Chapter 601: Two-Front War
Snake Pit Village. Orochimaru sat in his underground lab, listening to Kabuto Yakushi's analysis.
"Lord Orochimaru, Iwagakure has retracted its forces, teleporting most of its ninja back to the village."
"Almost all of Iwa's numerous branches have been left with only a few dozen guards."
"The only exception is the Earth-Moon passage, where a few hundred people remain to maintain daily operations."
Orochimaru nodded, saying nothing.
Kabuto continued his analysis. "Lord Orochimaru, following Black Zetsu's plan, we informed the Tsuchikage of the Kiri high command's location."
"Their sudden retraction of forces should be related to this."
"Iwa might be gathering its army to attack Kiri, or they might be planning to defend heavily while a smaller force attacks Kiri."
"Either way, it seems Iwa has taken the bait!"
Orochimaru nodded again. He didn't respond to Kabuto's conclusion but instead asked, "Do you think Iwa has the capacity to fight on three fronts?"
Kabuto was stunned. He thought for a moment. "According to the White Zetsu clones, Kiri has mastered Edo Tensei."
"For Iwa to attack Kiri, the simplest method would be to send either Neji Hyūga or Izumi Uchiha."
"The other could also act independently. Plus, the Tsuchikage leading the other Iwa Kage could also wipe out Kiri."
"Calculated that way, Iwa could fight on three fronts."
"However, based on your previous sensing, Lord Orochimaru, Iwa should be aware of your current strength."
"You are definitely their priority target. In this situation, Iwa wouldn't split its forces so widely."
"I suspect Iwa will have Neji Hyūga and Izumi Uchiha face you together."
"Without Neji and Izumi, even with Iwa's current strength, splitting the remaining forces in half to deal with Kiri would likely be impossible."
"Even if they don't split into three, sending everyone except Neji and Izumi to fight Kiri is risky."
"If Neji and Izumi fail to contain you, those dispatched Kage could be ambushed by you."
"So, a two-front war seems strenuous for Iwa, let alone three."
"Unless... Neji Hyūga or Izumi Uchiha can defeat you one-on-one."
"Or... Iwa has a third powerhouse at your level."
Orochimaru mused, "Neji Hyūga's eyes are called the Tenseigan. I asked the White Snake Sage, and he told me some intel on them."
"This intel matches what Neji displayed in the Joint Chunin Exam."
"With this intel, dealing with Neji won't be hard."
"Izumi Uchiha's Rinnegan is very similar to Nagato's. I don't know her dōjutsu, but if it's similar to Nagato's, I have ways to counter it."
"If my guesses about their dōjutsu are correct, I'm not worried, even in a one-on-two."
"As for one-on-one, with those kids' combat experience, I can't lose!"
"However... perhaps Iwa really does have a third powerhouse."
Kabuto paused. He had only said it out of caution; he hadn't seriously considered it.
Sages weren't easy to cultivate.
Orochimaru had gone through so much to reach this level. For Iwa to produce two ahead of him already proved the Tsuchikage's terrifying capability.
How could there be a third?
Kabuto asked, "Lord Orochimaru, do you mean the Tsuchikage himself?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "It's Sōkai Uchiha!"
Kabuto looked confused.
Orochimaru explained, "Two years ago, the intel Kakashi gave me stated that Neji Hyūga and Sōkai Uchiha possessed strength surpassing normal Kage."
"He also suspected Izumi Uchiha possessed the same strength."
"Kakashi said he personally saw Sōkai's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Later, both of them displayed the Eternal Mangekyō in battles against Sasuke Uchiha's group."
"This indicates their advancement was almost synchronized. The Tsuchikage must have mastered a method to evolve the Sharingan."
"If this method isn't one-time-only, then Izumi's evolution could be repeated in Sōkai."
Kabuto was alarmed. He asked worriedly, "Lord Orochimaru, can you win a one-on-three?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "If I had clear intel on all three, I could plan ahead. But right now, there is no chance of victory."
Orochimaru was right. Battles at the Sage level were different from those at the Kage level or below.
Orochimaru had been a genius since childhood. In his youth, killing a dozen peers alone wasn't unheard of.
