Beast’s trust isn’t about strength alone. It’s about forging a bond. When you stop seeing the Nine-Tails as an enemy and start treating it as an ally, it might just accept you. You’ve already earned the trust of many who once despised you. This shouldn’t be any different,” Kimimaro said wisely.

“An ally…” Naruto murmured thoughtfully.

Kimimaro withdrew the binding spell. “Try communicating with the Nine-Tails. I’ve prepared a special place where you can speak freely, without fear of its chakra leaking out.”

Naruto nodded, a newfound determination in his eyes.

"Where is this place?"

"Right here."

"Here?"

Naruto looked around suspiciously, noticing nothing particularly special about the surroundings.

Kimimaro suddenly began chanting:

*"Bakudō #73: Tozanshō!"*

In the next moment, an inverted triangular crystal structure appeared before Naruto.

"So big!"

Naruto was taken aback.

"This is a crystalline chamber I formed using chakra," Kimimaro explained. "Inside, all chakra detection is completely cut off, and its defensive capabilities are extraordinary. You can safely communicate with the Nine-Tails in here. When you emerge successfully, it'll be time for you to head to the battlefield."

"Got it!"

Naruto's spirit ignited with determination.

It was time for him to shine.

He stepped into the crystal chamber, sat cross-legged, and began entering his mental space to bond with the Nine-Tails.

Seeing this, Kimimaro allowed himself a small smile.

"Naruto is easier to trick than I expected. This way, I don’t have to worry about him causing trouble. My newly built Las Noches wouldn’t withstand his reckless antics."

After throwing in this comment, Kimimaro left the chamber to meet someone.

"You’re back so soon. Do you have any news?"

Looking at the figure of Black Zetsu before him, Kimimaro spoke in a low voice.

"Yes. I’ve found Sasuke’s whereabouts."

"Oh? Where is he?"

Kimimaro’s curiosity was piqued.

"He’s at the Uchiha clan’s secret base in the Land of Fire. There, he discovered something left behind by Itachi."

"And what might that be?"

"Fugaku Uchiha’s Sharingan."

"Hmm?"

Kimimaro was visibly surprised.

Fugaku Uchiha’s Sharingan?

The final clan head of the Uchiha, who reportedly unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan.

If Sasuke has acquired Fugaku's eyes, he should be able to awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

Kimimaro hadn’t expected Itachi to have left such a backup plan.

It seems even Itachi had considered the possibility of his own failure.

Fugaku's Mangekyō Sharingan was his contingency for Sasuke.

"Sasuke has already fused Fugaku’s Sharingan. If everything goes well, he should awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan within the next couple of days," Black Zetsu informed him.

"Interesting. Who would’ve thought Sasuke would end up succeeding like this?"

Kimimaro commented lightly, clearly unperturbed.

Even if Sasuke awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he posed no real threat in Kimimaro’s eyes.

Unless he managed to awaken the Rinnegan, but that wouldn’t happen anytime soon.

"Any news from Nagato?"

"There is one development."

"Let’s hear it."

"It seems Obito has escaped."

"Oh?"

Kimimaro’s interest was piqued.

Obito escaped?

As expected, Nagato alone couldn’t entirely restrain Obito.

"Where did he go?"

"I haven’t tracked him down yet. However, after suffering such a setback, Obito is bound to bide his time before striking back. Given the current situation, he’ll likely hide for now and wait for an opportunity to act. After all, Nagato has made himself an overt enemy of the Five Kage. Obito can remain in the shadows and make his move once the dust settles."

Black Zetsu explained.

Kimimaro, however, had a different perspective.

"From what you’re saying, it almost seems like Obito let himself get captured by Nagato on purpose—just so he could shift back into the shadows."

"Hmm..."

Black Zetsu considered this possibility and found it plausible.

"Alright. Keep gathering intel. If there’s any news from any of these three parties, inform me immediately."

"Understood, Lord Kimimaro."

Black Zetsu replied respectfully but hesitated to leave.

"What is it? Do you have something else to say?"

"Lord Kimimaro, I’d like to know—what is your plan for rescuing Mother? If we capture the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and give him to Nagato, we can revive the Ten-Tails. Then, as the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki, Nagato could facilitate Mother’s resurrection.

Why pursue these other schemes? It seems unnecessary."

Black Zetsu’s confusion was evident.

To him, many of Kimimaro’s actions seemed redundant.

If not for Kimimaro’s Tenseigan and mastery of Kaguya’s unique ocular techniques, Black Zetsu might have doubted his motives entirely.

"Are you teaching me how to do things?"

Kimimaro’s sharp rebuttal carried a weight of authority that silenced Black Zetsu immediately.

"I wouldn’t dare. I merely wish for Mother’s swift liberation. She has endured millennia of suffering."

"Rest assured, I know this. My approach ensures that when Lady Kaguya returns, she will see an ideal new world. If she has to intervene personally, it would suggest our incompetence. Besides, haste would only raise suspicions. A gradual, meticulous approach is the safest."

Kimimaro’s explanation, though not flawless, appeased Black Zetsu for now.

"Understood. I’ll fully support your plans, Lord Kimimaro."

"By the way," Kimimaro added, "there’s one thing I’ve been meaning to ask you. Madara Uchiha must’ve left some contingency tied to Nagato. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have entrusted him with the Rinnegan. What’s the nature of this failsafe?"

Black Zetsu revealed:

"Madara’s ambitions were unprecedented. He sought peace for the ninja world but trusted no one. Near death, he devised a plan requiring a custodian. Using Yin-Yang Release, he intended to create a lifeform for oversight. I exploited this, making him believe he had created me.

As for Nagato, Madara embedded a trigger within the Rinnegan. If Nagato were to become the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki, his Uzumaki constitution would fully activate the Rinnegan’s power. This would then activate Madara’s hidden technique within the Rinnegan, compelling Nagato to perform the Rinne Rebirth to resurrect him.

Madara would reclaim his Rinnegan and inherit Nagato’s carefully laid groundwork."

*(End of chapter)*

Chapter 307: Kimimaro vs. Sage Kabuto

Upon hearing Black Zetsu’s account, Kimimaro’s eyes narrowed slightly.

As expected of Madara Uchiha. Before his death, he had already accounted for every contingency.

Whether Nagato or Obito ended up becoming the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki, Madara had ensured a way to intervene. If Nagato had possessed the power to activate Rinne Rebirth earlier, Madara wouldn’t have needed such an elaborate setup.

