Orochimaru watched Naruto's attacks come in wave after wave, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth. He abruptly swept his hand, and Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu sprang into action.
Countless sharp shuriken seemed to come alive, transforming into a dense web of blades that crisscrossed and spun through the air, completely concealing Orochimaru.
Though the sudden change posed no threat to Naruto, it made him halt his attack.
As soon as Naruto stopped, Orochimaru seized the chance to perform Summoning Jutsu: Impure World Reincarnation.
A massive summoning array spread out beneath him with a thunderous rumble, glowing a faint blue.
A moment later, three coffins shot upright from the array at astonishing speed, carrying an intense sense of oppression.
The lids opened one by one. From the first coffin emerged Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage of Konohagakure.
His skin was corpse-pale, but his build was imposing, and he exuded an aura of immense power, like an insurmountable mountain.
From the second coffin emerged Tobirama Senju, the Second of Konohagakure. Like the First, his skin was dark, but his figure was agile, and he possessed an imposing air that commanded respect.
However, when the third coffin rose unsteadily, something went wrong.
Unlike the first two, it didn't summon a powerful ninja. It was completely empty, and then sank back down.
Orochimaru furrowed his brow, clearly surprised by this turn of events.
He didn't know that the third coffin had been intended to summon Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. But before his death, Minato had used the Reaper Death Seal to give his soul to the Shinigami, so Orochimaru couldn't bring him back with Impure World Reincarnation.
Confronted with Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage of Konohagakure, and Tobirama Senju, the Second, both summoned by Orochimaru through Impure World Reincarnation, Naruto couldn't help feeling shaken.
Even summoned after death, these two legendary powerhouses radiated an aura that made his heart tremble.
Naruto's gaze was sharp. From the way they stood, he could easily discern their overwhelming power. Their bearing matched the solemn faces carved into Kage Rock perfectly, leaving him certain of their identities.
This is remarkably similar to Spirit Evocation in the Jujutsu Society, Gokage Go thought, astonished by Orochimaru's audacity. Doesn't he fear that such powerful beings might turn on their summoner?
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Orochimaru swiftly formed Hand Seals, and subtle changes began to appear in the First and Second Hokage's bodies.
Their pallid skin gradually regained its vitality, and wisps of steam rose from them. Apart from their hollow, black eyes, they were nearly indistinguishable from living people.
But their vacant stares showed that they hadn't truly awakened. They were merely puppets under his control.
Behind Naruto's sunglasses, his azure eyes gleamed with insight.
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he taunted Orochimaru. "If you went to all that trouble to summon them, why not give them consciousness and let them show their true power? Or are you afraid that if they regain their awareness, they'll break free of your control and kill you in an instant?"
Orochimaru answered with a smile of his own, his tone tinged with disdain. "Kid, even with nothing but their battle instincts from when they were alive, these two are more than enough to give you trouble."
"Especially the First. If he regained his awareness, I'm certain I'd become his target in an instant. But right now, they're on my side, and that's my greatest advantage. However..." He broke off when he noticed the excitement and fighting spirit mingling on Naruto's face, and shook his head helplessly. "It seems my words were unnecessary."
At his command, Orochimaru formed Hand Seals again and shouted, "Then get to it!" At his order, the First and Second Hokage advanced slowly toward Gokage Go, like killing machines brought to life.
Hashirama Senju rapidly formed Hand Seals, and a low, resonant incantation echoed through the forest. In an instant, the entire forest seemed to answer his call, becoming his domain.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence! As the technique took effect, the earth trembled. Huge trees burst from the ground and grew at astonishing speed, intertwining to form a dense green barrier.
Thick branches, like the arms of giants, lifted Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, and Tobirama Senju, the Second, into the sky.
In midair, the First Hokage controlled the towering trees. Their branches whipped like flexible lashes, roaring through the air as they launched a fierce assault on Naruto, who hovered above the ground.
Every branch held enough force to shake mountains, trying to trap Naruto inside a cage built from Wood Release.
At the same time, Tobirama Senju, the Second, was no less formidable. He swept out both hands, instantly activating Water Style.
Clear water gathered in the air, forming a gigantic water dragon. With a thunderous roar, it lunged at Naruto.
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