The title of Sannin wasn't for show.
Even at Kage level, with his various tricks, Orochimaru was confident in fighting three normal peers.
If he included Edo Tensei and giant summons, winning a one-on-three wasn't that hard.
But at the Sage level, things were completely different. The power level reached a new stage, but the corresponding methods hadn't kept up.
Original trump cards were almost useless. Manda, useful in Kage battles, probably wouldn't survive a single slap from Neji.
Edo Tensei was the same; its effect was minimal.
And certain Sage abilities, like flight and absorption of five-nature ninjutsu, rendered most ninjutsu meaningless.
Powerful Sage-level dōjutsu also nullified many tactics.
Everyone had to rely on combat skills and special dōjutsu.
This was bad news for Orochimaru, who was famous for his bizarre techniques.
Conversely, Neji and the others, being dōjutsu users, could better utilize Sage power.
Hearing this, Kabuto looked worried. Orochimaru, however, didn't seem to care much about Iwa's potential third Sage.
From their conversation, it was clear neither Orochimaru nor Kabuto thought Ishiro could become a Sage.
Their experiments over the years had led to one conclusion: In this shinobi world, bloodline is everything!
This was proven not only by Orochimaru (in Hiashi's body), but also by Neji, Izumi, and Sōkai.
Even Konoha's non-Sage Hinata, Sasuke, and Naruto provided side proof.
Ishiro was talented, having developed many kekkei genkai, but normal "talent" still couldn't compare to bloodline.
Orochimaru had seen plenty of geniuses; he was one himself.
But the fact that he ultimately chose to steal their bloodlines showed he had succumbed to this reality.
Ishiro's greatest reliance was Sage Mode and Light Release, which had been his winning cards in the past.
They had allowed him to roam the shinobi world freely for a time.
But Ishiro's strength hadn't improved for many years. This led Orochimaru and Kabuto to believe Ishiro, like other Kage, had reached his peak and couldn't advance further.
They guessed that because he couldn't improve, Ishiro had put so much effort into cultivating Sages.
After all, Ishiro was the Tsuchikage; this mindset of inheritance was normal for a village leader.
Even Kakashi, the Seventh Hokage, thought the same way.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto asked, "are you still going to risk going to the Moon? What if Iwa traps you there?"
Orochimaru smiled. "A risk? Not necessarily!"
Seeing Orochimaru's determination, Kabuto didn't argue. He asked instead, "Lord Orochimaru, is there really a Giant Tenseigan on the Moon?"
"Black Zetsu isn't trustworthy. Could the intel be fake?"
Orochimaru thought. "During my advancement, I did see a giant eye. Its appearance was identical to Neji Hyūga's eyes."
"I didn't tell Black Zetsu this. Unless he went to the Moon personally to confirm it, he couldn't know."
"However, Black Zetsu guiding me to the Moon must have a purpose."
Kabuto speculated, "Could Black Zetsu be trying to lure both you and Iwa to the Moon, then cut the passage to trap you both?"
"That's not easy," Orochimaru said. "Although I don't know the situation on the Moon, I believe the Tsuchikage has a backup plan to bring people back."
Kabuto wanted to say more, but Orochimaru cut him off.
"Kabuto, remember: exploring the truth sometimes requires risk."
"For someone truly seeking the truth, this little danger won't stop their steps."
"Besides, I won't necessarily die on the Moon."
Kabuto fell silent. He knew what Orochimaru was thinking.
Orochimaru had indeed advanced. His Byakugan were now Sage Eyes.
But strangely, the appearance of the Byakugan hadn't changed. They still looked like Byakugan.
Although Kabuto knew from Orochimaru's tone that these eyes had gained special dōjutsu...
Orochimaru wasn't satisfied.
And just then, Black Zetsu told him about the Giant Tenseigan on the Moon, which could help his eyes evolve and gain more dōjutsu.
So even knowing Black Zetsu had bad intentions, Orochimaru was tempted.
He adopted Black Zetsu's suggestion and told Iwa the location of Kiri's high command.
The plan: lure the tiger from the mountain. While Iwa dealt with Kiri, he would explore the Moon!
...
