The white smoke above the scroll in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi gradually dissipated, and Uzumaki Kuming's figure slowly emerged from within.
Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju both looked surprised. Neither had expected Hiruzen Sarutobi's Reverse Summoning to bring back a person—and one they had both met before, at that.
"Well, look at that. We know each other!"
"Orochimaru, long time no see! Lord Hashirama, Lord Tobirama, I didn't expect you two to be here as well."
Kuming's Shadow Clone stepped out of the smoke and greeted everyone with a smile. He hadn't expected to run into Orochimaru, Hashirama, and Tobirama here.
"So it's you, kid. I didn't expect you to have gotten so much weaker in such a short time."
Tobirama glanced sideways at Kuming and spoke quietly. He could sense a huge difference in Kuming's Chakra compared to the last time they'd met. Kuming had very little Chakra in him now—though, of course, that was only little compared to what he'd had before.
"Tobirama, your senses have gotten a little weak."
"This is only his Shadow Clone."
Hashirama crossed his arms and smiled. He'd just experienced firsthand how strange their enemy was, and her attacks had been just as bizarre. With a strong fighter like Kuming here to help, the battle would turn out differently.
"A Shadow Clone?"
"A Shadow Clone has this much Chakra?"
Tobirama was a little surprised, but he quickly recovered. Pointing at the Colored-hair Girl not far away, he said, "That woman is the enemy. There's no need for me to say more."
"She's strange. It seems she can absorb Chakra, so be careful."
Tobirama shared what they knew so far, then stood with Hashirama in front of Hiruzen and Kuming. They seemed intent on protecting the two of them. Meanwhile, Orochimaru had been left