[Naruto Grandfather] Chapter 156 - 160

Chapter 156: The Five Shadow Alliance

A curious rumor began circulating among the villagers of Shin-Konoha: it was said that Kakashi, the captain of the Shin-Konoha Guard, had developed an exhibitionist fetish. According to some reports, people claimed they saw him walking home without a stitch of clothing. The whispers grew louder as they spread, but Kakashi, ever the enigma, calmly addressed the allegations with a somewhat peculiar explanation.

"My house was robbed," he stated, a slight irritation in his voice. "They took everything, including my clothes, and I lost my ninja dog too."

The villagers were left to wonder whether this was the truth, but no one could say for sure how many actually believed his explanation. As is often the case, rumors spread like wildfire, and this one was no exception.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Uchiha Obito had made his dramatic return. After recovering his original body, he wasted no time in contacting the Akatsuki organization.

The group, which had long been entrenched in the war-torn Rain Country, had solidified itself as a formidable force. Despite his disappearance, Obito's smooth re-entry into the ranks of Akatsuki didn’t raise much of a stir.

The organization, having grown accustomed to its members coming and going, didn’t question his whereabouts during his absence.

The only one who seemed particularly curious about Obito’s sudden return was Uchiha Itachi. There was something about Obito’s presence that unsettled him—a strange yet familiar aura that nagged at the back of his mind. Itachi, ever the perceptive Uchiha, could not shake the feeling that there was more to Obito than he let on.

The Rain Country, nestled between three powerful nations—the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Fire—had entered a state of heightened alert. Its strategic location made it a focal point for military interest, and it was now a place where entry was permitted, but exit was impossible. The border tensions between the various countries made the situation even more precarious.

Fortunately, the daimyo of the Land of Fire had expressed official support for Shin-Konoha, which, while easing some concerns, didn’t eliminate the threat. The Wind and Earth Kingdoms still posed a significant risk. Despite this, the Land of Iron remained a neutral ground, offering a potential location for negotiations, away from the escalating tensions.

As the leaders of the Five Great Ninja Villages gathered for their crucial meeting, Orochimaru was present on behalf of the Land of Sound. Jiraiya eyed him with a mix of curiosity and wariness. He had never expected Orochimaru to simply seize control of a small country without raising more than a few eyebrows.

Darui, the leader of the Hidden Cloud Village, was the first to voice his approval of Orochimaru’s new acquisition.

"Kumogakure agrees to the legitimacy of Orochimaru’s occupation of the Land of Sound," he declared.

His tone was matter-of-fact, yet there was a trace of caution beneath his words. After all, Darui had already made several promises to Orochimaru, and it would be unwise to antagonize him over such a minor matter.

Jiraiya, never one to shy away from making decisions, also agreed. "Konoha has no objections," he stated, his voice firm. Although the Land of Fire and the Land of Sound had once been hostile neighbors, Jiraiya had no interest in letting that interfere with the greater objective. He didn’t mind if the Land of Sound attracted some hostility from the Land of Fire. The situation was already complicated enough.

There was no opposition from the other villages either. The two closest villages—Iwagakure and Sunagakure—had no objections, and the remaining villages had even less to say.

"If this is approved, then I have nothing more to add," Orochimaru said as he stood up, stretching lazily. His goals had been accomplished, and there were no further issues to discuss.

Gaara, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, glanced at Orochimaru with a cold, calculating expression. "When will you perform the Impure World Reincarnation?" he asked. This was a question that weighed heavily on everyone’s minds.

Orochimaru’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a sinister anticipation. "That depends on how well your bodies are prepared," he replied, his voice dripping with malice. His words hung in the air like a dark omen. The Impure World Reincarnation, a forbidden technique that required the bodies of the deceased, was something that most would hesitate to perform. But not Orochimaru. His thirst for power and knowledge was insatiable.

The room fell silent. Everyone presents knew the dangers of the technique. Not only did it require living human bodies, but the resurrection was never perfect. The summoned beings, though revived, would not possess the full strength they had in life. Orochimaru, ever the meticulous researcher, had spent years perfecting the technique, but even he could only make the revived stronger—not fully restore them to their former selves.

