Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru-Chapter 358

If Konoha was preparing for war, then the shinobi of Kumogakure wouldn't back down either. The Fourth Raikage knew that no matter how powerful Konoha was, there was no way they could take down Kumo in a short time.

And in the meantime, the other nations wouldn't just stand by and watch.

After all, Konoha had no justifiable reason to attack this time.

Everyone understood the old saying: When the lips perish, the teeth grow cold.

If Kumo were truly destroyed, then the other villages wouldn't be far behind.

What's more, Orochimaru's move to capture the tailed beasts had put every nation on edge.

With that in mind, Sunagakure and Iwagakure would undoubtedly send reinforcements.

A peace treaty with Konoha?

That was meaningless.

No one actually believed in peace treaties.

Everyone knew that agreements forged on paper were nothing but temporary truces. The moment profit dictated otherwise, such documents were as worthless as scrap paper, easily torn apart.

But even if Suna and Iwa wanted to help the Land of Lightning, would Orochimaru give them the chance?

Of course not.

By the time the attack was officially declared, Orochimaru had already made all the necessary arrangements.

In the mountains west of the Land of Fire, deep within an abandoned orphanage, the members of the Akatsuki had gathered once again.

This time, six out of the eight members were present.

Inside the cavern, a man in a straw hat and crimson armor lay sprawled on the ground, barely conscious, his body battered and broken.

There was no doubt about it.

This was Han, the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails, known for his mastery of steam release and raw physical power.

However, his taijutsu paled in comparison to Might Guy's Eight Gates. Instead, his true strength came from his control over the tailed beast.

Jinchūriki? Against Kisame, wielding Samehada, that was barely a challenge.

He never stood a chance.

After a hard-fought battle, Kisame and Jūzō had successfully subdued him.

"The sealing is finally complete," someone muttered.

"Should we save him?"

"Why bother? He keeps a low profile in Iwagakure, his influence is minimal."

"I say we keep him alive. He might be useful later."

"By the way, is it even possible to save a Jinchūriki after their tailed beast is extracted?"

"I was wondering the same thing."

"For most, it's a death sentence. But Orochimaru can do it. No, only Orochimaru can do it without side effects."

"Seriously? That guy's a freak."

"How does it even work?"

"Yin-Yang Release."

"Yin-Yang Release? Isn't that just a legend?"

"A legendary technique used by a legendary shinobi. What's so surprising about that?"

"...Fair point."

While the Akatsuki members casually discussed this, Orochimaru stepped away from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and approached Han. His raspy voice echoed softly:

"Better to save him. It's not difficult… and who knows? He may be of use later."

"Understood," Pain replied with a nod.

Then, turning to the others, he continued, "Only three tailed beasts remain—One-Tail, Seven-Tails, and Nine-Tails. These will be our priority."

"Kisame, Jūzō, Kakuzu," Pain called. "You three, head to the Land of Frost. Your strength may be needed for the next mission."

"The Land of Frost?" Kakuzu frowned. "Why there?"

"You'll understand when you arrive. Someone will meet you there."

"Understood."

Without hesitation, the three turned and vanished into the darkness.

Sasori of the Red Sand also reported his position before slipping away.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport Han a few kilometers away and began his treatment. Within minutes, Han's condition stabilized.

Then, with a flicker, he reappeared in the cave.

His gaze landed on Zetsu's spectral form. "Zetsu, how's the task I assigned you?"

"The messages have been delivered. No issues."

"Good." Orochimaru nodded. "Then it's time… Let's go to the battlefield."

"Understood." Zetsu's shadowy figure melted away.

"Pain, Konan, you're coming with me."

Inside an underground laboratory beneath the orphanage, Orochimaru issued his orders.

"Konan, take this army east of the Land of Frost."

Konan's eyes widened in shock.

"This… this is insane…"

"Lord Orochimaru… how many are there?"

She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Though there were few actual experimental pods, the facility was filled with health chambers each containing a soldier.

Hundreds, no… thousands of them.

Although they wore nothing but simple garments, the sheer bloodlust radiating from their ranks sent chills down her spine.

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"Not too many," Orochimaru said casually. "Only about six or seven thousand for now."

"But with this army, Iwagakure won't be able to reinforce Kumo."

"Incredible…"

"If there are no issues, move out immediately. Follow the path I've marked, travel east of the Land of Taki. The strategic supplies will arrive later."

"Understood! But, Lord Orochimaru, what if we encounter shinobi from the Land of Taki? Should we engage them?"

"No need," Orochimaru said indifferently. "I've already… greeted the daimyo of these smaller nations. Under normal circumstances, they won't interfere."

"You… greeted them?"

Konan was baffled.

Orochimaru's influence extended that far? Even the lords of small nations obeyed him?

"Yes," he replied. "Just follow the route I've planned. Of course, adjust accordingly if necessary."

"I understand!"

With that, Konan decisively turned and began organizing the troops.

One by one, figures clad in simple garments emerged from the underground facility, stepping into the sunlight.

Within ten minutes, the once-bustling laboratory was emptied only a handful of maintenance personnel remained.

As Konan looked at the sheer scale of the army, she felt a wave of disbelief.

Six to seven thousand soldiers?

From above, the sight was overwhelming, thousands of heads stretching as far as the eye could see.

This one underground base had produced a force comparable to the entire population of Amegakure.

"A group of six per unit. Spread out and move forward. First stop: the Land of Taki. Move out!"

"Yes!"

The voices of over six thousand warriors roared in unison, shaking the very air.

And then—

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Like locusts sweeping across the land, the army divided into over a thousand squads, leaping across the terrain in tight formation, rapidly advancing toward the Land of Taki.

"Unbelievable…"

Watching them depart, even Pain couldn't help but feel admiration.

"They were all created through technology alone…?"

"Would you rather build an army with manpower?" Orochimaru chuckled. "If so, I doubt I'd be able to form a force like this in my lifetime."

"...Fair enough."

"Let's go, Pain. Time to deal with the Nine-Tails."

***

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