A Hard-Fought Battle

"What to do? Of course, do what you're supposed to do."

The Masked Man said with a chuckle.

"You didn't think you were summoned from the Pure Land just to reminisce, did you? A tool should act like a tool. Daring to question your master is utterly absurd."

Upon hearing the Masked Man's words, Yahiko plunged his hand into his heart. He refused to become a tool in someone else's hand to harm his family.

Yahiko felt no pain; the wound on his chest began to heal rapidly as he pulled his hand out.

"Tap, tap, tap."

"That was decisive!"

The Masked Man felt a sense of respect for Yahiko, who would rather die than harm Nagato and Konan.

"However, that's not true. Your life and death are in my hands."

The Masked Man raised his right hand and then clenched his fist, as if to tell everyone that he had the situation under control.

"Let's get started!"

As soon as the Masked Man finished speaking, the people in the other coffins burst out with a "whoosh" and charged straight at Nagato. Their clothing was clearly from the Warring States period. Even Yahiko, who was unwilling, joined the battle to besiege Nagato; his body was no longer under his control.

Looking at the enemies all around him, Nagato felt immense pressure. The Masked Man had figured out his abilities, and now these seemingly invincible creatures the Masked Man had sent out were making it difficult for Nagato to cope.

"Kisame, what kind of Ninjutsu is that?"

Zabuza asked Kisame, who was standing next to him, a question. Kisame was the Masked Man's most trusted subordinate and knew many things that Zabuza didn't.

"The Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu"

Zabuza felt a chill Zabuza down his spine upon hearing Kisame's words. Although Zabuza many people, Zabuza with the souls of the dead. After all, anyone could die, and it would be truly pathetic if one's soul were to be toyed with after death.

Zabuza realized this was crucial information; if he reported it to Konoha, he would likely be credited with a great service. Not being able to do so for Konoha left Zabuza feeling incredibly anxious!

Nagato's wounds multiplied, and his face grew paler. Nagato was clearly feeling his strength waning. The drain on his power far exceeded his expectations; each time he wounded an enemy, the enemy recovered almost instantly. Moreover, the enemies fought with a life-or-death style, putting Nagato at a significant disadvantage. Because the enemies were immortal while Nagato was made of flesh and blood, he simply couldn't win!

"Careful."

Nagato reacted a beat too slow, and another cut appeared on his body. Luckily, Konan alerted him in time, otherwise it wouldn't have been a small cut, but a large, bleeding hole.

"Looks like you're not going to make it."

When the Masked Man saw that Nagato was almost killed with a single blow, he knew that Nagato was nearing the end of his life.

The Masked Man immediately ordered his men to end the battle as quickly as possible. Masked Man feared that delaying would only lead to unforeseen complications.

"Lord Hokage, the carriage is ready and we can depart at any time."

Anbu ninja reported to Orochimaru that the Five Kage Summit had concluded its battle plan, and everyone was now returning to their respective villages to gather their subordinates. After all, the Akatsuki Organization's strength was undeniable. This mission was twofold: revenge and the annihilation of the Akatsuki Organization, a hidden Akatsuki Organization operating underground.

"Okay, let's go!"

After giving the order, Orochimaru leaned back in his chair without saying a word, so no one knew what he was thinking.

"Karot, do you think they'll do their best?"

Orochimaru, sitting in the carriage, asked Karot, who was half-closing his eyes.

"Yes, they will. Now is a critical moment for the survival of other ninja villages. Without the Tailed Beast, the strength of these villages will be greatly reduced."

"I really can't wait to see what the Ten-Tails looks like!"

The thought of this made Orochimaru incredibly excited. As a "scientist," Orochimaru always had a great interest in new species. Moreover, this Tailed Beast was the key to changing his level of life.

"I wonder what kind of expression they'll have when they finally find out they can't take the Tailed Beast back."

"They'd probably hate you so much they'd want to kill you!"

Karot teased Orochimaru, saying that if Orochimaru had actually succeeded, there wouldn't be any Tailed Beast left to distribute to other villages.

Do you think this problem will still exist by then?

Orochimaru countered with a question.

"Too."

Karot thought about it and realized it was indeed the case. If Orochimaru succeeded, he would become another Sage of Six Paths, making him invincible in the Ninja World.

"It worked?"

Karot knew that Orochimaru had been using cloning technology to create a perfect vessel for the Ten-Tails.

"Yes, we have to thank Urashiki for this."

Orochimaru obtained the cells of the Otsutsuki clan from Urashiki. By fusing them with Hashirama's cells, he created a perfect vessel. Once the Ten-Tails appeared, Orochimaru could change his body and become the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki.

Karot never expected that Urashiki would be the key to Orochimaru's success. It was truly a matter of timing and fate! Good fortune simply fell into Orochimaru's lap. If he didn't succeed, who would?

Shinra Tensei.

Nagato used this move to instantly repel the ninjas surrounding him. Before he could even catch his breath, the enemy's greatsword was already slashing down towards his head.

Nagato caught the blade bare-handed, firmly grasping the enemy's katana. The enemy, seeing Nagato catch his katana, showed no sign of frustration; instead, a smile appeared on his lips.

Before Nagato could react, the katana in his hand suddenly transformed into vines, which quickly wrapped around Nagato's hands Nagato, binding them tightly.

This was the "good deed" done by the Masked Man. Although he couldn't use the wooden shield as recklessly as Hashirama Senju, he could still use a small wooden shield to bind people.

"Um?"

Nagato's expression changed slightly. The tree branch in his hand could actually absorb his Chakra, and Nagato's Chakra was dwindling. How dare you snatch food from his mouth! How could Nagato not be angry? But he had no choice now. The wooden shield became more resilient as it absorbed Nagato 'Chakra.

"If this continues, I might be drained dry before the Masked Man even makes a move."

Nagato was racking his brains for a solution, but the enemy wouldn't let him have his way.

"Swish, swish, swish."

The enemy threw darts at Nagato. Nagato dodged them thanks to his skillful maneuvering. But he had barely escaped one danger only to fall into another.