Chapter 157: Orochimaru and Tobi’s Collaboration, He Is the Perfect Vessel!
Night descended over the land.
Within the unassuming territory of a minor nation in the Ninja World, a peculiar village stood out like a sore thumb.
Space and earth pulsed simultaneously.
Two figures materialized in the spot.
“By your account, Orochimaru must have laid the groundwork for his exit from Akatsuki long ago.” The standing figure still appeared somewhat disjointed, with its mask trembling violently with each word. Logically, after having half of his body obliterated by a Gran Rey Cero once again, he should be focusing on healing his soul. But there was no time to waste. If he didn’t come now, the one borrowing the Rinnegan might not fulfill his final purpose.
That purpose wasn’t to revive Madara Uchiha.
It was to make him use his last resort to take revenge on Konoha!
Obito believed that once Nagato learned Konan had been captured, he would stop at nothing to exact vengeance on that brat! Therefore, keeping him alive would prove invaluable.
“Correct. He bribed the Daimyō of the Land of Rice Fields and established his own village.”
“Otogakure.”
Black Zetsu's voice, hoarse and raspy, emerged from the ground where only his head was visible.
The Akatsuki organization was now little more than a hollow shell.
They couldn't care less about the others' fates—nor did they have the time. But Orochimaru's usefulness was immense.
“Let’s go. Talk to him. If that fails, use force.”
Forcing down the discomfort within him, Obito once again activated Kamui.
This time, guided by Obito, he entered the underground laboratory of Otogakure without any concealment.
When he reappeared, Orochimaru stared at them in shock. His lair had been discovered?!
And infiltrated so effortlessly, without him noticing a thing.
“As expected of you, Uchiha... Madara Uchiha. To find your way here.”
“Well... how should I put it.”
“Though you're an unexpected guest, I’m still not pleased.”
Killing intent flashed in his eyes as Orochimaru’s voice grew icy.
Otogakure was the embodiment of his life's work.
In this world, who the hell didn’t dream of becoming Hokage?
This village was his unfulfilled dream.
Conducting research, free from anyone nagging him.
One could say he transferred all the regrets he left behind in Konoha onto this small ninja village.
For no other reason than to show that foolish teacher of his—to prove he had the talent to govern a village.
Once, he hadn’t disdained becoming the Fourth Hokage.
Alas, Sarutobi ultimately chose Minato.
That regret haunted him for life. From that day on, he stepped into the shadows, choosing to live forever to witness Konoha’s ultimate fate.
And the appearance of that brat gave him a new perspective.
If he wanted to negate the past...
Then he would destroy it completely!
Having inherited Danzō’s entire legacy—the remnants of Hashirama Senju’s cells, various experimental data, and more—his ambition reignited.
Since Akatsuki was no longer viable, he would return to brew his own storm!
Orochimaru was a man utterly disinterested in wars not of his own making.
But now, these two had appeared.
It seemed his peaceful existence was about to end.
“Don’t be nervous. I’m here to talk. If possible, we could work together,” Obito said calmly.
“Sorry, but I really have nothing to talk about with you,” came the sharp reply.
“Your eyes, though!”
With a flick of his hand, Orochimaru’s monstrous tongue lunged toward Obito’s body. As expected, the attack missed.
“Spatial ninjutsu? Just as troublesome as Minato Namikaze.”
Orochimaru was a cold-blooded lord who had slaughtered countless lives during the Second Shinobi World War. He had faced the onslaught of the Land of the Wind ninjas with unflinching composure during the Third. A probing attack like that missing its mark held no surprise for him. With countless trump cards up his sleeve, he didn’t even regard these two as threats.
“I’ll say it again,” Obito's voice was thick with rage and struggle. “I’m only here to talk.”
His body twitched unnaturally. No counterattack? Orochimaru let out a cold laugh. Just as he suspected, this Madara Uchiha was undoubtedly an imposter. The real Madara would have launched a forced attack long ago if provoked like this. Yet this one, though visibly enraged, maintained a cooperative stance.
Gradually calming, Orochimaru nodded.
“I don’t know what you want me to do, or what you can offer me.”
Beyond the Rinnegan of Akatsuki’s leader, Orochimaru felt he needed nothing else.
“A massive quantity of Hashirama Senju cells!” Obito declared. “To repair a person!”
But the next moment, Orochimaru’s pupils contracted.
Senju Hashirama’s cells! This was the most scarce resource in his current research. Though he’d inherited many preserved cells from Danzō, using them to enhance his toys felt wasteful. Those toys were meant for attacking Konoha, proving his worth to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. To strengthen those toys required Senju Hashirama’s cells! He’d already found the vessel for his toys.
The Impure World Reincarnation was also being further refined. With enough time, he could unleash the true Reincarnation Technique upon Konoha. Meet the Third. And that brat. That perfect vessel! But not Itachi Uchiha—Hakken Yoru!
Perhaps Akatsuki’s final glimpse allowed Orochimaru to glimpse something beyond chakra...
That formidable attack and the body that withstood Shinra Tensei head-on—wasn’t that the perfect vessel he needed?!
“I think we can have a good chat now,” Orochimaru said, a chilling smile spreading across his face. Whatever he lacked, someone would deliver. For the first time, the world looked so beautiful through his eyes. Orochimaru nodded, and Obito exhaled in relief.
Hashirama Senju’s cells? To Obito, that stuff had been cultivated countless times using the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. It wasn’t a scarce commodity at all. What was certain was that both parties shared a common goal. Cooperation didn’t seem too difficult.
…
“Can you get out? Thanks.”
Konoha, mixed-gender hot spring bath.
Hakken held a purple-haired girl in his arms. Soaking in the hot spring, she was naturally in her natural state—clean and unadorned. Purple and black hair tangled together on the water’s surface.
And just now, it had been a last-minute kick. But the one kicked out wasn’t Hakken! Instead, it was that infuriating woman in front of him, fierce and aggressive, clutching a bottle of sake and drinking it down. She kicked open the private room door and jumped straight down. A woman whose double-lamp figure was disproportionate to her stature!
“Why? Can’t I soak in the private room my apprentice booked?” Tsunade gave a cold laugh, slapped the water’s surface, and sprayed droplets all over Hakken’s face. “I have business to attend to! Don’t push me!”
Hakken’s eyes turned bloodshot as he stood up straight from the hot spring. At that moment, Tsunade froze.