Chapter 178: The First and Second Hokage
"I've finally found you, Orochimaru."
Somewhere within the borders of the Land of Hot Water, Orochimaru was en route to one of his hidden bases when the ground before him suddenly trembled.
A moment later, the shadowy figure of Black Zetsu slowly emerged from the earth.
"Oh, it's you."
Orochimaru wasn't particularly surprised. He merely let out a soft chuckle.
"I thought our collaboration was over. Why are you still looking for me?"
"In a sense, yes—it was over. But given the current situation, do you really think it's finished?"
Black Zetsu shook his head as he spoke, though inwardly, he was relieved.
Tracking Orochimaru had taken considerable effort. Fortunately, he'd finally succeeded.
"From the intelligence I've gathered, Kirigakure and Iwagakure have allied with Konoha, and Sunagakure has already surrendered. As it stands, most of the shinobi world has declared us wanted criminals."
"And? Haven't we always been wanted?"
Orochimaru licked his lips and laughed, clearly unfazed.
But Black Zetsu responded calmly, shaking his head again.
"This time is different. You know it too. They won't just let us off the hook—especially you, Orochimaru."
If I didn't realize that, would I have let you find me?
Orochimaru remained silent. If he had truly wanted to stay hidden, it wouldn't have been impossible.
But he knew better—this time, things had gone far beyond control.
Especially after learning about Konoha's alliance with Kirigakure and Iwagakure, he immediately realized how precarious his position had become.
After all, he had used the Reanimation Jutsu (Impure World Reincarnation).
If they had won on their own, or perhaps just fought to a draw, things might not be so bad. But they had suffered a crushing loss earlier — and that changed everything.
Konoha might have the "face" not to abuse Edo Tensei themselves… but who would believe that he wouldn't?
Even he didn't believe himself.
"Still, you all broke our agreement. You left me to face Kitagawa Gen alone. Isn't that going too far?"
Orochimaru's voice was low, but his words were pointed.
"That kid has mastered Ice Release, Dust Release, Flying Thunder God, Sage Mode, and even created S-rank level Lightning Jutsu. You expect me to believe you weren't trying to get rid of me?"
"Kitagawa Gen is... truly exceptional," Black Zetsu admitted reluctantly.
"We've lost to him multiple times already."
"And it's not like we didn't want to back you up. We ran into an unexpectedly powerful opponent ourselves. We lost quite a few people."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. He had indeed sensed a massive battle taking place outside Konoha, but didn't know the specifics.
"Who was it that gave you so much trouble?"
"You'll find out soon enough. For now, let's talk about you."
Black Zetsu brushed the question aside.
"We need you. And you need us. Just like before. We'll be collaborators again—mutual benefit."
"Spare me the vague talk. What's the actual plan?"
"With Amegakure's protection, we'll be safe. More than that, we want to expand our operations. What do you think of Kumogakure?"
"You want to work with Kumo? To resist the three-village coalition led by Konoha?"
"No," Black Zetsu said flatly.
"We're not that stupid. We'll approach them after they've lost."
Orochimaru nodded.
That made sense. Waiting until they were weakened was definitely the smarter move.
"Kumogakure holds the north and is separated from Iwa and Kiri by the sea. With the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost acting as buffers, it's a solid hiding spot."
Seeing that Orochimaru hadn't objected, Black Zetsu continued:
"Besides, they're brimming with resentment. They'll likely be open to working with us. It'll give you safety—and more room for your experiments. Especially for your Edo Tensei."
"So that's what you're after... the Reanimation Jutsu."
Orochimaru licked his lips again, clearly not surprised.
"Well... you and Kumo both must be eager to get your hands on it—especially if they end up losing. But that's not enough to persuade me."
Black Zetsu's eyes glinted as he leaned in slightly.
"I heard... that one of your children is having serious issues."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
"Kimimaro?"
"Yes. That child is special. I may have a way to help him," Black Zetsu said, calm and confident.
"But I'd also like you to show some good faith—since we're all in a precarious position now."
"Good faith, huh..."
Orochimaru laughed softly.
He knew the deal was basically sealed. And as for "good faith"...
"I do have something in mind that might interest you."
As he spoke, Orochimaru began forming hand signs. Black Zetsu immediately narrowed his eyes and prepared to retreat underground with White Zetsu, in case it was a trap.
But to his surprise, Orochimaru wasn't attacking.
He pressed his hands to the ground, and a summoning circle appeared.
"The First and Second Hokage. Will that be enough sincerity for you?"
Smoke billowed upward as Orochimaru's voice echoed.
Black Zetsu's eyes lit up slightly.
Indeed—that was a serious gesture.
The First and Second Hokage—this wasn't ordinary bargaining.
But as the smoke cleared...
There was nothing. No sign of anyone appearing.
Orochimaru's smile slowly froze on his face.
The two of them stood in awkward silence, staring at the empty summoning circle.
The atmosphere instantly turned cold and tense.
---
Konoha – Inside the ANBU Detention Center
"Hmph. I didn't think so much would happen after my death. My jutsu has been so thoroughly misused."
Senju Tobirama snorted after listening to Sarutobi Hiruzen's explanation.
"So... you summoned us to prevent Orochimaru from doing so first—and you want me to assist with research, correct?"
"That's right, Sensei," Sarutobi said with a nod.
He had only given a basic summary, but he wasn't surprised Tobirama had inferred everything.