“Madara Uchiha... truly a remarkable figure. It’s a pity we’re from different eras. Otherwise, I’d have liked to cross paths with him.”

Though Madara was manipulated by Black Zetsu his entire life, it was due to an imbalance of information. With equal information, Black Zetsu wouldn’t stand a chance against Madara—just as Kimimaro easily deceived Black Zetsu thanks to his superior knowledge.

Omniscient perspective truly is a massive cheat.

“Lord Kimimaro, if you wish to meet Madara Uchiha, it’s not entirely impossible. Given the current situation, it’s highly likely that Madara will be resurrected via Rinne Rebirth.

Though Nagato has grown stronger, he still cannot resist the jutsu Madara left behind. There remains a gap between them,” Black Zetsu said.

“Is there a way to undo this jutsu?”

“Undo it? Lord Kimimaro, do you intend to remove the technique from Nagato?”

Kimimaro nodded slightly. “That’s right. Compared to Madara, I’d prefer Nagato as an ally. But if it can’t be undone, it’s not a big deal. Neither Madara nor Nagato can hinder me.”

Kimimaro was brimming with confidence.

“There is a way to undo it. But if executed, Nagato would lose his value.”

“Oh? What method?”

“Extract the Rinnegan. Madara’s technique is tied to the Rinnegan. Once removed, Nagato will no longer be affected,” Black Zetsu explained.

“I see.”

Kimimaro tapped the armrest of his throne thoughtfully before speaking. “Then forget it. Without the Rinnegan, Nagato loses his worth. Keeping him would serve no purpose. In that case, let’s prepare for Madara’s arrival. Perhaps we can form an alliance with him.”

“Understood. I know Madara well. As a powerful ally, he won’t refuse, so long as we don’t interfere with his Infinite Tsukuyomi plan.

Moreover, once he’s resurrected, his body will be the perfect vessel for Mother’s return.”

Black Zetsu’s excitement was palpable, as if he could already see Kaguya’s revival.

Kimimaro nodded slightly.

“Make the necessary arrangements. Orochimaru should be close to deploying the Edo Tensei army.”

“Yes.”

After Black Zetsu departed, Kimimaro summoned Kabuto Yakushi.

The Kabuto that appeared was vastly different from before. His skin resembled snake scales, and his eyes, now serpent-like, exuded a cold aura.

“Lord Kimimaro, you called for me?” Kabuto said with a smirk, adjusting his glasses.

“Judging by your state, you’ve completed your training?”

“Indeed. My Sage Mode is fully mastered. Do you have a task for me?”

“Hmm. With the Fourth Shinobi War imminent, Orochimaru, as a spy within Akatsuki, is likely to unleash the Edo Tensei army.

You and Orochimaru are the only ones capable of ending this technique. When the time comes, your job will be to terminate it. Make sure not to leave any openings for Nagato.”

Kimimaro’s voice was calm yet commanding.

“No problem. But I have one condition.”

“A condition? What is it?”

“I want to test whether my current power surpasses Orochimaru’s. So, I’d like to spar with you, Lord Kimimaro.”

Kabuto’s challenge piqued Kimimaro’s interest.

Kimimaro raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Sage Mode from Ryūchi Cave. He had never faced it in combat.

Though his own Cursed Seal mode shared roots with Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Mode, they were distinctly different, particularly in the unique jutsus of Ryūchi Cave, which Kimimaro hadn’t learned.

An opponent this interesting was worth testing.

“Interesting. Let’s see what Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Mode can do.”

Seated on his throne, Kimimaro gazed down at Kabuto.

Their eyes met—Kimimaro’s Byakugan against Kabuto’s golden serpent pupils. Sparks seemed to fly between them.

“So this is your Byakugan? It appears similar to the Hyūga clan’s, yet its power is several times greater,” Kabuto muttered.

“The Byakugan is considered one of the Three Great Dōjutsu for a reason. The Hyūga clan, however, has squandered its potential.

Their ancestors would likely be furious if they knew how shallowly the Byakugan is utilized.”

Kimimaro’s disdain for the Hyūga clan was evident.

Using the Byakugan solely for Gentle Fist was indeed a waste of its potential. The Hyūga had never explored ways to enhance its ocular power, focusing instead on refining their taijutsu.

Gentle Fist was effective up to a certain level, but beyond Kage-level battles, it became nearly obsolete unless the user’s chakra reserves far exceeded the opponent’s.

Imagine Hiashi Hyūga trying to penetrate the Lightning Release Chakra Mode of the Fourth Raikage. From any angle, it seemed absurd.

“I’ve always been curious, Lord Kimimaro—where did your Byakugan come from?”

Kabuto asked, his curiosity evident.

“No harm in telling you. During the Chūnin Exams, my trip to the Forest of Death wasn’t merely for sport. There, I obtained the purest Hyūga bloodline. Through it, I crafted a Byakugan perfectly suited for me.”

Years had passed, and Kimimaro no longer hesitated to share this. Moreover, Kabuto, as a fellow medical and scientific ninja, likely had already deduced much.

What puzzled Kabuto was not where Kimimaro’s Byakugan came from but rather the technology that allowed him to replicate and enhance it.

---

At this moment, telling Kabuto such things would only make Kimimaro seem even more mysterious.

“So that’s it. You obtained the Byakugan’s power from Hinata Hyuga. But how did you develop a pair of Byakugan so uniquely suited to yourself?”

Kabuto asked curiously.

“That is my secret. I can’t tell you, nor can it be replicated,” Kimimaro said calmly.

“I see.”

Noticing Kimimaro’s reluctance to elaborate, Kabuto understood that pressing further would be pointless. This answer was already sufficient.

“Well then, Lord Kimimaro, please enlighten me a bit further.”

Kabuto formed hand seals, slowly gathering natural energy.

Soon, purple markings appeared around his eyes.

At the same time, two white horns grew from the sides of his forehead, resembling dragon horns.

Sage Mode, activate!  

“Quite a unique look,” Kimimaro remarked with a smile before lightly pointing his right hand and shouting, “Hado #4: Byakurai!”

A bolt of white lightning shot forth with incredible speed, reaching Kabuto in the blink of an eye.

Kabuto’s pupils contracted; he hadn’t expected such astonishing speed.

Though surprised, he didn’t panic.

He quickly formed hand seals and shouted, “Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation!”

In an instant, the walls, floor, and ceiling of the great hall began to move.

A stone wall rose from the ground, standing between Kabuto and the incoming lightning.

Boom!  

