The battle commenced, both testing each other's strength and employing various subtle tricks.
However, Orochimaru knew he had to do more if he wanted to kill Hiruzen.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Edo Tensei."
Three coffins were summoned, emerging from the rooftop.
"What is this?"
Hiruzen was surprised; he never expected Orochimaru to master this forbidden jutsu.
Edo Tensei was a resurrection jutsu, one of Konoha's highest-level forbidden techniques. It could bring powerful ninjas back to life, using them as puppets with infinite chakra, free from the need to eat or rest, fighting for eternity.
Yet, the cruelest part was the law of equivalent exchange: bringing back souls required a living body. Due to this, the Second Hokage sealed the jutsu.
"I must prevent it! I can't let a third one appear!"
Just as the third coffin was about to emerge, Hiruzen performed hand signs, successfully avoiding the third.
Orochimaru didn't mind; two were more than enough, especially since the revived ninjas were no ordinary warriors.
"It's futile, old man. What can you do? Haha."
Mocking Hiruzen's feeble attempt, Orochimaru licked his lips. The coffin lids opened, revealing incredible ninjas inside.
"How...? How could you, Orochimaru!"
Trembling and shocked, Hiruzen couldn't believe it. Inside the coffins were the ninjas who were once his mentors and those he respected more than anyone in the world – the First and Second Lord Hokages.
"So... What will you do, Sarutobi-sensei?"
---
At the same time, looking down from the stone faces of the Hokages, Yuki and Tsubaki floated slowly.
Yuki had provided Tsubaki with information, and she activated her ability, teleporting them instantly.
Yuki focused on a specific direction – the underground base of Root.
"You never disappoint, Danzo. Even with Konoha under invasion, you refuse to act. I was right about you; you are the greatest cancer in Konoha."
With a cruel smile, Yuki felt satisfied. Today, he would finally eliminate this plague, and his actions would raise no suspicion. His ultimate goal was to kill Hiruzen; Orochimaru and the Sand Village were scapegoats. Blaming them for the destruction would divert attention, even Tsunade wouldn't suspect him, especially while he was recovering from surgery.
"I don't care if Danzo dies and the council elders disappear..."
Sending Yugao with an elite squad to assassinate the elders, Yuki ensured that the old generation would take a permanent break. They were too old, making senile decisions. Danzo, especially, was a cancer that needed to be removed.
Killing Danzo would take time, and he wasn't weak. To avoid alerting Konoha, Yuki couldn't use a barrier or conventional methods. There was only one thing he could do.
"Forgive me, Major Black Rock Shooter, but I will borrow the world of dreams."
Closing his eyes, Yuki apologized to the person guiding him in using his Order powers correctly. Opening his eyes, Yuki's Mangekyou Sharingan had transformed, now an Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, resembling his mother's eyes.
[Boundary between Reality and Dreams]
A rift opened, and a mist covered the area, transporting all ninjas and surroundings to the dream world.
---
"Hm?"
Atop an uneven rock, Black Rock Shooter opened her eyes; something had entered the Dream World.
The hood covered her face, protecting it from the winds of the Black and White world. The crown on her head turned as she glanced into the distance. The aura was familiar, and Black Rock Shooter frowned, sitting atop the rock.
"Entering without my permission, you grow stronger and bolder. At this rate, in the next two decades, you might reunite with your other half."
A smile formed; when Black Rock Shooter first saw Yuki, he was barely a Middle Tectonic, about to enter the High Tectonic rank. Now, he was a powerful High Tectonic, making progress. She was satisfied with his development, considering the dangers of facing chaos.
"Well, as a reward, I'll let you use this world, for now."
Embracing her knees, Black Rock Shooter enjoyed the spectacle.
---
"Huh?"
Frowning, Danzo stood up, sensing a terrifying chakra as the mist covered the entire underground base.
"Danzo-sama, it seems we're trapped in a barrier."
Root's Anbu hunters quickly gathered around Danzo for protection, while others remained in the shadows to find the enemy.
Danzo stayed silent; only one ninja could attack their base and trap all hunters in a barrier – the Devourer had come.
"The Devourer... You've arrived."
What Danzo feared the most had knocked on his door. For years, Anbu and Root had fought for control of Konoha, but with the Devourer manipulating behind the scenes, Danzo couldn't maintain power. Many subordinates died and were devoured. Danzo had to reduce his activities and hide in this base, uncertain when the Devourer would strike and how to stop him.
This was exhausting, constantly being on guard and suffering insomnia due to the Devourer's ability to move in and out of shadows at will.
Danzo felt secure only in this base, but now it was under attack.
"The last safe haven is about to vanish."
"Don't hold back; the enemy is too strong. Attack to kill."
Cold sweat ran down Danzo's face; his right arm, hidden in his robe, appeared. The bandages around his right eye and arm started to fall. The seal on his arm was being released.
There was no doubt; Danzo was ready to unleash all his power.
"It's taken too long; this war must end now."
With his Sharingan spinning, Danzo's expression turned resolute. If necessary, he would use his last resort – Kotoamatsukami.
And who knows, if it worked, he would have the most dangerous ninja under his control. If Devourer died, he would reign in the shadows of Konoha.
---
TN: You know the rules so it's time to die daNzo