"We will prepare the bodies, including those of the deceased, and we will conduct the summoning in the Land of Iron," Jiraiya said, his tone resolute. The Land of Iron was the most neutral of the major nations and was located equidistant from all the great villages, making it an ideal place for the summoning. It was a strategic decision, especially considering the looming threat posed by the rise of Shin-Konoha.

Orochimaru nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps in his dark plan. "Very well. I’ll wait for the good news," he said, his voice laced with a touch of amusement as he left the room with a brisk, confident stride. His goal was accomplished, and now, he could afford to relax.

As Orochimaru left, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Despite their collective decision, the leaders of the Five Great Ninja Villages couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that hung over them. They had committed to a dangerous course of action, one that had no turning back.

"Don’t dwell on it," Gaara said sharply, his voice carrying the weight of a man who understood the gravity of the situation. "We’ve made our choice. Now, we must see it through."

Kitsuchi, the leader of Iwagakure, sighed, his voice heavy with sadness. "Yes... there is no choice now."

Jiraiya, ever the leader, nodded in agreement. "Let’s adjourn the meeting."

Outside the meeting room, Orochimaru was intercepted by Danzo, who had been waiting eagerly for a report on the outcome of the meeting.

"How did it go?" Danzo asked, his voice edged with impatience. He had played a key role in bringing Orochimaru into this meeting and had long been involved in the planning stages of the alliance.

Orochimaru’s smile was sharp and unsettling. "If we succeed, it will depend on how many strong ninja the five great villages can contribute. But I must say, I’m eager to see the First Hokage join us. It will be quite the spectacle when the original Five Kage gather together once again."

Danzo’s expression softened into a rare smile. He, too, was looking forward to the day when he would meet the First Hokage again. The thought of facing such a legendary figure filled him with a mixture of excitement and dread.

Chapter 157: There Are Too Many Strong People, Who Should Be Reincarnated?

The Five Kage Council had ended in the Land of Iron, but the consequences of the meeting were far from over. In fact, the most difficult discussions had only just begun.

Each of the five great ninja villages now faced the challenge of deciding which historical figures should be resurrected using the forbidden technique of Impure World Reincarnation. The technique, perfected by Orochimaru, was a powerful but dangerous tool. Despite its strength, it raised concerns about potential consequences.

According to Orochimaru, the resurrected individuals would be under his control, but that wasn’t enough to ease the worries of the Five Kage. The villages were all too aware that among their ranks of deceased warriors, there were those who had betrayed their villages—traitors and rebels whose loyalty could never be trusted. The idea of bringing back such figures to fight for them was unsettling at best. If something went wrong with the technique, and an S-rank rogue ninja was unleashed, it would add another layer of chaos to the already precarious situation.

Jiraiya, who had just left the meeting room, was still mulling over this problem. His mind was racing, trying to determine the best course of action. As he walked through the corridors of the Land of Iron, he was surprised to see Danzo waiting for him. Danzo’s expression was unusually relaxed, his mood evidently lifted by the success of the meeting.

“Jiraiya, why do you look so troubled? Didn’t we come to an agreement?” Danzo greeted him with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. It was a knowing smile, one that suggested he already had a plan in mind.

“That’s true,” Jiraiya said with a sigh, “but each village is prepared to provide five strong people to reincarnate. The concern is that there might be too many powerful individuals, and that could eventually spiral out of control.”

Danzo’s brow furrowed for a moment, his confusion evident. “Then what are you still worried about?”

Jiraiya’s gaze turned distant, and he shook his head. “I’m just not sure who to reincarnate. There have been so many powerful figures in Konoha’s history. It’s hard to decide which ones should be brought back. I don’t know how to explain this decision to our ancestors, especially when we’re on the verge of losing everything.”

The weight of Jiraiya’s words hung in the air. As the Hokage, he had always prided himself on protecting Konoha, but now, the village he loved was under threat from Shin-Konoha. The very existence of his home was in jeopardy, and even the officials of the Land of Fire refused to recognize the village’s authority. It was a humiliation unlike any he had ever experienced.

Danzo’s laugh broke through the somber atmosphere, his voice low and almost patronizing. “Hahaha, I thought it was something worse. There’s nothing to worry about. The first Hokage is a gentle soul, and the second Hokage, while strict, is also someone who deeply loves the village.”

