"I finally found you, Orochimaru."
Within the Land of Hot Water, Orochimaru was on his way to another one of his strongholds when suddenly the ground before him began to undulate.
The next moment, White Zetsu's figure slowly appeared before him.
"Oh, it's you."
Orochimaru didn't seem too surprised, he merely chuckled.
"Our cooperation has ended, so why are you still looking for me?"
"In some sense, the cooperation has indeed ended, but given the current situation, do you really think we're done?"
Black Zetsu looked at Orochimaru, shook his head, and spoke, though he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Tracking Orochimaru had taken a lot of his energy, but thankfully, he had finally found him.
"According to the intelligence I've gathered, Kirigakure and Iwagakure have allied with Konoha, and Sunagakure has surrendered. We're currently wanted by more than half of the Ninja World."
"So what? Haven't we always been wanted?"
Orochimaru didn't seem to care. He licked his lips and smiled, but Black Zetsu calmly shook his head.
"But this time, the situation is different. You should understand that they won't let us go, and they certainly won't let you go, Orochimaru."
If I didn't understand, would I have let you find me?
Orochimaru didn't speak. He was confident he could avoid being found if he truly wished to.
But this time, he knew the problem was serious.
Especially after learning of Konoha's alliance with Kirigakure and Iwagakure, he instantly realized his situation would be extremely dire.
After all, he had used Edo Tensei. If it were just Konoha, or if he had won, then there wouldn't be too much trouble.
But having lost so miserably, the situation was different.
Konoha might try to save face and not use Edo Tensei, but who would believe him?
Especially since he didn't even believe himself.
"But you didn't follow the agreement either, leaving me to face Takemi alone. Wasn't that a bit too much?"
Orochimaru didn't dwell on the issue, he asked softly in return.
"That brat has already developed Ice Release and Dust Release, plus Flying Thunder God, Sage Mode, and Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Are you sure you weren't trying to harm me?"
"Takemi is indeed extraordinary. We've lost to him many times as well."
Black Zetsu found it a bit hard to admit but still spoke.
"Moreover, it's not that we didn't want to send reinforcements. We encountered an extremely troublesome individual, and even lost quite a few people."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. He had indeed sensed the great battle outside Konoha, but he wasn't clear on the specifics.
"Who could it be, to cause such a situation?"
"You'll know about this later. For now, let's discuss your problem."
Black Zetsu kept him in suspense, he didn't want to discuss that matter now.
"We need you, and you also need us. Just like in the past, and we'll continue to operate as partners. This is good for both of us."
"Tell me the concrete plan. I don't want to hear vague talk."
"With the protection of Amegakure, we can all be very safe. Beyond that, we can try more things. What do you think of Kumogakure?"
"You plan to cooperate with Kumogakure to resist the invasion of the three villages?"
"No, we're not that foolish. We plan to approach them after they've lost."
Black Zetsu spoke indifferently, and Orochimaru nodded as well. Approaching them after they lose is indeed the most logical choice.
"Kumogakure dominates the north, separated from Iwagakure and Kirigakure by the sea, and with the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost as buffers from Konoha, it would be an excellent hiding place."
Seeing that Orochimaru didn't object, Black Zetsu continued, "Moreover, they are filled with hatred and would likely be willing to cooperate with us. This makes us safer, and you'll have more space for experimentation, especially with Edo Tensei…"
"So, what you're really interested in is Edo Tensei, huh."
Orochimaru licked his lips. He wasn't surprised by this outcome.
"Indeed, whether it's you or Kumogakure, you probably all covet that jutsu, especially after they lose. But this bargaining chip doesn't move me."
"I heard you have a child who's experiencing serious problems."
Black Zetsu glanced at Orochimaru, pondered for a moment, then spoke softly.
"Perhaps I can help you solve it."
"Kimimaro?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, but Black Zetsu remained very calm.
"That's right, that child is unusual. I can think of a good solution, and I also hope you'll show some sincerity, as we are both in great danger right now."
"Sincerity, you say?" Orochimaru chuckled.
He knew this matter was essentially settled, and as for sincerity…
"I've indeed thought of a good show of sincerity. What do you think?"
As he spoke, Orochimaru formed hand seals, which made Black Zetsu raise an eyebrow, immediately preparing to abandon White Zetsu and hide within the earth.
However, he soon realized that Orochimaru didn't seem to be attacking. He saw him place his hands on the ground, and a summoning array immediately appeared.
"First Hokage and Second Hokage. I think this sincerity is enough, isn't it?"
Smoke swirled, and Orochimaru's voice rang out. Hearing these words, Black Zetsu nodded slightly.
First Hokage and Second Hokage—this was no ordinary show of sincerity.
However, as the smoke dissipated, a look of confusion appeared on his face.
Because he didn't see any figures!
And the smile on Orochimaru's face also slowly froze at that moment.
The two of them stared at each other, speechless, and for a moment, the atmosphere seemed to solidify.
In the Anbu prison in Konoha, Tobirama snorted coldly after listening to Hiruzen's explanation.
"Hmph, I didn't expect so much to happen to Konoha after my death, and for my jutsu to be abused."
"So, the purpose of summoning us is to prevent that Orochimaru from getting ahead of you, and at the same time, to have me help you with research, is that it?"
"That's right, sensei." Hiruzen nodded.
Although he had only explained recent events, it was no surprise that his sensei could guess everything.
"Orochimaru is my disciple. I know him well. He will definitely do that."
"Hmph, how did Konoha become like this?"
Tobirama hadn't expected to encounter such a situation right after being resurrected.
A joint Chunin Exams, Sunagakure and Kumogakure colluding with Konoha rogue ninja to cause trouble, and even involving Edo Tensei.
And in the end, it even led to his own reanimation. This kind of thing truly annoyed him.
However, as he pondered, he couldn't help but glance at Takemi. He found that the Chakra within this young man was incredibly powerful.
Although he hadn't recovered to his peak, or even half of his strength from when he was alive, his sensory abilities were still intact.
"I've told you countless times, Tobirama, that you're bound to cause trouble by constantly researching recklessly."
Hashirama shook his head, but his attention wasn't overly focused on this.
He was more curious, observing everyone, especially Takemi.
After a while, he suddenly laughed heartily and said, "Time passes so quickly. Monkey, you've grown old, and Tsunade has grown up. But why are you still the Third Hokage, Monkey?"
"Hey, is this the time to be discussing that? Can you be serious?"
Looking at his older brother's demeanor, Tobirama felt his scalp tingle.
"Also, if it weren't for my jutsu, would we be awake now?"
"I'd rather not be awake."
"You shut up! We're discussing the village's matters now."
"If it weren't for you, would we be in so much trouble now?"
"…"
Watching Hashirama and Tobirama bickering, Hiruzen and the others lowered their heads, not daring to speak, and Tsunade also had a helpless expression.
Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Guy were all wide-eyed and dumbfounded, as if they had never expected the First Hokage and Second Hokage to be like this.
Only Takemi looked on with amusement, none of this was unfamiliar to him.
The First Hokage, just as he remembered him.
(End of Chapter)
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