So many people had died. To him, instigating a war felt… like staging a play. He was merely a spectator both in it, and apart from it.
In his eyes, every life except his own was simply a tool.
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, fire in his eyes, and swung the Nyoibo toward Orochimaru.
"My greatest regret in this lifetime is having spared you back then because of that, Konoha suffered this calamity."
"You're old, Master Sarutobi," Orochimaru replied coldly, leaping aside.
At the same moment, Tobirama Senju charged in from the side. "Water Style: Water Push Wave!"
A massive torrent roared up like a tornado, then crashed down like a waterfall.
Hiruzen's face turned grim. He began slapping the ground with his palms. "Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
A wall of soil erupted to block the onslaught.
"Water Style: Water Cutting Wave!" followed by a barrage of water columns piercing the soil. Hiruzen barely dodged in time.
"You're old," Orochimaru observed, still smirking. "Both Hokages are powerful, but they pale compared to their prime. Had you been ten years younger, I might already be defeated."
Standing to the side, Orochimaru observed Hiruzen being pounded by the two Hokages. His resolve hardened.
Life was fragile.
Then he turned his gaze beyond the battlefield, confusion flickering. "Strange where are Jiraiya and Tsunade?"
The intel had said they were in the village. Hiruzen's death or survival mattered little to him, but the absence of both Jiraiya and Tsunade offered a significant reprieve.
Facing three top-tier Hokages would have been difficult, even with his summons. But if they weren't there then nothing could stand against him.
His lips curved darkly in a malicious smile, and the air around him crackled with murderous intent. Hiruzen sensed the shift in atmosphere.
Boom!
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Hiruzen plunged the Nyoibo into the ground, formed hand signs, and suddenly four clones emerged.
Orochimaru knew his former teacher's abilities well. Hiruzen was no ordinary ninja scholar.
Sensing Hiruzen's setup, Orochimaru called out, "Return."
Instantly, Hashirama Senju and Tobirama slid back behind him.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen completed his seals and intoned, "Five Elements Style: Great Combination Bomb Technique!"
Out came fire, thunder, water, earth, and wind a radiant storm of elemental beams that obliterated everything in its path.
"What?!" Orochimaru gasped as the beams hurtled toward them.
He and the Senju brothers formed seals at once: "Triple Rashomon! Water Style: Water Barrier! Wood Style: Tree Defense Technique!"
A wall of water, wooden shields, and three Rashomon gates materialized in defense.
Boom! Crack! Crumble!
The five-element blast tore through, rattling defenses. Sparks flew even from the Four Violet Flame Formations.
"This… the Third Hokage's power," one of the Hidden Sound shinobi whispered, awed. "But he's old if he were younger…"
Finally, the dust settled. Water walls and the wooden shield were gone. Only the last Rashomon remained, severely cracked.
"No way…" someone muttered. "Even this last gate is almost gone."
This was the result of two Hokages fighting at once. A single Orochimaru standing alone wouldn't have lasted.
Slowly, the last gate sank. Orochimaru reemerged behind it and frowned, brushing off debris.
"That was close," he murmured as he eyed Hiruzen, still panting and pale.
"Master," Hiruzen whispered, voice heavy, "even if I die… as Hokage, I must stop you."
"No, Master Sarutobi," Orochimaru said. "You don't have the chance anymore."
He collapsed, gasping, and vomited. Hundreds of snakes slithered out, black and gleaming, slithering en masse like a living cliff, dripping with viscous mucus.
He… he… Hiruzen staggered back in horror.
He had witnessed countless jutsu in his life but this? This… disgusting technique, far beneath the dignity of a true ninja was the first to make his flesh crawl.
"Horrible," Hiruzen gasped. "Orochimaru… is this how I taught you?"
---------------------------------------
Fuel the story!
Hit 150 Power Stones to unlock a bonus chapter as a thank-you for your amazing support! ˃ 𖥦 ˂
Craving more? Get early access and keep the story going at
35 advanced chapter.
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.
If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to drop a review and leave your thoughts in the comments!