If Orochimaru had claimed anyone else could match him, Edo Madara would most likely have scoffed. But if it was Hokage Madara, he was willing to concede the point.
"Speaking of which, I'm curious why someone like you would join forces with a younger member of the Uchiha Clan. After all, haven't you already defected from Konoha?"
It was easy to see that Edo Madara was an exceedingly proud man. Perhaps Hashirama Senju was the only person he acknowledged.
Orochimaru was curious about how the Hokage had persuaded Edo Madara back then.
"That's none of your concern. Tell me about his plan."
Ignoring Orochimaru's question, Edo Madara steered the conversation straight back to business.
"Heh heh heh. Naturally, we need to wake our companions first."
Although Edo Madara hadn't answered his question, Orochimaru didn't press him. He had only asked in passing, after all. Compared with Edo Madara, who had been dead for who knew how many years, Hokage Madara's plan naturally interested him more.
As Orochimaru pressed his palms together, the First, Second Hokage, and Fourth Hokage opened their eyes inside their coffins.
"Compared with yours, I've strengthened my control over their bodies, but reduced their strength somewhat. Even so, the First's power still surprised me a little."
As the First and the others awakened, the first thing Orochimaru felt was the pressure emanating from the First.
"Hmph, don't worry about it. In his reincarnated state, Hashirama has lost his greatest asset—his flesh-and-blood body. Although my power has also been restricted, I'm stronger than he is now."
After reassuring Orochimaru, Edo Madara stared straight at Hashirama Senju.
"Where are we? Madara, what are you doing here?"
Awakened once again by Orochimaru, the First found himself in a dimly lit room, and Madara Uchiha was the first person he noticed.