Chapter 181: Impure World Reincarnation, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha!
The Shinra Tensei is nullified.
Nagato hovered silently in the air, his gaze fixed on the figure below. "This is tough."
He heard the same words twice. Immunity? Hard resistance? He had analyzed this before. His conclusion had been that the opponent had physically withstood both the Shinra Tensei and the Banshō Ten’in. But this time, he noticed something different.
When the opponent’s pale blue eyes appeared, Nagato’s Rinnegan instinctively sensed hostility and provocation. That emotion flowed into his mind from the eyes, deepening the ferocity on his face. This was a feeling he hadn’t encountered even when facing the Sharingan—or even the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Without a doubt, if his guess was correct, the opponent's eyes were also Divine Eyes!
He glanced at his own hands. Furious, Nagato dropped rapidly from the sky and slammed his hand into the ground.
"You once told me this world only needs one god!"
He accelerated as the second Shinra Tensei, fueled by an enormous sacrifice of vitality, charged mid-descent. Unlike the Shinra Tensei’s overwhelming defense, this repulsive force was all concentrated in his hands, channeling all his chakra and power into a single point. This was a new power he had gained when using the Deva Path ability.
It was still the same Super Shinra Tensei. Yet its penetrating force and repulsion were completely different from when used in mid-air! He accelerated once again. Nagato’s final strike crashed into Hakken with incredible force.
"Feel the agony!"
"Know the torment!"
"This is pain bestowed by the gods—suffering beyond mortal comprehension!"
"Shinra Tensei!"
BOOM!
The earth trembled again, and the entire central arena of the Tower of the Center began to sink. But this time, they saw clearly. The man, still standing there drinking, didn’t move a muscle. A nearly tangible, transparent barrier surrounded the arena, yet it showed no signs of disturbance.
Absolute control! The greater the disparity in power, the more formidable this mastery became. Clearly, even with multiple foreign cells now within him, Nagato remained no match for Hakken.
"Enough."
A soft sigh. The man extended a hand and gripped the throat of Nagato, who was still desperately draining his chakra.
"These eyes cannot reach their full potential within you."
"After all, they never truly belonged to you."
They never truly belonged to me?
Nagato’s body trembled as an arm emerged from his throat. The arm of the Human Path! At that moment, Nagato had merged all six of the Pain Paths’ abilities into one body. But this fusion wasn’t a weakening—it was an enhancement.
It reminded one of the Fourth Shinobi World War, when Itachi and Nagato were resurrected and fought against Naruto and Killer Bee as they arrived on the battlefield.
Nagato, after absorbing the Eight-Tails' chakra through the Preta Path, nearly obliterated Naruto and Killer Bee in their Golden Body forms in an instant.
He even fired a cannon with one hand while the other reached out to rip Naruto's soul out!
If Itachi hadn't used Kotoamatsukami to break free from the Edo Tensei's control, Naruto's soul would have been pulled out of his body right then.
Though, it's possible the Nine-Tails might have stepped in, triggering a true Sage Fox Mode.
But just from this feat alone, one can gauge how powerful a healthy Nagato truly was!
The Human Path of the Rinnegan—another technique capable of targeting souls!
Of course, this ability has its limits.
When facing someone with chakra far superior to one's own, it can't immediately extract the soul.
Especially when up against someone like Hakken, it was laughable. He was the Shinigami.
The Shinigami's soul isn't something anyone can control!
"Take your hand off me, thanks."
Hakken glanced at the arm gripping his body and casually spoke.
In the next moment, golden skeletal bones erupted from his body!
"It’s here—the golden chakra pattern that defeated me!"
The Raikage, sitting in the viewing area, suddenly jumped to his feet, lightning crackling uncontrollably around him.
"Uh, Raikage, please calm down."
Minato helplessly yanked him back into his seat. "I asked Hakken about this technique—it's not a dōjutsu."
"You should think of it as more of a defensive stance."
"But so far, I haven't found a way to break through that defense."
Manifested Spiritual Pressure Defense!
The stronger the spiritual pressure, the more formidable the defense!
It was a power that ordinary ninja could never hope to understand.
"Damn, that's insane!"
