As Naruto completed the hand seals, the Impure World Reincarnation formula on the ground suddenly flared with blinding light.
The two death-row prisoners ultimately could not escape death, letting out piercing screams together.
Their bodies were forcibly twisted and broken apart by an invisible force, turning into countless scraps of dust and paper that swirled like two tornadoes, then condensed.
Gradually, two distinct human figures took shape amid the fluttering paper scraps.
The light faded, and the bodies of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki appeared intact.
They slowly opened their eyes and exchanged a glance. Their gazes initially held a trace of confusion before they looked around at the unfamiliar, empty surroundings, the many unfamiliar people, and one familiar face among them.
"Is this... the Pure Land? It feels... different," Kushina murmured in confusion, instinctively touching her arm. The sensation had a strange, unnatural texture.
It was completely different from the warm skin she had possessed in life.
Minato reacted more quickly. From the very moment he had been reincarnated, he had keenly sensed the abnormality of his body.
It felt as though he were bound, forcibly constructed by some kind of Chakra.
It reminded him of that forbidden technique, the jutsu that desecrated souls.
Impure World Reincarnation!
Minato's azure eyes instantly sharpened as he said gravely, "No, Kushina. This isn't the Pure Land. This is... the Forbidden Jutsu, Impure World Reincarnation!"
With that, his gaze swiftly swept across everyone present again, first settling on Orochimaru, who stood not far away watching it all with an amused smile.
He had recognized Orochimaru from the beginning. Though he was somewhat puzzled, most of his attention had been focused on the strange condition of his body.
Thinking of Impure World Reincarnation and Orochimaru's appearance...
Minato's pupils contracted slightly, and obvious shock and