Chapter 276: The Gathering of the Five Hokage


    Chapter 276: The Gathering of the Five Hokage


    The cave was bustling with activity. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato Namikaze appeared and disappeared unpredictably, trying to divert the attention of the Akatsuki members and find an opportunity to escape the encirclement.


    However, he overlooked one crucial detail: these enemies were not ordinary shinobi as he had encountered in the past. Each person present had strength comparable to or surpassing that of a Kage. His plans became increasingly difficult to realize, and his situation grew more perilous with time.


    Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Minato and then looked away. His Reanimation technique was only a partial and flawed version. After Minato unexpectedly regained his consciousness, Hagoromo could no longer control him. Nevertheless, given the formidable lineup on his side, Minato''s fate was already sealed.


    Gengetsu did not pay further attention, forming seals with his hands. The Gedo Statue opened its enormous mouth, and Gaara''s body began to rise, with Shukaku''s massive chakra slowly leaking out.


    The extraction of the tailed beast continued methodically.


    After a moment, Minato, who had been struggling for quite some time, finally faltered. A puppet''s abdomen, controlled by Sasori, opened and swallowed him whole, trapping Minato inside.


    *Click, click!*


    Sharp steel spikes protruded from the puppet, piercing various parts of Minato''s body and sealing his chakra, preventing him from using the Flying Thunder God Technique.


    "It''s over," Sasori stated calmly from a distance, manipulating the puppet with chakra threads.


    "You''re amazing, Sasori!" Deidara gave Sasori a thumbs up.


    Sasori glanced at Deidara, uncertain if his compliment was genuine or sarcastic, given their past interactions.


    Sasuke sheathed his sword and glanced at the immobilized Minato.


    The same blonde hair, the same blue eyes.


    Jiraiya''s eyes narrowed. "So, Hagoromo Gengetsu killed you?"


    Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya, licking his lips with his long tongue. "It seems Konoha knows quite a bit."


    "Konoha knows more than you think," Jiraiya said seriously. "Orochimaru, both Konoha and the ninja world need your strength right now. That''s why we brought you back. If you''re willing to cooperate..."


    He paused, then spoke with utmost seriousness, "Orochimaru, this is your last chance. I hope you understand."


    Orochimaru''s golden eyes reflected Jiraiya''s aging face. He smiled and spread his hands. "Of course, of course. Isn''t that why I''m back in Konoha?"


    "To use Reanimation to deal with Hagoromo Gengetsu, right? I''m happy to help."


    Orochimaru understood well that unless Hagoromo Gengetsu was completely dealt with, his fate would be one of repeated deaths and resurrections until his final, complete eradication.


    His power alone couldn''t defeat Gengetsu, so he had to rely on others. This was precisely why Orochimaru had chosen to return to Konoha.


    Jiraiya looked deeply at Orochimaru. "I hope you''ll keep your word."


    With that, he motioned with his hand, and the surrounding ANBU operatives relaxed their combat stances. Although Orochimaru had been resurrected in a weakened state, the ANBU operatives could easily subdue him if necessary. This assurance gave Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Konoha the confidence to cooperate with him.


    Seeing that the cooperation was established, Orochimaru spoke, "To use Reanimation against Hagoromo Gengetsu, we''ll need some precious DNA samples. Most of mine were likely destroyed by Gengetsu. It''s up to you now."


    Jiraiya nodded. "Tsunade will select the necessary individuals."


    "Tsunade..." Orochimaru suddenly smiled, his eyes glinting with a peculiar light. "It''ll be interesting to see the scene of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Hokage gathering together."


    If they were to use Reanimation, they would naturally choose powerful individuals like the former Hokage.


    Jiraiya hadn''t thought about this initially, but Orochimaru''s words brought the idea to mind. "The living and the dead gathering together... Reanimation truly can turn the impossible into possible."