The lightning struck the stone wall, blasting a hole through it and revealing Kabuto’s face.

At the same time, the lightning’s power dissipated.

“Inorganic Reincarnation? This technique is interesting. I wonder how much control you have over it.”

Kimimaro smiled, extending his fingers toward Kabuto.

“Infinite Piercing Bullets!”

Finger bones shot out from Kimimaro’s hand, all targeting Kabuto.

Although they were merely simple finger bones, Kabuto dared not underestimate them.

He clasped his hands together, manipulating the inorganic material around him to form shields.

Thud! Thud! Thud!  

The finger bones struck the shields, piercing through every single one.

“Oh? Not bad. Seems I need to ramp up the firepower a bit.”

Kimimaro raised an eyebrow as black runes appeared on his finger bones.

Boom!  

The previously piercing-only finger bones now carried explosive power.

The shields weren’t just penetrated; they were completely blown apart.

Debris flew everywhere, and Kabuto, unable to dodge in time, was grazed on the cheek, leaving a bloody mark.

“So strong…”

Kabuto was shocked. He hadn’t expected Kimimaro to elevate the Kaguya clan’s simplest technique, Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets, to such a terrifying level.

The power of what was essentially a basic attack could easily sweep through a group of chunin.

“Kabuto, got anything new to show me? Just this move is getting a bit dull.”

Kimimaro appeared unsatisfied, encouraging Kabuto to try something new.

Taking a deep breath, Kabuto realized Kimimaro wasn’t an ordinary opponent. His current tricks were far from enough to challenge him.

“Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation!”

This time, Kabuto held nothing back, using his full power.

Kimimaro noticed everything around him converging toward him, including the throne he was sitting on.

Leaping into the air, Kimimaro hovered, avoiding the onslaught.

The entire hall compressed toward him, with stone spears emerging from the floor, ceiling, and walls, aiming to pierce him.

“Interesting.”

Kimimaro smiled slightly, extending his hands outward and murmuring, “Bakudo #81: Dankū!”

In the next moment, six transparent barriers formed around him, completely shielding him.

The stone spears struck the barriers but failed to leave even a scratch.

“What formidable defense…”

Kabuto frowned.

The stone spears created by Inorganic Reincarnation were on par with A-rank ninjutsu, yet they couldn’t even crack Kimimaro’s casually summoned defensive walls.

“It seems I’ll have to use that move to shatter these barriers.”

Kabuto quickly decided, forming seals again before shouting, “Sage Art: White Shock Technique!”

Kabuto opened his mouth, releasing a red dragon of light clutching a purple orb in its claws.

Whoosh!  

The dragon spiraled around the orb before exploding.

The explosion radiated outward, accompanied by an ear-piercing sound.

The air itself seemed to vibrate.

Kimimaro’s expression changed slightly.

“This sound is unbearable…”

Amid the vibrations, his barriers dissolved into nothingness.

With Dankū gone, the White Shock Technique’s power fully bore down on Kimimaro.

For a moment, he felt his entire skeleton vibrating and grinding together.

“Lord Kimimaro, what do you think of this technique?”

Kabuto asked confidently.

Having tested this technique before, Kabuto knew even Kage-level opponents struggled against the vibration, which traveled directly through their bones, rendering them numb and defenseless.

Yet, Kabuto overlooked one crucial detail:

The Kaguya clan’s kekkei genkai revolved around bones, specifically their Shikotsumyaku.

When it came to manipulating bones, no one could surpass the Kaguya clan.

And Kimimaro was the most talented Kaguya in history.

Such techniques were meaningless against him.

“An impressive technique, but unfortunately, you picked the wrong opponent,” Kimimaro said softly.

He focused on the vibrations and grinding within his body. While they were indeed remarkable, as long as he consciously controlled his bones, the effects vanished instantly.

As expected, the discomfort disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Kimimaro rolled his neck, producing a few crisp pops before saying, “Not bad—it felt like a full-body massage. Kabuto, feel free to use it on me more often. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a while.”

Kimimaro wasn’t joking; he genuinely felt that way. The White Shock Technique had no harmful effect on him and was somewhat enjoyable.

Kabuto stood stunned.

He couldn’t believe that his painstakingly developed ultimate move was so insignificant in Kimimaro’s eyes.

Kabuto chuckled bitterly. “Lord Kimimaro, you’re going to hurt my confidence like this.”

“Your technique is excellent. However, for someone with Shikotsumyaku, it’s not very effective. But in the shinobi world, there are likely less than a handful who could endure the White Shock Technique. With this alone, you can stand proudly in the shinobi world.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 308: Outbreak*

Kabuto in Sage Mode was a formidable opponent for ordinary ninjas. Even the Five Kage, Jiraiya, or Naruto would find it hard to defeat him easily.

However, for Kimimaro, his abilities were a perfect counter to Kabuto.

Kimimaro was well-versed in the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave, and Kabuto's techniques were ineffective against him. This was the gap between them—a disparity in power that disregarded all techniques.

It's like how even the might of Kotoamatsukami couldn't shake a Six Paths-level warrior. The chasm in strength was so vast it couldn't be bridged by mere dimensions.

After being defeated by Kimimaro, Kabuto obediently followed orders.

With everything ready, Kimimaro turned his attention to Naruto, who was still communicating with Kurama.

Within the crystal prison, Naruto’s body was half in Sage Mode and half in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, a seemingly balanced fusion. Most likely, Naruto was locked in another battle with Kurama.

The bond between a Jinchūriki and their Tailed Beast was often forged through combat, so Kimimaro wasn't surprised. While Kurama could once easily dominate Naruto, things were different now. Naruto's strength and combat skills had advanced significantly.

Even so, taming Kurama wouldn't be an easy feat.

"It seems this won’t be resolved anytime soon. No matter, there's no rush," Kimimaro murmured as he left the hall.

He had a good grasp of what the Five Great Shinobi Villages were planning and had an idea of Nagato’s intentions. All that remained was to wait for the war to erupt.

And the next day, the Fourth Great Ninja War began in full force.

Gaara took the lead as commander, spearheading the First Division. The Second Division was led by Kakashi, the Third by Darui from the Hidden Cloud, the Fourth by Zabuza and Haku from the Hidden Mist, and the Fifth by Kitsuchi from the Hidden Stone.

Each village led their own units, reflecting their lack of unity. Cooperation between villages wasn't something that could be achieved overnight. Rather than force a collaboration, it was more effective to fight alongside familiar comrades.