"Yeah, right? Who would’ve thought a mere genin fight could be this exciting?"
"A genin? Are you out of your mind? That’s Konoha’s Kenpachi! He’s probably the strongest genin in the entire Ninja World!"
"Exactly! But that kid from Otogakure was pretty impressive too. Yelling about selling rice and then smashing out a crater that big?"
"True. This trip to Konoha was definitely worth it."
"..."
The surrounding spectators were in a frenzy, cheering loudly.
Thumbs up were raised for the two combatants on the field.
Kenpachi.
Nagato Uzumaki.
To witness a battle of this magnitude in my lifetime... truly worth living for.
But calling them genin... well, if Konoha's strongest are genin, I’ll remember that.
Now, it's my turn.
The golden skeleton violently shattered Nagato’s Human Path arm, instantly obliterating the Preta Path that had been attempting to absorb chakra.
Shaking his stiff neck, Hakken grabbed the arm holding Nagato’s throat and slammed it into the ground with crushing force.
BOOM!
A massive shockwave erupted.
The weathered Mother Earth trembled in fury.
Though today’s tremors weren’t the first or second, this one was far more intense than the previous two!
What kind of power was this?!
Even more shocking—this was only the beginning of the attack.
Pinning Nagato to the ground wasn’t Hakken's goal.
He raised his fist high, and with a furious roar, brought it down in a crushing blow. Another shockwave ripped through the air.
“I told you to sell rice!”
BOOM!
“Konoha doesn’t eat cheap rice! We’ve got our own gourmet street!”
BOOM!
“Sell your damn rice!”
BOOM!
“Who are you trying to impress with all those Hashirama’s cells?”
BOOM!
“I gave you a chance, but you’re useless!”
BOOM!
...
With each punch, the tremors surged again.
Luckily, the ANBU ninjas had prepared in advance and had already started reinforcing the Central Tower’s stability. Otherwise, the aftershocks from Mother Earth alone would have likely brought the tower crashing down.
Even so, the violent tremors forced the onlookers to cling tightly to the nearby handrails.
In that moment, they gained a whole new understanding of Konoha's Kenpachi’s combat strength!
“This is hopeless.”
“Truly a useless pawn.”
From the center of the viewing area, Orochimaru muttered softly, glancing at Kabuto in the distance and slowly nodding.
Kabuto understood immediately, retreating a few steps before forming hand seals.
“Genjutsu!”
“Temple of Nirvana Technique!”
With a low shout, just as feathers began drifting through the air, a figure dashed forward and threw a punch straight at him.
“I knew something was off about you!”
“BOOM!”
Superhuman strength!
What?
Tsunade had arrived!
A punch to the gut sent Kabuto’s eyes rolling back, nearly knocking him out cold.
“Failed?”
Orochimaru struggled to turn his head.
He’d planned everything, but Kabuto’s genjutsu had failed.
Nagato was completely disabled, unable to use his full power. The Chibaku Tensei technique didn’t even have a chance to be cast, as he was pinned to the ground and mercilessly beaten.
“Damn. Looks like it’s come to this!”
Grinding his teeth, Orochimaru began to move.
A hand seized his arm.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Orochimaru.”
The old man beside him remained calm, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage!
He saw through me!
“I’m not the kind of old man who takes advantage of women,”
The Third Hokage said, puffing on his cigarette.
“Heh, Sarutobi-sensei, why do I feel such a strong disagreement with your words?”
Orochimaru’s tongue suddenly extended, grotesquely long, his malicious grin clearly showing his utter disdain for Sarutobi.
“Well, your three disciples are certainly exceptional, aren’t they?”
“The nickname ‘Konoha’s Gambling, Prostitution, and Drugs’ has probably spread all over the Ninja World.”
Konoha’s Yellow Gambling Poison?
The surrounding ninjas burst out laughing.
That nickname certainly had a unique flair.
Though they didn’t fully understand what was happening, the onlookers still maintained an optimistic attitude as they watched.
“If you like grabbing, then grab away. After all, your dear disciple is now a woman. Want to try out a young body? My body’s far better than Biwako’s.”
The crazed Orochimaru suddenly began babbling nonsense, his words causing Sarutobi’s face to flush and his heart to race.
