The Uchiha clan declared war.
They announced their intention to crush the Four Great Shinobi Villages and openly revealed their location to the entire ninja world.
Upon hearing this news, the village leaders exchanged glances through their video screens.
Previously, the Uchiha clan had avoided direct confrontation with the allied forces, opting for guerrilla tactics. Now, they were presenting themselves openly and confidently, clearly unafraid.
Could the Uchiha clan have found something in the past six months that gave them the confidence to challenge the Four Great Shinobi Villages?
Nevertheless, since the Uchiha had declared war so boldly, the allied forces had no choice but to respond. Otherwise, the entire ninja world would think they feared the Uchiha, which would disgrace the Four Great Shinobi Villages.
“Hmph. The arrogant Uchiha truly believe that they can stand against half the ninja world with just their clan?” Danzo sneered, his eyes sharp.
The other village leaders fell silent for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Danzo had dragged them into this mess, and now it was too late to back out. They could only continue down this path, determined to wipe out the Uchiha from the ninja world.
That same day, after the Kage Summit concluded, the four great villages swiftly mobilized their ninja, amassing unprecedentedly large armies, even more formidable than when they had besieged Konoha.
The entire ninja world braced for the impending storm.
In the following days, the Uchiha’s declaration of war spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the ninja world.
The calm that had settled over the ninja world for half a year was shattered by the Uchiha’s bold move.
Kirigakure, Land of Water.
“The Mizukage is so wise. It’s a good thing she led Kirigakure out of this war and maintained neutrality.”
“Now the Uchiha and the Four Great Shinobi Villages are about to clash. We can sit back and watch, hoping they both suffer great losses. Then Kirigakure can reap the benefits and become the ultimate victor.”
In the village, the residents of Kirigakure buzzed with discussion.
Mei Terumi sat alone in the Mizukage’s office, silently facing the wall. She was waiting for Dan’s orders.
If Dan requested Kirigakure’s assistance, the village’s forces would join the battlefield, fighting alongside the Uchiha clan.
Land of Fire, Deep Mountain Temple.
Over the past six months, under the diligent management of its abbot, Dilu, the temple had seen a growing influx of visitors and donations.
Especially during festivals, the temple was bustling with activity and throngs of worshippers.
However, no one would have guessed that the exiled Konoha government was hiding within this thriving temple.
The news of the Uchiha declaring war reached the temple immediately.
“This is our golden opportunity. When the Uchiha engage the allied forces in a decisive battle, we will launch a full-scale attack and reclaim Konoha in one fell swoop,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his eyes brimming with confidence, which stemmed from the several coffins beside him.
The coffins bore inscriptions like “First,” “Second,” and “Fourth.”
Inside were the remains of the former Hokage and skilled shinobi like Sakumo Hatake.
As a renowned ninjutsu professor, Hiruzen mastered the Edo Tensei, the Reanimation Jutsu, left by the Second Hokage in less than a year and even improved it.
Now, he was only one step away from reviving the dead inside the coffins.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya. “I need some high-quality sacrifices. I’m counting on you again. Asuma and Kurenai will accompany you. Hopefully, they can help.”
“Understood,” Jiraiya replied solemnly.
He knew how vile Edo Tensei was, but he had to break his moral boundaries to save Konoha.
Outside Konoha, in a secluded cabin in the mountains.
Creak.
The door opened, and Kabuto walked in, kneeling on one knee and bowing his head.
Orochimaru, who had been resting on the bed, slowly opened his golden snake-like eyes, glanced at Kabuto, and said, “It seems you’ve returned empty-handed, Kabuto.”
“Apologies for disappointing you. The remains of the former Hokage were stolen before I could get them… I was too late,” Kabuto said, full of self-reproach.
He had infiltrated Konoha under Orochimaru’s orders and spent months pinpointing the location of the former Hokage’s remains, only to find his efforts wasted.
