Looking at Jiraiya and Orochimaru who arrived in a hurry, Hiruko wanted to step forward and mock these two old friends.
As a friend from the Academy days, he watched Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru being chosen by the Third Hokage, then their strength gradually surpassing their peers, and finally achieving the title of 'Sannin of the Hidden Leaf' in the Great Ninja War, becoming famous throughout the Ninja World.
He envied their good luck and complained about the unfairness of fate, which was why he resolutely embarked on the taboo path of developing the 'Chimera Technique'.
Now his luck has turned. He completed the ritual, fused several Bloodline Limits, and through his own efforts, stood at the same height as Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, no longer having to look up at these three old friends high above him as before.
However, the words reached his lips, but he swallowed them back.
After all, half of the Nine-Tails was now in hand, while 'B' and 'C's stance was unclear, and he himself had lost an arm. If any accident occurred, his efforts might likely be in vain.
Thus, he gave Orochimaru and Jiraiya a meaningful look, then ignored the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body', flashed, and disappeared on the spot.
Ranmaru didn't waste words, immediately retreating with Hiruko.
Seeing Hiruko and Ranmaru retreat, Karin and Haku looked at each other, then also chose to withdraw.
Forcing Hiruko and Ranmaru to retreat achieved their objective. Staying here would only cause unnecessary battles.
In a blink of an eye, the four Akatsuki members on the field had all retreated, leaving Jiraiya and Orochimaru somewhat dismayed.
But there was no time to think too much right now. Jiraiya immediately rushed to Menma, squatted down to check, and then showed a look of joy: "Still alive!"
"Eh?"
Sage Fukasaku on Jiraiya's shoulder also exclaimed lightly, but finally shook his head.
On the other side, Sage Shima said: "Little Jiraiya, I shouldn't need to teach you that a Jinchuriki extracted of their Tailed Beast will undoubtedly die! Although this little guy's physique is somewhat special, it doesn't change anything."
"No!"
Jiraiya then looked at the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body' not far away.
Because Menma had entered a dying state, the Nine-Faced Beasts he summoned disappeared one after another, and the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body', which was bound by the seal, also broke free at this moment.
Just now, Jiraiya thought the reason the few Akatsuki members retreated so decisively was that they had already taken the Yin Nine-Tails inside the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body'. But as the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body' broke free, the Nine-Tails chakra inside him dissipated, and Jiraiya in 'Sage Mode' sensed it immediately.
The Yin Nine-Tails inside the Fourth Hokage was still there!
And this was Naruto's last hope, the last chance for survival!
Orochimaru naturally understood Jiraiya's thoughts, but he wasn't prepared to hand over the Yin Nine-Tails so easily, so he hurriedly controlled the Fourth Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body' to retreat far away.
Jiraiya was furious: "Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru curled his lips: "Just a brat, if he dies, he dies!"
Jiraiya glanced at Menma, who could die at any moment, knowing there was no time for a big battle with Orochimaru right now, so he had to say: "I beg you, save him!"
Orochimaru crossed his arms: "We can't save anyone, we can only look after ourselves! Jiraiya, listen to my advice, otherwise, you definitely won't live long!"
Jiraiya shook his head: "I already missed it once, this time I must save him!"
The regret of failing to rush back to the village in time to save his disciple back then filled his whole body. He absolutely could not watch Naruto die like this too!
Orochimaru was slightly moved.
He had never seen such a resolute expression on Jiraiya's face. At this moment, he seemed to know Jiraiya anew.
Just then, a gentle voice came from not far away: "Jiraiya-sensei, you don't need to feel guilty about my death."
"Minato..."
Jiraiya looked at the Fourth Hokage in surprise.
At this moment, the Fourth Hokage was no longer the dull 'Impure World Reincarnation body' appearance from before. He seemed to have completely recovered his sanity and entered 'Kurama Mode', his whole body wrapped in golden chakra, shining golden like his title 'Yellow Flash', making it difficult to look directly at him.
"How is this possible!?"
Orochimaru's expression changed. He hurriedly tried to suppress the Fourth Hokage's consciousness, only to find that at some point, the Fourth Hokage had actually broken free from his 'Impure World Reincarnation' control.
"Dying as a Hokage, I feel extremely proud!" Pausing, the Fourth Hokage walked towards the dying Menma while saying: "As a father, saving my child's life is my inescapable responsibility."
"You..."
Jiraiya stared blankly at the approaching Fourth Hokage, suddenly feeling dazed, as if his most proud disciple was still alive.
Sages Fukasaku and Shima on Jiraiya's shoulders sighed one after another.
Minato was the only ninja after Jiraiya to master the Sage Art of Mount Myoboku. If he hadn't died early, his attainment in Sage Art would definitely have surpassed Jiraiya.
"That is...?!"
At this time, Orochimaru noticed an inconspicuous black rod on Minato's back.
In the previous battle with 'B', the opponent used this kind of inconspicuous black rod to interfere with the Second Hokage's 'Impure World Reincarnation body's' chakra, successfully preventing the Second Hokage from activating 'Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags'.
That was a scene where 'B' reversed the tide of battle, leaving a deep impression on him.
Seeing this black rod again now, he immediately understood why Minato could break free from his 'Impure World Reincarnation' control.
So he was exasperated: "That guy 'B'... damn it!"
In the distance.
Karin stood on the crown of a large tree, gazing in Menma's direction.
Haku beside her said: "Naruto will be fine, right?"
Karin said: "The Fourth Hokage has already broken free from Orochimaru's control, Naruto should be fine!"
Haku breathed a sigh of relief: "Thanks to you."
Karin shook her head: "Actually, even without my black rod, he could have broken free from Orochimaru's control. The Fourth Hokage is even stronger than I imagined!"
Boom
At this time, another explosion roar came from the other side.
Karin turned her head to look, sensed slightly, and said: "It's Kakashi-sensei and the others intercepting Hiruko and Ranmaru!"
Haku held his forehead with his hand, looking helpless: "Can't even run away properly?"
Karin glanced at Haku.
Haku asked: "Why look at me like that?"
Karin laughed: "This is the first time I've heard you complain!"
"Is it that exaggerated? I also complain often!" Smiling, Haku continued: "Let's go, we must ensure Hiruko takes the Nine-Tails away!"
"Mhm!"
Karin nodded.
Subsequently, despite their physical exhaustion, the two hurried over.
Although they didn't know why the Leader arranged it this way, as long as the Leader gave the order, they would execute it regardless of everything.
In this chaotic Land of Rice Fields, the Ninja Village Alliance represented the will of the Five Kage, Hiruko and others represented Nagato's will, and Yakushi Kabuto represented Orochimaru's will.
And they carried out Shinji's will!