Meanwhile, on the main battlefield of the Konoha Crush Plan, Orochimaru was fiercely battling against the reanimated Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, and Hiruzen Sarutobi. The events of the original Konoha Crush were still a few years away in this timeline.
These few years made a significant difference. First, Orochimaru's mastery of the Reanimation Jutsu was far less refined compared to his future self, resulting in Hashirama and Tobirama being much weaker than they were in the original story. Second, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not as old and frail as he would be later, which meant his strength was notably greater.
These factors extended the duration of the battle, and for the time being, Orochimaru was unable to defeat his former teacher.
Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, Kakuzu and Hidan were holding off the Konoha ninja attempting to break the barrier. While both played a role, the main force was undoubtedly Kakuzu.
Don't underestimate this old man. While his performance in the original story wasn't particularly stellar—losing one heart to Kakashi's sneak attack and another to Shikamaru's strategy—he still managed to pressure Kakashi, Ino, and Choji in a fight, only to be taken down by Naruto's big move in the end. By comparison, Hidan was far less reliable. His strength relied entirely on his immortality and the bizarre Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood. However, in the chaos of battle, this technique was difficult to utilize effectively, as enemies wouldn't give him the time to perform the ritual.
Moreover, killing enemies one by one through the ritual was far too slow.
"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!" "Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!"
A combined Wind and Fire Release technique created a massive sea of flames, forcing back the ANBU in front of Kakuzu and causing significant casualties.
"Sorry we're late!" "Leave the rest to us!"
A silver-haired Kakashi appeared on the battlefield, followed by a man in a green jumpsuit with a bowl-cut hairstyle and thick eyebrows.
"And me, Konoha's Blue Beast, Might Guy!"
The two had been clearing out the Sound Village ninja and Orochimaru's summoned snakes earlier. After all, the Third Hokage, being the strongest in Konoha at the time, was thought to be the safest with so many ANBU protecting him.
But after finishing off the lesser threats, they realized the situation was far more dire than expected and rushed to the scene.
"Kakashi! You truly are my eternal rival. To think you'd arrive before me—this time, you've won!" Might Guy landed, giving Kakashi a big thumbs-up and loudly praising him.
"Guy, now's not the time for this," Kakashi said, his expression serious.
"Of course! Protecting Lord Hokage is the most important thing!" Guy responded, his voice filled with passion. "But this time, I won't lose to you! Because this is youth!"
With that, Might Guy charged directly at Kakuzu and Hidan. His combat style rarely involved probing his opponent's abilities. Outsiders might think this was due to a lack of strategy, combined with the straightforward nature of taijutsu.
But only Guy and Kakashi knew the truth—Guy's strength was sufficient to handle any situation, making probing unnecessary.
"Konoha Strong Whirlwind!"
With astonishing speed, Guy delivered a powerful kick toward one of Kakuzu's heart creatures. Kakuzu's beady eyes glanced at the attack, showing no fear.
"Earth Release: Hardening Technique!"
Guy's kick landed on the Earth Release heart creature, which had originated from a skilled Earth Release user with exceptional mastery of the Hardening Technique. Once activated, it could render the user nearly immune to physical attacks.
"Lightning Release: Purple Lightning Spear!"
A purple spear of lightning shot from the mouth of the Lightning Release heart creature, aiming to impale Guy.
Guy quickly dodged, retreating several steps to rejoin his allies.
At this moment, the previously engaged ANBU took the opportunity to explain the situation. "That enemy can control five of those creatures, each corresponding to a different chakra nature. They're incredibly dangerous."
"So he can use five different nature transformations simultaneously?" Kakashi activated his Sharingan, his expression growing grim.
Recently, Kakashi couldn't help but feel frustrated. Despite being one of the most renowned ninjas in the shinobi world, he kept encountering opponents he couldn't defeat.
He had been hailed as a prodigy since childhood, and though he never outwardly displayed arrogance, he had always taken pride in his abilities.
But now, that pride was being worn away.
"The other enemy is immortal and uses a jutsu that curses his target after collecting their blood. However, as long as we don't let him complete the ritual, he's not much of a threat."
While the Konoha ninjas exchanged information, Hidan casually carried his red scythe, his severed arm dangling from his shoulder. "Kakuzu, sew me up already!"
"Is that green-clad guy the one Deidara specifically warned us about?" Hidan asked while receiving treatment.
"He doesn't seem all that impressive," he added, mocking as Kakuzu stitched him up.
"Maybe he's hiding some strange and dangerous ability, like your Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood," Kakuzu speculated. After all, Deidara wouldn't issue a warning without reason—there had to be something about this opponent that was particularly threatening.
"Hey, green-clad clown down there! Let me see what you've got!" Hidan shouted, throwing his red scythe while holding a long black rope. He leapt into the fray.
"Reckless idiot!" Kakuzu cursed. He was annoyed by Hidan's impulsiveness but also found himself letting his guard down slightly.
After all, this wasn't the Konoha of the First Hokage's era. Back then, even without Hashirama, there were several individuals capable of crushing him.
But now? After fighting for so long, all he had encountered were weaklings.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. "After all these years, I, Kakuzu, have finally risen to the top!"
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Kakashi's hands moved swiftly, forming seals. A massive water dragon surged toward Kakuzu.
Kakuzu smirked, ready to boast about his vast combat experience. "Your skills and battle experience are nothing compared to mine."
"Seeing your headbands reminds me of the first Konoha ninja I ever fought."
"The First Hokage!"
In the midst of his battle with Might Guy, Hidan glanced up. "Tch! There he goes again."
Kakuzu always loved bragging about this, but having a teammate who had once fought the First Hokage was admittedly reassuring.
The Konoha ninjas, however, reacted very differently. Upon hearing the words "First Hokage," they couldn't hide their shock.
If this man had fought the First Hokage, just how old was he? And how terrifying was his power?
Kakuzu looked at the stunned Konoha ninjas, a smug expression hidden beneath his black mask. This was his greatest claim to fame, and he relished the reactions of his enemies every time he mentioned it.
As for the truth? Well, Hashirama had been dead for years—who could dispute his story?
"Hmm? You fought me before?"
"I don't remember that."
Suddenly, a discordant voice interrupted from above. A man in red armor was pressed against the barrier of the Four Violet Flames Formation, his face a mix of confusion and curiosity.
Kakuzu: "..."
Damn it! How could a jutsu like Edo Tensei even exist?!
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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