The air in the Underground Base seemed to be sucked away in an instant, replaced by a cold malice so thick it felt tangible. The Sacred Lord's will surged in like an invisible tide through the activated coordinates inside the White Zetsu Clone, crushing the nerves of everyone present.
"Ugh!" Sasuke Uchiha bore the brunt of it. He grunted, the tomoe in his Sharingan spinning wildly as purple-black chakra spilled out uncontrollably, clashing fiercely with the invading will. Pain twisted his face. This will was more concentrated than what he had felt in Annihilation Valley, and far more specifically targeted!
Hashirama Senju and Hiruzen Sarutobi's expressions changed sharply. Their powerful chakra erupted instinctively, forming shields against the mental corrosion. Though Minato Namikaze had only just broken free of his restraints, his reaction was no slower. A Flying Thunder God Kunai was already in his hand, his sharp gaze sweeping their surroundings for a possible source of physical attack.
Orochimaru's golden, slit pupils contracted violently. He immediately severed every chakra connection to the White Zetsu Clone and retreated, his face showing the first flash of anger and shock at something outside his plans. "I've been played... that monster was guarding against this all along!"
Only Tobirama Senju, despite his body being a product of Impure World Reincarnation, had eyes that blazed with unprecedented brilliance. Rather than retreating, he stepped forward, forming hand seals at incredible speed, as though he had rehearsed this countless times!
"Here it comes, just as expected! Everyone, guard your minds! This will specializes in mental corrosion!" Tobirama barked. At the same time, the contingency he had secretly planted inside the White Zetsu Clone-a miniature Flying Thunder God Formula-suddenly lit up!
"Flying Thunder God: Guiding Thunder!"
Hum!
That speck of silver light was meant neither to attack nor