Damn, why does just thinking about it feel so thrilling!
With a powerful thrust of his legs, the two figures suddenly charged toward the elevated platform.
In the next instant, four beams of light instantly surrounded Sarutobi and Orochimaru.
“Ninja Art: Four Violet Flames Formation!”
The true master-disciple showdown had begun!
Chaos erupted as countless White Zetsu and Otogakure ninja, seemingly out of nowhere, charged forward to launch their attack.
“Konoha Destruction Plan, commence!”
Has it begun?
The Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages ahead all turned their eyes toward the Four Purple Flames Formation.
“Seems like your village’s security is a bit of a problem, huh?”
Ōnoki began his usual sarcastic remarks.
“Uh, what gives you the confidence to say that?”
Minato shot him a puzzled glance before pointing toward the battlefield.
The commotion came more suddenly than expected, but it didn’t stir up as much of a storm as anticipated.
In a few moments, the ANBU ninjas engaged with the charging Otogakure ninjas and White Zetsu in fierce combat. Meanwhile, within the village, numerous figures emerged to confront the monstrous serpent.
“You’ve weathered far greater storms than this. Why are you flustered by such a minor situation?” Minato turned to Ōnoki and countered with a radiant smile.
“The minions aren’t all dealt with yet, and your Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, seems to be in trouble. What's wrong with speaking up when things go awry?”
A stepped forward at just the right moment, matching Ōnoki’s rhythm.
“Ah! Clatter!”
No sooner had A finished speaking than the Four Violet Flames Formation above them bizarrely exploded. The four from Otogakure were sent flying backward. The slash came from the lowest tier!
Clearly, the battle between Nagato Uzumaki and Hakken Yoru had concluded.
“Listen up, everyone. The Chūnin Exams continue. Next match: Sasuke vs. Akadō. Get moving, no dawdling.” Hakken’s voice echoed across the entire arena.
The spectator ninjas were stunned.
“With all this upheaval in Konoha, you’re still holding the exams?”
“Can't you see your Third Hokage is in grave danger?”
“And isn’t your entire village engulfed in battle right now?”
“How can you even spare the energy to organize a tournament?”
Yet astonishingly, the youth named Sasuke Uchiha calmly leapt down into the hollow beneath the arena, waiting for his opponent. Nothing else. Simply because that was what his master had said! So, the tournament continues!
At this moment, the battle above and the battle below seemed utterly disconnected. But everyone could tell the one above was undoubtedly more spectacular.
The man who had dragged an unrecognizable Nagato Uzumaki had already flown to the wrecked Four Violet Flames Formation area. Before him stood Sarutobi and Orochimaru, locked in confrontation. The Four Violet Flames Formation truly couldn't hold this man back. Orochimaru watched Sarutobi and Hakken coldly.
Swish! Swish! Swish! Several figures landed nearby.
The entire Night Owl Team, plus the Five Kage! Of course, among the Five Kage, aside from Minato, the others were clearly just tagging along. Even Terumi gave Hakken a mischievous wink.
“Orochimaru! What are you doing?” The master-disciple confrontation saw Jiraiya speak first. Clearly, he hadn’t wanted to see this unfold. He was relieved Orochimaru hadn’t perished in Amegakure, but now... this man had actually come to destroy Konoha. What gave him the right?
Konoha, with the Kenpachi present—what gave him the right to destroy it? Did he even have the strength?
“What are you doing?”
Orochimaru smiled, summoning two shadow clones and rapidly forming hand seals. “Ending this!”
What?
Seeing Orochimaru's seals, Sarutobi froze for a moment before rushing forward. But just as he took a few steps, a spatial Uzumaki suddenly appeared before him. Two figures slowly materialized. Obito and Black Zetsu! They blocked Sarutobi's path! Too late to stop them!
“Summoning Jutsu!”
“Edo Tensei!”
Three coffins slowly rose before everyone's eyes.
“Resurrecting the dead... You actually...”
Sarutobi was heartbroken, yet his mind was filled with confusion. Why hadn't Hakken Yoru stopped Orochimaru?
