I've Already Confronted the Five Kage, and the System Just Arrived!

When the dead return to the world of the living, and the living no longer fear death, the boundary between life and death is shattered—a scenario fraught with unimaginable consequences.

Though Edo Tensei was necessary to combat Hagoromo Gensou, Jiraiya couldn't ignore the potential dangers of the forbidden technique.

Imagine someone with the power to reanimate their most cherished loved ones. It wouldn't stop there—if one person did it, countless others would follow.

The result? The living and the dead coexisting in defiance of natural laws.

Jiraiya didn't know what such a world would look like, but his years of experience told him it was a fate best avoided.

Especially since every use of Edo Tensei required a living sacrifice.

"This forbidden technique must never be leaked," Jiraiya muttered, his gaze locking onto Orochimaru.

Moments ago, he had been wary of Orochimaru. Now, he felt a measure of relief.

Fortunately, it was Orochimaru who held the key to Edo Tensei.

With his brilliance and cunning, Orochimaru wouldn't let anyone else obtain the technique unless it benefited him. And given the current crisis, betrayal seemed unlikely—at least not until Hagoromo Gensou was dealt with.

Click. Click. Click.

The sound of high heels echoed through the corridor, growing louder as Tsunade approached.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru had just left the sealed chamber when Tsunade, fresh from the Kage Summit, appeared.

The moment they crossed paths, Tsunade crossed her arms and fixed the two with a sharp gaze. "It seems you've come to an agreement."

"Long time no see, Tsunade," Orochimaru greeted with a sly smile.

"My mood is terrible, so drop the fake grin, Orochimaru," Tsunade snapped, her voice like steel. Her piercing glare landed on him.

"Konoha brought you back, and Konoha can kill you again. Don't do anything you'll regret. You know my temper. When I lose it, I don't care about the big picture—only where my fists land."

Orochimaru quickly dropped the pretense, his tone turning serious. "Of course."

Unlike Jiraiya, Tsunade harbored no camaraderie toward Orochimaru. If she decided to act, she wouldn't hold back. Having been resurrected less than an hour ago, Orochimaru had no desire to provoke the legendary "slug princess" in a foul mood.

Jiraiya observed the exchange, then shifted the topic. "How did the summit go?"

Tsunade's expression softened slightly. "It's settled."

At the Five Kage Summit, Tsunade had laid out the harsh reality before the other Kage. Even the most obstinate among them, like A, couldn't deny that the combined power of the Five Great Shinobi Villages was insufficient against Hagoromo Gensou. The debate ended with unanimous agreement.

"The villages will send the DNA samples of their past champions to Konoha," Tsunade explained before turning back to Orochimaru. "We won't force you to hand over Edo Tensei, but can you handle reanimating so many people at once?"

Orochimaru smirked. "As long as I have the DNA samples and sacrifices, it won't be an issue."

He paused before adding, "However, there's one condition."

"Speak," Tsunade said.

"The quality of the sacrifices determines the strength of those reanimated. I do have some suitable organic specimens, but the supply is limited. If you want the resurrected to perform at their peak, I'll need a fully equipped laboratory to clone suitable bodies—and a supply of Hashirama cells to enhance them further."

The "specimens" Orochimaru referred to were White Zetsu.

During his time with Akatsuki, he had secretly captured and experimented on several White Zetsu. Even after leaving the organization, he occasionally managed to capture more. Through extensive research, he had developed a method to create clones resembling White Zetsu using additional resources.

By infusing these clones with Hashirama's cells, Orochimaru could ensure that the resurrected would regain 80-90% of their original power.

Despite the risks, Orochimaru was surprisingly forthcoming.

Resurrecting someone like Hashirama Senju at near full strength would make even Orochimaru, the caster, struggle to control them.

Why was he so cooperative?

Fear.

As long as Hagoromo Gensou lived, Orochimaru would never rest easy.

Tsunade didn't hesitate to approve Orochimaru's request. She had already made her stance clear—distrust was not an option now.

To the shock of the staff along the way, the three legendary Sannin—who had once gone their separate ways—walked together once more toward the Hokage's office.

As they entered, Orochimaru glanced around the room and chuckled softly. "This place hasn't changed much."

Tsunade immediately took her seat behind the desk, issuing commands.

Moments later, Shizune arrived with several sealing scrolls in hand. Despite being informed beforehand, she couldn't help but tense up at the sight of Orochimaru.

"Lady Tsunade, all the materials are prepared," Shizune said, placing the scrolls on the desk before retreating cautiously.

Tsunade pushed the scrolls toward Orochimaru. "The DNA samples of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage are all here, along with Hashirama cells. Start with them."

By testing the technique with the Hokage, Tsunade hoped their experience and wisdom would prove invaluable during the crisis.

Orochimaru nodded, accepting the scrolls.

"Wait," Jiraiya interjected. "Doesn't the Reaper Death Seal prevent those taken by it from being reanimated?"

Jiraiya recalled the Chunin Exams, when the Third Hokage used the Reaper Death Seal to take Orochimaru's arms. He realized that those whose souls were claimed by the Death God couldn't be resurrected.

In response, Orochimaru flexed his fully restored hands.

Jiraiya's eyes widened. He hadn't noticed before, but Orochimaru's hands were completely normal—as if he had never lost them.

"I see..." Jiraiya muttered, realization dawning.

"Begin," Tsunade commanded.

As a medical expert, Tsunade had noticed Orochimaru's hands were fully restored at first glance. If he could retrieve his own arms from the Death God, he could surely retrieve the Hokage's souls as well.

Without further explanation, Orochimaru unfurled the scrolls and began the ritual.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]