"Jiraiya, you fool, you're back too? What nonsense are you talking about? I don't understand."
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya outside the barrier, then turned his gaze back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, having noticed the attacks by the Sand Ninja and Otogakure in various parts of Konoha outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, was issuing orders to the Anbu rushing to the scene, instructing them to defend and provide support across the village.
"Third Hokage, do you need help?"
A voice came from outside the barrier. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked over.
"Just say the word, and the Tsuchikage, the Mizukage, and we, can all help Konoha resolve this crisis. We can even help you deal with Orochimaru while we're at it."
Shiro had appeared on the rooftop at some point, standing beside the Anbu.
The Konoha Anbu, startled by his sudden appearance, immediately drew their weapons in defense.
"What is your objective?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was solemn.
He did hope for the Tsuchikage and Mizukage's help, but he was well aware that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Moreover, for a mere ninja from the Hidden Rain Village to be qualified to negotiate on behalf of the Kage of two great ninja villages, he was definitely not simple.
"Our objective is twofold. First, to stop the life-or-death duel between you and your disciple, and to bring the traitor Orochimaru back to our organization."
"Organization?"
When Hiruzen Sarutobi heard this word, his mind raced.
He had previously analyzed with Kakashi that Orochimaru's shadow was behind the matter of Sasuke drinking the special milk. Now it seemed his guess was correct!
"Organization?"
Orochimaru also frowned upon hearing the word.
Could it be... Whoosh—
Shiro tore off his outer robe and threw it aside.
A hint of doubt appeared in Orochimaru's eyes as he stared at Shiro.
"Why are you looking at me? Can't I take off my clothes if I'm a little hot? — Sister Konan, your turn."
At Shiro's command, Konan removed her straw hat, discarded her outer robe, revealing her Akatsuki cloak, and with wings on her back, floated in mid-air above the rooftop.
"Orochimaru."
Konan looked down at Orochimaru within the barrier with a cold gaze.
"It really is the Akatsuki!"
Orochimaru's expression instantly became tense.
"Akatsuki?"
Isn't that the organization Itachi joined?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was also startled.
Even though Itachi was a spy, the only information Hiruzen Sarutobi currently had was the organization's name.
"Konan? It really is you! Are you here to collude with Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya, confirming that the person he met earlier on the Konoha streets was indeed Konan, shouted into the air.
"Jiraiya-sensei, were you asleep just now? Didn't you hear Shiro say that we are here to help Konoha and the Third Hokage?"
Konan looked down at Jiraiya and spoke calmly.
"..."
Jiraiya immediately looked embarrassed.
"Then what exactly do you want?"
Jiraiya quickly changed the subject.
"First, to stop their battle and bring Orochimaru back."
"Second, as compensation, to obtain some ninjutsu and resources that we need from Konoha..."
"You're taking advantage of the situation!"
A Konoha Anbu couldn't help but speak up.
"Taking advantage? Our current leader's parents were killed by Konoha ninja who broke into their home, and our previous leader was killed by your Konoha's Danzo.
We are now actively setting aside our hatred, merely asking for some material compensation while extending a helping hand to you, and you call that taking advantage?
It seems our letting go of hatred is useless; you cannot let go of your prejudice and arrogance. It is you who are preparing to actively provoke a war..."
"Stop!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly called out.
He then looked at the Anbu: "You all, hurry and go support other areas. Don't stay here. I'm not in danger."
—He had to quickly send away these Anbu who had no political sense and liked to talk nonsense; otherwise, it would truly be over.
In this time of crisis for Konoha, for a force connected to Jiraiya's disciples to appear, willing to put aside hatred and offer help, was a tremendous stroke of luck.
And the Anbu were still thinking of mocking and provoking? Were they out of their minds?
Jiraiya was speechless for a moment.
Just like when Naruto's "Talk no Jutsu" was broken by Neji earlier.
Konan was now opening with "letting go of hatred," standing on the moral high ground and stealing his lines. What else could he say?
"We can discuss your conditions slowly after this is over. I can guarantee, in the name of the Third Hokage, that we will not go back on our word."
"But right now, the most crucial problem is that Orochimaru probably won't go back with you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his gaze returning to Orochimaru.
"Hehehe, Sensei, you really do understand me."
Orochimaru stuck out his tongue and licked the air, then formed hand signs and slammed his hands on the ground: "Summoning Jutsu: Impure World Reincarnation!"
He had originally planned to exchange a few blows with Hiruzen-sensei before using this, but now there was no time.
The appearance of the Akatsuki had disrupted his plans.
Who knew how many members had come?
The Four Violet Flames Formation was not invincible; the battle had to be resolved before the barrier was broken.
Three coffins were summoned one after another from the rooftop.
One was inscribed with "First," one with "Second," and one with "Fourth."
"No! We must stop the last one!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi threw a shuriken towards the last coffin.
The coffin inscribed with "Fourth" suddenly sank, and the shuriken missed.
What the hell? The coffin can move?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned.
Fortunately, after the coffin sank, it completely disappeared. It seemed the summoning had failed, and Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief.
But it was only momentary.
The next second, the two successfully summoned coffins opened, revealing two familiar faces.
First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
"Orochimaru, don't be in a hurry to insert the control talismans. I believe the two Hokage are certainly concerned about Konoha's situation right now and won't break free from the Impure World Reincarnation for the time being."
Orochimaru took out two kunai with talismans attached. Just as his hand reached for the back of their heads, Shiro's voice came.
"Oh? Do you have something to say to them?"
Orochimaru was curious and stopped his movements.
And how did the other party know about his recently improved Impure World Reincarnation technique?
"No, I'm talking to you. But before I do, take a look at this."
Whoosh.
A photograph spiraled towards Orochimaru.
Orochimaru raised his hand to catch it. Just as he was about to look down, his heart jolted.
—How did the other party break through the Four Violet Flames Formation and throw the photograph in?!
Without thinking further, Orochimaru looked down at the photograph. It looked somewhat familiar, but he didn't recognize the person: "Who is this?"
"Your son."
"..."
Jiraiya: "Huh?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."
Orochimaru was silent for a moment. Surprisingly, he didn't question or deny it, but instead asked, "Who is the other parent?"
Why "or"!
And why don't you know!
Orochimaru, how many people have you been with!
Jiraiya clutched his head, somewhat overwhelmed.
"I don't know, but he's definitely your child."
Shiro shook his head.
What the hell is "I don't know"!
Jiraiya's head was spinning.
Don't know, but definitely Orochimaru's child.
Doesn't that mean Orochimaru really did some kind of transplant, and then also engaged in 'group activities'? Otherwise, why wouldn't he know!
"Orochimaru, you! You've fallen!"
Jiraiya shouted at Orochimaru with deep anguish.
"Shut up."
Orochimaru glanced coldly at Jiraiya.
....
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