A few days later, twenty-eight people left Iwa's Land of Hot Water branch, flying toward the Land of Water on a giant porcelain platform.
This was quickly spotted by White Zetsu clones hiding nearby.
The clones didn't dare get too close. They only saw the platform and sensed the faint, powerful auras on it.
As for the people, the clones could only judge their identities from a distance by their clothes and vague silhouettes.
There were men and women on the platform; it seemed Ishiro, Ōnoki, Natsuki, Shion, and others were all there.
Just as the clones moved closer to get a better look, the platform stopped. Several people moved to the edge.
One short figure flew off the platform, formed a square with his hands, and fired a Dust Release blast at a clone.
Another threw a long sword like a projectile. It tore through the air at incredible speed, hitting a clone. The clone was shredded by the blade's aura, and the sword was pulled back by Ishiro.
A burly man and a shorter man each extended a thin chakra tail, piercing a clone each.
A pink-haired girl placed her hands on her chest and cast the Mind Body Switch on a clone, causing it to punch the nearest clone.
A red-haired, goofy-looking kunoichi peeked over the edge, formed seals, and unleashed a massive Great Dragon Fire, burning a clone to death.
A delicate-looking boy cast a B-rank Ice Release on a clone.
A blonde young man released clay birds from his sleeves, which detonated near several clones.
The sudden assault terrified the remaining clones. They scattered and fled.
Actually, they could have run faster, but they deliberately acted caught off guard to see the group's abilities.
Although they lost a few clones, they confirmed the group's identity.
This was the Iwa Kage group, led by Ishiro personally. Iwa was out in full force.
Unfortunately, they didn't confirm if Neji, Izumi, or Sōkai were among them.
Presumably, those three were secret weapons and wouldn't be exposed easily.
The fleeing clones quickly reported to Black Zetsu.
Seeing the report, Black Zetsu was skeptical. Would the Tsuchikage fall for it so easily? And this intel came too easily.
The clones said, "They were on a porcelain platform. The leader was definitely the Tsuchikage."
"We saw Ōnoki's Dust Release. No one else can fake that."
"Han and Rōshi used Tailed Beast power. That can't be faked either."
"Kawakita's kenjutsu isn't something a normal ninja can imitate."
"Deidara's explosive clay, Sakura Haruno's Mind Body Switch, Haku Minazuki's Ice Release... they're all unique."
Hearing this, Black Zetsu felt the clones' judgment was correct.
A moment later, another clone emerged. "Black Zetsu, Iwagakure is under full lockdown."
"They've even raised the Four Red Yang Formation around the village."
Hearing this, Black Zetsu stopped worrying. Even if it was a trap, he didn't care. He didn't have to fight on the front lines anyway.
He told one clone, "Go tell Orochimaru. Say Iwa's Kage have moved out, but we haven't confirmed Neji or Izumi's location."
"However, Iwa wouldn't leave the village undefended. One of them probably stayed behind."
"Now is the best time to strike!"
The clone left quickly.
Black Zetsu then told the others, "Go to the Land of Water. Tell them Iwa is attacking."
"Yes." The clones scattered.
Receiving the report, Orochimaru also felt something was off, but he stood up anyway.
With a smile, he said to Kabuto, "Kabuto, I leave this place to you!"
Kabuto felt uneasy and wanted to say something, but Orochimaru didn't hesitate. He dove underground.
...
Iwagakure.
The village was indeed under lockdown, with the Four Red Yang Formation active.
As Orochimaru went underground, in the Tsuchikage's office, Ishiro and all of Iwa's Kage and Sages were present.
Or rather, not all in the office. Ikura, Kitsuchi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi were clones; their main bodies were maintaining the barrier.
Suddenly, Chiga spoke. "Orochimaru has left the Snake Pit!"
She paused. "He's heading toward us, very fast!"
Ishiro frowned. Is Orochimaru really going to attack Iwa? What's the benefit?
Orochimaru had never wanted to conquer the world. He sought the essence of chakra, immortality, the ultimate secrets.
Ishiro couldn't guess, and neither could the others.
So they waited quietly.
Since everyone was in the village, even if Orochimaru came straight for them, Ishiro wasn't worried!