Would all 80,000 ninja soldiers from the Five Great Shinobi Villages really set aside their grudges after one of Gaara’s speeches? It was overly idealistic.

Among the ninja forces, there were bound to be individuals driven by vengeance. Could they truly trust their former enemies to watch their backs?

If ninja were so virtuous, the ninja world wouldn't have suffered endless wars. Despite the united front, mistrust lingered beneath the surface.

While the Five Great Villages mobilized their entire forces, the Hidden Rain Village wasn’t idle either.

A massive army of 100,000 White Zetsu set off for the battlefield. But these were just appetizers; the true centerpiece was Orochimaru’s Edo Tensei army.

In a hidden location within the Hidden Rain Village, Nagato and Orochimaru were deep in conversation.

“Are you ready, Orochimaru?” Nagato asked coldly.

“Everything is prepared. With just one command, I will summon the Edo Tensei army,” Orochimaru replied with a smile.

“Now is the perfect time. Do it.”

“Very well.”

With no hesitation, Orochimaru clasped his hands together, activating the long-prepared Edo Tensei.

“Edo Tensei!”

Countless coffins emerged from the ground, densely packed and overwhelming. The sight was nothing short of spectacular.

Nagato’s pupils contracted, though he remained composed. Soon, one by one, the coffins opened, revealing the resurrected shinobi inside.

Second Tsuchikage, Second Mizukage, Fourth Mizukage, Third Raikage, Third Kazekage, Fourth Kazekage, and even Second Kazekage—no fewer than a dozen Kage-level figures emerged.

Besides them, there were elite ninjas like the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, numbering over thirty. The scale of Orochimaru’s efforts was evident; he had defiled countless graves to assemble this force.

“You’ve gathered quite the crowd,” Nagato remarked.

“Heh, years of effort. Even so, some bodies eluded me. Otherwise, the numbers could’ve doubled,” Orochimaru replied smugly. Notably, he had failed to locate the Third Mizukage’s body.

Nagato’s gaze settled on three unopened coffins near Orochimaru. “Why are these three still sealed?”

“These three pose unique risks. If resurrected, I might lose control over them, so I’ve kept their restrictions in place,” Orochimaru explained.

“Who are they?” Nagato asked, intrigued.

“The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju—the creator of Edo Tensei. He likely knows how to counter the technique, so it’s risky to let him regain consciousness.”

“The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju—the so-called God of Shinobi. I used White Zetsu bodies for his resurrection, granting him about 90% of his original power. If he awakens, he could eliminate me instantly.”

“And the last one—Madara Uchiha, Hashirama’s equal. Though he might aid us, he’s best kept as a last resort, given his uncontrollable nature.”

Orochimaru introduced each one with caution, their danger evident.

“Indeed, three potent tools,” Nagato mused, his eyes lingering on Madara’s coffin.

If Kimimaro’s words were true, the man inside had shaped Nagato’s entire life. Standing so close to him now stirred mixed emotions. Without Madara, Nagato might have led a simple, happy life with his parents.

But such musings were futile. Reality demanded he carry forward his vision and fight for it.

“These three will remain sealed for now. The others can be unleashed. Many among them harbor deep hatred for the Five Great Villages. Even without our control, they’ll seek their revenge,” Nagato declared.

---

"I’ve already arranged everything. Some people need to be controlled, but others don’t. Over the years, many strong individuals have perished in the schemes of the rulers of their own villages. The Uchiha are the best example of this."

As Orochimaru spoke, a trace of mockery flickered in his eyes.

"Speaking of the Uchiha, do we have any news about Sasuke or the masked man? Those two are slippery."

Nagato sneered.

"Not yet. When it comes to gathering intelligence, I’m no match for Zetsu."

"That guy’s run off too. It seems he values the masked man more than me. Maybe he even helped the masked man escape. Who would’ve thought that someone who seemed so weak actually had such abilities?"

"Should we be concerned about them?"

Orochimaru asked.

"No need. Without the Gedo Statue, they’re just clowns. As long as the Gedo Statue is under my control, they pose no threat to me."

Nagato clearly didn’t care much about Obito, Sasuke, or Zetsu. He now possessed the strength to look down on them.

"Fair enough. This is the time for great endeavors, not a moment to pause for these three."

"Alright, go take care of what needs to be done. The Edo Tensei army combined with the 100,000 White Zetsu army should be enough to trouble the Five Great Shinobi Villages for a while."

"Understood."

Orochimaru stepped back, taking dozens of coffins with him.

The Edo Tensei army was now unleashed.

---

In the original story, the supposedly formidable Edo Tensei and White Zetsu armies failed to claim a single named shinobi’s life, which was utterly bizarre. Despite appearing evenly matched, the battle turned one-sided, which doesn’t quite make sense.

The White Zetsu army and Edo Tensei army weren’t that weak.

The war had begun, and the clashes were imminent.

The five battle units faced off against the White Zetsu and Edo Tensei armies in five different locations.

The slaughter began!

"Edo Tensei? And so many powerful individuals... What has Orochimaru done?"

Kakashi looked grim as he faced the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and 20,000 White Zetsu.

His unit might not even have half its members left after this battle.

But with the enemy right before them, retreat was not an option.

"Everyone, follow me into battle!"

Kakashi shouted, and the Konoha shinobi responded in unison.

The Copy Ninja Kakashi held unparalleled prestige among Konoha’s younger generation.

The group charged, engaging the White Zetsu and Edo Tensei armies.

Neji activated his Byakugan, taking in the enemies before him.

"This is the first battle since the Hyuga clan abolished the branch family system. It must be a resounding victory. And if I want to become the next Hyuga clan leader, I need achievements. This battle must be won and won brilliantly."

Neji made up his mind instantly.

"Curse Mark of Void—activate!"

Neji’s appearance changed drastically. Bone-like masks covered his face, and his aura became terrifying.

"Neji-niisan?"

Hinata, standing nearby, looked shocked.

Tenten and Lee were equally astonished.

"Neji, what’s this?"

Tenten asked in surprise.

"Using my strongest power for a swift victory will minimize casualties. Let’s begin!"

Without further explanation, Neji dove into the White Zetsu army.

His palms became deadly weapons, killing with every strike.

He was finally slowed down when an Edo Tensei shinobi intercepted him.

Even so, Neji quickly immobilized the undead opponent with his techniques.

"So strong. It seems Neji’s strength has grown even more," Lee said excitedly, his eyes brimming with battle spirit.

For Lee, Neji had always been his greatest rival.

