Unlike last time, Orochimaru had successfully summoned Hashirama Senju through Impure World Reincarnation.
Clad in crimson armor, the First Hokage displayed astonishing strength the moment he appeared. Compared to his Wood Release, Obito's little trees seemed useful only for landscaping and construction.
"Is this the power of a Hokage?" Kimimaro cried out, suddenly feeling how insignificant he and his Shikotsumyaku were.
"No, this power belongs to the First Hokage alone," Orochimaru corrected him.
In fact, this was Orochimaru's first time seeing the First Hokage fight. He even had the vague sense that this Hokage might slip beyond his control. The man was far stronger than the other Hokage.
Only Wood Release like this could capture the Tailed Beasts, those living natural disasters, and allow them to be distributed.
And because of the material used for Impure World Reincarnation, this was still nowhere near the First's strength in his prime. It was hard to imagine what would happen if he truly unleashed his full power. Even Orochimaru would probably not be spared.
He simply wondered which was stronger: the First or Pain, the Akatsuki Leader.
"But the First Hokage is still under your control, Lord Orochimaru. That makes you even more impressive," Kimimaro said earnestly.
Orochimaru smiled without a word, quite pleased by Kimimaro's flattery.
Just then, unable to withstand the First's Wood Release, Obito manifested his Susanoo again, formed hand seals, and unleashed a massive Fire Release attack on the surrounding sea of trees.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The enormous fireball ignited the vines, and the flames rapidly spread throughout the sea of trees. The searing heat gradually warped the air and sucked the oxygen from the surrounding area.
But the greatest difference between the First's Wood Release and everyone else's was the power of Yang Release within it.