Moreover, there was the legendary immortal body—what a coveted physique!
However, a trace of skepticism lingered in Orochimaru's eyes. He had seen so-called "immortal bodies" before.
In the Akatsuki organization, there were two individuals who claimed to possess immortality, but in Orochimaru's view, their versions of immortality were riddled with flaws.
Orochimaru licked his lips, glancing at Terumi Mei and Ao.
Yuto had been sealed for nearly 60 years in a different dimension—a void with no substance or energy. Whether this so-called immortal body was real or flawed, no one in this era could say for certain.
Orochimaru's cooperation with the Mist Village wasn't just about acquiring certain items; it was also a precaution.
If Yuto was still alive, having the Mist Village's people present might keep Orochimaru safe.
After all, a ruthless old monster from the
Warring States era, upon seeing people from another village releasing him, might attack without hesitation, regardless of whether they were his saviors.
For ninjas of that era, eliminating any potential threat in its infancy was the wisest course of action.
But if Yuto was truly dead!
A glint of greed flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. With the Sound Four present, they could likely stall Terumi Mei and Ao for a while—long enough for Orochimaru to take Yuto's body.
"Orochimaru, stop daydreaming, or I'll kill you!"
At some point, Terumi Mei had appeared behind Orochimaru, a kunai pressed against his back, right at his heart, her voice icy.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
The Sound Four finally reacted, quickly surrounding Terumi Mei, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. They hadn't even noticed when she had moved.
Orochimaru maintained a faint smile, raising his hands in a helpless gesture:
"It seems the Mizukage is getting impatient. Shall we…"
Before he could finish, Terumi Mei snapped his neck! With a cold glance at the Sound Four, she turned to a spot not far away:
"Orochimaru, don't play tricks with me."
The flat ground suddenly bulged, and Orochimaru emerged from the soil:
"Tch, caught me, did you?"
Seeing this, the Sound Four surrounding Terumi Mei quickly dispersed and regrouped behind Orochimaru.
Ao, standing on a branch, flickered and appeared beside Terumi Mei with a Body Flicker Technique.
"Orochimaru, I hope what you've said is true. Otherwise, we wouldn't mind sending information about the Sound Village to Konoha. Oh, and I hear you've been cozying up to the Sand Village lately…"
Ao's face bore a cold smile, his tone laced with undisguised threats.
A fleeting killing intent flashed in Orochimaru's eyes, but his face retained its faint smile:
"I'm sure no one would want it known that the esteemed Mizukage is meeting with a rogue ninja like me."
At his words, Terumi Mei and Ao's expressions darkened slightly.
Both sides needed each other, so neither would push things too far.
At that moment, Ao suddenly chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of doubt:
"You know, that other dimension can only be accessed through Hashirama Senju's summoning, right?"
His words, though seemingly questioning Orochimaru's ability, actually served to ease the tense atmosphere, giving both sides a way to step back.
Orochimaru's expression remained calm as he glanced at Jirobo, one of the Sound Four.
Jirobo understood immediately, taking a large scroll from his back and slowly unrolling it before everyone.
Boom!
As Jirobo formed hand signs, a bound and gagged living person appeared at the center of the scroll.
Seeing this, everyone present remained calm. They were all ninjas and knew what was coming next.
After completing the task, Jirobo respectfully stepped back behind Orochimaru.
Without any hesitation, Orochimaru swiftly formed hand signs and let out a low shout:
"Forbidden Technique: Impure World Reincarnation!"
A massive amount of dust instantly engulfed the living person, beginning to form the shape of another figure.
In the blink of an eye, a new figure appeared before everyone.
Terumi Mei and Ao's pupils contracted sharply, their faces filled with disbelief as they stared at the scene!
Hashirama Senju!!
Though neither had seen the real Hashirama Senju, they had seen portraits of him.
Not to mention, the faces of every Hokage were carved into Konoha's Hokage Rock.
This technique could manipulate the dead! Terumi Mei and Ao exchanged a glance, the same thought flashing through their minds:
Orochimaru was far too dangerous!
"Where am I? I thought I was dead?"
Hashirama Senju slowly opened his eyes, a puzzled expression on his face.
The next moment, he seemed to sense his body's condition, his brows furrowing:
"Tobirama, did you actually perfect this technique?"
"Greetings, Lord Hashirama Senju. My apologies for summoning you from the Pure Land to the living world."
Though Orochimaru's words expressed regret, his tone carried none, and the excitement on his face was now undisguised.
Hashirama glanced at the forehead protector on Orochimaru's head—a symbol he didn't recognize. A minor village?
But when his gaze fell on the forehead protectors of Terumi Mei and Ao, his expression shifted dramatically!
Just by seeing the Mist Village's symbol and his current state, Hashirama Senju already understood what was happening.
"Lord Hashirama Senju, we'll trouble you with what comes next."
Orochimaru stepped behind the reincarnated Hashirama, inserting a talisman-engraved kunai directly into the back of his head.
Hashirama's body stiffened, his consciousness rapidly fading.
"Let's begin!"
Orochimaru's face was alight with excitement as he took control of Hashirama Senju.
—