Despite his body being reanimated by the Edo Tensei, the recent exchange had still resulted in his utter defeat.
Noticing his gaze, Obito cleared his throat and said hesitantly, "Madara... You know I can't use Susanoo..."
"…"
A tense silence fell over the scene.
Suddenly, Madara's eyes began to change, their crimson hue shifting to the otherworldly purple of the Rinnegan!
"Fine. Just stay on the sidelines and support me." Madara snapped, "And where's that kid Nagato? It's been ages. Why hasn't he shown up yet?"
"He should be here soon." Obito replied quietly after a pause.
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Meanwhile, in the underground base...
Orochimaru sensed the earth-shattering battle between Yusuke and Madara raging above. He clicked his tongue. "Well, no matter. Let's resurrect Nagato with Edo Tensei first."
Stroking his chin, he began forming hand seals.
Summoning: Edo Tensei — Impure World Reincarnation!
A slight tremor shook the earth. Then, an eerily pale coffin materialized before Orochimaru and Kabuto.
Bang!
As the coffin door swung open, it revealed Nagato's pallid form.
At first, his body showed no signs of life. But as the Edo Tensei's chakra flowed through him, Nagato began to return to his original state. Even his legs were fully restored.
"Hm..." After flexing his limbs, he slowly opened his eyes.
The eyes that were revealed were none other than the legendary Rinnegan!
This, of course, was one of the quirks of the Edo Tensei jutsu.
Orochimaru gazed admiringly at the redhead before him, then issued a direct command.
"Nagato. Go out and assist Madara Uchiha in the fight against Yusuke Kamizuki."
At his command, Nagato's body began to move involuntarily. Orochimaru watched with satisfaction as the reanimated shinobi set off.
While he couldn't control Madara, managing just one Nagato was child's play.
As he departed, Kabuto approached Orochimaru from behind.
"Lord Orochimaru." He asked curiously, "Can Madara Uchiha and the others truly defeat Yusuke Kamizuki?"
He pushed up his glasses, doubt evident in his voice.
"Of course not." Orochimaru replied with a slow smile, "But the show has only just begun. Wait a bit. The real main event is yet to come! By the way, did you get the items I asked for?"
He tilted his head, laughing hoarsely.
"Black Zetsu said he could handle it, though I don't know why he'd help us." Kabuto shrugged, "By my calculations, he should be back soon."
As if on cue, Black Zetsu's figure materialized in the underground chamber.
"Where are the items?" Orochimaru asked, unsurprised by the sudden appearance.
Three days prior, Black Zetsu had sought out Orochimaru, revealing his knowledge of the secret cultivation of Hashirama's Edo Tensei body. Orochimaru had dismissed the revelation, deeming it inconsequential. Black Zetsu then offered to procure cells from both Tobirama Senju and Izuna Uchiha.
Though puzzled by Black Zetsu's motives, Orochimaru — ever the opportunist — embraced the chaos.
'The more, the merrier! I'll resurrect them all!' He had thought gleefully.
"Got them." Black Zetsu replied without hesitation.
Two White Zetsus emerged from the ground, handing packages to Orochimaru.
"Just in case Madara Uchiha can't match Yusuke Kamizuki, we must deploy all our forces." He rasped.
Orochimaru tilted his head, snake-like pupils gleaming with interest, "Are you truly Madara Uchiha's will made manifest?"
"Of course." Black Zetsu replied, expressionless, "To fulfill Madara Uchiha's plan, I'll use any means necessary. I am, after all, his will incarnate."
Inwardly, Black Zetsu marveled at Orochimaru's quick wit.
'He's already doubting my identity? No matter. It's impossible for anyone in the ninja world to uncover my true nature. They may have suspicions, but they'll never find proof!'
"Hmm." Orochimaru nodded, seemingly satisfied, "Kabuto, prepare the Edo Tensei vessels for Tobirama Senju and Izuna Uchiha."
A sinister smile spread across his face.
"Now, the real show is about to begin!"
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