Chapter 18

"Sealing Technique: Reaper Death Seal!"

Hiruzen's resolute voice echoed in the dark space.

"It's coming!"

The real Gensou's expression shifted with great anticipation.

Orochimaru glanced at Gensou's Edo Tensei body. Seeing nothing unusual, he turned his attention to Hiruzen, knowing his teacher wouldn't make idle threats.

"A jutsu I don't know? Let me see it then."

In the darkness, the three Senju launched another attack.

Unlike before, with the Death God's arm thrust deep into his chest, binding his soul, Hiruzen could clearly see everyone's souls in the darkness.

He and his three shadow clones moved instantly.

"Got you!"

Hiruzen, pushing his body beyond its limits, moved faster than ever, and with his clones, they grabbed their targets in the darkness.

"How is this possible?"

Orochimaru couldn't believe what he was seeing.

As the darkness faded, the three Edo Tensei bodies of Hashirama, Tobirama, and Gensou were held tightly by Hiruzen's shadow clones. Hiruzen himself had a firm grip on Orochimaru's shoulders.

"It's over!"

Hiruzen coughed up blood, his battle robe torn open, revealing a large hole in his chest.

In his sight, visible only to him, the Death God's arm that had pierced his chest continued forward, reaching into Orochimaru and the three Edo Tensei bodies.

With a pull, the souls of Orochimaru, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Gensou began to be drawn out from their bodies.

"What is this feeling... it's bad!"

Although Orochimaru couldn't see what was happening, the intense crisis emanating from his soul was a warning.

Knowing the dire consequences, he struggled desperately.

But before the Death God and Hiruzen's unwavering determination, his soul was still being pulled out bit by bit.

Unlike Orochimaru's fierce resistance, Hashirama and Tobirama remained calm as their souls were extracted by the Death God.

Their minds clear, they did not resist, allowing the Death God to pull their souls from their Edo Tensei bodies. They even apologized to Hiruzen: "Sorry, Monkey."

"Apologies, Hiruzen."

Hiruzen closed his eyes, equally apologetic.

Being devoured and permanently sealed by the Death God was agonizing.

If he could avoid it, he wouldn't choose this path.

But given the circumstances, he had no choice.

"First Hokage! Second Hokage! Please forgive—"

Hiruzen's apology was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected voice.

"Hey, hey, hey~ How touching!"

Hiruzen's eyes widened.

At the same time, Hashirama and Tobirama, about to be sealed, quickly turned their heads.

The voice belonged to Gensou, who was smiling brightly and waving at them.

Unlike Hashirama and Tobirama, whose souls were easily extracted by the Death God, Gensou was still resisting.

Even compared to Orochimaru, he seemed more at ease.

After all, the former faced the true Death God, while Gensou dealt only with the power of a shadow clone.

"You! How..."

Hiruzen looked at Gensou in shock.

He hadn't expected such a critical flaw in his plan.

Orochimaru was equally surprised.

If there was a flaw in Edo Tensei, it was that it couldn't resist sealing techniques and soul-targeting jutsu.

Yet, not only did Gensou resist the Death God's attack, but Orochimaru also found he couldn't control him anymore.

Unlike Hashirama and Tobirama, who regained their consciousness after their souls were grabbed, Gensou had completely broken free from Orochimaru's control, fully mastering his Edo Tensei body.

"Don't understand? Blame your control seal's inadequacy and the time you gave me."

Noticing Orochimaru's gaze, Gensou explained cheerfully.

During the previous moments, he hadn't been idle.

With his profound understanding of chakra, he quickly analyzed the control seal within his Edo Tensei body.

Finally, as Orochimaru's soul was being pulled by the Death God, weakening his control over Edo Tensei, Gensou, also targeted by the Death God, seized the opportunity. He erased the control seal, taking full control of his Edo Tensei body.

At this moment, if Hiruzen chose to give up and let Orochimaru act, as the caster, Orochimaru might regain some control over Gensou.

But would that happen?

Having seized this only chance, Hiruzen, determined, wouldn't let Orochimaru go.

Knowing Orochimaru had become a monster seeking immortality by consuming others' bodies, and himself merely a dead man resurrected by Edo Tensei, it was clear who was more dangerous.

As expected.

Even after Gensou's unexpected awakening, Hiruzen's grip on Orochimaru tightened. Under Orochimaru's panicked and angry gaze, Hiruzen exerted more force to pull out his soul.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen's shadow clone used all its strength to pull Gensou's soul.

"Gensou, we are already dead; let's not disturb the living anymore."

Hashirama, fully aware of Gensou's capabilities, advised.

Gensou, looking at his old friend about to be swallowed by the Death God, smiled faintly:

"I have no interest in suffering in the Death God's belly."

"Besides, Hashirama, you've lived long enough. I haven't had my fill of life. With this heaven-sent opportunity, not seizing it would be foolish."

"Gensou, you..."

Hashirama wanted to say more, but Tobirama interrupted: "Brother, it's useless."

Tobirama stared at Gensou, expressionless: "You planned this from the moment you were summoned by Edo Tensei, didn't you?"

"Guess?"

Gensou smiled at Tobirama.

Ignoring Gensou, Tobirama turned to Hiruzen with unprecedented seriousness: "Hiruzen, finish Gensou with all your might. Don't let him escape!"

Only those from the same era truly understood Gensou's power and terror.

Even in his Edo Tensei state, such a person couldn't be judged by common sense.

Given more time, the ninja world would face unprecedented changes.

In comparison, Orochimaru, who caused more damage to Konoha, was insignificant.

Sadly.

Already at the Death God's mouth, Tobirama and his brother had no time to act.

Gensou, you calculated this too, right?

With deep concern and gloom, Tobirama, not waiting for Hiruzen's response, was completely swallowed by the Death God, alongside Hashirama.

"Farewell, old friends."

Gensou watched his old comrades leave.

Finally, reborn, he looked towards the new era, clenched his five fingers, and declared calmly:

"This era belongs to me."

(End of Chapter)