The spectators began collapsing in waves, succumbing to unconsciousness. The entire battlefield descended into chaos as shinobi clashed against one another in a frenzied melee.
No one knew how Orochimaru had managed to smuggle in so many enemies.
Boom!
An explosion erupted from the eastern part of the village, and the silhouette of a massive serpent emerged from the smoke.
Four Violet Flames Formation ×4.
A dense purple barrier flared to life, sealing off the battlefield, trapping only two figures within.
"Do you like it, Sensei? This is my gift to you." Orochimaru tore off half of his face, revealing an eerie grin beneath.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, eyes closed, radiated an aura of profound sorrow.
"Orochimaru... I should have killed you back then. But it's not too late."
Orochimaru leaped back just as the ground beneath Hiruzen crumbled.
"Sensei, is this how you treat the daimyo? ...Aren't you curious about his whereabouts?"
On the rooftop, Sarutobi Hiruzen revealed himself, shrugging off his Hokage robe.
"The Anbu will pry the answers from you," he declared, forming rapid hand seals.
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!
Orochimaru's legs slowly sank into the softening earth, yet his expression remained eerily amused.
"It seems Sensei is in quite a hurry. Not even a moment for reminiscing? No matter... I still brought you a present."
Biting his thumb, he smeared blood across a scroll and released its seal. With a muffled detonation, three lifeless bodies tumbled onto the battlefield.
The corpses belonged to the Fire Daimyo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura. Their once-dignified faces were now twisted and unrecognizable, drained of all vitality.
"Orochimaru!" A roar of pure grief and rage erupted from Hiruzen.
All composure shattered, his elderly face flushed crimson as his eyes widened with fury.
As he charged toward Orochimaru, his hands blurred through a sequence of seals.
Orochimaru watched with unrestrained glee, slicing a shallow line across his own cheek with a long, slender finger. His entire body quivered with exhilaration, his lips stretching into an ever-widening smile.
Danzo, observing from afar, was equally intrigued.
Orochimaru was clearly pushing Hiruzen into a desperate battle.
Elsewhere on the battlefield, the fights unfolding were no less absurd. An elite Anbu and a mere invading Chunin were locked in an even battle—how was that possible?
And then there was Shisui and Hiashi... Instead of rallying their clans to support the village, they had opted to stay behind and fight personally, as if piloting giant mechas.
Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, numerous shinobi stood watching. Yet none attempted to break the barrier to assist.
Where was the sealing team?
Why was Kakashi restraining Might Guy? And why were they both heading east? The Hokage was right here!
And what about the Ino-Shika-Cho trio?
Danzo scanned the battlefield—nowhere in sight.
Tch.
It seemed everyone was playing their own part in this charade.
...
Inside the Barrier
Hiruzen found himself struggling. Despite his experience, he had gained no advantage in the battle. His breath came in heavy, labored gasps.
"Sensei, it seems you've truly aged."
"Even if I die today, I will eliminate you, Orochimaru!" Hiruzen roared, slamming his palm to the ground.
A burst of white smoke erupted as a massive figure emerged.
"What's wrong, Hiruzen? …Orochimaru. I told you we should have finished him off back then," Enma growled, his sharp eyes locking onto the rogue shinobi.
"Enough talk. Prepare for battle."
The Third Hokage's gaze never wavered from his former student, yet deep inside, a bitter chill crept into his heart.
From within the barrier, he could still see the outside world.
And yet… no one was coming to save him.
Even Kakashi had left. Hiruzen had placed so much trust in him, even considering him as the Fifth Hokage.
"Are you wondering about the shinobi and clan leaders outside, Sensei?" Orochimaru sneered. "Wondering why no one is coming to your aid?"
He spread his arms wide, his face alight with manic delight.
"Because they're waiting for you to die. Only with your death can Konoha be set on the right path. This is the will of the entire village."
Hiruzen remained silent.
"Only I am willing to hold a funeral for you, to end your era of decay."
Orochimaru's words dripped with mockery, but Hiruzen's resolve only hardened.
"You are a danger to Konoha. Even if it costs me my life, I will put an end to you."
At those words, something flickered in Orochimaru's expression. Just for a moment.
"Hmph. Just as Danzo said, you've been consumed by power. Lying even to yourself." Orochimaru's lips curled into a smirk. "Let me send you off properly, Sensei."
Edo Tensei!
Three wooden coffins rose from the ground, each etched with a kanji: "One," "Two," and "White."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he launched a Great Fireball Technique at the caskets, but the flames dissipated harmlessly.
The coffin lids creaked open.
"First Hokage."
"Second Hokage."
"White Fang."
As sealing formulas activated, awareness returned to the reanimated shinobi.
Hashirama's eyes opened slowly.
"Edo Tensei...? I told you, don't use this technique—Wait. Tobirama? You too?"
"Not my doing," Tobirama muttered, arms crossed. "But I must say, the technique has been perfected."
"Third Hokage... and Orochimaru?" Sakumo Hatake stepped forward, confusion evident on his face.
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "As much as I'd love to give you time to catch up, I'm afraid I must cut this reunion short."
With a hand seal, the three resurrected warriors' expressions dulled, their eyes turning vacant as they lunged at Hiruzen.
Hiruzen barely dodged as thick roots erupted from the ground, attempting to ensnare him.
"Orochimaru! Defiling the dead is unforgivable!" he bellowed.
"Then tell them, not me," Orochimaru replied, his laughter ringing out as the battlefield was suddenly engulfed in darkness.
Even Danzo, watching from outside, felt his vision dim.
Only the sounds of the fierce battle remained, echoing through the suffocating void.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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