The Meeting Beneath the Sound Village (Part 2)

Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden snake eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Not only is there no problem," his voice carried a strange pleasure, "Nagato's hatred for Obito Uchiha was extraordinary. When I told him Obito's true identity, how Obito manipulated Yahiko's dream, controlled the Akatsuki, and ultimately killed Konan ... heh, that anger was so intense that even the Impure World Reincarnation talisman could barely suppress it."

He paused, then added, "And after learning of Konan's death, he was more than happy to cooperate with us. He only has one small request."

"What are your requirements?" Neji asked.

Orochimaru wore a forced smile, "Nagato wants to kill Obito with his own hands to avenge Yahiko and Konan."

This request silenced the council chamber for a moment.

Then Neji nodded.

"We must meet this demand," he said calmly. "Nagato is qualified to settle this score himself. Moreover, his understanding of the Rinnegan and his familiarity with Obito's tactics will be our greatest advantage."

He looked at Orochimaru: "But one thing must be clear: Nagato's actions must be in line with the overall plan. He can kill Obito with his own hands in the end, but before that, he must act according to our arrangements."

"Of course." Orochimaru chuckled. "I've already made it very clear to him. The control talisman for the Impure World Reincarnation is in my hands. No matter how angry he is, he has to listen to me."

Neji breathed a sigh of relief.

The variable of Nagato has been brought under control. With him keeping Obito in check—or more accurately, keeping Zetsu in check—the plan's success rate will be much higher.

"There's one more thing," he continued, "I need you to Impure World Reincarnation the Hokage of all generations— the First, Second, Third, and Fourth—using them to activate the Four Red Yang Formation, ensuring I'm not disturbed while absorbing the Ten-Tails Chakra."

This request clearly surprised Orochimaru.

His golden, snake-like eyes stared at Neji, as if reassessing the young man.

"Neji- kun," Orochimaru's voice held a hint of amusement, "You used to really dislike using this kind of 'power of the dead.' I remember you learned the Impure World Reincarnation technique, but in the past three years, you haven't used it even once. I thought you had some kind of... taboo."

He was telling the truth.

Neji did indeed learn the Impure World Reincarnation. Under Orochimaru's tutelage and with Kabuto's assistance, he mastered all the theories and practical skills of this forbidden technique. However, he never actually used it, and never summoned a single dead person.

It's not that I can't, it's that I'm unwilling.

Orochimaru always believed that this was due to some kind of rigid moral code within the Hyuga Clan, or that Neji had some inner resistance to "playing with the dead."

But now, Neji has taken the initiative to use it, and he's even summoning the Hokage of all time—the founders and heroes of Konoha.

"Times have changed," Neji replied calmly. "To complete the evolution of the Byakugan and to break the Caged Bird, some methods had to be used. Moreover, the power of the past Hokage is indeed the strongest defense we can currently utilize."

He looked at Orochimaru, his Byakugan showing no sign of wavering.

"The Four Red Yang Formation is one of the strongest known Barrier Ninjutsu, requiring four Kage Level powerhouses as nodes. The First Hokage's Senjutsu and Wood Release, the Second Hokage's Water Release and development of forbidden techniques, the Third Hokage's mastery of the five elements, and the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God — the Four Red Yang Formation activated by these four together is enough to create a safe zone within the pillar of light that revives the Ten-Tails."

This reason is very valid.

But Orochimaru still pressed for a crucial question, "Should the consciousness of the four Hokage be released? If their consciousness is completely controlled, their strength will decrease significantly. But if it isn't controlled..."

"We must control this," Neji said firmly. "The four Hokage are heroes who care about Konoha and the Shinobi World. If they see me stealing the Ten-Tails Chakra, or conducting some kind of experiment that could harm the Shinobi World, they might mistake us for 'enemies.' I can't take that risk."

He paused, then added, "A slight decrease in strength is acceptable. The most important aspects of the Four Red Yang Formation are the strength and stability of the barrier; the requirements for individual combat power aren't that high. Controlling the four Hokage in their conscious state is sufficient to complete this task."

This decision was both rational and ruthless.

But Orochimaru likes it.

"As you wish." He chuckled. "Then, I will also prepare the Impure World Reincarnation for the past Hokage. The vessel will be the White Zetsu you provided—the kind fused with Hashirama Cells. It should be able to withstand the First Hokage's Senjutsu Chakra."

The problems seem to have all been solved.

But Orochimaru still had doubts.

"Neji- kun," he spoke slowly, a hint of worry flashing in his golden snake eyes, "Even if we use White Zetsu fused with Hashirama's Hashirama Cells as a vessel, the Impure World Reincarnation Nagato might not be a match for Obito, right? After all, Obito now possesses the Rinnegan, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, and even Madara Uchiha's techniques. Do we need... more helpers?"

As he said this, he glanced at Sasuke with a half-smile.

The meaning behind that look was clear: Sasuke's strength was completely crushed in front of Neji. Do you think adding a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki would turn the tide? The opponent is Obito Uchiha, who has the Rinnegan.

Neji naturally understood Orochimaru's concerns.

Orochimaru considered him his most important research subject, the only experimental sample who might break through to the Six Paths Tier. Orochimaru didn't want this sample to go wrong in the plan, so he wanted to have more safeguards.

But Neji also had his own considerations.

"Nagato isn't meant to deal with Obito," he explained. "His mission is to prevent interference from the Akatsuki's omnipresent 'Zetsu.' Zetsu's abilities are very strange; he can merge with the earth, split into spores, and his perception range covers the entire battlefield. If he interferes with my evolutionary process at a crucial moment, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, Nagato needs to use the Rinnegan's abilities to create a domain that isolates Zetsu."

He looked at Sasuke.

