Infiltration

Hokage Office.

News of the disturbance in the Forest of Death reached the Hokage Building almost immediately, relayed by the ANBU on-site.

Utatane Koharu's face darkened. "Damn it, Orochimaru chose this moment to make trouble!"

Mitokado Homura asked, "Hiruzen, have you confirmed it? Is it really that jutsu?"

The Third Hokage had just dispelled the Telescopic Technique. He nodded gravely. "Yes, I confirmed it. It's the Impure World Reincarnation, developed by the Second. I just didn't expect him to be bold enough to bring back the First and Second with it."

Mitokado Homura said, "I remember that the dead brought back with the Impure World Reincarnation can't use all the power they had in life, right?"

The Third Hokage sighed. "I don't know whether he improved the Impure World Reincarnation or used some special sacrifices. The First and Second he summoned may be weaker than they were in life, but they're still far stronger than ordinary reincarnated bodies."

Utatane Koharu reproached him. "You shouldn't have let him go back then!"

Not only Utatane Koharu—even the Third Hokage himself was beginning to regret letting Orochimaru go.

After all, this was a crucial moment in the battle between the Five Great Shinobi Villages and the Akatsuki Organization. Orochimaru's interference could easily ruin the plans the Five Great Shinobi Villages had spent so long preparing.

The Third Hokage irritably waved a hand.

Whoosh.

An ANBU landed in front of him. "Lord Hokage, what are your orders?"

With his hands clasped behind his back, the Third Hokage walked to the window. "Is everything normal in the rest of the village? Has the Intelligence Squad received any new reports?"

The ANBU replied, "Everything is normal so far. The Intelligence Squad hasn't sent in any new reports."

Utatane Koharu stepped up beside the Third Hokage. "Are