Chapter 49: Persuasion to Withdraw

At this moment, the Third Hokage released two shadow clones, each running toward the First and Second Hokage. His original body remained in place. Linton looked in the direction of the Third's real body and suddenly felt immense pressure coming from behind him. Although he couldn't see anything, having read the original story, he knew there was indeed something behind the Third Hokage—a figure referred to as the Grim Reaper.

While he was watching, one of the Third Hokage's shadow clones arrived by his side. The clone crouched down, and soon, the burning husk of the First Hokage on the ground began to float. An invisible hand seemed to grasp the burning ashes along with the Amaterasu flames, drawing them into the abdomen of the Third Hokage's shadow clone.

Next, a strange seal appeared on the clone's belly, and the ashes of the First Hokage's burning body finally stopped regenerating. A corpse-like figure suddenly appeared on the ground—Linton knew that the Edo Tensei had finally been undone.

Looking over to the Second Hokage's side, a similar situation was unfolding. The Third Hokage's *Shiki Fujin* successfully broke the Edo Tensei controlling both the First and Second Hokage. However, it was clear he wasn't done yet. His gaze shifted to his final target—Orochimaru.

By now, the Third Hokage was visibly exhausted, breathing heavily. Linton could see he was at the end of his strength. But, disregarding his own life, the Third Hokage mustered his remaining energy, grabbed the golden staff, and charged at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, caught off guard, began to panic. He couldn't understand what kind of jutsu the Third Hokage had used to break the Edo Tensei. What was going on? Unable to see the Grim Reaper behind the Third Hokage, he grew even more flustered.

Orochimaru's mindset was becoming unbalanced; he had encountered too many unexpected events today, completely deviating from his plan. There wasn't time to think it through, as the Third Hokage had already rushed in. With no other option, Orochimaru quickly drew his Kusanagi sword to counterattack.

With a "clang," whether it was due to the Third Hokage's desperate strike or Orochimaru's lapse in focus, Orochimaru's Kusanagi sword was unexpectedly knocked away. Coincidentally, it landed not far from Linton, who casually stepped forward and picked it up.

"Seems... not bad," Linton said as he inspected the sword. Though he wasn't too familiar with it, the blade emitted a chilling aura, clearly different from ordinary swords. "Perfect... I'll end it with you."

Turning his head, he saw Orochimaru being restrained by the Third Hokage, the two standing motionless. Though it wasn't visible, Linton understood the situation. They weren't simply standing there; the invisible Grim Reaper had gripped Orochimaru's soul. Orochimaru was immobilized, frantically looking for a way out, his eyes darting around wildly but to no avail.

On the other hand, the Third Hokage was also desperate. He truly had no strength left and wanted to pull out Orochimaru's soul for sealing, but he couldn't manage it. The two were locked in a stalemate.

At this critical moment, there was suddenly a "thud" of a blade piercing flesh. Orochimaru looked in shock at the Third Hokage's chest, where the half-length of a sword had appeared. Someone had attacked the Third Hokage!

The Third Hokage coughed up blood and turned his head slightly, realizing that Linton had somehow appeared behind him. His suspicion of Linton had never disappeared; the two had only been cooperating to deal with Orochimaru. He had always been on guard. Just moments ago, he had confirmed Linton's location with a shadow clone. So, how did Linton suddenly get behind him? Although weakened, he should not have been completely unaware of any movement. What on earth was happening?

Of course, Linton had no intention of explaining. He was also somewhat wary of the Third Hokage's technique, so he thrust the sword straight into the Third Hokage's heart. Seeing the Third Hokage turning his head, Linton swiftly pulled the sword out, and with a "splat," blood spurted out. The Third Hokage gazed at Linton, mumbling as if he wanted to say something, but darkness soon enveloped his consciousness. He dropped to his knees and then collapsed forward.

"Hah... hah..." Orochimaru suddenly realized he could move again. Moments ago, it felt as if his soul was being gripped by something, rendering him immobile. With the Third Hokage's fall, the jutsu failed, allowing him to finally catch his breath. However, in the next instant, his gaze shifted directly to Linton.

He was truly baffled by Linton's actions. The same person who had helped the Third Hokage fight him earlier was now the one who had ambushed and killed the Third Hokage. Whose side was this guy on? Of course, Orochimaru dared not make a move against Linton right away. Although the Third Hokage's jutsu had been undone, it still left him weakened, and Orochimaru himself was also somewhat drained.

