Chapter 14: You're Surrounded by Me!

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Wood clones emerged from Hashirama's body one after another.

Currently, he was in the state of Impure World Reincarnation.

Utilizing the characteristic of unlimited chakra efficiently.

It looked like he was producing wood clones in bulk.

"Ying~"

The creature with large, adorable eyes stared at Hashirama, feeling deeply moved.

The host is so dedicated!

To complete an F-rank mission!

He's going all out!

I really did choose a conscientious host!

…

Hashirama had no idea what the creature was thinking. After using the wood clone technique more than a dozen times, he felt it was enough. The clones could now cover the entire forest.

"Impure World Reincarnation state..."

Hashirama shook his head lightly. He felt as if he was playing with unlimited power; he could use any jutsu he wanted without ever feeling drained.

Now, the trap was set.

They just needed to wait to capture Orochimaru.

Hashirama leaped down from the tree, landing on the ground, and then clapped his hands together again.

Boom, boom, boom...

The ground shook.

The earth cracked open.

Square logs of wood sprouted from the ground, quickly twisting and forming into a large villa.

The villa took shape instantly.

It was a three-story design, complete with wooden furniture inside.

Then, Hashirama stepped into the villa, his casual demeanor making it seem like he was on vacation.

"Ying~"

The creature flapped its wings, following behind Hashirama, its large eyes curiously examining the villa with the astonishment of a newcomer to the city.

"It's a pity I'm in the state of Impure World Reincarnation. Otherwise, brewing some tea here and waiting for Orochimaru to be brought back would be quite pleasant!"

Hashirama lay on a rocking chair created by his Wood Release, exuding an indescribable sense of leisure, completely different from his domineering presence in Konoha.

…

Somewhere in the forest.

Kabuto was supporting Orochimaru as they fled quickly.

"Kabuto..."

Orochimaru had recovered enough to speak. His brain had been temporarily incapacitated by a powerful blow, rendering him unable to speak until now.

"Orochimaru-sama, rest assured, we've escaped!"

Kabuto promised confidently, extremely sure of his escape and disguise abilities, honed over years as a spy.

"You nearly got me killed."

Orochimaru's voice was extremely hoarse, his snake-like eyes filled with terror. Just thinking about Hashirama's power made him shudder.

This was just an experimental body!

They had used a Sound Ninja genin as a live sacrifice for this!

Frankly speaking...

The limitations of this Impure World Reincarnation were significant!

As the caster of Impure World Reincarnation, Orochimaru understood better than anyone that this test version of the technique couldn't fully unleash the body's power.

Even so, Hashirama's presence still made him feel an unmatched intimidation.

"Orochimaru-sama, don't worry. That puppet has been intercepted by the Sound Ninja Four, and his clones were misled by my decoys."

Kabuto's tone remained confident. He had performed such counter-surveillance disguises countless times. If he claimed to be the second-best in the ninja world at disguise, no one would dare claim first.

"Hehehehe..."

Orochimaru let out a cold laugh, shook his head helplessly, and sighed, "Do you know who that puppet is?"

"The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju."

Kabuto answered smoothly. After all, he had been present when Orochimaru was researching Impure World Reincarnation and was aware of these plans.

"Do you realize it's the First Hokage, and you're still dragging me along?"

Orochimaru broke into a cold sweat again, looking at Kabuto with an expression akin to seeing an utter fool. This was the epitome of a clueless ally.

"It's precisely because he's the First Hokage that I need to get you out of here quickly!"

Kabuto sensed the urgency in Orochimaru's tone but felt compelled to explain his reasoning, fearing the dire consequences if he didn't.

"Enough, say no more. Let's head to the southern hideout and stay hidden for the next few decades!"

Orochimaru made an immediate decision. Given the circumstances, going back to face the First Hokage was a guaranteed death sentence.

Since they've fled...

They might as well escape thoroughly!

"Orochimaru-sama, how long can this Impure World Reincarnation last? Can't you dispel it?"

Kabuto asked, puzzled. He had a keen interest in Impure World Reincarnation and secretly noted down Orochimaru's research, dreaming of creating an immortal army someday.

"There is no time limit."

"I can't dispel it at all."

"The First Hokage is simply too powerful."

"He's completely beyond the control of Impure World Reincarnation!"

"I'm starting to seriously question the purpose behind the Second Hokage developing this jutsu!"

Orochimaru's expression was extremely grave. Throughout his engagement with forbidden jutsus, he had never understood the concept of reverence.

Now, he understood.

No problems arise if everything goes well.

But one mistake leads to a major disaster!

"You mean to say..."

Kabuto's pupils shrank sharply as he suddenly grasped something, sensing a conspiracy.

"I suspect the Second Hokage developed Impure World Reincarnation specifically to resurrect the First Hokage!"

Orochimaru voiced his conjecture.

He had conducted numerous experiments while researching Impure World Reincarnation.

The number of test subjects in his hideouts was countless.

Just like when he developed the Cursed Seal.

However...

None of the sacrifices for Impure World Reincarnation, whether summoned as tools or used as living experiments, ever resisted the jutsu.

Based on this premise...

Orochimaru brought the First Hokage's blood to Konoha, intending to execute the Konoha Destruction Plan.

Among all the people he had reincarnated, only the First Hokage was completely uncontrollable.

Impure World Reincarnation was a jutsu developed by the First Hokage's younger brother!

Orochimaru felt like he had become a pawn in some grand scheme, a sensation that greatly disturbed his typically aloof self.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

However, at that moment...

Both Kabuto and Orochimaru's expressions changed drastically.

They heard a sharp whistling sound behind them, someone approaching at an alarming speed.

Fast!

Extremely fast!

It was a speed that instilled utter despair, giving them a sense that escape was futile.

"It's over!"

Kabuto and Orochimaru simultaneously felt a wave of dread wash over them.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Before they could react, a series of First Hokage clones appeared in front of them, each identical, emanating a terrifying aura of chakra.

"Orochimaru."

"Kabuto."

The First Hokage clones spoke in unison, their tones laced with a hint of amusement, as if they were playing a game.

"You're surrounded!"

(End of Chapter)