Looking at the slowly collapsing barrier, the imitation clone Zhu Li stood frozen with a sense of unreality. He had always understood that even a formidable barrier like the Four Violet Flames Formation (Shishienjin) had its limits. While the barrier team wasn't weak, their combat ability was negligible when compared to a Kage-level opponent.
But for the formation to be broken by sheer force? That far exceeded Mizuki's expectations.
"Now this is interesting. Maybe the butterfly effect won't be as noticeable after all..."
Ever since Hiruzen Sarutobi had suddenly unleashed an overwhelming surge of power, Mizuki had suspected it—the Third Hokage had used the medicine derived from Mizuki's own experimental concoctions. He had noticed the signs over a month ago when Hiruzen had inquired about the side effects of chakra-augmenting compounds.
But seeing the effect of a large dose used on a shinobi of Hiruzen's caliber was still shocking. It was on a completely different level than what had happened with Yamashiro Aoba, Moonlight Gale, or even Mizuki himself. The stronger the shinobi, the more unpredictable the world's response.
Even if the Third Hokage's aging body was temporarily restored to its prime, the resulting chain reaction was immense.
"Is that ninjutsu... strong enough to shake the Jūbi's jinchūriki? The pinnacle of elemental ninjutsu really is terrifying."
Nearby, ANBU operatives waited anxiously for the barrier to fall completely, prepared to rush in and assist the Hokage. But Mizuki made no move to help. He simply narrowed his chakra signature and observed silently. After all, this was just a clone—its combat ability paled in comparison to his main body.
Within the barrier, Hiruzen panted, recovering from unleashing two Fire Release: Dragon Flame Bombs (Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu) in rapid succession. Even with a temporary surge from the medicine, the strain on his aged body was significant.
"The medicine's effect is fading. I must've overused it just now…"
The Monkey King Enma, summoned by Hiruzen in his adamantine staff form, had just repelled the revived First and Second Hokage's attack. He shifted to Hiruzen's side.
"Are you alright, Hiruzen?"
"Don't worry," Hiruzen said with a weak smile, "I won't die just yet."
"But what now? If we don't deal with the Impure World Reincarnation, they'll just wear us down."
"There's still a way," the Third muttered. "At this point, there's no turning back. If I die killing Orochimaru, it will be enough."
Elsewhere in the forest, Mizuki crouched beside Shino Aburame, tending to his injuries. But his expression suddenly shifted. He glanced up sharply.
"…Who's there?"
A calm voice answered, "It's me."
The familiar appearance—dark cloak, high collar, and ever-calm expression—immediately revealed the man's identity.
"That outfit… Shino's father, Aburame Shibi. The resemblance in demeanor is unmistakable."
"Senior," Mizuki greeted, "what brings you here?"
Shibi gave a curt nod. "Shino. I'll take it from here."
"You're too kind," Mizuki replied politely. "Shino's injuries are light. He was mainly poisoned—though detoxification isn't my forte. But now that you're here, I'm relieved."
"Leave it to me."
"I have another mission to attend to," Mizuki said, rising. "I'll take my leave."
As he moved through the forest, Mizuki felt it again—a massive chakra fluctuation, unmistakable in scale.
"Is that… a Tailed Beast transformation?"
No giant form was visible yet—just dense, overwhelming chakra pressure. But it couldn't be far. The Jinchūriki of the One-Tail, Gaara of the Sand, was never stable to begin with. The summoning of Shukaku through partial or full release was inherently dangerous.
Worse, Shukaku's abilities weren't limited to Sand Release or Wind Release. His most troublesome trait was sealing jutsu, making him the most difficult Tailed Beast to both bind and control.
As Mizuki drew closer, the air trembled with the shifting sands—and then, the massive figure of Shukaku burst into view.
"So… that's what you really look like."
Back in the arena, Orochimaru stared at the collapsing Four Violet Flames Formation. For the first time, doubt crossed his face.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
His plan, so carefully orchestrated, had never accounted for the possibility of the barrier being destroyed. The Four Violet Flames Formation, a forbidden barrier technique inherited from Konoha and enhanced by his own research, should have been impenetrable. The Sound Four were strong, and the technique was refined to perfection.
Yet, someone had broken it. And not just anyone—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the aging Third Hokage who should have been long past his prime.
Now, Konoha reinforcements were pouring in. Orochimaru's lips curled downward.
He didn't want a full-scale war with Konoha—at least, not yet. The village's main forces were busy dealing with the invasion from Sunagakure. It was the perfect time to retreat. Though he hadn't landed the killing blow on Hiruzen, the old man wouldn't live long. And more importantly—he had branded Uchiha Sasuke with the Cursed Seal.
Mission complete.
But just as Orochimaru turned to leave, Hiruzen's voice rang out.
"So… you intend to run now, Orochimaru? I won't let you escape again."
Orochimaru's smile vanished. He had once respected Hiruzen—had even admired him. But the man who now stood before him was a relic. A soft, diplomatic shell of the "Professor" he once was.
"How far you've fallen, Sarutobi-sensei… from the strongest ninja in the world, to a political puppet."
And yet... now that Hiruzen had regained his former strength, if only temporarily, the presence Orochimaru once admired had returned. That same oppressive willpower.
"I planned to play with you longer... but it looks like that time is up. If you can survive this, we'll meet again. Hahaha..."
With a maniacal grin, Orochimaru drew the Kusanagi Blade from his mouth, effortlessly deflecting shuriken from the shadows. At the same time, he ordered the reanimated First and Second Hokage to resume their attack, and engaged Hiruzen's shadow clone in a ferocious melee.
Outside, as the barrier shattered, the Sound Four wasted no time. Facing imminent defeat, they activated their Cursed Seals, their chakra exploding with dark power. Without hesitation, they leapt into battle against the advancing Konoha ANBU, doing everything in their power to buy Orochimaru time to escape.
On the observation platform, Hatake Kakashi looked toward the ruined arena, his expression grave. Beside him, Might Guy had just finished dispatching a Sand shinobi.
"Kakashi, what was that flare just now?"
"That was a signal," Kakashi replied calmly. "The Third Hokage is calling for support."
"Support? You mean... he's losing to Orochimaru?"
"No," Kakashi said firmly, eyes narrowing. "It's not a rescue signal—it's reinforcement. The Four Violet Flames Formation has been breached. We've got the upper hand."
He turned to the battlefield.
"Let's go. We need to end this while we can."
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