Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was considering how to deal with Kimimaro, a cloud of smoke rose and dispersed.
Kimimaro vanished from the spot.
"Reverse Summoning Jutsu."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned.
"He's as slippery as Orochimaru."
Against a space-time Ninjutsu like the Reverse Summoning Jutsu, even Sarutobi Hiruzen found it difficult to counter without prior preparation.
Still, the other gains had been considerable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the massive snake tail in his hand. It had belonged to the White Snake Sage.
By the end of the battle, the White Snake Sage had naturally been no match for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's Haki system was now capable of contending with an Admiral. Combined with his ever more refined Chakra system, he had already reached the pinnacle of Three-Star.
Even without the Azure Dragon Armor, Sarutobi Hiruzen could go toe-to-toe with her. Though the White Snake Sage was formidable, she was still some distance from Senju Hashirama.
Of course, the White Snake Sage had not died.
She had instead used some secret technique, leaving behind a section of her tail before successfully escaping.
"Let's go, Sasuke."
Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up Second Pillar and turned into a pillar of light, disappearing from Ryūchi Cave.
Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Second Pillar appeared at the same time.
With a wave of Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand, the Azure Dragon Armor on Second Pillar instantly dispersed into motes of light.
"Hmm?!"
Second Pillar looked at his now-empty arm, disappointment filling him for a moment.
He had not had his fill of that nearly omnipotent power yet.
To Second Pillar, that armor was simply far too cool. Both its appearance and its power captivated him deeply.
"Only power that belongs to you is real."
Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen reminded him.
"You're still too young. You need to grow."
"Coming into