Chapter 363: Madara—My Brother and Father Are in His Hands!
The forest echoed with continuous explosions, one after another.
Stretching across several kilometers, every corner of the battlefield was engulfed in intense combat!
Black poisonous insects and deadly toxic mist had silently taken over parts of the battlefield. Any ninja who came into contact with them collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony for a few moments before succumbing to silence.
"It's Aburame Shikuro's venomous insects and Hanzo the Salamander's poison mist!"
At the rear command post, upon hearing a ninja's report, Shikaku frowned deeply and immediately ordered Konoha's shinobi to retrieve records from the Second Great Ninja War.
The Second Great Ninja War had been instigated by the Land of Rain. To counter Hanzo, who was at the height of his power, Konoha had extensively studied his abilities.
Tsunade had played a significant role in this.
The fact that the legendary Sannin had fought Hanzo to the point of exhaustion before losing was in no small part thanks to the antidote she developed.
Though it didn't completely neutralize Hanzo's poison, it could at least delay its effects for a long time.
After finalizing a strategy to deal with Hanzo, Shikaku called for an Aburame clan member.
"Does your clan have a way to counter Shikuro's poisonous insects?"
"Apologies, Shikaku-sama. There's no known countermeasure within our clan. However, if we can obtain samples of his insects, we might be able to breed a strain that can neutralize them."
Shikaku nodded. "Summon all Aburame clan members on the front lines. Start working on a countermeasure immediately."
"Understood!"
As the Aburame ninja withdrew, Shikaku rubbed his temples in exhaustion.
So far, it was nothing but bad news.
They had prepared for this war, but the situation was still catching them off guard.
The era of the Five Great Nations was truly over.
"Shikaku-sama, the Third Hokage has arrived with reinforcements and supplies!"
An hour later, a ninja reported to him.
"Hmm?"
After a brief moment of surprise, Shikaku frowned in confusion. "Reinforcements?"
The Third Hokage was currently in charge of logistics. While he did have some troops under his command, what difference could a small group of reinforcements make?
His doubts didn't last long before he received an explanation.
"Yes, Shikaku-sama. The Third Hokage has brought a cloned army… and members of the Akatsuki."
The reporting ninja looked uneasy.
When he had first seen the Third Hokage standing alongside members of Akatsuki, he had been utterly shocked.
Thankfully, the Third's expression had made it clear that this was not an alliance formed out of camaraderie.
Shikaku's eyes flashed with surprise before a look of realization crossed his face.
"Akatsuki, huh?"
It made sense.
At a time like this, if Akatsuki had remained silent, he would have suspected that Hyuga Fuji had already wiped them out.
But for Akatsuki to come and support them… that was hardly a cause for celebration.
After a moment of contemplation, Shikaku recalled Raikage's suspicious behavior. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Take me to them."
Following the ninja, Shikaku quickly made his way to the Third Hokage's tent, his mind racing.
Akatsuki's involvement was anything but good news.
Raikage held deep grudges against Akatsuki—if the two sides met, they would fight to the death.
And if they didn't confront each other and instead coexisted peacefully…
That would be an even bigger problem.
It would mean Raikage had likely…
Shikaku shook his head slightly, dismissing the thought as he entered the tent.
Inside, he immediately spotted the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Despite his age, Hiruzen still stood tall, draped in his Hokage cloak, his eyes sharp and unwavering.
Beside him stood several figures clad in black robes with red clouds—the members of Akatsuki.
Pain, Konan, and Shinichi stood at the forefront.
"Shikaku."
Hiruzen was the first to speak, his voice carrying a trace of exhaustion.
"They came with proof of Raikage's involvement. The situation is dire. When they arrived at my doorstep, I had no choice but to listen."
Shikaku nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the Akatsuki members, finally settling on Tendo Pain.
"Nagato-dono," he said solemnly. "I never expected we'd meet like this."
Nagato gave a slight nod, his voice low.
"Shikaku-san, Akatsuki and Konoha have many unresolved conflicts. But in the face of a common enemy, perhaps we can set aside our grievances—"
"No need to say more. I understand."
Shikaku sighed, cutting him off.
"Raikage… if you've come to us, it means he's already under your control, isn't he?"
"I refuse to believe he would willingly cooperate with you."
"But at this point, with the Land of Lightning in your hands, there's no turning back for us either… so I won't dwell on it."
Pain's expression remained indifferent as he chuckled.
"You are as pragmatic as ever, Shikaku. Let's hope we can cooperate well—until the Land of Snow falls."
"…"
Shikaku remained expressionless and said nothing.
Understanding his position, the Akatsuki members left for the battlefield, leaving only Hiruzen and Shikaku in the tent.
The two men locked eyes in silence.
A moment later, Hiruzen shook his head with a sigh.
"Since this war will decide everything, it's better that all forces are involved."
"Indeed."
Shikaku gave a small nod, and silence fell over the tent once more.
…
The Third Hokage had brought Akatsuki's reinforcements along with a large supply of resources, including Tsunade's specially formulated antidotes.
Though these antidotes couldn't fully neutralize Hanzo's poison mist, they could at least slow its effects, buying time for the various nations to deal with him.
More importantly, Akatsuki's reinforcements consisted of multiple Kage-level fighters.
With Nagato as the Jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails, his power was beyond overwhelming.
With their support, the command center held against the Land of Snow's assault.
From across the battlefield, Senju Tobirama and Namikaze Minato crossed paths.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes at the newly arrived Tendo Pain.
"He got here fast."
Minato, watching as Tendo Pain moved toward Hanzo, frowned slightly.
Though he had complicated feelings about Akatsuki, he kept his emotions in check. This was war—personal matters had no place here.
His focus shifted back to Tobirama.
"It seems you won't be breaking through this front."
"If it were just me and Hanzo's group, that would be true."
Tobirama didn't deny it. "But you'll only be able to hold the line here. Nothing more."
It was unfortunate.
Madara had insisted on confronting Orochimaru, only to be blocked by his elder brother, Hashirama.
If Madara had been here, even with Tendo Pain present, they wouldn't have been stopped.
Then again, perhaps it was for the best.
Even Tobirama couldn't guarantee that he could keep Madara under control in the middle of battle. If Madara found an opportunity to break free, it would be a disaster.
…
"Madara, why are you here?"
"Hashirama, I should be asking you that. Did Orochimaru actually manage to control you?"
"Orochimaru claimed to have taken over a body that perfectly integrates the Sharingan and my cells. He's not weak. If he truly wanted to control me, it's not impossible."
On a distant cliff, Madara and Hashirama sat facing each other, neither making a move.
"Even if he could control you, it would only be momentary—unless he tampered with the summoning sacrifice, like he did with your brother."
Madara's expression darkened.
"Move aside. I have no interest in fighting you right now. I'm going to kill Orochimaru!"
Hashirama scratched his head, puzzled.
"Why are you so determined to kill him?"
Madara's voice was ice-cold.
"The Edo Tensei shinobi under his control… include my brother and my father."
(End of Chapter)