Seeing his rival grow so powerful, Lee was invigorated.

"Fifth Gate, open! Sixth Gate, open!"

Lee activated the Eight Gates, joining the battle.

His body glowed green, and his punches unleashed devastating power.

The White Zetsu were no match, each one falling with a single punch.

In no time, Lee was catching up to Neji’s kill count.

Of course, Neji being tied up by Edo Tensei shinobi contributed to this.

"What’s with these two today? Why are they so excited?"

Tenten couldn’t understand, but seeing her teammates so energized, she didn’t want to fall behind.

"Alright then, I’ll give it my all too. I’ve got a new technique to test—perfect timing. Three Rising Dragons!"

Tenten threw out three scrolls, unleashing a storm of weapons.

Her massacre techniques were now on full display.

"Everyone’s working so hard—I can’t fall behind. This war is for protecting Naruto. I have to contribute too."

Hinata’s gaze turned resolute.

For Naruto’s sake, she was willing to do anything, even take up arms in battle.

Konoha’s new and old generations demonstrated remarkable strength, quickly overpowering the White Zetsu and Edo Tensei forces.

Even so, casualties were inevitable, albeit at a 1:3 ratio—a commendable outcome.

Elsewhere, the other four villages faced their respective enemies, and the chaos of war unfolded.

---

In the Iron Country’s council hall,

Raikage, Tsunade, Onoki, and Jiraiya were gathered.

"Who would’ve thought the Akatsuki would use Edo Tensei on such a massive scale? This is no ordinary jutsu. Tsunade, this is all the Second Hokage’s fault. He never should have developed such an inhumane technique," Onoki said, blaming Tsunade.

"It’s too late for that now. Tobirama developed it to protect the village. Who could’ve known it’d be misused by villains?" Tsunade said, her voice low, though she cursed Orochimaru in her heart.

At a time like this, Orochimaru had to stir up more trouble. Did he think the ninja world wasn’t chaotic enough?

"Hmph. This isn’t the time for such talk. Hokage, find a way to stop Edo Tensei. Otherwise, the ninja alliance’s casualties will keep rising.

Even if we defeat the Akatsuki, the Five Great Nations’ strength will be severely diminished, making it harder to maintain our status."

"Stopping Edo Tensei isn’t easy. First, we must locate Orochimaru, the caster. Otherwise, it’s impossible."

"Then find him!" Raikage growled.

"I’ll handle it," Jiraiya said.

"You can find Orochimaru?"

Onoki looked at Jiraiya skeptically.

"Edo Tensei requires massive chakra to sustain. With Sage Mode’s sensory abilities, I should be able to locate him."

"Alright, leave it to you."

---

End of Chapter.  

*Chapter 309: Schemes*

"Jiraiya, I'll go with you. It's time for the Sannin to settle things once and for all," Tsunade said suddenly.

"Tsunade, you're one of the leaders of the Allied Shinobi Forces. You can't just leave on a whim. I'll go alone. Don't worry—I won't die. Orochimaru may want to kill me, but it's not that easy for him," Jiraiya replied.

"No way. Orochimaru is no longer the same as before. Who knows how many strong allies he has now? If you go alone, it's too dangerous. You're the type who never backs down in a fight, even when it's wiser to retreat. That'll get you killed."

Tsunade was adamant about accompanying Jiraiya.

She knew Jiraiya's nature too well; even if he couldn't defeat Orochimaru, he wouldn't retreat.

She remembered how, during Orochimaru's defection, Jiraiya had been gravely injured.

If not for the remnants of humanity in Orochimaru sparing Jiraiya's life back then, the Toad Sage might not be here today.

Back then, it wasn't that Jiraiya couldn't defeat Orochimaru—he simply couldn't bring himself to.

"This..."

Jiraiya scratched his head, unsure how to reject her.

Raikage, observing their exchange, interjected. "It seems unrealistic to send Jiraiya alone. You two should go together. The Sannin know each other best, and your chances of success are higher together. The sooner you succeed, the sooner we can minimize casualties in the Allied Forces."

"I agree with Raikage," Onoki added.

"Thank you for understanding. Jiraiya, let's go."

"Alright," Jiraiya conceded.

With their plan set, the two immediately departed.

As they watched them leave, Raikage said, "Onoki, do you think they're acting?"

"It doesn't seem like it. But during this war, Konoha's influence looms too large. Their explanations at the Five Kage Summit weren't convincing enough for me to fully trust them," Onoki replied quietly.

"I feel the same. Akatsuki's two main forces—Pain and Orochimaru—have deep ties to Konoha. It's hard not to be suspicious," Raikage said, troubled.

"Indeed, Raikage, our thoughts align. This could very well be Konoha's plan."

"If that's the case, what should we do?"

Raikage looked at Onoki, seeking his insight.

"Heh, haven't you already decided?" Onoki smirked.

"I want to hear your answer."

"My answer? The same as yours. Konoha is too dangerous. Whether this suspicion proves true or not, we can't let them continue unchecked."

Onoki's face darkened with a cold smile.

"Good. It seems our goals are aligned. But we can't bring down Konoha with just our two villages. The Kazekage is aligned with Konoha, and we can't sway him. As for the Mizukage... I doubt we'd succeed there either."

"Then there's no need to involve them. We won't act openly; we'll subtly guide Konoha's forces toward the most dangerous battles," Onoki proposed.

"As expected, you have more experience in such matters," Raikage chuckled, though his tone carried a trace of mockery.

"I'm decades older than you, after all. But what worries me most is whether Uchiha Madara will appear. Orochimaru's Edo Tensei has summoned so many dead. Madara could be among them. If he truly returns, it will be disastrous."

Onoki's face reflected the fear he still felt from his past encounter with Madara.

"Is Madara really as terrifying as the legends say?" Raikage asked, curious.

Onoki smiled bitterly. "Terrifying doesn't even begin to describe it. When Lord Mu and I fought him, we were utterly crushed. Under his Susanoo, we couldn't even counterattack."

"What?!"

Raikage was stunned.

"Though I wasn't as strong back then, Lord Mu was. Yet even he couldn't match Madara. His power was monstrous. And someone equally formidable was Senju Hashirama. Konoha has always been blessed. If they had a warrior like that now, I wouldn't dare oppose them. Even Pain of the Akatsuki doesn't compare to Madara."

Onoki sighed, lost in thought.

Though decades had passed, his fear of Madara remained undiminished.

That man was simply terrifying.

"If Madara is truly resurrected, it would indeed be troublesome. But perhaps we could use him against Konoha," Raikage suggested.