Jiraiya remained silent, troubled by Danzo’s casual response. His thoughts lingered on the weight of the decisions he had to make. The thought of bringing back his predecessors, who had worked so tirelessly to build Konoha, only to have it collapse under his watch, filled him with unease. How could he face them? What would they say about the state of the village they had sacrificed so much for?

“I’m not sure they’ll understand,” Jiraiya muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“The most important thing,” Danzo said, his voice hardening, “is that Shin-Konohais supported by Uzumaki Chito. The first and second Hokage would want to surpass him. If they knew the full scope of the situation, they’d surely act to defend Konoha.”

Jiraiya sighed deeply, grateful for Danzo’s reassurance. Yet, something still gnawed at him. If the ancestors of Konoha truly returned, they would see the chaos that had unfolded in their absence. Would they blame him for what had happened?

Danzo seemed to notice Jiraiya’s continued hesitation. “If you’re not ready to reincarnate them, there are other strong individuals from Konoha’s history to choose from. You don’t have to pick the first and second Hokage.”

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. “Who do you have in mind?”

Danzo’s smile grew sly. “The Uchiha clan. There’s potential there—especially with their Sharingan. There are more than one or two powerful Uchiha who could be of use.”

Jiraiya frowned, his eyes clouded with doubt. The Uchiha clan, a name that carried both pride and sorrow, was not an easy topic for him. The clan had always been powerful, yet their tragic downfall was one of the most painful chapters in Konoha’s history. And Danzo’s words—his clear disdain for the Uchiha—struck a nerve.

“You want to bring back Uchiha clan members?” Jiraiya asked, his voice tinged with regret. He knew the Uchiha’s history, the division within their ranks, and the tragic fate that befell so many of them. It was hard to separate their strength from the internal strife that had torn them apart.

Danzo, sensing Jiraiya’s discomfort, simply nodded. “Yes. They have the power to make a real difference. You know how valuable the Mangekyō Sharingan is.”

Jiraiya turned away for a moment, contemplating. The Uchiha clan had once been a force to be reckoned with, but the scars of their betrayal still lingered in Konoha’s memory. Was it right to bring them back from the dead? Could they truly be trusted, or would their darkness consume them once more?

Before he could voice his concerns, the conversation shifted. It was clear that Danzo had already made his choice, and Jiraiya was left to ponder the implications of his own.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Land of Iron, the other Kage were also grappling with the same dilemma. Gaara, the Kazekage, had sought the counsel of Granny Chiyo and Ebizo, two seasoned veterans of Sunagakure. Both had been retired for some time, but Gaara, knowing that he lacked the experience to lead the village on his own, had convinced them to come out of retirement and provide guidance.

Gaara found them on a quiet beach, fishing in the calm waters. The gentle hum of the sea was interrupted by the sudden twitch of a fishing line. Granny Chiyo, ever vigilant, quickly adjusted her stance, but the fish had already fled.

"Impure World Reincarnation," Chiyo muttered under her breath. "I didn’t think that after Tobirama’s death, this forbidden technique would still be causing trouble. It’s a real headache."

Ebizo, who had never seen the technique firsthand, was curious. “Is it really that powerful?”

Chiyo sighed. “The ability to communicate with the underworld and revive the dead is dangerous. The resurrected are not as strong as they were in life, but they can’t be killed easily by ordinary means. It’s a technique that comes with heavy consequences.”

Chapter 158: List of Reincarnated Persons

This was the first time Gaara had heard such a detailed description of the Impure World Reincarnation. It was a forbidden technique that brought the dead back to life, but with it came great risks. He listened intently, processing the consequences that came with the decision.

"Gaara, have you agreed?" Granny Chiyo asked, her voice gentle yet probing.

Gaara lowered his head, his gaze focused on the ground as the weight of the decision bore down on him. His silence spoke volumes. He had agreed to this out of his burning hatred for Konoha, the village that had betrayed him and his family.

Granny Chiyo, seeing his resolve, gave a small, resigned smile. "There's nothing we can do now. Since you've agreed, just do it."

Her words felt final, but there was a sense of acceptance in her tone. "I believe that the previous Kazekages would also be happy to come out and get some fresh air. They've been down there for so long, it might be nice for them to stretch their legs again."

Her attempt at humor was faint, but it made Gaara's heart heavy. He could not fully understand the implications of resurrecting his father, but he felt a deep, unshakable need to do so. His father's presence, even if only temporary, might give him the guidance he had longed for.

