Chapter 231: The Reanimation Jutsu Contest

The Uchiha clan has declared war.

This clan has proclaimed that they will crush the four major ninja villages and have openly disclosed their location to the entire ninja world.

Upon hearing this news, the Kage from various villages exchanged glances through the video screen.

Previously, the Uchiha avoided the main forces of the Allied Forces, striking in various locations. Now, they have adopted a straightforward posture, clearly demonstrating their fearlessness.

Could it be that, during this half-year, the Uchiha clan found something to rely on, giving them the confidence to defeat the four major ninja villages?

However, since the Uchiha have declared war so publicly, the Allied Forces must certainly respond.

Otherwise, the entire ninja world might think they fear the Uchiha, which would be a great loss of face for the four major ninja villages.

Hmph.

Arrogant Uchiha, do they really think that with the power of a single clan, they can oppose more than half of the ninja world?

"Everyone, let us unite. It's time to completely settle matters with the Uchiha clan; we can't let them plague the ninja world any longer."

Tsunade spoke solemnly, her gaze sharp.

The other Kage were silent for a moment, then nodded in succession.

Initially, it was Tsunade who pulled them onto this ship, and now it's too late to back out. They can only follow this path to the end and eradicate the Uchiha from the ninja world.

On that day, after the Kage-level talks ended.

The four major ninja villages quickly began mobilizing ninjas and assembling their armies internally, and the scale was unprecedented, even more massive than when they once besieged Konoha.

The entire ninja world was on the brink of a storm.

In the following days.

The news of the Uchiha declaring war on the Allied Forces, like a thunderbolt, spread to every corner of the ninja world.

A single stone stirred up a thousand waves.

The ninja world, which had been silent for half a year, was once again stirred up due to the Uchiha's declaration of war.

In the Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.

"Lady Mizukage is so wise, thankfully she led the Mist to withdraw from this war and remain neutral in time."

"Now that the Uchiha and the four major ninja villages are going to have a decisive battle, we can watch the fire from across the shore. Hopefully, they will both suffer, and the Mist can reap the benefits, becoming the ultimate winner."

"..."

In the village, the Mist residents were abuzz with discussion.

In the Mizukage's office, Mei Terumi sat alone, silently facing the wall.

She was waiting for Dan's command.

If Dan asked the Mist to take action, then the Mist's army would join the battlefield and fight alongside the Uchiha clan.

...

In the Land of Fire, a deep mountain temple.

Over the past half-year, under the diligent management of the head monk, the temple's incense had gradually prospered, bringing in quite a lot of popularity and income.

Especially during festivals, it was crowded with pilgrims and extraordinarily lively.

However, no one could have imagined.

The exiled government of Konoha was hidden in this thriving temple.

The news of the Uchiha declaring war on the Allied Forces was also relayed to the temple at the first moment.

"This is our great opportunity. When the Uchiha and the Allied Forces engage in a decisive battle, we will strike with full force and can recapture Konoha in one fell swoop."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were ablaze, full of confidence, and his confidence came from several coffins beside him.

On those coffins, the words "First," "Second," "Fourth," etc., were written.

Inside were the bodies of the Hokage from various generations of Konoha, as well as masters like Sarutobi Sasuke.

As the renowned Professor of Ninjutsu, it took Sarutobi Hiruzen less than a year to master the Reanimation Jutsu left behind by the Second Hokage, and he even made some improvements to the jutsu.

Now, he was just one step away from resurrecting the deceased inside the coffins.

Thinking of this, Sarutobi Hiruzen said to Jiraiya:

"I need a few good sacrifices, and I'm troubling you again this time. Asuma and Kurenai will act with you, hoping they can be of help."

"Understood."

Jiraiya responded in a deep voice.

He knew how despicable the Reanimation Jutsu was, but to save Konoha, Jiraiya had to break his own bottom line.

Meanwhile.

Outside Konoha, in a small house hidden in the deep mountains.

Creak.

The door was pushed open, and Kabuto walked in, then knelt on one knee, bowing his head.

Orochimaru, who was dozing on the bed, slowly opened his golden snake eyes, glanced at Kabuto, and said indifferently:

"It seems you've returned empty-handed, Kabuto."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you. The bodies of the previous Hokage were stolen by someone else, I... was a step too late."

Kabuto, with a self-blaming face, made a self-criticism.

He infiltrated Konoha under Orochimaru's orders, spent several months, and finally figured out the location of the bodies of the previous Hokage.

But when he finally made his move, he found that it was all in vain.

"It's within my expectations."

Orochimaru didn't blame Kabuto. Instead, he slowly said, "It seems I'm not the only one researching the Edo Tensei jutsu. Regardless of who wishes to resurrect the previous Hokages, Konoha will soon become a battleground. We should leave this place."

With that, Orochimaru got up from the bed. After a brief preparation with Kabuto, the two left the cabin. However, as soon as they stepped out, they were met by a shark-like man wielding a large blade wrapped in bandages.

"Isn't this the infamous Kisame Hoshigaki?" Orochimaru recognized the rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist Village. With a sly smile, he asked, "What brings you here? Looking to join me?"

"Not to join, but to collaborate," Kisame replied, revealing his sharp, shark-like teeth.

From the ground beside him, Black Zetsu emerged, standing alongside Kisame. Kisame was now under Black Zetsu's command, having been disillusioned by the shinobi world's falsehoods and lured by the promise of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

"It's you," Orochimaru's expression changed upon recognizing Black Zetsu, the mysterious figure who had always been by Tobi's side. He was wary of Tobi's power.