"Hmm? You plan to direct Madara toward Konoha?" Onoki quickly understood.

"Exactly. If such a formidable enemy appears, we can notify nearby Konoha squads. If they refuse to engage, it would reveal their guilt. If they do, they'll suffer significant losses—either way, it's a win."

"Good plan," Onoki agreed.

As they plotted, a sensor squad reported new findings.

"Lord Tsuchikage, Lord Raikage! New Edo Tensei summons have been detected: Second Tsuchikage and Second Mizukage."

The two exchanged a knowing glance and smiled.

An invisible hand was at work, manipulating Konoha's forces.

---

"Kakashi-sensei! We've received orders. Ten kilometers at seven o'clock, two powerful Edo Tensei enemies have been spotted. We're tasked with handling them," a messenger informed Kakashi.

Kakashi, just finishing a grueling battle against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, frowned at the sudden directive.

"This seems odd. Lady Tsunade wouldn't issue such orders lightly. Is manpower really that scarce?"

He scrutinized the messenger. "Did they specify immediate action?"

"No, but they urged haste. Another squad is already engaging the enemy."

"Understood." Kakashi nodded and addressed his team. "Rest for ten minutes, eat soldier pills, and split into two groups. I'll lead the first; Neji will lead the second. We'll rotate resting as we advance."

"Yes, sir!"

Though wary, Kakashi couldn't delay with allied forces in combat. He resolved to move cautiously and maximize his team's recovery before pressing on.

---

Similar orders echoed across the battlefield, targeting Konoha squads most frequently.

While Raikage and Tsuchikage schemed, they dared not act too overtly, wary of exposing their ploy.

---

But now, it’s not yet the time to turn hostile.

As such orders kept being issued, Konoha’s casualty rate continued to rise.

On the medical front, Konoha’s wounded ninja were also increasing.

“This isn’t right. Why is the number of injured from Konoha nearly half of all the wounded? If there are this many injured, then how many have died?”

While treating the wounded, Sakura also began to sense that something was off.

The number of Konoha ninjas she treated kept growing, while those from other villages seemed to decrease.

“Shizune-sensei, something doesn’t feel right. Did Konoha face some kind of formidable enemy? Why are there so many more wounded from Konoha?”

Sakura turned to the equally busy Shizune and asked.

“I don’t know. Intelligence from the frontlines hasn’t reached us yet. But from what we’ve gathered from the wounded, it seems our Konoha ninjas have been primarily fighting against the reanimated elites.”

“What about ninjas from the other villages? Didn’t they encounter any powerful enemies?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe their wounded are being treated by their own medical teams.”

Shizune’s response left Sakura nodding slightly in agreement.

The battlefield changes rapidly; it’s hard to make sense of everything.

Besides, Sakura had never experienced war before. Hearing Shizune’s reasoning, she could only assume it was a normal situation.

However, Kimimaro, observing the war from Las Noches, noticed the oddity.

“Heh, is this the Raikage and Tsuchikage's little scheme? Judging by their constant orders, it seems they’re pushing Konoha’s ninjas into the most dangerous battles.”

Kimimaro let out a cold laugh, showing disdain for the Raikage and Tsuchikage’s tactics.

Even at a time like this, they were trying to manipulate their allies—hardly a display of brilliance.

“Kimimaro-sama, it seems the Five Kage aren’t united after all. At least the Tsuchikage and Raikage still harbor resentment toward Konoha,” Karin commented.

“I think they still suspect Konoha’s ties to the Akatsuki. The Five Kage Summit didn’t dispel their doubts about Konoha. No surprise there—these people are famously paranoid,” Suigetsu scoffed.

“At this rate, Konoha’s losses might end up equaling those of the other four villages combined,” Karin noted grimly. As Las Noches’ intelligence officer, she was well-acquainted with the data.

“Indeed. Lady Tsunade is probably heartbroken. What is she doing? Why hasn’t she stepped in?”

Kimimaro turned to Karin, waiting for an answer.

“According to reports, Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya left the command center to find Lord Orochimaru. They’re likely trying to stop the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu,” Karin explained.

“Their approach is sound. But leaving the command entirely to the Tsuchikage and Raikage isn’t exactly smart. Or rather, they’ve placed their trust in the wrong people.”

Kimimaro chuckled coldly and instructed, “Relay a message to Kabuto to assist Jiraiya and Tsunade. The Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu should end at the appropriate time.”

“Yes!”

Kimimaro wasn’t the only one who noticed the issue—Orochimaru, who controlled the reanimated army, had also figured it out.

“How interesting. Most of those facing the reanimated elites are Konoha’s ninjas. Who’s giving these orders?”

Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden snake-like eyes gleaming coldly.

He could easily discern the malice behind this.

Having experienced the darkness of the ninja world, Orochimaru was far sharper than Tsunade or Jiraiya.

“They’re as naïve as ever,” Orochimaru murmured, his golden serpent-like eyes scanning a certain direction.

He could sense two familiar chakras approaching.

If his senses weren’t mistaken, they belonged to Jiraiya and Tsunade.

“They’re almost here?” Orochimaru mused but then turned in another direction.

He sensed another presence close by, one that shared a strikingly similar chakra signature to his own.

“Kabuto?” Orochimaru muttered.

From underground, Kabuto emerged.

“As expected of you, Lord Orochimaru. You sensed me so quickly,” Kabuto remarked, adjusting his glasses with an unreadable smile.

“I didn’t expect you to successfully integrate my cells and even master Sage Mode. You’ve exceeded my expectations.”

Orochimaru sounded impressed. He’d always valued Kabuto’s personality and intellect but never saw much in his talent—especially compared to those with extraordinary bloodline limits.

But now, Kabuto had grown beyond anyone’s expectations.

“For ordinary folks to become strong, they must undergo transformation,” Orochimaru observed.

“It’s all thanks to your research, Lord Orochimaru,” Kabuto replied humbly.

“Enough with the pleasantries. I assume Kimimaro sent you. Speak quickly—Jiraiya and Tsunade will be here soon. You won’t have time otherwise.”

Kabuto got straight to the point. “Kimimaro-sama sent me to assist Tsunade and Jiraiya in stopping the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu at the right moment.”

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, understanding immediately.

“So, the plan is progressing smoothly. In that case, it’s about time to reveal the trump card.”

Orochimaru formed hand seals, activating the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu!

On a distant battlefield, the forces of Kumogakure and Iwagakure had gathered.