"Orochimaru was my student. I know him well. This is exactly the kind of thing he'd do."
"Hmph... Konoha has really fallen."
Tobirama had never imagined that he'd be resurrected only to face such a chaotic mess—
A joint Chūnin exam, conspiracies involving rogue Konoha shinobi and the allied Suna and Kumo, and worst of all... Edo Tensei being abused on a massive scale.
In the end, they actually revived him... and that fact alone really irritated him.
As he brooded over the situation, he couldn't help but cast a glance at Kitagawa Gen.
This boy—his chakra was absurdly strong.
Even though he hadn't fully returned to his prime—barely even half his former strength—his sensory abilities were still sharp.
"I've told you countless times already, Tobirama. One day, all that reckless experimentation of yours was bound to go wrong."
Hashirama Senju shook his head from the side, though his attention wasn't entirely focused on that subject.
He was far more interested in curiously scanning the crowd, especially Kitagawa Gen. After a long moment, he burst out laughing.
"Time really flies, huh? Monkey, you've grown old. Tsunade's all grown up now too. But why are you still the Third Hokage?"
"Brother... Is this really the time to be joking around? Can you be serious for once?" Tobirama practically clutched his head in exasperation at his older brother's antics.
"And besides—if it weren't for my technique, do you think we'd even be awake right now?"
"I'd prefer to have stayed dead, honestly."
"Shut it! We're trying to discuss serious matters about the village!"
"Like I said, if not for you, none of this mess would've happened!"
"…"
Watching Hashirama and Tobirama bicker like children, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others could only lower their heads in silence. Tsunade wore a helpless expression.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Guy were dumbfounded. It was hard to believe that these were the legendary First and Second Hokage.
Only Kitagawa Gen looked completely unbothered, like he was watching a familiar comedy play out. After all, this version of the First Hokage... was exactly like he remembered.
"Alright, enough nonsense. Let's focus on what really matters," Tobirama said irritably, no longer interested in sparring with his brother's tongue.
Rubbing his temples, he spoke lowly, "I'll continue studying Edo Tensei thoroughly. But in the meantime, we need to prepare on all fronts—not just gathering materials, but figuring out how we'll respond externally."
"Despite the chaos, this might actually be a golden opportunity for Konoha. With the three great villages forming alliances and Sunagakure surrendering, we stand to gain a lot."
Everyone except Hashirama nodded in agreement. While it might've seemed like Konoha was on the losing end, things had changed drastically—especially after Kitagawa Gen single-handedly took down both the Fourth Kazekage and the Fourth Raikage.
"I don't think we can let Sunagakure off the hook so easily. Especially not now—it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed coldly. "We should find a way to control their next Kage."
Hiss—
Gasps rippled through the group. Why did that idea sound so... familiar?
"We offer personnel, resources, and support—then help them 'select' a new Kazekage."
"…"
"But to avoid overextending ourselves, let them cover the expenses. Isn't the Daimyō still supplying their resources?"
"Yes."
"Then let them deal with the Daimyō—we'll help them replace him if necessary."
"…"
"With that, the blame falls on them, not us. It'll also serve as a warning to the other Daimyō not to mess with us."
"…"
"Oh—and tell them to hand over the remains of their powerful shinobi. We can't risk Orochimaru using Edo Tensei on them. Besides, they'll make great bargaining chips for us."
"…"
Silence fell.
Hashirama facepalmed.
Over on Hiruzen's side, everyone instinctively turned toward Kitagawa Gen—who, unsurprisingly, was stroking his chin and nodding in approval, as if to say, Yes, this is a solid plan.
"What's with those looks?" Tobirama finally noticed the strange atmosphere and frowned.
"Granduncle…" Tsunade's composure cracked as she asked, "Do you have any descendants?"
"My descendants? You should know I don't—what are you getting at?"
Tobirama's face darkened in confusion. Hiruzen pointed at Kitagawa Gen.
"Sensei… His plan… is exactly the same as yours."
"?"
Tobirama froze, then turned his gaze to the boy Hiruzen had indicated.
Hashirama, too, looked over in disbelief.
"And sensei, when Orochimaru's ambitions were first noticed, the one who suggested using Edo Tensei as a countermeasure… was also Gen," said Koharu Utatane.
Mitokado Homura nodded. "And the Fourth Kazekage and Raikage—he took them out himself."
"So capable?" Hashirama and Tobirama were genuinely shocked. At such a young age… this level of achievement?
"So, Kitagawa Gen," Tobirama stepped forward curiously, "do you have any other thoughts or suggestions? I'd like to hear them."
"I actually do have another proposal, but the Third hasn't given me a clear answer on it yet," Gen replied, glancing at Hiruzen before continuing.
"I suggest we make better use of the condemned prisoners in the village."
"?"
"Simply executing them is too easy. Why not Edo Tensei them and make them work off their debt?"
"…"
"Think about it—Edo Tensei doesn't cost money, doesn't need food or sleep. It's the perfect labor force, isn't it?"
"…"
"What do you think, Lord Second?"
"…"
Tobirama didn't answer right away. He stood in silence, clearly deep in thought. But in his mind, one singular thought echoed:
"This kid… he's just like me. No—maybe even more ruthless?"
Meanwhile, off to the side, Hashirama dragged Hiruzen aside with a serious expression.
"Monkey…"
"Yes, First Hokage?"
"Is this what Konoha's education became after I died?"
"…"
"Is this… really okay?"
"…"
---