Black Zetsu, sensing Orochimaru's unease, said, "Tobi died six months ago, blown up by Konan's billions of explosive tags in the ruins of Uzushiogakure."

Orochimaru was taken aback by this revelation. After a moment, he regained his composure and asked, "So, what do you want from me?"

Black Zetsu stepped forward, "I know you've mastered the Edo Tensei jutsu developed by the Second Hokage. However, you lack suitable candidates for resurrection since the bodies of the previous Hokages were stolen by Jiraiya. Another researching the Edo Tensei is your former teacher, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi."

Orochimaru's face darkened, having suspected as much.

Black Zetsu continued, "I can provide you with the bodies of powerful shinobi, including Uchiha Madara."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, "Madara? The legendary ninja who stood alongside the First Hokage?"

Black Zetsu nodded, "Yes. With Madara on your side, you'll have a powerful ally. But what do you want in return?"

Black Zetsu replied, "Help us gather the Tailed Beasts. Once we have them all, I can help you achieve your dream of immortality."

Orochimaru pondered, "You're aware that most of the Tailed Beasts are with the Uchiha clan. Even with Madara, it won't be easy to retrieve them."

Black Zetsu smirked, "The Uchiha have declared war on the four major ninja villages. Who ends up with the Tailed Beasts remains to be seen. Besides Madara, I'll provide other powerful bodies and White Zetsu as sacrifices. You'll have an army of Edo Tensei warriors..."

Names of legendary shinobi, like the Second Tsuchikage, Second Mizukage, Third Raikage, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, flowed from Black Zetsu's lips. Orochimaru and Kabuto were taken aback.

Who was Black Zetsu? He was the true immortal of the shinobi world, having lived for over a thousand years. Finding a few bodies was child's play for him.

"It seems you came prepared. I must say, this is indeed a significant surprise," Orochimaru, gazing at Black Zetsu, chuckled.

Regardless of the latter's intentions, acquiring those bodies to create his Edo Tensei army seemed like a no-loss deal to Orochimaru. With this in mind, he extended a hand towards Black Zetsu, pleasantly sealing their agreement.

Thus, the Uchiha clan, the exiled government of Konoha, and the alliance of Orochimaru and Black Zetsu, these three forces, initiated a competition of Edo Tensei resurrection.

The upcoming battle would be one of resurrection, to see who could bring back more powerful deceased shinobi.

In the Land of Tea.

Konan, accompanied by Karin, had just procured supplies from the town and was on the way home.

"Teacher, are we moving again?" Karin asked curiously.

"Yes, it's no longer safe here," Konan nodded. Having stayed in the Land of Tea for half a year, it was indeed a bit long. Although they hadn't exposed their whereabouts yet, it was likely only a matter of time.

"Oh," Karin responded.

She had already adapted to a life of displacement and had no objections to moving. In fact, she was looking forward to where they would go next.

As long as she was with Konan and Naruto, even a life of fleeing was as joyful and exciting as a journey for Karin.

Unbeknownst to them, they entered a forest.

Suddenly, a sharp swooshing sound pierced the air, and a kunai, wrapped with an exploding tag, flew towards them, detonating upon reaching them.

Whoosh.

Numerous paper sheets separated from Konan, forming a paper wall that shielded her and Karin.

Who was it?

Under Konan's sharp gaze, dozens of figures emerged from the depths of the forest, heavily surrounding the teacher and student. Judging by their attire, they were bounty hunters.

"That's right, it's her, the Angel of the Akatsuki. Her head is worth a billion ryō!"

"We're going to be rich, let's get her!"

The bounty hunters, eyes gleaming, launched a fierce attack on Konan and Karin like a pack of hyenas drawn by the scent of blood.

"Hmph," Konan snorted, spreading wide paper wings behind her, shooting countless paper sheets in all directions.

While protecting Karin, she fought against the bounty hunters.

In the distance.

Kakuzu hid in the bushes, observing secretly.

As an eighty-year-old man, he wasn't as easily deceived as Kisame. After Tobi's death, he decisively parted ways with Black Zetsu and Kisame, returning to his original occupation.

Kakuzu, who regarded money as his life's belief, was naturally extremely tempted by the billion-ryō bounty on Konan's head.

His perseverance paid off.

After spending a full half-year, he finally traced Konan's whereabouts and found this place.

However, this time, Konan was not Kakuzu's target.

The massive explosion that Konan caused in Uzushiogakure half a year ago had genuinely shocked Kakuzu.

He was not confident in defeating Konan.

Therefore, Kakuzu sent a group of fools to distract Konan here, while his real target was the three Jinchuriki children worth two billion ryō, who were with Konan.

Minutes later.

Whoosh.

Kakuzu burst out of the forest, moving along the riverbank, and soon saw a small cabin not far away.

That was the place.

His eyes sharpened, and he rushed over, bursting through the cabin door.

However, just a few seconds later.

Bang!

Kakuzu was sent flying out of the cabin, soaring dozens of meters through the air before crashing into a large tree.

"Cough, cough..."

He coughed up blood, rising from the ground with a bewildered face, looking towards the cabin.

Naruto, Gaara, and Fuu slowly emerged from the cabin.

"You're Kakuzu, right? I've heard about you from Konan-sensei. She said that you would come for us sooner or later, trying to capture us for the bounty," Naruto, standing not far from Kakuzu, spoke calmly, his Rinnegan eyes profound and inscrutable.

As if they could see through one's soul.