Three coffins? Everything that was meant to come has come. Both Black Zetsu and Obito have arrived. That was something he hadn't anticipated. The Chūnin Exams... it was just like the Five Kage Summit in the original story.
Running a hand over his chin, Hakken kicked Nagato aside, pulled out a stool, and sat down. He then pointed at the coffins.
“Who's in there? Miss Snake, who do you plan to resurrect to amuse me?”
“Well, well, well, Hakken-kun. Not even a flicker of surprise at seeing Edo Tensei.” Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with danger and satisfaction.
“First, allow me to explain this technique—also to please you, Hakken-kun.”
“The original Edo Tensei was imperfect. The quality of the sacrificial offerings often resulted in summoned beings possessing severely inadequate combat strength...”
“…But this time, I've infused all the sacrificial offerings with ninety percent of Senju Hashirama's cells!”
“Thus, the resurrected will approach their original combat strength infinitely close.”
After a brief pause, Orochimaru pointed to the first coffin.
“He came from the Warring States era—a rare talent among the Senju Clan.”
“His Water Release techniques rivaled the ocean! He could wield powerful water techniques even in places devoid of water!”
“Tobirama Senju—praised by you, Hakken-kun, as the most qualified Hokage in history!”
Boom!
The coffin lid shattered. A man emerged, his face blank yet radiating killing intent. His forehead protector obscured his features, but those piercing eyes spoke volumes. He was a formidable warrior!
“The Second Hokage?!”
The Kage and leaders of the major ninja villages began whispering among themselves. He was a legendary figure!
“The next one is even more extraordinary.”
With one hand forming a seal to firmly control Senju Tobirama as his wingman, Orochimaru pointed excitedly at the second coffin.
“The legendary God of Ninja, Konoha's First Hokage!”
“His Wood Release was divine, his chakra rivaled that of a Tailed Beast!”
“Hashirama Senju!”
BOOM.
The coffin lid shattered. A burly man emerged, scratching his head as he looked around in confusion.
“Huh? Saru?”
“You've aged too.”
Why won't this bastard cooperate?
As the First emerged, Orochimaru's expression abruptly changed, suddenly recalling an extremely grave question. Using Hashirama Senju's cells to control Hashirama Senju?? This... failed?
“Blah blah blah, never-ending!”
“Boom!”
“After listening for ages, it's just Edo Tensei after all.”
This time, as the coffin lid shattered, it was accompanied by a strange white smoke. Clearly, he couldn't wait to emerge and kicked the lid to pieces!
“Scared...”
“Scared...”
Just as this man emerged, one of the Five Kage, an old man, suddenly stumbled back several steps, his face drenched in sweat!
“It’s Madara Uchiha!”
Chaos was imminent! Everyone leapt to their feet at Ōnoki's roar!
Madara Uchiha!
Tobirama Senju!
Hashirama Senju!
Three figures at nearly full power. Were these Orochimaru's final trump cards? The Kage's gazes flickered. Shifting back and forth between the Hakken and these three. They seemed to be making some kind of decision!
Yet only Orochimaru's face was a terrifying shade of green. When Tobirama Senju emerged, he was thrilled. But when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha appeared... he realized... he was wrong.
As the two resurrected rivals collided, the chakra whirlwind blew a stinging pain across Orochimaru's forehead. The scene descended into even greater chaos.
Especially when a man suddenly stood between them, arms crossed as he drew his Zanpakutō. Orochimaru knew. This plan had utterly failed.
“I told you to do everything in your power to please me...”
“Is this it?”
Spiritual pressure surged skyward. In that instant, everyone felt the shock and terror emanating from its core!
Forcibly separating Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju, Hakken Yoru's Zanpakutō pointed directly at Orochimaru!
“Is this it?!”
“This is your best?!! I could take on ten Madara Uchihas! Ten Hashirama Senjus!”
Insulting?
In an instant, the God of Ninja, Hashirama Senju, and the Uchiha clan's titan, Madara Uchiha, fixed their gaze on Hakken Yoru. How many did this bastard say he'd take on?
Below on the battlefield, Gaara, standing on the ground, glanced up at the sky, then looked down at the ground. Finally, he sighed. Suddenly, he felt the One-Tailed Beast within him grow restless.