“Finally found you, Orochimaru.”
Within the borders of the Land of Hot Water, as Orochimaru was on his way to another of his hideouts, the ground before him suddenly heaved.
The next moment, Black Zetsu’s figure slowly emerged in front of him.
“So it’s you, pitcher plant.”
Orochimaru didn’t look particularly surprised. He only let out a soft chuckle.
“Our cooperation already ended, didn’t it? Why are you here looking for me again?”
“In a certain sense, yes, our cooperation is over. But given the current situation, do you really think it’s truly finished?”
Black Zetsu shook his head as he spoke, though inwardly he let out a breath of relief.
Tracking Orochimaru had cost him no small amount of effort. At least now, he had finally found him.
“According to the intel I’ve gathered, Kirigakure and Iwagakure have already allied with Konohagakure, and Sunagakure has surrendered. Right now, we’re wanted across more than half the shinobi world.”
“And what of it? Haven’t we always been wanted?”
Orochimaru seemed utterly unconcerned. He licked his lips and smiled, but Black Zetsu only shook his head calmly.
“This time it’s different. You should know they won’t let us go. More than that, they won’t let you go, Orochimaru!”
'If I didn’t know that, would I have let you find me?'
Orochimaru didn’t voice it, but the thought lingered. If he truly wished not to be found, he had some confidence in his ability to disappear.
But this time, he knew the problem was serious.
Especially after learning that Konoha had allied with both Kirigakure and Iwagakure, he immediately realized just how grim his situation had become.
After all, he had used Impure World Reincarnation.
If only Konoha had won, or if things had ended differently, the trouble wouldn’t be too great.
But losing so miserably—now that was another matter altogether.
Perhaps Konoha could maintain its pride and refuse to use Impure World Reincarnation. But who would believe that he wouldn’t?
Even he didn’t believe it himself.
“But you didn’t keep to our agreement either. Leaving me alone to face Kitagawa Gen—don’t you think that was going too far?”
Orochimaru didn’t dwell on the matter. His low voice carried a pointed rebuke.
“That brat has already mastered Ice Release and Dust Release, on top of Flying Thunder God, Sage Arts, and the Lightning Release: Chakra Mode. Are you sure you weren’t trying to get me killed?”
“Kitagawa Gen truly is extraordinary. We’ve lost to him more than once ourselves.”
Black Zetsu found it hard to admit, but still said it.
“And it wasn’t that we didn’t want to reinforce you—we ran into some extremely troublesome opponents of our own. Quite a few of us even died.”
“Oh?”
Orochimaru arched a brow. He had indeed sensed a great battle outside Konoha, but the details had been unclear.
“What sort of people could cause that?”
“You’ll know in time. For now, let’s focus on your situation.”
Black Zetsu deliberately left it hanging, unwilling to discuss the matter now.
“We need you, just as you need us. Same as before—we’ll continue cooperating. It benefits us both.”
“Then spell out the actual plan. I don’t care for empty words.”
“With Amegakure’s protection, we’ll be safe enough. Beyond that, we can attempt more. What do you think of Kumogakure?”
“You mean to say you want to work with Kumogakure—to resist the three-village alliance under Konoha?”
“No, we’re not that foolish. We intend to approach them only after they’ve lost.”
Black Zetsu spoke flatly. Orochimaru merely nodded—waiting until they lost was indeed the most logical choice.
“Kumogakure sits firmly in the north, separated from Iwagakure and Kirigakure by the sea, with Konohagakure, the Land of Hot Water, and the Land of Frost serving as buffers. It would make an excellent place to hide.”
Seeing no objection from Orochimaru, Black Zetsu went on.
“Besides, they’re filled with hatred. They’d likely be willing to work with us. That way, we’ll be safer, and you’ll have more freedom for your experiments—especially with Impure World Reincarnation.”
“So, what you’re truly after is Impure World Reincarnation, isn’t it?”
Orochimaru licked his lips. The conclusion didn’t surprise him in the least.