“As expected,” Orochimaru said, not blaming Kabuto. “I’m not the only one interested in Edo Tensei. Whoever wishes to revive the former Hokage will soon turn Konoha into a battleground. We should leave.”
With that, Orochimaru rose from the bed, and after a brief packing session with Kabuto, they left the cabin.
However, as they stepped outside, they were blocked by a shark-like man carrying a bandaged sword.
“Well, if it isn’t the infamous Kisame Hoshigaki,” Orochimaru recognized the man as an S-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure, his eyes flashing as he smiled. “What brings you here? Are you here to join me?”
“Not to join, but to cooperate,” Kisame replied, grinning and revealing rows of sharp teeth.
As he spoke, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground beside Kisame.
Kisame was now Black Zetsu’s subordinate. After growing weary of the ninja world’s deceit, Kisame had been persuaded by Obito to long for the ideal world promised by Infinite Tsukuyomi. After Obito’s death, Black Zetsu found Kisame and continued manipulating him, ensuring his loyalty.
“So, it’s you,” Orochimaru recognized Black Zetsu as Obito’s odd companion, his expression tightening with tension.
He was wary of Obito’s Kamui.
Sensing Orochimaru’s unease, Black Zetsu spoke, “Obito died six months ago, blown to pieces by Konan’s billions of paper bombs at Uzushiogakure’s ruins.”
“?!” Orochimaru was taken aback by this news, his eyes flickering.
Regaining his composure, he smiled softly and asked, “So, what brings you to me?”
Black Zetsu stepped forward, getting straight to the point. “I know you’ve mastered the Second Hokage’s forbidden technique, Edo Tensei, but you lack suitable candidates for revival since the former Hokage’s remains were stolen by Jiraiya. However, your former mentor, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is also researching Edo Tensei.”
As expected, Orochimaru’s face darkened. He had already suspected as much.
Black Zetsu continued, “I can provide you with the remains of powerful individuals, ones that will undoubtedly satisfy you.”
“You don’t expect me to revive Uchiha Obito, do you?” Orochimaru scoffed.
“Of course not. Obito’s body is long gone. However, I want you to revive someone else: Uchiha Madara.”
Black Zetsu mentioned a name that left Orochimaru stunned.
The past year had been disastrous for Black Zetsu, the behind-the-scenes mastermind. First, Nagato failed to collect the Tailed Beasts and died in Konoha. Then, Obito’s attempt to retrieve the Rinnegan failed, and he was blown to pieces at Uzushiogakure, losing both his pawns and the Rinnegan, making the plan to resurrect Uchiha Madara through the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu seem impossible, let alone summoning the God Tree and ultimately reviving Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Though reviving Madara with Edo Tensei would create an inferior version, it was Black Zetsu’s only option. After all, Uchiha Madara was the one most deeply influenced by Black Zetsu, who firmly believed in the Eye of the Moon Plan. Madara, who had awakened the Rinnegan and surpassed Hashirama Senju, was the closest to the Sage of Six Paths in over a millennium. In comparison, the current strong individuals in the ninja world, including Uchiha Dan, would be mere fodder before Madara’s Rinnegan.
Hearing Madara’s name, Orochimaru’s eyes widened in interest. Reviving Madara, a legendary ninja who stood alongside the First Hokage at the pinnacle of the ninja world, and controlling him would be an incredible power boost.
However, Orochimaru remained cautious. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “What’s your condition?”
He didn’t believe Black Zetsu would offer Madara’s remains without a catch.
Black Zetsu, knowing Orochimaru was astute, chose honesty. “I need your help to gather the Tailed Beasts. If we collect all the Tailed Beasts, I can help you achieve your goal of eternal life.”
Gathering the Tailed Beasts? Immortality?
Orochimaru remained composed in the face of Black Zetsu’s enticing offer. “You should know that most of the Tailed Beasts are with the Uchiha clan. Taking them from those guys with just Madara alone might not be possible.”