"As for Obito, with Naruto and Sasuke-kun working together, that's enough."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him.

Neji smiled bitterly to himself.

Of course, he couldn't tell Orochimaru the truth: because Naruto and Sasuke were the protagonists. They were the chosen ones of this world, the saviors destined by fate. No matter how strong Obito was now, as long as Naruto and Sasuke joined forces, as long as they entered that state of "mutual understanding and perfect harmony," they could unleash a power that transcended all theories.

The protagonist's halo is illogical.

But he needs a more reasonable explanation.

"What other powers does Lord Orochimaru believe can be used?" Neji countered.

This question made Orochimaru's eyes light up instantly.

A near-fanatical flame ignited in the golden snake's eyes—the excitement of a scientist seeing a completely new experimental possibility, the thrill of a collector seeing a rare treasure.

"Ordinary ninjas can no longer affect the battle." Orochimaru's voice trembled slightly with excitement. "But if we Impure World Reincarnation ... I think even the current Obito would find it troublesome, right?"

He counted on his fingers. "The Second Tsuchikage Mu —the developer of Dust Release. The Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki, the Third Raikage A —that monster known as the 'Strongest Spear.' And the Third Kazekage, the Fourth Kazekage... and even, if you wish, I can try to Impure World Reincarnation Madara Uchiha."

This proposal sent a collective gasp through the council chamber.

The Shadows of each generation are all legendary powerhouses. If they all appeared on the battlefield at the same time, the scene would be...

Sasuke's eyes sharpened, Suigetsu whistled, the Natural Energy around Jugo fluctuated violently, and Karin covered her mouth.

Even the hand that was pushing up his glasses paused for a moment.

Neji remained silent.

He quickly weighed the pros and cons of the suggestion in his mind.

Impure World Reincarnation through the Impure World Reincarnation technique would indeed ensure that Obito would be too preoccupied to deal with him. When a dozen or so Kage Level powerhouses were engaged in a chaotic battle on the battlefield, even with the Rinnegan, Obito would have to go all out. At that time, the success rate of secretly absorbing the Ten-Tails Chakra and evolving into the Tenseigan would be much higher.

Furthermore, if the plan goes smoothly and he successfully evolves, he can have Orochimaru release the Impure World Reincarnation, allowing the Kage to rest in peace. This way, he can utilize their power without letting them linger in the mortal realm for too long. However, Madara Uchiha, whom Orochimaru mentioned, must not appear, as Madara Uchiha's strength is already beyond the control of his manipulator.

This is a more secure plan than before.

However, the risks are also obvious.

"Let's forget about Madara Uchiha. Besides, the timing of these Impure World Reincarnation Kage is crucial," Neji said slowly. "It can't be too early, or it will disrupt the entire battle and might force Obito to change his tactics. It can't be too late either, or it might be too late."

"That's easy," Orochimaru said nonchalantly. "I'll have them lie in wait underground, using the White Zetsu's bodies as cover. They'll only reveal themselves when you give the signal, or when the Allied Forces suffer a rout or when many Kage Level casualties occur. At that point, Obito will definitely focus his attention on them."

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, I can implant simple instructions in them—to attack those with the Rinnegan. That way, they'll automatically lock onto Obito the moment they appear."

This arrangement is ingenious.

Neji pondered for an even longer time.

Finally, he nodded.

"Then, Lord Orochimaru, please prepare yourselves." He said solemnly, "The Impure World Reincarnation of the past Kage is entrusted to you. But please remember, timing is crucial. Too early or too late could ruin the entire plan."

"Don't worry," Orochimaru chuckled, his golden snake eyes brimming with confidence. "These are all minor matters."

Silence fell over the council chamber once again.

The plan has been fully implemented.

Sasuke and Taka were tasked with launching an attack after Naruto the battle, targeting Obito.

Kabuto was tasked with creating chaos in the southeast corner of Konoha to draw attention away from the area.

Orochimaru was in charge of using the Impure World Reincarnation technique on Nagato, the previous Hokage, and the previous Kage.

Neji himself, disguised as "sake," infiltrated Obito's Obito circle, waiting for the Ten-Tails to revive so he could seize its Chakra and evolve the Tenseigan.

A massive, complex, and interconnected plan.

A plan that could change the entire Shinobi World.

"Well then," Neji around the round table one last time, "The meeting is adjourned. Everyone, please proceed with your final preparations as planned. Tomorrow, the war begins."

The group gradually stood up.

Sasuke was the first to leave, without saying a word. Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin followed behind him.

Kabuto bowed slightly to Orochimaru and Neji, then turned and left.

Only Neji and Orochimaru remained in the council chamber.

"Neji- kun," Orochimaru suddenly spoke, his voice tinged with inquiry, "You seem quite certain that Naruto and Sasuke can win, even against Obito who possesses the Rinnegan and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path."

Neji didn't look at him; he was gazing into the distance.

"Not certain," he said calmly, "But a belief."

"Believe?"

"Believe in the potential of humanity, believe in the power of bonds, believe... that there are things more powerful than mere force."

Orochimaru laughed, and his laughter echoed in the empty council hall.

"An interesting answer," he said. "Well, I'll wait and see. Let's see if your 'belief' can work a miracle."

He turned around, the hem of his white lab coat tracing an arc as he disappeared into the shadows of the corridor.

Neji stood alone in front of the round table.

He raised his hand and looked at his palm.

There, the white cube of Dust Release appeared faintly, then quickly disappeared.

"It's not a miracle," he muttered to himself, "It's inevitable."

Outside the window—though it was just a holographic projection of a fake starry sky—starlight twinkled.

Tomorrow, everything will begin.

This war has sped off in a direction that no one could have fully predicted.