“Of course. Whether it’s you or Kumogakure, all of you must be coveting this technique—especially once they’ve suffered defeat. But such a bargaining chip doesn’t sway me.”
“I’ve heard,” Black Zetsu said, casting him a glance before speaking in a low, deliberate tone, “that one of the children under your care has developed a severe problem. Perhaps I could help resolve it.”
“Kimimaro?”
Orochimaru raised a brow, but Black Zetsu remained calm.
“That’s right. That child is no ordinary one. I can consider a way to deal with his condition. In return, I’d like to see some sincerity from you as well—after all, both of us are in great danger right now.”
“Sincerity, is it?”
Orochimaru laughed softly. He knew the matter was essentially settled. And speaking of sincerity—
“I do have something in mind that might suffice. I wonder what you’ll think of it.”
As he spoke, Orochimaru’s hands formed seals. Black Zetsu’s brow furrowed at once, preparing to abandon White Zetsu and sink into the earth if need be.
But soon he realized Orochimaru wasn’t launching an attack. Instead, the Sannin pressed both hands to the ground, and a summoning array flared to life.
“The First Hokage and the Second Hokage—I trust that’s enough sincerity for you?”
Smoke coiled upward as Orochimaru’s voice rang out. Hearing this, Black Zetsu gave a faint nod.
The First and Second Hokage—such sincerity was anything but small.
Yet as the smoke cleared, confusion crept across his face.
There was no one standing there.
At that very moment, the smile on Orochimaru’s lips slowly stiffened.
The two of them stared at each other in silence, eyes locked, the air itself seeming to freeze.
...
“Hmph. To think so much happened in Konoha after my death… and my technique has been so wantonly misused.”
Within Konoha, inside the Anbu prison, Senju Tobirama gave a cold snort after hearing Hiruzen’s account.
“So, the reason you summoned us was to prevent Orochimaru from beating you to it—and at the same time, to have me assist in your research?”
“That’s right, sensei.”
Hiruzen nodded. Though he had only recounted the recent events, it wasn’t surprising that his sensei had pieced together the rest.
“Orochimaru was my disciple. I know him well. This is exactly what he would do.”
“Hmph. What has Konoha turned into…”
Even Senju Tobirama hadn’t expected that the very moment of his revival would confront him with such circumstances.
A joint Chūnin Exam, Sunagakure and Kumogakure colluding with Konoha’s rogue shinobi, and even the use of Impure World Reincarnation.
In the end, they had awakened him after all—and that alone left him deeply displeased.
Yet as he mulled it over, his gaze inevitably drifted toward Kitagawa Gen.
He discovered that this boy’s chakra was unbelievably strong.
Though he himself had not regained his peak—not even half the strength he had wielded in life—his perception was still sharp.
“I’ve told you countless times before, Tobirama—your constant reckless research was bound to cause trouble.”
Senju Hashirama shook his head helplessly, though his attention didn’t linger on the matter.
Instead, he busied himself curiously studying the people around him—especially Kitagawa Gen. After a long while, he suddenly burst out with hearty laughter.
“Time really does fly. Monkey, you’ve gotten old, Tsunade’s grown up too… But why are you still the Third Hokage, Monkey?”
“Hey, is this really the time for that? Can’t you be serious for once?”
Watching his elder brother carry on like this made Senju Tobirama’s scalp tingle with frustration.
“And besides, if not for my technique, would we even be awake right now?”
“I’d rather not be awake at all.”
“Shut up already! We’re supposed to be discussing the village’s affairs!”
“If not for you, we wouldn’t be in this mess to begin with!”
“…”
As Hashirama and Tobirama bickered, Hiruzen and the others kept their heads down, not daring to interrupt. Tsunade could only look on helplessly.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Guy all wore stunned expressions, as though they had never imagined the First and Second Hokage would act like this.
Only Kitagawa Gen watched with a look of amusement—as if the scene was entirely familiar to him.
The First Hokage… was exactly as he remembered.
“All right, enough nonsense. Let’s focus on the important matters.”