Orochimaru's Sage-level speed was incredible. Not long after, Chiga spoke again. "Orochimaru changed direction. He's heading northwest."
Ishiro looked at the map and realized.
"The Moon? He wants the Giant Tenseigan?"
Although he guessed it, Ishiro didn't act rashly. He only ordered the ninja at the Land of Snow passage to evacuate immediately.
After a long time, Chiga said, "Orochimaru is in the Land of Snow, heading for the passage."
Ishiro stood up. "We're going to the Moon too."
He left the office with Neji, Izumi, Sōkai, Shion, and Chiga.
Ōnoki and the others weren't surprised; this was the plan.
After Ishiro's group teleported away, Ōnoki said to Akino Atsumi, who was also at the meeting, "Akino, seal the village's space. Forbid anyone from using space-time ninjutsu."
Akino acknowledged and went to the Barrier Team, protected by Shinya and Haku.
After Akino left, Natsuki, Sakura, and Yakumo also stood up. They nodded to Ōnoki and went next door.
Kawakita followed them closely.
Then, Ōnoki said to Riori, Han, Rōshi, and Karin, "You four go help Ikura's group maintain the Four Red Yang Formation."
They had chakra reserves far beyond normal. With them, the barrier could last a long time unless hit by a one-shot kill attack.
"Yes." They left quickly.
Of course, Riori was accompanied by Shion's clone (or similar supervision) to prevent the silly girl from messing up at a critical moment.
Ikura's group dispelled their clones. Instantly, the crowded office was left with only Ōnoki and Megumi.
They were responsible for coordination!
The key to this battle, which Ishiro called the "Final Battle," was defense.
How to avoid heavy losses in a "Battle of Gods" was everyone's main concern.
As for dealing with Orochimaru or Kaguya, Ishiro's thinking was conservative: not losing counted as a win.
So, apart from Ishiro's group of five, almost all of Iwa's strength was focused on defending the village.
Besides the Kage, Iwa's regular ninja were also formed up and ready.
Some would supply chakra to the barrier team.
Some would supply chakra to Akino's spatial barrier.
Some were in combat formation, ready to attack if the barrier broke.
Also, the village's sensory network was fully active.
If all of Iwa's strongmen were in the village, then who were the "Iwa powerhouses" the White Zetsu clones saw earlier?
They were all Edo Tensei. The twenty-eight reanimations were:
Iwa's own: First Tsuchikage, Second Tsuchikage Mu, former Four-Tails Jinchūriki, former Five-Tails Jinchūriki.
From Kumo: First, Second, Third, Fourth (A), and Fifth (Darui) Raikage, Yugito, Killer B, former Two-Tails Jinchūriki, former Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Kinkaku, Ginkaku.
From Konoha: Second Hokage, Fugaku Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, Jiraiya.
From Suna: Third Kazekage, Fourth Kazekage (Rasa), Pakura, Ryōsuke, Chiyo.
Plus Obito Uchiha, Hanzō, and Nagi Minazuki.
Of the twenty-eight, aside from Iwa's four, the other twenty-four were controlled by Natsuki, Sakura, and Yakumo, who were currently next door to the Tsuchikage's office.
The "ultimate moves" the White Zetsu saw were all performed by these reanimations.
They first transformed into the Iwa Kage, then imitated Ishiro's group's signature moves.
Ishiro's flying platform was the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release, with a layer of Earth Release added by the First Tsuchikage.
"Ōnoki" was actually Mu. He taught Ōnoki Dust Release and the Light-Heavy Boulder Jutsu; misleading the Zetsu was easy.
"Han" and "Rōshi" were their predecessors.
Hanzō played Kawakita; Kawakita's style was heavily influenced by Hanzō, indistinguishable to Zetsu eyes.
"Sakura" was actually Chiyo. She wasn't using Mind Body Switch on the Zetsu; she was using Puppet Technique.
"Deidara" was Ryōsuke (also a puppet master). The clay birds were real, pre-prepared by Deidara, but Ryōsuke controlled their flight and detonation.
"Haku" was Nagi Minazuki; Ice Release was his specialty.
And "Riori"... was Fugaku Uchiha. His Great Dragon Fire was even better than hers.
(End of Chapter)