Hokage Office.
News of the disturbance in the Forest of Death reached the Hokage Building through the Anbu on-site in no time.
Koharu Utatane's face darkened. "Damn it, Orochimaru dares to cause trouble at a time like this!"
Mitokado Homura asked, "Hiruzen, is it confirmed? Is it really that jutsu?"
The Third Hokage, having dispelled his Telescope Technique, nodded gravely. "Yes, it's confirmed. It's the Impure World Reincarnation developed by the Second. I just didn't expect him to be bold enough to summon the First and Second with it."
Homura said, "I recall the dead summoned by Impure World Reincarnation can't wield their full strength from life, right?"
The Third sighed. "I don't know if he's improved the Impure World Reincarnation or used some special sacrifice, but the First and Second summoned are far stronger than typical reincarnated bodies, even if not at their peak."
Koharu pointed accusingly. "You never should've let him go back then!"
Not just Koharu—even the Third himself was starting to regret sparing Orochimaru all those years ago.
After all, with the critical moment of the Five Great Shinobi Villages' showdown against the Akatsuki looming, Orochimaru's interference could unravel their long-prepared plans.
The Third waved a hand irritably.
Swish.
An Anbu landed before him. "Hokage-sama, your orders?"
The Third, hands clasped behind his back, walked to the window. "Is everything else in the village normal? Any new reports from the Intelligence Division?"
The Anbu replied, "Everything's normal so far. No new reports from Intelligence."
Koharu stepped beside the Third. "You're worried Orochimaru's actions are tied to the Akatsuki?"
The Third said, "We can't rule it out yet!"
Homura added, "If Orochimaru is working with the Akatsuki, they'd likely launch their attack now!"
Suddenly, an Intelligence Division shinobi burst into the Hokage Office, reporting, "Hokage-sama, a patrol team discovered a large number of mysterious soldier statues in the forest fifteen kilometers from the village!"
"Soldier statues!?"
The Third and the two elder advisors' faces changed.
"Could it be the undead army summoned by the demon Moryo, as recorded?" Koharu paused, then said, "The Akatsuki's making their move!"
The Third nodded heavily, as if relieved, and ordered the Intelligence Division, "Inform everyone—the operation begins now!"
…
Hidden Leaf Village, Temporary Mist Residence.
Suikazan Fuguki stared at Hiruko, cloaked before him, in shock. "You—how did you get here!?"
Hiruko smirked. "Isn't this exactly what you wanted?"
Pufferfish Ghost's face darkened. "If you drag me into this, I won't be able to smoothly take the Mizukage's seat. That'd be a huge loss for you too!"
Hmph!
Hiruko snorted, his expression dripping with disdain.
In his view, after this war, the Five Great Shinobi Villages might not even exist anymore. This short-sighted fool still obsessing over the Mizukage's position was laughable!
But for now, he needed Pufferfish Ghost's cooperation, so Hiruko asked, "Where are the Jinchuriki currently in Hidden Leaf?"
Pufferfish Ghost replied, "Hidden Leaf's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Sand's One-Tail Jinchuriki, and Takigakure's Seven-Tails Jinchuriki are all participating in the Chunin Exams. Barring any surprises, they should all be in the Forest of Death right now!"
Hiruko didn't waste another word and turned to leave.
Pufferfish Ghost frowned. "The Forest of Death is heavily guarded by Hidden Leaf. If it's just you, I'd advise against throwing your life away!"
"Worry about yourself instead of us!" Hiruko paused and smiled, then added, "By the way, where's Uchiha Shinji?"
"Uchiha Shinji!?" Pufferfish Ghost clearly hadn't expected Hiruko to ask about him. After a moment's thought, he said, "I heard he's also in the Chunin Exams, so he's likely with the Jinchuriki in the Forest of Death!"
Whoosh.
Hearing this, Hiruko didn't linger, vanishing instantly.
Moments later.
Hiruko arrived atop a building in Hidden Leaf's streets, glancing at a knocked-out Anbu lying nearby. A smirk tugged at his lips as he spoke to the seemingly empty air. "How's it feel?"
From what should've been empty space came a crisp voice. "I sneaked all the way here without anyone noticing!"
Undoubtedly.
As Hiruko's partner, Ranmaru, who had also undergone the Bloodline Fusion Ritual, had infiltrated Hidden Leaf.
The unconscious Anbu, tasked with monitoring this street, hadn't even noticed Ranmaru sneaking up before being knocked out cold.
Hiruko chuckled. "Not surprising. Even my Mangekyo Sharingan can't easily see through your Transparent Release. Hidden Leaf's shinobi don't stand a chance! I must say, the Transparent Release you chose works better than I expected!"
Hiruko wasn't lying.
The Transparent Release, refined through the ritual, was far more potent than he'd anticipated. Paired with the speed of Swift Release, sneaking and assassinating was child's play!
Watching Ranmaru infiltrate Hidden Leaf so effortlessly, it'd be a lie to say Hiruko wasn't a bit jealous.
Sensing the malice radiating from Hiruko, Ranmaru quickly changed the subject. "Where is he?"
Hiruko said, "I've confirmed it. The Jinchuriki in Hidden Leaf and Uchiha Shinji are all in the Forest of Death. No need to run around!"
"Mm!"
Ranmaru, suppressing his emotions, nodded slightly.
He'd endured the pain of the ritual and dealt with Hiruko's malice for one purpose: to avenge Kurosuki Raiga by killing Uchiha Shinji.
Now that his target's location was confirmed and he had the power to take his revenge, his heart couldn't help but stir with excitement.
"Hold on!"
Hiruko walked over to the unconscious Anbu, grabbed their neck, and lifted them up.
Ranmaru said, "He's already out cold and didn't see me!"
Hiruko sneered cruelly. "Mercy only brings trouble. This raid is top secret—loose ends like this need to be dealt with cleanly!"
Crack.
With a squeeze of his hand, the Anbu's neck snapped.
Tossing the body into a corner, Hiruko dusted off his hands. "Alright, let's move!"
Ranmaru nodded obediently. "Yes!"