Chapter 95: Chapter 95: The Impending Battle
"Ahahahahaha!"
Laughter echoed from the Hokage's office.
"Little Tsuna, I win again!"
Hashirama beamed as he proudly ruffled Tsunade's hair, his finger pointing to the two dice showing sixes on the desk.
"No way! Grandpa, one more round!"
Unwilling to admit defeat, Tsunade covered the dice with the cup again, gripping it firmly with both hands. She began shaking it vigorously, the crisp clattering of dice filling the room.
Watching the pair treating the Hokage's office like a gambling den, Tobirama let out a deep sigh.
After escorting the newly revived Hashirama on a brief tour of present-day Konohagakure, Tobirama returned to the office only to run into Tsunade.
The moment she saw Hashirama, Tsunade had thrown herself at them.
What began as a brief reunion quickly devolved into this...
"Hokage-sama, was this truly necessary?"
Standing nearby, Nara Shikaku leaned in, speaking cautiously into Tobirama's ear.
"Orochimaru and the Akatsuki have joined forces," Tobirama explained quietly. "They will likely employ Edo Tensei to bolster their ranks. We must even be prepared to face Uchiha Madara. Given the current state of Konohagakure, reviving my brother was a necessary measure, Shikaku."
"Uchiha Madara?!" Shikaku's eyes widened in disbelief. Would the Akatsuki really go so far?
"Any updates on Orochimaru or the Akatsuki?" Tobirama asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Intelligence from Root members indicates that the Sound Village, established during the Konoha Crush, is actually Orochimaru's base of operations. According to a captured Sound ninja, members of the Akatsuki have recently been spotted there—blatantly, no less. However, since that sighting, neither they nor Orochimaru have been seen," Shikaku reported.
As he listened, Tobirama rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
The sound of the office door being thrown open abruptly interrupted them.
"Hokage-sama, urgent report! Uh, First Hokage-sama?!"
The arrival was none other than Kakashi Hatake, head of the ANBU.
He froze momentarily at the sight of Hashirama and Tsunade enthusiastically gambling in the office but quickly snapped out of it. Ignoring formalities, Kakashi handed a document to Tobirama, his tone serious.
"Hokage-sama, reports from the northern border indicate sightings of Akatsuki members. The attackers appear to be Deidara, a rogue from Iwagakure, and Sasori of the Red Sand, a rogue from Sunagakure. They're engaging our border patrols. Additionally, there are reports of a figure resembling the Akatsuki leader and Orochimaru appearing in the Valley of the End!"
The mood in the office shifted immediately.
"Tobirama, has the Akatsuki begun their move?" Hashirama set aside the winnings he had just claimed from Tsunade, his expression turning serious.
"It seems so, though this won't be a simple matter," Tobirama replied, his brow furrowed.
"Hokage-sama, urgent report!"
Another ANBU member rushed in.
"The eastern border has also come under attack by Akatsuki members! The attackers are Momochi Zabuza, known as the 'Tail-less Tailed Beast,' and Kakuzu, a rogue from Takigakure!"
"A diversion tactic?" Shikaku muttered.
"Send word to Jiraiya, Might Guy, and Uchiha Itachi to meet me immediately!" Tobirama ordered without hesitation.
The ANBU ninja nodded and disappeared to carry out the order.
Not long after, the summoned trio arrived.
However, the sight of Hashirama left them momentarily stunned.
"You're... the First Hokage-sama?" Jiraiya rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
"Jiraiya, you idiot! How could you not recognize my grandfather?" Tsunade's fist connected with Jiraiya's head, eliciting a pained yelp.
Hashirama ignored the commotion and instead walked straight up to Itachi.
Under Itachi's astonished gaze, Hashirama bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry. Konoha failed the Uchiha clan. The fault lies with my brother and me. On behalf of Konoha, I apologize to you, your brother, and your clan."
The room fell silent, everyone stunned. The legendary God of Shinobi apologizing to the Uchiha?
"First Hokage-sama, this isn't your fault or the Hokage-sama's. It's because my clan was too prideful…" Itachi said softly, helping Hashirama stand. Despite his shock, the gesture strengthened his sense of belonging to Konoha.
"Brother, let's focus on the immediate threat. There's a larger crisis at hand," Tobirama interjected, cutting Hashirama off before he could continue.
After Kakashi explained the current situation in detail, everyone's expressions turned grim.
"What is the Akatsuki planning?" Jiraiya asked.
"They want to divide our forces," Itachi surmised. "The revival of the Hokage-sama has disrupted their plans. Their immediate goal is likely to eliminate him. Pain and Orochimaru must be targeting the Hokage-sama directly."
"They really think they can defeat you?" Tsunade scoffed, slamming her palm on the desk.
"Edo Tensei has given them confidence," Tobirama replied. "But we have the God of Shinobi on our side."
Hashirama awkwardly scratched his head under Tobirama's pointed gaze.
"Here's the plan."
Tobirama's tone turned sharp as he issued his orders:
"Jiraiya, Guy, you're tasked with handling Hoshigaki Kisame and Kakuzu. Remember, Kakuzu has five hearts and won't die unless they're all destroyed. Kisame's sword absorbs chakra, so rely on taijutsu to deal with him.
"Kakashi, Tsunade, you'll face Deidara and Sasori. Deidara's explosive clay becomes inert when struck with Lightning Release. If he self-destructs, Tsunade, summon Katsuyu and use Reverse Summoning to escape. Sasori's true body is a puppet with his core in his chest—target that.
"If possible, capture them alive."
Itachi was visibly impressed. The Hokage knew the Akatsuki members' abilities and weaknesses better than he did, despite Itachi having been among them for years.
"As for Pain and Orochimaru, I'll take them on with Itachi."
"What about me?!" Hashirama raised his hand eagerly.
"You'll stay in Konoha for now," Tobirama said firmly. "Guard the jinchūriki in case anyone targets them. If Orochimaru uses Edo Tensei, I'll summon you to the battlefield."
"Fine…" Hashirama sighed, disappointed.
"Shikaku," Tobirama continued, "while I'm away, handle village affairs. If you need help, you have my authority to mobilize personnel from the clans."
"Understood," Shikaku nodded.
Tobirama turned back to Hashirama. "One more thing. If you encounter a masked man trying to capture the jinchūriki, stop him at all costs. His space-time ninjutsu allows him to become intangible for up to five minutes, but he's vulnerable when attacking."
"Got it!" Hashirama pounded his chest confidently.
"Now, everyone, move out!" Tobirama commanded.
As the group dispersed, Hashirama called out, "If Madara shows up, don't forget to call me!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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