Strongman's Backbone! Lumen Faces the Living First Hokage!

Hashirama lowered his head and sensed his body, his brows slowly knitting together.

"My cells?"

Tobirama said coldly, "Have people in later generations really taken their use of Big Brother's body this far?"

Orochimaru did not answer. He merely watched Lumen.

In his eyes, this lineup was already terrifying enough.

Half-strength Hashirama and Tobirama, along with the Third Kazekage, Hozuki Gengetsu, himself, Kakuzu, and Sasori.

Even if Lumen had stepped into the Super-Kage threshold, he could not deal with them easily.

But Lumen only smiled.

"I see."

"Using White Zetsu Clones to strengthen the sacrifices—no wonder these two Impure World Bodies can retain roughly half their power."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.

"Lumen, you don't seem worried at all."

"Why should I be worried?"

Lumen raised his eyes toward Hashirama, his expression calm.

"Orochimaru, do you think controlling a few strongmen with Impure World Reincarnation will let you defeat me?"

"You should understand that a jutsu user's combat judgment simply can't match the strength of these people."

"You can make them release ninjutsu, but you can't replace their experience, instincts, or split-second decisions."

"A jutsu user who can only stand behind the scenes and control strongmen could never defeat me."

There was not the slightest trace of politeness in those words.

Orochimaru's smile faded slightly.

Lumen continued, "So I'll give you a fairer choice."

"Keep Hashirama's independent consciousness and personality. Don't use a talisman to erase his judgment, and don't turn him into a puppet that only knows how to obey orders."

"Let him fight using his own combat experience and will."

"I want to have a proper fight with the God of Shinobi."

The moment those words fell, the battlefield fell silent.

Kurenai Yuhi stared at Lumen, wondering if she had misheard.

The man before her had far surpassed an