At the main battlefield of the Konoha Crush Plan, Orochimaru's Edo Tensei had summoned Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju. The clash was intense, though this scene was taking place years before the events of the original storyline.
These few years made a significant difference:
Orochimaru's control over Edo Tensei was far less refined than it would be later, weakening the power of Hashirama and Tobirama compared to their future portrayals.Hiruzen Sarutobi, still in his prime compared to his older, weaker self in the original timeline, was much stronger.
This back-and-forth caused the battle to drag on, with Orochimaru struggling to defeat his former teacher.
Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, Kakuzu and Hidan held off the Konoha shinobi trying to break the barrier. The real threat was Kakuzu. Despite his advanced age and a less-than-stellar record in the original series, he was undeniably Kage-level.
After all, Kakuzu:
Lost one heart to Kakashi in a surprise attack.Got tricked by Shikamaru, losing another heart.Still managed to dominate Kakashi, Ino, and Chōji in combat.Finally required Naruto's big finisher to be taken down.
In contrast, Hidan was less impressive. His strength relied entirely on his immortality and his bizarre ritual-based jutsu, both of which were inconvenient in chaotic battles. Enemies weren't about to stand around waiting for him to perform his rituals.
"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
"Wind Style: Vacuum Wave!"
A combination of fire and wind jutsu created a roaring inferno, forcing the ANBU in front of Kakuzu to retreat with casualties.
"Sorry we're late!"
"Leave the rest to us!"
Silver-haired Kakashi Hatake arrived, followed by a man in green spandex, bowl-cut hair, and thick eyebrows.
"And I, Leaf's Noble Green Beast, Might Guy!"
The two had been busy clearing out the Oto-nin and snakes summoned by Orochimaru. After all, it made sense to assume the Third Hokage, the strongest in Konoha, was the safest person with all the ANBU protection. However, upon finishing their task, they realized the situation wasn't as secure as they'd thought and rushed to the scene.
"Kakashi! As expected of my eternal rival—you beat me here! This round goes to you!" Guy exclaimed, giving Kakashi a thumbs-up.
"Guy, this isn't the time for that," Kakashi replied sternly.
"Of course! Protecting the Hokage takes priority!" Guy clenched his fist, eyes burning with determination. "But this time, I won't lose to you—because this is youth!"
Without hesitation, Guy charged straight toward Kakuzu and Hidan. His battle style rarely involved testing the waters—it was direct and relentless. Outsiders might assume he lacked strategy, relying solely on his taijutsu. But only he and Kakashi knew that Guy's true strength made such probing unnecessary.
"Konoha Strong Whirlwind!"
Guy's kick struck one of Kakuzu's heart monsters. Kakuzu's beady eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained unperturbed.
"Earth Style: Earth Spear!"
It turned out that Guy's target was the Earth-style heart, inherited from a skilled Earth-style user who had mastered hardening techniques to the point of near immunity to physical attacks.
"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
A lightning-infused spear shot out from the Lightning-style heart, grazing Guy, who quickly retreated back to the group.
The previously engaged ANBU explained, "The enemy can control five of these monsters, each corresponding to a chakra nature. They're incredibly dangerous."
"So, he can use all five chakra natures at once!" Kakashi activated his Sharingan, his face grim.
Recently, Kakashi had been encountering more enemies he couldn't defeat. It was frustrating. He'd been hailed as a prodigy since childhood, and while he never flaunted his talent, he carried a quiet pride in his abilities. Now, that pride was being eroded.
"The other enemy is immortal and uses a blood-based ritual for a curse jutsu," another ANBU added. "But he's less of a threat if we stop him from completing his ritual."
While the Konoha shinobi exchanged information, Hidan hefted his blood-red scythe, one arm hanging loosely after being severed earlier.
"Kakuzu! Patch me up already!"
Kakuzu grumbled as he stitched Hidan's arm back together.
"That green-suited guy below—is he the one Deidara warned us about?" Hidan asked.
"Doesn't seem like much," he sneered, hopping down into the fray.
"Reckless idiot!" Kakuzu cursed. Despite his irritation, even he felt less wary.
The current Konoha wasn't what it had been under Hashirama's rule. Back then, even without the First Hokage, there were still several people who could crush him. Now? He'd been fighting for ages, and everyone was weak.
For the first time in decades, Kakuzu felt pride swelling in his chest.
"Finally, I'm the one standing tall!"
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!" Kakashi unleashed a water dragon at Kakuzu, who responded with a smug grin.
"You're far too inexperienced. Compared to me, your skills and battle experience are lacking."
He smirked beneath his mask, reveling in the chance to boast.
"Seeing your headbands reminds me of my first fight with a Konoha ninja…"
"The First Hokage."
Hidan rolled his eyes mid-battle. There he goes again.
Bragging about having fought the First Hokage was Kakuzu's favorite pastime. Still, having a teammate with that kind of résumé was oddly reassuring.
But the Konoha shinobi were shocked.
"The First Hokage?!"
Their faces paled. Someone who had faced Hashirama Senju must be unimaginably old—and powerful.
Kakuzu basked in their stunned reactions. It was his favorite moment, the reason he always brought up this story. No one could verify the truth anymore, so why not indulge a little?
"Hmm? You fought me before?"
A deep, curious voice cut through the air.
Everyone froze.
A man in red armor stood on the barrier, his kind, honest face filled with confusion.
"I don't remember that."
Kakuzu: "…"
What the hell?! Edo Tensei actually exists?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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