A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Kushina was left speechless by Orochimaru's casual dismissal.

Sure, her cooking wasn't anything extraordinary, but was it really that bad? At least it was better than Tsunade's, wasn't it?

And calling her a brat? She was definitely not a brat!

Kushina wanted to retort, but as she looked up, Orochimaru had already disappeared back into the room.

---

Despite Orochimaru's unique relationship with Uchiha Mikoto, everyone in Konoha believed that Orochimaru and Tsunade were a couple.

This was precisely why Orochimaru didn't want anyone to know about his connection with Mikoto.

It wasn't about his own reputation—he no longer cared about such things, but Mikoto's standing in Konoha could still be affected.

As for Kushina, who was now privy to the truth, Orochimaru was confident that she wouldn't say anything.

Carefree as she might seem, she was still a ninja, and keeping secrets like this was second nature. Orochimaru had no doubt she'd stay silent.

---

Meanwhile Mikoto had returned to the battlefield, where Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, finally confronted the First and Second Hokage.

At the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Wind, a massive ravine stretched across the landscape, forming a natural divide between the two territories.

On one side of the ravine stood Rasa, Chiyo, and around sixty or seventy Sand Ninjas.

On the other side stood only two men.

The First Hokage stood with his arms crossed, his imposing figure radiating calm authority. Beside him, the Second Hokage wore his usual cold and calculating expression.

Though outnumbered, the Hokages didn't seem the least bit concerned.

The Sand Ninjas, however, were frozen in place, disbelief and unease evident on their faces.

"Chiyo, are you absolutely sure about this?" Rasa asked, his brows furrowed deeply.

Though part of him had already accepted the truth, the idea was still absurd.

The First and Second Hokage, resurrected? What kind of forbidden technique could accomplish such a thing?

Chiyo's tone was solemn as she replied, "There's no mistake. Both their appearances and their chakra signatures match those of the two Hokages from Konoha's past."

She paused, then added gravely, "If I'm not mistaken, this must be the Reanimation Jutsu—Edo Tensei—created by the Second Hokage himself."

"The Reanimation Jutsu?" Rasa echoed in disbelief. "You're saying the Second Hokage is now a victim of his own technique?"

Chiyo nodded. "I've only heard of this jutsu before and never imagined I'd see it used like this. But yes, I believe that's exactly what we're witnessing."

Rasa clenched his fists, his thoughts racing.

---

"The Fourth Kazekage? So, Sunagakure has already reached its fourth generation." The First Hokage's voice was warm, his tone full of admiration. "Impressive. You're young and full of promise."

"…"

Faced with the unexpected praise, Rasa was momentarily at a loss for words. It took him a moment to collect himself before responding.

"It is an honor for Sunagakure to meet the legendary First and Second Hokages," Rasa said cautiously. "However, you are not of this era. Why are you here?"

The Second Hokage, standing with his arms crossed, responded coldly, "You already know why we're here."

Though his tone was calm, it carried an undeniable edge.

"While we don't know the full details behind the four great nations attacking Konoha," Tobirama continued, "it's clear that we were summoned to resolve this crisis. And that's exactly what we intend to do."

"Tobirama's right," Hashirama said, nodding in agreement. His expression softened as he spoke, his sincerity evident. "We may no longer belong to this world, but we can't just stand by and watch Konoha be destroyed."

The First Hokage's tone grew firmer as he continued, "So, for the sake of your ninjas, I suggest you retreat."

The meaning behind his words was clear.

As long as they were present, Rasa and his forces had no chance of victory. And to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, retreating was the only sensible choice.

---

Hearing Hashirama's words, both Rasa and Chiyo fell silent, lost in thought.

If anyone else had made such a demand, it would have been laughable.

Sunagakure was a great ninja village. How could they retreat just because someone told them to? It would be humiliating.

But this wasn't just anyone.

This was the First Hokage, the man known as the "God of Shinobi." His reputation wasn't built on exaggeration.

If these two Hokages truly retained the power they had in life, then there was no doubt that Suna's forces stood no chance.

Both Rasa and Chiyo knew this to be true.

If they continued fighting, the only outcome would be more needless casualties.

But retreating so easily would also have consequences.

To Rasa, it wasn't a matter of personal pride. It was about perception.

If he, as the newly appointed Kazekage, chose to retreat, how would his subordinates view him?

Would they think he was weak? Cowardly? Intimidated by the ghosts of Konoha's past?

Caught in this dilemma, Rasa finally spoke, his tone cautious.

"I, Rasa, hold great respect for both of you as esteemed predecessors of the ninja world, but…"

"But?" Hashirama prompted, his expression still kind but firm. "Do you need a reason to retreat?"

Tobirama, his patience wearing thin, stepped forward. "A reason to retreat?" he repeated coldly. "That's easy enough to provide."

Fixing his sharp gaze on Rasa, Tobirama continued, "Since you're the Kazekage, the people you've brought here must be among Sunagakure's finest. Let's settle this with a battle."

He gestured at the gathered Sand Ninjas. "All of you can come at once. If you lose, that's your reason to retreat."

Tobirama's words were delivered with calm confidence, but his intent was unmistakable.

Having sensed the chakra of the Sand Ninjas earlier, he knew their strength was considerable. But no matter how strong they were, they couldn't compare to himself and his brother.

To Tobirama, fighting was the simplest and most effective way to settle things.

Rasa's eyes narrowed as he weighed his options. "There's no need for all of us to fight at once. Let's make this a one-on-one battle. There's no point in sacrificing my subordinates needlessly."

"Oh?" Hashirama said, smiling. "A noble decision. Then let me—"

"There's no need for you to get involved, brother," Tobirama interrupted, his tone firm. "This is a one-on-one battle. Leave it to me."

---

The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, prepared to face the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, at the border of the Land of Rivers.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, in the camp of the Kumo Ninjas…

A Kumo ninja assigned to guard duty patrolled under the scorching sun, scanning the area for any signs of movement.

At this point in the war, retreating was out of the question. Unless something truly catastrophic happened, the fighting would continue.

Tap, tap.

The sound of loose stones being disturbed caught the ninja's attention.

"Who's there?" he called out sharply, his voice cutting through the silence.

As an elite guard, he was naturally on high alert.

But when no one responded, he frowned. "Am I being too jumpy?"

"No, you were too careless."

The sudden voice startled him, and before he could react, a figure emerged—a face covered in bandages.

"Ah—!"

The guard tried to cry out, but before he could, his mouth was covered, and his neck was snapped in an instant.

The figure, the Second Tsuchikage, looked toward the distant camp with narrowed eyes.

"This must be the place."

With that, he formed a series of hand seals and pressed his palms to the ground.

Summoning Jutsu!

***

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