"Do we keep fighting? Looking at your current state, I think it's better to stop," Linton said as he stood in front of Orochimaru.

"Whose side are you on?" Orochimaru asked.

"Neither side. I have my own plans," Linton replied. "For now, Konoha must remain, and you cannot die here."

Linton wasn't lying. He wasn't entirely sure how the progress of his reconnaissance mission was measured, but it seemed aligned with the storyline. Orochimaru, being a crucial character, would be useful later, so he couldn't be eliminated here.

"Are you suggesting I withdraw?" Orochimaru asked.

"Do you think killing the Third Hokage means your plan succeeded?" Linton countered. "Konoha may not be what it once was, but a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Do you really think you can overthrow the entire village with a bunch of subordinates who are all defeated ninjas? Besides, you're injured now, and Jiraiya and the others capable of fighting are back. This won't work out. You should leave for now."

"..." Orochimaru stared at Linton without responding.

"Have you forgotten? Danzo hasn't even made a move yet," Linton continued. "What's he waiting for?"

Hearing this, Orochimaru was suddenly startled. Indeed, it made him think. Where had Danzo been all this time? Would that schemer really give up this opportunity? Was he waiting for Orochimaru to finish everything and then reap the benefits?

"Is Danzo your target?" Orochimaru pondered Linton's mention of Danzo and asked.

"Danzo..." Linton considered it. Danzo was indeed on his list. Why? Because Danzo had the Kotoamatsukami, the most broken genjutsu, and Linton wanted it too. However, he hadn't yet figured out how to counter Kotoamatsukami, so he needed a plan.

"You'd better not meddle in my affairs. When I have time, I'll come find you again," Linton said, looking around. "For now, just retreat."

Orochimaru nodded. The mention of Danzo convinced him to withdraw. Even if he could overthrow Konoha now, he feared Danzo and his allies would swoop in and seize the spoils. Looking at the fallen Third Hokage and then at Linton, Orochimaru said, "I'll be waiting for you in the Hidden Sound Village."

"Sakon!" Orochimaru shouted toward one of his nearby subordinates. "End the operation, release the seal, and let's retreat!"

"Orochimaru-sama!" Sakon, seeing Orochimaru unsteady, quickly released the seal and rushed forward to support him. Of course, he remained highly vigilant against Linton, knowing from what he had just overheard that Linton was not on their side.

Soon, three other figures appeared beside Orochimaru. The taller Jirobo replaced Sakon in supporting Orochimaru, while the others quickly covered their retreat.

As soon as the seal was released, the ANBU outside rushed in, spotting Orochimaru and his men preparing to leave. Noticing Orochimaru's weakened state and his need for support, the ANBU immediately prepared to attack.

Unexpectedly, Orochimaru's subordinates were not without skills. Kidomaru spat out a chakra web, blocking the ANBU's path, allowing them to make a swift getaway with Orochimaru.

"The situation is unclear. Do not pursue," one ANBU ninja said cautiously. The current state of the village was dire, and they feared being lured away from their post.

In reality, the situation in the village was gradually improving. The various clans had mobilized, with the Hyuga, Nara, and Akimichi clans all deploying their core forces to the battle. Meanwhile, the Sand Village ninjas had begun to sense something was wrong. The situation was different from their original plan, and their will to fight was weakening.

Linton remained where he was, occasionally glancing around while browsing through his shop options. It seemed he had made quite the gain today. With the First, Second, and Third Hokages all taken care of, he had acquired a bunch of valuable items. However, there was a significant problem—he was running out of points.

Yes, Linton realized that while the new abilities he obtained were indeed powerful, they were also incredibly

 expensive, especially with the First Hokage's skills. Sage Chakra, various Sage Techniques, and Wood Style jutsu were all exorbitantly priced. When he added them up, it was quite shocking.

"What should I do now?" Linton was troubled. Even though his battles so far had gone well, his battle points would only be awarded afterward, but he needed them now. Especially with Uchiha Itachi coming up next, a formidable opponent.

While racking his brains, an idea suddenly flashed. Hadn't he just acquired a 500,000-point windfall through his dealings with Sasuke, who was linked to Indra? Then what about his brother Asura? Coincidentally, there was someone who was Asura's reincarnation right next to him.

(End of Chapter)