The shockwaves from the distant battle came one after another. The shinobi who knew they lacked the strength had already fallen back; only those who believed they could still be of help continued to approach and observe the situation.
On a giant tree atop a small hill, Orochimaru, dressed as a Rain Ninja and using the alias Shigure, watched the battle unfold.
Even Orochimaru at the height of his power would not have dared approach such a scene lightly. The advantages granted by his favored ninjutsu and bodily modifications were of little use against the unreasonable power of the Rinnegan and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Impure World Reincarnation, one of his main combat assets, could not exert its strength now either. Nearly all valuable materials had been divided between Kabuto Yakushi and Mizuki.
Night had already fallen, as if echoing the difficult moment that was about to arrive. Even the darkness seemed deeper, and only the bright moon occasionally passing through the black clouds offered a trace of light.
At this moment, the battle over there was clearly becoming increasingly unfavorable.
Suddenly, a figure appeared beside Orochimaru, making his entire body tense before he quickly relaxed.
"So it's you, Mizuki! Has Uchiha Obito been dealt with?"
"Mm!"
The newly arrived Mizuki happened to see Madara Uchiha wield the power of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, forcibly suppressing Itachi Uchiha's Amaterasu. A chakra dragon swept forth, scattering the enemy's soul and sending it back to the Pure Land.
Mizuki frowned. The situation seemed to be developing too slowly. Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha had yet to obtain the power of the Sage of Six Paths.
Sensing some of Mizuki's dissatisfaction, Orochimaru assumed Mizuki was worried over the allied forces' poor performance. He merely said blandly:
"Now