"I want to reincarnate my father," Gaara said in a voice tinged with determination and pain.

"You are the Kazekage, you just make the decision," Granny Chiyo replied, her voice filled with respect and understanding.

Gaara nodded, his mind already turning to the next steps. He said goodbye to Granny Chiyo and began to prepare, his thoughts focused on how to approach the delicate task of choosing which powerful figures from history to resurrect.

As he walked away, Granny Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged a silent look. They watched him disappear into the distance, the burden of leadership weighing heavily on his shoulders.

"It's really unfair to let this child bear such great pressure," Granny Chiyo said, her voice soft with concern.

It was she who had first proposed sealing the One-Tailed Shukaku into Gaara's body, a decision that had shaped the young man's life. Now, as she watched him become the Kazekage, bearing not only the weight of leadership but also the hatred for his parents' deaths, her heart ached for him.

Meanwhile, every ninja village was deep in discussion, debating which strong figures to reincarnate in order to gain both power and strategic advantage. It was a delicate balance, and the fear of bringing back the wrong individuals loomed large.

In Konoha, They had already arrived and had made his decision on the candidates. Some of the choices aligned with Danzo's earlier suggestions, but Jiraiya was still considering other options.

The first two choices were obvious—they were, without a doubt, suggestions from Danzo. But for the last two, Jiraiya had found himself somewhat swayed by Danzo's influence, targeting Hyuga Neji and Hatake Kakashi of Shin-Konoha.

"I reincarnated your father, do you want to fight your own father?" This was the twisted logic Danzo had used to guide Jiraiya’s choices.

Jiraiya had never considered it this way before. Now, as he pondered the next steps, the question lingered in his mind: Who should be chosen as the fifth person?

Both Hyuga Neji and Hatake Kakashi had already been selected. What would be the next move? Should it be Might Guy? Or Tsunade? Or perhaps they should go after Uzumaki Naruto directly?

Jiraiya's thoughts were beginning to unravel, his mind gradually being led astray by Danzo's suggestions. He had never thought that Danzo would target Neji and Kakashi, but why had he not considered going after Tsunade or Naruto? Were they untouchable?

“Are you saying that the idiot Jiraiya is planning to reincarnate Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, and Hatake Sakumo?” Orochimaru asked, his voice filled with disdain as he turned to Danzo.

“These are the suggestions you gave, right?” Orochimaru continued, his eyes narrowing. "You’ve really done a good job helping your Sharingan evolve to its full potential, haven’t you?"

Danzo, unfazed by the sarcasm, simply replied, "This is not just for myself. I considered the combat power. Uchiha Fugaku had already unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan when he died. His strength isn’t anything to scoff at.”

Orochimaru’s disgust was palpable. "I mean, all your ideas are targeting the top leaders of Shin-Konoha. What do you think Jiraiya is going to think of this?"

Danzo was unfazed. "So what? He wouldn't really target Uzumaki Naruto and Tsunade, would he? If he targets Might Guy, then there’s no problem reincarnating him."

But as he spoke, doubt crept into Danzo’s mind. "Wait… Is he really so stubborn? You’re not suggesting he’ll go after Uzumaki Naruto and Tsunade—the two people Uzumaki Chito cares about the most, are you?" Danzo broke into a cold sweat at the thought.

"Go and stop him," Orochimaru shouted angrily, his voice rising with urgency. "We can’t afford to end up in the hospital because of Jiraiya’s idiocy!"

Danzo immediately rushed out of the room, his heart racing with worry. He had to make sure Jiraiya didn’t do anything reckless. The stakes were too high.

But when Danzo arrived at the makeshift Hokage room, Jiraiya was already gone. It was too late.

The Five Kage had already made their decision, and they were about to announce it publicly. Danzo raced toward the meeting room, determined to prevent any more trouble.

Bang!

The doors to the meeting room flew open, causing everyone inside to jump to their feet, instinctively taking defensive stances.

"Shimura Danzo, what exactly do you want to do?" Kitsuchi shouted, his voice sharp with suspicion.

Danzo quickly waved his hand, trying to diffuse the tension. "It’s nothing, nothing at all. You all can continue," he said, though his gaze flickered nervously toward Jiraiya.

