Atop the rooftop where Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi faced off, the Four Violet Flames Formation had already been deployed, sealing the battlefield within its ominous barrier.
Hiruzen's expression was grim as he stared at Orochimaru."Orochimaru, it seems you've been preparing for this day for a long time."
"Hahaha—"
Orochimaru let out a chuckle."Sensei, we've come this far already—there's no need for unnecessary words."
"Hmph—"
Hiruzen snorted coldly."You think victory is certain? Perhaps it's been too long since I last disciplined you."
Orochimaru shook his head."Sensei, you've grown old."
"Well then, let's see how much you've improved."
As soon as Hiruzen finished speaking, he swiftly threw out several shuriken before forming a series of rapid hand seals."Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Boom!
The shuriken in midair multiplied exponentially, splitting into two, then four, until they formed a dense storm of blades, all hurtling toward Orochimaru.
Yet, Orochimaru remained unfazed.He simply used Earth Release to form a shield, effortlessly deflecting the attack.
With a smirk, he taunted,"Sensei, at your age, you should really take it easy."
"Hmph—"
Hiruzen let out another sharp snort before biting his thumb."Summoning Jutsu!"
Poof—
In the next instant, a white-haired monkey appeared beside him.
The monkey surveyed the battlefield, then turned to Hiruzen with a puzzled expression."Hiruzen, what's going on here?"
"Enma, transform into the Adamantine Staff. It's time to show Orochimaru what we're capable of."
Enma furrowed his brow but complied without hesitation, transforming into a massive golden staff that landed in Hiruzen's grip.
With the Adamantine Staff in hand, Hiruzen launched himself toward Orochimaru, attacking without pause.
He had no time to waste—if Orochimaru had prepared this much, Konoha was surely in grave danger.
If he didn't stop him now, who knew what else could happen?
But Orochimaru merely evaded with a light leap, his serpentine movements effortless.With a shake of his head, he smirked."Sensei, there's no need to be so impatient. After all, I brought you a gift."
Without giving Hiruzen time to respond, Orochimaru formed a series of rapid hand seals before slamming his palms against the ground.
Rumble—
The ground shook violently, and moments later, a coffin began rising from the earth.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed."What… is this?"
Orochimaru smirked."I thought you might enjoy seeing some old friends."
As he spoke, the first coffin fully emerged, its surface marked with a large kanji: 一 (One).
A sinking feeling settled in Hiruzen's gut.A sense of foreboding gripped him.
Before he could react, the ground trembled again—a second coffin rose from the depths.
This one was marked with 二 (Two).
"Not good!"
Realizing what was happening, Hiruzen rushed forward, gripping his Adamantine Staff tightly.
With a mighty swing, he smashed the third rising coffin back into the earth before it could fully emerge.
Orochimaru clicked his tongue in mild disappointment."Well, two should be enough."
"Sensei, enjoy your reunion."
Boom!
The lids of the two coffins burst open, a thick white mist spilling out.
Hiruzen instinctively stepped back, gripping his staff tightly, his entire body on high alert.
Outside the barrier, the Anbu black ops stationed nearby also stared in confusion, unable to see what was unfolding within.
Shff—
At that moment, a sound came from behind them.
The Anbu turned swiftly, only to see Kakashi and several other jonin arriving at the scene.
Kakashi's sharp gaze swept across the battlefield before he addressed one of the Anbu."What's the situation?"
The Anbu's expression was grim as he quickly explained the current circumstances.
Upon hearing the details, Kakashi's face darkened.
There was nothing they could do.
The Four Violet Flames Formation was impenetrable.
All they could do was stand by helplessly, watching the battle unfold.
Inside the barrier, neither Orochimaru nor Hiruzen had paused for a moment.
Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed through the mist, growing clearer with each step.
Hiruzen's heart pounded in his chest.His grip tightened around his staff.
As the white mist gradually dissipated, two figures emerged.
"Hmm?"
One of them looked around, his expression puzzled as he observed his surroundings.He then glanced down at himself, realization dawning upon him.
"This is… Edo Tensei?"
A voice came from behind him, prompting him to turn.
The moment he saw who it was, his eyes widened in surprise."Tobirama? Hahaha, it's been a while! Come, give your big brother a hug!"
Smack!
Before he could act, Tobirama swiftly pushed his arms away with an exasperated look."Big brother, calm down. This isn't the time for that."
"Ah, right, right."
Hashirama scratched his head, reining in his excitement.His face then turned serious as he locked eyes with Tobirama."Tobirama… are you the one who summoned me?"
Tobirama rolled his eyes."Big brother, I was summoned too."
"Hmm."
Hashirama nodded slowly, absorbing the information."So you were brought back as well…"
"First Hokage-sama, Second Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's solemn voice called out, drawing the attention of both Hashirama and Tobirama.
Tobirama furrowed his brows, his sharp gaze studying Hiruzen with a hint of confusion.It was clear that he recognized the man standing before him.
Meanwhile, Hashirama's reaction was entirely different.His brows knit together, his face contorting into an expression of deep distress as he stared at Hiruzen.
"Big brother, what's wrong?"
Tobirama, noticing his brother's odd reaction, asked with a tinge of concern.
Hashirama groaned, rubbing his temple."Tobirama, I feel like I've seen this guy before… He's that… uhh… what's his name again?"
Hearing this, both Tobirama and Hiruzen twitched slightly.
For a moment, there was silence.
Are you kidding me?!
Tobirama covered his face with his hand."Big brother, he's Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Smack!
"Oh! I remember now!"
Hashirama's eyes lit up, clapping his hands together."You're Monkey! Hahaha, Monkey, you've gotten so old! You actually look older than Tobirama now!"
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he shook his head in disapproval."This won't do, Monkey. You need to take it easy. Otherwise, at this rate, Tobirama will outlive you!"
The moment those words left his mouth, both Hiruzen and Tobirama's expressions stiffened.
Hiruzen found himself speechless.
What kind of ridiculous remark was that?!
Tobirama, on the other hand, massaged his forehead in frustration."Big brother, I'm already dead."
At this point, he was truly at a loss.As someone known for his intelligence, why was his older brother such an airhead?!
Hashirama nodded absentmindedly, as if acknowledging the information."Died well, died well… hahaha—wait, what? You're dead?"
His expression instantly shifted from nonchalance to genuine surprise.
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