Suddenly, a coffin emerged before them.

“Look! It’s Impure World Reincarnation! The Akatsuki is attacking!”

A veteran Iwagakure ninja quickly noticed the coffin and shouted a warning.

Everyone turned to look.

At that moment, the coffin’s lid creaked open.

Inside stood a man clad in crimson armor.

Uchiha Madara!

He slowly opened his eyes, surveying the unfamiliar ninja world before him.

“Where is this? Not the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu—this is Impure World Reincarnation. It seems there’s been a change in plans.”

“Attack!”

Just as Madara finished muttering, Kumogakure and Iwagakure ninjas launched their assault.

Shuriken and kunai filled the air, raining down on Madara.

“Looks like I’ll need to stretch a bit first.”

---

(End of chapter.)

Chapter 310: Total Annihilation

A flurry of ninja tools filled the sky. For an ordinary shinobi, this would be a death sentence, but for Madara, it was nothing more than an appetizer.

"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"

A massive torrent of crimson flames erupted from Madara's mouth in an instant.

The fiery inferno swallowed all the ninja tools, leaving none unscathed.

The overwhelming power of the Fire Style dissolved every attack effortlessly while launching a counterstrike of terrifying magnitude. Flames rampaged through the allied shinobi forces, engulfing a swath of ninja.

"Ahhh!"

Agonized screams echoed as dozens of shinobi fell simultaneously. Some were burned to nothing more than blackened husks.

"What incredible power. Could this be the legendary Uchiha Madara?"

Darui's expression grew grave as he stared at Madara, sensing a terrifying aura radiating from him.

Even the Raikage himself had never exuded such an oppressive presence.

"Insignificant ants, do you think you’re worthy of challenging me, Uchiha Madara? How laughable. You’re only fit to warm me up," Madara sneered, crossing his arms as he disdainfully gazed at the group.

The earlier display of Fire Style had already instilled fear in the shinobi, making them hesitant to approach.

"What a terrifying opponent, but we cannot retreat! Iwagakure forces, Earth Style!"

Onkitō commanded, and the Iwagakure shinobi immediately activated their Earth Style techniques.

"Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet!"

Dozens of earth dragons emerged from the ground and surged toward Madara in a stunning display of force.

"Interesting," Madara smirked as he unleashed his power again.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Song Technique!"

Four flaming dragon heads erupted forth, appearing small but radiating immense Fire Style power.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

One after another, the fiery dragon heads obliterated ten Earth Dragon Bullets before dissipating.

Despite their ferocious appearance, the dozens of Earth Dragon Bullets were effortlessly neutralized by Madara.

In the next instant, Madara leaped high into the air, landing directly amidst the allied shinobi forces.

The shinobi scattered, too afraid to confront him.

"Let’s see what else you weaklings can do. Come at me together!" Madara mocked coldly.

The shinobi hesitated, glancing at each other, until one Iwagakure ninja finally charged forward, engaging Madara in taijutsu combat.

The rawest and most heated part of any ninja battle—hand-to-hand combat.

Fists and feet clashed, each strike thrown with every ounce of strength.

Punch after punch! Kick after kick!

While the Iwagakure ninja's taijutsu was decent, it was nowhere near enough to faze Madara.

*Smack!*

Madara caught the incoming fist in his hand and murmured, "Is this all you've got?"

With a sharp twist of his wrist, a sickening crack echoed.

*Crack!*

"Ahhh!"

The Iwagakure ninja screamed in pain as Madara flung him aside, his body crashing into several others before coming to a halt.

"Everyone, attack together!"

Seeing this, Darui knew that morale could not be allowed to falter. Otherwise, the battle would devolve into a one-sided slaughter.

"Lightning Style: Black Panther!"

Black lightning surged from Darui, forming a panther that raced toward Madara.

"Oh? This Lightning Style is interesting," Madara remarked as he turned his attention to the attack.

The black lightning was unmistakably striking, but Madara's Sharingan spun, transforming into the pattern of the Rinnegan.

*Absorption Technique!*

Madara extended his hands, absorbing the black lightning panther entirely.

"What?!"

Darui was stunned.

He had expected Madara to counter the technique, but he hadn’t anticipated such an effortless absorption.

Absorbing ninjutsu?

Wasn’t that a Rinnegan ability?

"Does he also have the Rinnegan?"

Though the distance was considerable, Darui’s sharp eyesight clearly discerned the change in Madara's eyes.

No longer the crimson Sharingan, they had transformed into the mysterious Rinnegan.

The aura emanating from him grew even more oppressive.

Things had gone from bad to worse.

"This dull game has gone on long enough. Let’s end it," Madara declared, unleashing his full power.

A one-sided massacre began.

---

Half an hour later, the Allied Shinobi Forces' headquarters received the devastating report.

"Lord Raikage! Lord Tsuchikage! Terrible news! Lord Darui and Lord Onkitō's forces, totaling over ten thousand men, encountered Uchiha Madara resurrected through the Edo Tensei technique. After a fierce battle, the entire force was wiped out. There were no survivors!"

Mabui’s voice trembled as she read the intelligence, her face filled with disbelief.

A battle of ten thousand against one—completely annihilated?

"What about Darui?"

The Raikage demanded anxiously.

"They’re all dead. Not a single one remains."

Mabui continued, her voice heavy with grief.

"Dammit!"

The Raikage roared, smashing a nearby table into splinters in a fit of rage.

Ōnoki’s face was equally grave.

"In just half an hour, he killed over ten thousand people. Uchiha Madara is even more terrifying than I remember. Did the scouting ninja find any unusual traces on the battlefield?"

Ōnoki inquired.

"According to the scouts, many shinobi appeared to have been impaled by what seemed like wooden branches," Mabui reported.

"Branches? Could it be Wood Style? Was the First Hokage also resurrected with Edo Tensei?"

Ōnoki was stunned.

Facing one Uchiha Madara was bad enough. If the First Hokage joined the fray, they would stand no chance.

"There’s no indication of that. It seems Uchiha Madara himself used Wood Style."

"Madara using Wood Style?"

Ōnoki’s disbelief deepened.

When had Uchiha Madara gained the ability to use Wood Style?

That wasn’t just any ordinary technique—it was a kekkei genkai.

Such abilities weren’t something one could acquire after birth.

While artificial kekkei genkai were not unheard of, their success rates were abysmally low and often came with dire consequences.

Someone as proud as Madara would never resort to such methods.

