The instant the barrier shattered, Orochimaru—who had been pressing his attack against the Third Hokage—froze.
His golden eyes narrowed in disbelief as he turned toward Kakashi and the others.
Even for someone as composed as Orochimaru, shock flickered across his face. Impossible. The Four Purple Flame Formation was flawless… how could it have been broken so quietly, without a sound?
Before he could regain his composure, Shigure strode forward, stepping directly into Orochimaru's line of sight.
Behind him, Kakashi, Might Guy, and a squad of Anbu rushed in as well.
This is troublesome, Orochimaru thought grimly. Cold sweat traced down his temple.
And then—
Pchkk!
A kunai pierced straight into Hiruzen's chest.
Senju Tobirama, his expression heavy, withdrew his hand slowly. "Hiruzen… to be distracted in the middle of battle. You've grown old."
The sudden collapse of the barrier had shaken Orochimaru. That moment of hesitation, mirrored by Hiruzen, had been fatal. Against ordinary enemies, it would have meant little—but his opponents were none other than the First and Second Hokage.
The Third's body chilled instantly, blood draining fast.
"Forgive me… Teacher," Hiruzen rasped, his voice weak. "I… was careless."
But apologies meant nothing now. Tobirama pulled the kunai free.
Blood erupted, splattering across his face. Half of Tobirama's features were stained crimson, his expression tightening as he looked down at his fallen successor.
Kakashi and Guy blurred forward, catching the collapsing Third Hokage before he hit the ground.
"Sandaime-sama!"
Both men glared warily at Tobirama, but the Edo Tensei Hokage made no move to strike. His orders had been clear: only attack Hiruzen.
"Quickly—get him medical treatment!"
Guy's voice cut through the air. Kakashi met his eyes, then nodded sharply. Without hesitation, he hoisted the bleeding Hokage onto his back and vanished, sprinting toward Konoha Hospital at full speed.
Guy remained behind, standing tall before the First and Second Hokage.
"My name is Might Guy. I am a Jōnin of Konoha!"
His voice rang with determination, his stance unwavering. He would fight on.
Tobirama studied him, then gave a slow nod. "You show no fear, even before us. I see it in your eyes—you are prepared to lay down your life."
Hashirama's expression softened.
"Good. I'm relieved to know Konoha still has shinobi like you. But Guy… not every sacrifice need be made in vain."
Behind them, Orochimaru's lips twisted into a serpentine grin. His gaze swept over the surrounding Anbu.
"Enough sentimentality. First Hokage, Second Hokage—slaughter them all!"
His voice dripped with venom.
"As Hokage, I grant you this chance… to test the strength of Konoha's next generation."
But in truth, Orochimaru's thoughts were fixed on his old master. Hiruzen wasn't dead yet, and that made Orochimaru uneasy. He had to ensure the Third's death with his own hands.
"You four," he snapped at the Sound-nin, who had recovered from the barrier collapse.
"Hold off these Anbu!"
At that moment, a sudden burst of white smoke hissed up from the ground.
"Everyone—fall back, now!"
Shigure's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
The Anbu, ready to charge, froze when Shigure's voice cut through the chaos. White mist rose at their feet, spreading outward in an instant. Instinctively, they leapt back.
The mist swelled, expanding and curling upward, drawing an enormous outline around Orochimaru and the Edo Tensei Hokage.
Shigure's hands came together in a seal.
Both Hashirama and Tobirama turned their heads, eyes locking onto the boy.
Hashirama frowned. "That brat… he's the one who tore apart Orochimaru's barrier just now."
Tobirama's sharp gaze narrowed.
"This chakra—this is no ordinary ninjutsu. What kind of technique is this?"
The mist thickened, rising higher and higher.
Cloud Style: Smoke Prison!
In the blink of an eye, a colossal cage of white smoke solidified around the First and Second Hokage.
But Orochimaru was gone. Shigure's senses told him clearly: the snake had slipped away the instant the jutsu formed.
"Teacher Guy! Jump clear!"
Guy blinked at the sudden command. He turned—and noticed a gap in the smoke wall behind him. Without hesitation, he vaulted through.
As he landed outside, he glanced back at the massive cage, realization dawning. A control-type technique… if this can hold the First and Second, then it's already invaluable!
But his relief was cut with worry. That kid stayed inside himself…
Shigure had intended to trap Orochimaru along with the reanimated Hokage, but the sannin's instincts had been too sharp. Still, sealing away Hashirama and Tobirama was no small feat. As for Orochimaru? Shigure trusted Might Guy to deal with him.
After all, Guy had once driven Orochimaru to the brink with a single kick—and if he opened the Eight Gates, even Orochimaru would be forced to flee.
Shigure let out a quiet breath, bracing himself.
Outside the cage, Guy's sharp eyes tracked the shifting smoke. He understood now—this jutsu imprisoned its caster as well. A double-edged technique, like barrier ninjutsu.
From the shadows, a familiar mocking voice slithered forth.
"Tsk, tsk… I didn't expect that brat to know barrier ninjutsu. Truly, I underestimated him."
Orochimaru emerged with a twisted smile, the Sound Four landing lightly on the rooftop behind him.
Guy straightened, his eyes never leaving the sannin. "You're the caster. If we defeat you, the Impure World Reincarnation binding the First and Second will be undone."
Orochimaru's grin widened. "Of course. But… can you really defeat me, Blue Beast of Konoha?"
He chuckled darkly, though inwardly his thoughts were sharp. I cannot face the Eight Gates directly… but if I drag this out and dodge, I will survive. When it comes to preserving one's life, no one surpasses me.
The Anbu regrouped around Guy, tense and uncertain.
"Captain Guy, what do we do? What kind of technique is that? We can't break in!"
Guy's tone hardened.
"That's Shigure's barrier ninjutsu. He's holding the First and Second inside. Which means our priority is Orochimaru. End him, and the jutsu binding the Hokage will unravel!"
The Anbu exchanged uneasy glances. A mere Genin wielding barrier techniques—techniques even they hadn't mastered? Shigure's abilities had already surpassed their understanding.
"But if Shigure is trapped in there…" one Anbu muttered.
"If he faces both the First and Second Hokage alone—"
Guy cut him off.
"That's why we must end this quickly. If the barrier collapses before then and the Hokage walk free, the situation will become disastrous. Focus on Orochimaru!"
"Yes, sir!"
Orochimaru's chuckle echoed across the rooftop.
"Hehehehe… And what if I simply avoid you? If I bide my time, those brats inside will be crushed by the Hokage sooner or later."
His serpentine tongue flicked across his lips.
"This has become a contest of endurance… Let's see who lasts longer."
His grin widened, cold and mocking.
"But… I think we both know it will be me."
...
TN:
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