Chapter 277:
Konoha was under siege by four major ninja villages. Although Kirigakure's main forces had yet to arrive, their vanguard had already begun probing attacks.
Konoha was now fully mobilized, with even Danzo—who typically stayed in the shadows to guard Konoha's foundation forced to step into the fray for special operations.
This left Konoha Village itself with minimal defenses. Aside from civilians and academy students, the only ones left were the two village elders, Koharu and Homura, a handful of genin too weak to deploy, and essential staff like teachers and some ANBU.
Orochimaru strolled leisurely toward the village. The gate guards noticed him immediately.
"Hey, you—"
Before they could finish their warning, their bodies collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
With Orochimaru's current mental strength, there was no need for physical action to deal with guards of their caliber.
As he entered Konoha, walking along the familiar streets and past the recognizable buildings, Orochimaru couldn't help but reflect on how much time had passed.
But he didn't linger in his thoughts. Instead, he walked directly toward Kushina's house, his objective clear.