Black Zetsu smiled, “The Uchiha have declared war on the Four Great Shinobi Villages. Who knows where those Tailed Beasts will end up? Besides, I can provide
you with other powerful remains and White Zetsu as sacrifices, ensuring you can create a formidable Edo Tensei army…”
He mentioned several renowned names from the ninja world, including the Second Tsuchikage, the Second Mizukage, the Third Raikage, and the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, each name increasing Orochimaru and Kabuto’s astonishment.
Black Zetsu was no ordinary entity. He had lived for over a millennium and possessed extensive knowledge and resources, including the ability to find remains easily.
“You’ve come well-prepared. I must say, this is a pleasant surprise,” Orochimaru remarked, smiling.
Regardless of Black Zetsu’s motives, obtaining those remains to build his Edo Tensei army seemed like a win-win situation for Orochimaru.
Reaching out, Orochimaru shook Black Zetsu’s hand, sealing the deal.
Thus, the Uchiha clan, Konoha’s exiled government, and the Orochimaru-Black Zetsu alliance entered a competition with Edo Tensei.
The coming battles would determine who could resurrect the most and the strongest dead.
Land of Tea.
Konan, along with Karin, had just finished purchasing supplies in town and were walking home.
“Sensei, are we moving?” Karin asked curiously.
“Yes, it’s no longer safe here,” Konan nodded. They had stayed in the Land of Tea for six months, which was a long time. Although their location hadn’t been exposed, it was likely only a matter of time.
“Oh,” Karin responded. She was used to a nomadic life, so moving didn’t bother her. Instead, she was curious about their next destination. As long as she was with Konan and Naruto, even a life on the run felt like a joyous adventure to Karin.
Unknowingly, they had entered a forest.
Suddenly, whoosh, a kunai flew towards them from the front, exploding mid-air as it reached them, the explosive tag attached to it detonating.
Sheets of paper flew off Konan’s body, forming a protective barrier around her and Karin.
Who was it?
Under Konan’s sharp gaze, dozens of figures emerged from the forest, surrounding the master and disciple. Judging by their attire, they were bounty hunters.
“There’s no mistake, it’s the Angel of Akatsuki. Her head is worth a hundred million ryō!”
“We’re rich! Attack!”
The bounty hunters, eyes gleaming with greed, lunged at Konan and Karin like a pack of hyenas.
“Hmph.”
Konan snorted, her wide paper wings unfolding behind her, launching countless paper shards in all directions.
While protecting Karin, she counterattacked the bounty hunters.
In the distance, Kakuzu hid in the bushes, observing. Unlike Kisame, Kakuzu, being an eighty-year-old veteran, wasn’t easily swayed. After Obito’s death, he had parted ways with Black Zetsu and Kisame, returning to his old profession.
Kakuzu couldn’t resist the one hundred million ryō bounty on Konan’s head as someone who worshipped money. He had spent six months tracking her down to this location.
However, this time, Kakuzu’s target wasn’t Konan. The explosion Konan had caused at Uzushiogakure six months ago had left a deep impression on him, making him doubt his ability to capture her.
Thus, he had sent a group of fools to distract Konan while he aimed for the three jinchuriki worth two hundred million ryō each.
A few minutes later, whoosh, Kakuzu dashed out of the forest, following the river to a small cabin.
There it is.
His eyes narrowed as he sprinted to the cabin, bursting through the door.
But within seconds, bang, Kakuzu was sent flying from the cabin, crashing through the air for several meters before slamming into a tree.
Cough cough, he spat blood, getting up with a look of shock, gazing at the cabin.
Naruto, Gaara, and Fu slowly emerged from the cabin.
“You’re Kakuzu, right? I’ve heard about you from Konan-sensei. She said you’d come for us to claim the bounty,” Naruto said calmly, his Rinnegan eyes deep and piercing, as if seeing through Kakuzu’s soul.
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