Jiraiya had already stood up and was about to read out the list. The room fell silent in anticipation.

But Danzo’s sudden entrance had interrupted the moment. Still unable to catch up, Danzo watched helplessly as Jiraiya began to speak.

He could only hope that Jiraiya wouldn’t be too stubborn. It would be disastrous if Uzumaki Chito were truly angered.

The Five Shadows Alliance was formed to combat Shin-Konoha—not to provoke the wrath of the Uzumaki.

The only true god in the ninja world—Uzumaki Chito—whose position was absolutely unshakable.

"Go on," came the command, and everyone fell silent, waiting for Jiraiya to announce Konoha’s list.

Jiraiya didn’t look at Danzo. He took a deep breath and began, his voice clear and unwavering: “Konoha reincarnation list is….”

Chapter 159: Jiraiya Seeking Death

As Jiraiya’s voice echoed through the room, Danzo instinctively swallowed, feeling a sense of unease creeping over him. The words he had just heard were nothing short of shocking, and Danzo’s nervousness was palpable. Several of the stronger figures present sensed his anxiety and exchanged curious glances. They couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Danzo’s mind.

The first name that Jiraiya spoke sent a ripple of shock through the room.

"Uchiha Madara," Jiraiya announced, his voice steady but with an underlying weight. The room fell silent for a moment. Everyone knew the name—Uchiha Madara, the legendary figure who had fought on par with Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi. The two had shaped the ninja world, and Madara’s power was something spoken of in awe and fear.

Without the full support of the Uchiha clan, Madara's strength would never have reached such heights. Konoha, in those days, had struggled with its own internal issues, and the presence of someone like Madara could have brought ruin to the village.

"I didn’t expect Konoha would be willing to reincarnate Uchiha Madara," someone muttered from the back. "This is terrifying. Even if he isn’t the Hokage, Uchiha Madara’s power would be overwhelming."

"Fortunately, Uzumaki Chito established Shin-Konoha, or else this could have been an unstoppable force," another voice added nervously.

The whispers filled the room, some filled with fear, others with mocking disbelief. But one thing was clear—Konoha’s willingness to reincarnate Uchiha Madara was a bold statement. It showed that they were willing to do whatever it took to achieve victory.

Jiraiya surveyed the room, letting the shock settle. He knew the name would have an effect. He continued, "The second person is Uchiha Fugaku, the head of the Uchiha clan. Not many know that he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan before his death, but his strength was undeniable."

The mention of Fugaku, Madara’s father, also stirred the room. There were murmurs of agreement—his role in the clan and his latent power were well-known.

"The third one is Hatake Sakumo, known as the Konoha White Fang," Jiraiya continued. His eyes flicked across the room. "And the fourth is Hyuga Hizashi."

Jiraiya paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. The names he was revealing were all of great importance. These were figures of historical significance, each one tied to Konoha’s legacy. Hatake Sakumo, the father of Hatake Kakashi, and Hyuga Hizashi, the father of Hyuga Neji—both had strong reputations, and their inclusion was strategic.

Then, Jiraiya’s voice dropped a notch, filled with deliberate drama. "The fifth one…" He raised his head slowly, a confident smile playing on his lips. "The fifth one is Senju Nawaki."

The room fell into stunned silence. Danzo’s face went pale, his heart sinking in his chest. Nawaki? Who was this person? That is Tsunade brother. He had no time to process the implications of the decision. His mind went into a frenzy, and he couldn’t keep up with the meeting any longer.

"That’s it. I’m done," Danzo muttered under his breath. "Jiraiya, this fool, actually wanted to threaten Tsunade. He’s gone too far."

Danzo couldn’t stay in the room. He left in a hurry, barely taking a moment to collect himself. He was visibly shaken, and his mind raced as he thought of the consequences. The fifth spot was given to Senju Nawaki, a name that was unknown to most, but to Danzo, it was a ticking time bomb.

Back in the meeting room, the reactions to the name Senju Nawaki were mixed. Many were confused.

"Senju Nawaki? Who is this?" one of them asked. "Judging by the name, he must be from the Senju clan, but I’ve never heard of him."

"Could he be a powerful person? Why have we never heard of him?" another voice chimed in, filled with suspicion. The name didn’t carry the weight that the others did. The powerful men of Konoha or the rogue ninjas in the room had never encountered it before.