"Ōnoki, the situation has escalated beyond our expectations. Those ten thousand men represented half our fighting force. Losing them has put us at a greater disadvantage than any other village," the Fourth Raikage said solemnly.

"Since Uchiha Madara has appeared, we can’t just stand by and watch. We must gather all of our top combat power to deal with him together," said Ōnoki.

"The Kazekage and Mizukage are easy to coordinate, but the Hokage is currently dealing with Orochimaru, who used the Impure World Reincarnation. I'm afraid we can't reach her," said the Raikage.

"Konoha is not reliant on the Hokage alone. She has many strong subordinates. Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, and Might Guy are all capable of threatening even a Kage. Let them join the fight," Ōnoki replied.

"Agreed."

"And also, inform Konoha’s Jinchūriki—it’s time for him to enter the battlefield. With Uchiha Madara now in play, there’s no point in keeping the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki hidden anymore," Ōnoki added, his gaze growing colder.

"At this moment, regardless of Konoha's motives, we must weaken their strength. We cannot allow Konoha to monopolize the Jinchūriki. This battle will either return the Tailed Beasts to their villages or ensure their complete destruction!"

The great war raged on.

Elsewhere, Orochimaru, who had summoned Uchiha Madara, encountered Jiraiya and Tsunade head-on.

"Orochimaru! So, you’re really here!" Jiraiya shouted upon seeing him.

"Heh heh, Jiraiya, Tsunade—you’ve both arrived," Orochimaru said as he rose slowly, looking at the two.

"Orochimaru, after all these years, not only have you shown no remorse, but your actions have grown more outrageous. Using the Second Hokage’s forbidden jutsu so recklessly—what exactly are you trying to achieve?" Jiraiya demanded.

"What am I trying to achieve? Can't you tell? I’m creating a new order," Orochimaru said with a sly smile.

"All I see is you spreading chaos, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya retorted.

"That’s because your vision is too narrow. Ninja fighting and killing each other—isn't that the natural order of things? Only by carving out a new path can the ninja world change," Orochimaru said, unfazed.

"What kind of reasoning is that? Without your interference, this war wouldn’t have been so difficult!" Jiraiya exclaimed.

"Difficult? No, this is just the beginning. The real challenge is yet to come. Right now, at least, you still have the power to fight. But once the Ten-Tails emerges, you’ll have no chance at all," Orochimaru said with a cold laugh.

"Orochimaru, tell me—what is your plan with Kimimaro?" Tsunade suddenly asked.

Orochimaru's gaze shifted to her, his eyes flickering with thought. Jiraiya looked at her in confusion. "Tsunade, are you saying that Kimimaro and Orochimaru are working together? Haven’t they turned against each other?"

Tsunade shook her head. "From what I know of the two, they wouldn’t turn on each other unless there was an absolute conflict of interest. Their goals are too aligned. And if Kimimaro has such detailed intelligence, it might very well have come from Orochimaru. It makes sense, given Orochimaru’s lifelong obsession with uncovering secrets."

Jiraiya's eyes widened as he realized. "True. Orochimaru, the guy we grew up with, always had a knack for this sort of thing. Come to think of it, Kimimaro and Orochimaru have a lot in common. If not for being certain Kimimaro is from the Kaguya clan, I might’ve thought he was Orochimaru’s illegitimate son."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Given Orochimaru’s nature, I doubt he’d have any interest in that kind of thing."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Tsunade, it seems you’ve grown clever. Yes, Kimimaro and I are indeed working on something—and it’s progressing well."

His candid acknowledgment made Tsunade even more uneasy. Orochimaru’s lack of caution suggested their plan was advancing smoothly, and she doubted it would bode well for them.

"What exactly are you planning?" Tsunade demanded.

"As I said before, we’re creating a new ninja world," Orochimaru replied.

"What kind of new ninja world?" Tsunade pressed.

"Heh."

Orochimaru’s smile gave nothing away.

"Are you trying to destroy the Five Great Ninja Villages?" Tsunade guessed, her voice low.

"Not quite. It’s more about clearing out certain elements first. For instance, right now, the reincarnated Madara is wiping out the ninja from Iwagakure and Kumogakure. Soon, their forces will be completely annihilated."

"What! Orochimaru, stop this madness! You’re only adding to your sins!" Jiraiya shouted.

"Sins? Both of us have countless lives on our hands—what’s a few more? Besides, do you really think the Raikage and Tsuchikage genuinely intend to ally with you? Away from their command posts, you have no idea what’s happening on the front lines. Those two have been sending Konoha’s forces to the most dangerous battlefields. The casualties among Konoha ninja have exceeded 30%."

Orochimaru's sneer deepened.

Jiraiya and Tsunade froze, then became enraged. They hadn’t expected that even at this critical juncture, the Five Kage would still be mired in distrust and treachery. Despite their collaboration during the Infinite Tsukuyomi, it seemed old grudges persisted.

Tsunade felt a surge of disillusionment. Jiraiya’s dream of a world of mutual understanding seemed increasingly out of reach—a child’s fantasy, unattainable in reality.

A world where everyone shares the same ideals? Impossible. People couldn’t even agree on food preferences, let alone a unified ideology. Even peace wasn’t universally desired.

Noticing their despondent expressions, Orochimaru continued, "If you’re counting on the Five Kage to unite against Pain and the Ten-Tails, you’re mistaken. Besides, they aren’t the final enemies. Against overwhelming power, none of this matters.

"What Kimimaro and I are doing is eliminating these destabilizing elements and bringing everything into a framework of peace."

"You, promoting peace? That’s hard to believe," Jiraiya said, astonished.

"Heh, to be honest, I’m not particularly interested in peace. That’s Kimimaro’s vision. I just find it fascinating," Orochimaru replied with a smirk.

"Your methods are too extreme. I can’t agree with them," Tsunade said firmly.

"Your agreement is irrelevant. The wheels are already in motion, and your power won’t stop them. The upcoming battlefield won’t belong to us—it will belong to the truly powerful. That’s the battlefield Kimimaro has been waiting for."

"Who is this 'true enemy' you keep mentioning?" Tsunade asked.

"You’ll find out soon enough. For now, just stay here and wait. In ten minutes, I’ll release the Impure World Reincarnation. So, there’s no need for you to fight me," Orochimaru said before sitting down, showing no intention of engaging.

"Releasing the jutsu in ten minutes?" Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged glances and decided against attacking. Orochimaru had no reason to lie, and they couldn’t be certain of defeating him in such a short time. Instead, they chose to extract as much information as possible.

(Chapter ends.)