Driven to irritation by his elder brother’s chatter, Tobirama finally cut him off. He rubbed his brow, then spoke in a low voice.
“I’ll thoroughly research Impure World Reincarnation. But before that, all of you must make the necessary preparations. Aside from securing materials, you also need to decide how to handle things outside.
“This incident may have caused serious trouble, but for Konoha it is also an opportunity. With the three great villages allying and Sunagakure surrendering, Konoha can seize even greater benefits.”
At those words, everyone present—save Hashirama—nodded in agreement. Though on the surface it looked as if Konoha had suffered misfortune, everything had already shifted dramatically once Kitagawa Gen, by his own strength alone, had slain two Kage.
“I don’t think Sunagakure should be left to its own devices. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Tobirama’s gaze grew sharp, his voice cold.
“Their Kage—we should find a way to control that position.”
“Hiss—”
Everyone present drew in a sharp breath. Why did those words sound so familiar?
“Manpower, strength, and resources. We’ll help them choose a suitable Kage.”
“…But to avoid suffering too many losses ourselves, let’s have them find a solution on their own. Are the daimyō still the ones providing resources?”
“Yes.”
“Hmph. Then let them figure out a way to change daimyō!”
“…”
“With them serving as the example, they can shoulder the infamy. That way, the other daimyō will be properly intimidated and stop trying to trip us up!”
“…”
“And one more thing—have them deliver the remains of their strongest shinobi to us. That way, that Orochimaru fellow won’t be able to use Impure World Reincarnation on them, and we’ll also gain some leverage.”
“…”
At those words, the room fell silent. Senju Hashirama covered his face, unwilling to say a word.
On Hiruzen’s side, however, everyone couldn’t help glancing at Kitagawa Gen. Gen rubbed his chin and nodded, as if he very much approved of the plan.
“What’s with those looks?”
Tobirama had noticed the atmosphere. He frowned in puzzlement.
“Granduncle…”
Tsunade finally couldn’t hold back her question, looking at him with confusion.
“Do you… have descendants?”
“Wouldn’t you know whether I do or not?”
Tobirama’s face darkened. He had no idea what Tsunade was getting at, until Hiruzen pointed at Kitagawa Gen.
“Sensei, your plan… it’s exactly the same as Gen’s.”
“?”
Tobirama froze, then turned his gaze toward the boy Hiruzen was indicating.
Not just him—even Hashirama looked over in shock.
“And, sensei, it was also Gen who first perceived Orochimaru’s ambition and proposed using Impure World Reincarnation before he did.”
Mitokado Homura nodded at this, and Utatane Koharu added quickly: “Moreover, both the Fourth Kazekage and the Fourth Raikage were killed by Gen.”
“That capable?”
Hashirama and Tobirama both found it hard to believe. To have achieved so much at such a young age…
“So then, what else do you have in mind?”
After a moment’s thought, Tobirama walked over, curiosity in his eyes.
“I want to hear your views. Any ideas or opinions—you may speak.”
“I actually had another proposal, but the Third Hokage never gave me a clear answer.”
Gen stroked his chin, glanced at Hiruzen, then spoke.
“My suggestion is that we make proper use of the village’s death row prisoners.”
“?”
“Simply executing them is far too easy on them. Instead, why not use Impure World Reincarnation, and let them atone in that way?”
“…”
“After all, Impure World Reincarnation costs nothing. They don’t eat, don’t drink, don’t rest. The perfect labor force, isn’t it?”
“…”
“What do you think, Second Hokage-sama?”
“…”
Tobirama didn’t answer. He stood there in silence, deep in thought. But in his mind, a single notion emerged:
This boy is actually so much like me? Even harsher than I am?
On the other side, Hashirama seized Hiruzen by the arm and pulled him aside, his expression grave.
“Monkey…”
“First Hokage, please speak.”
“After my death… Konoha’s education turned out like this?”
“…”
“Is this… truly a good thing?”
“…”
---
I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> /TitoVillar
---