"This is strange," someone else remarked. "Five names, and not one of the previous Hokage? Jiraiya, you Konoha people are not being sincere."

Jiraiya smiled, his tone calm but firm. "Konoha selects people with purpose," he said, looking each of them in the eye. "Aside from the two Uchiha clan members, Hatake Sakumo is the father of Hatake Kakashi, and Hyuga Hizashi is the father of Hyuga Neji. These are figures of great importance, both for their combat abilities and their strategic value."

Jiraiya paused, watching the reactions. "And Senju Nawaki?" he continued, "He is Tsunade’s younger brother."

The room fell silent as Jiraiya’s words sank in. Everyone now understood the reasoning behind the choices. Tsunade, one of the strongest figures in Konoha, would never remain idle if her brother was involved. It was a brilliant strategic move.

"With these choices," Jiraiya concluded, "we are not only considering combat power but also the politics of it. These reincarnations will ensure that we can keep the leadership of Shin-Konoha in check. It’s the only choice."

The room erupted in understanding, murmurs of approval following. They had been doubtful, but Jiraiya’s reasoning made sense. This was a strategic decision, one that would help ensure that Shin-Konoha’s leaders were restrained and that Konoha had the upper hand.

"I see now," one of them said. "Lord Hokage is indeed a man of foresight."

"We misunderstood Hokage’s intentions before. Please forgive us," another voice followed.

Everyone had come to appreciate the method behind Jiraiya’s decisions. His plan had a clarity and purpose to it that couldn’t be denied. The reincarnation of these figures, combined with their strategic implications, would give Konoha an edge in the upcoming conflict.

Jiraiya smiled, about to thank the group for their understanding when he suddenly realized that Danzo was no longer in the room.

Danzo, who had rushed in earlier, was nowhere to be seen.

"Mr. Danzo has a lot of hidden merits," Jiraiya thought to himself with a hint of admiration. "I never expected this." He felt a new sense of respect for the older man’s influence and hidden strategies.

Meanwhile, Danzo was beside himself with panic. His mind was racing in a whirlwind of frustration. How could that old fool, Sarutobi Hiruzen, have taught such an idiot like Jiraiya?

Danzo muttered to himself, "Jiraiya is provoking Uzumaki Chito. And now he wants to use the name of Senju Nawaki to threaten Tsunade. If he’s seeking death, why does he have to drag me into it?"

Senju Nawaki was Tsunade’s younger brother, but he was also Uzumaki Chito’s great-grandson. In other words, Jiraiya wasn’t just threatening Tsunade—he was threatening the entire Senju family.

Danzo, now frantic, raced into Orochimaru’s lab. Inside, Orochimaru was engrossed in his research on Byakugan cells, carefully watching them as they developed in the petri dish. The sudden intrusion startled him, and he looked up sharply.

"What’s wrong, Danzo?" Orochimaru asked coldly, his gaze sharpening.

Danzo, breathless and shaken, quickly explained, "Jiraiya, that idiot, the fifth reincarnation spot was given to Senju Nawaki."

Snap!

The petri dish Orochimaru was holding shattered in his hand. The Byakugan cells inside began to die rapidly, their power dissipating as Orochimaru’s focus was shattered by Danzo’s words.

Chapter 160: Transmitting Information

He picked up the petri dish from the ground with calm precision, crushing the struggling white eye cells with his "seven seven seven" technique before tossing them aside without a second glance.

"What did you say?" Orochimaru's voice was indifferent, his gaze fixed on the petri dish that had just been discarded.

Despite containing the most impressive white eye cells he had studied in recent times, there were far more pressing matters for him to address at this moment.

"Jiraiya is preparing to reincarnate Senju Nawaki," Danzo repeated, his tone steady but hinting at unease.

Orochimaru leaned forward, placing both hands on the table in front of him, a strange laugh escaping his lips. For a fleeting moment, Danzo couldn't help but wonder if Orochimaru had finally lost his mind.

"Jiraiya, you really know how to cause trouble for me," Orochimaru said, his voice cold and filled with disdain.

"What are you planning to do, Orochimaru?" Danzo's voice carried a note of concern as he regarded his companion. He had long learned not to underestimate Sarutobi Hiruzen's other disciples, and even though Jiraiya wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, he was no fool. What troubled Danzo now was Orochimaru—the grasshopper that seemed most closely tied to the situation.

"I don't need to do anything," Orochimaru replied smoothly, his lips curling into a smile. "I only need to wait for these people to be reincarnated."

"Are you serious?" Danzo's voice held a tinge of frustration as he gave Orochimaru a hard look. "This is Senju Nawaki. Uzumaki Chito won't let us off easily."

Orochimaru's smile only deepened. "No, no, no, you're overthinking it. Uzumaki Chito will be after Jiraiya, not us. We'll be fine."

Danzo cast a sidelong glance at Orochimaru, his confusion palpable. "What do you mean by that?"

"Leave it to me," Orochimaru said, a glint of mischief flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry about it."

Although both men were connected by their ambitions, Orochimaru still didn't want Danzo to be privy to everything. There were things he preferred to keep hidden for now.

Meanwhile, in the Land of the Whirlpool—

In the newly established Konoha, Hyuga Neji had been diligently practicing since his return. With the help of the follow-up research provided by Orochimaru, he could feel his Byakugan evolving. It was a predictable evolution, a move toward greater power, but still, something felt off.

As he focused, a strange numbness suddenly crept into his eyes. Bewildered, Hyuga Neji found himself at a loss for understanding.

Then, without warning, he felt something foreign enter his mind.

"Reincarnation... Uchiha Madara, Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, my father?" Hyuga Neji's thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of what he was experiencing. "Why is my father's name here? Reincarnation... What does this mean?"

It was as though a message had been sent to him, a message he needed to convey. And it was clear who the message was for: Uzumaki Chito.

Determined, Hyuga Neji rushed to find Uzumaki Chito.

"What's the matter?" Uzumaki Chito asked, his eyes slowly opening as he regarded Neji. The evolution of the Byakugan was progressing well—thanks to Orochimaru's studies—but now, it seemed there was something more.

This was more than just a simple development of the Byakugan; there was something else hidden beneath the surface, something Orochimaru hadn't shared.

"My Byakugan... it just transmitted a message," Hyuga Neji said, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Uzumaki Chito's interest piqued, he leaned forward slightly. "Tell me what it was."

Hyuga Neji hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "The message was about the Impure World Reincarnation—Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Fugaku, Hatake Sakumo, Hyuga Hizashi... and the last name—Senju Nawaki."

A sudden chill swept over Neji as he spoke the last name. He had never heard of such a strong individual in Konoha, though he had certainly heard of the others. Uchiha Madara, Fugaku, Hizashi, and Sakumo—these were all legendary figures, well known for their power.

"Senju Nawaki?" Neji thought. "But... who is this Nawaki?"

As he contemplated this, Uzumaki Chito remained silent for a moment, his face darkening as he processed the information.

"The Impure World Reincarnation..." Uzumaki Chito muttered, his voice tinged with nostalgia and confusion. "This is a technique that allows deals with the underworld. A forbidden technique."

Chito's thoughts turned to the Five Kage Alliance. "Are they really pushing for a desperate battle now?" he mused, before scoffing inwardly. "What a bunch of fools."

Chito's mind raced through the names that had just been relayed to him. Uchiha Madara... If that fool knew he was resurrected through the Impure World Reincarnation, he would likely be furious.

"Jiraiya really knows how to target those three—Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, and Hatake Sakumo," Chito muttered with disdain. "There are only a handful of high-ranking officials in the Shin Konoha, and now two fathers have been reincarnated. As for Senju Nawaki..." Chito's face darkened even more at the thought of the round-faced child who had once been so tall.

"Senju Nawaki is Mito's grandson," Chito mused darkly. "And Nawaki is my great-grandson. The Five Kage Alliance is not threatening Tsunade—they're provoking me."

A deep anger surged within him, and the energy around Chito crackled with intensity.

"You deserve to die," Uzumaki Chito growled, his anger manifesting in a powerful aura that radiated through the room, affecting everything in its path.

Hyuga Neji, kneeling before him, felt the violent surge of energy. His body trembled slightly under the weight of Chito's wrath. Lord Chito has become stronger again, he thought, silently acknowledging the immense pressure around him.

Chito quickly regained his composure, his expression returning to its usual cold, indifferent demeanor. It was as though the powerful energy that had just enveloped the room had never existed.