Naruto: Tobirama Reborn, Invincible in the Ninja World

"We have a way!"

Chiyo lifted her head, exhaling deeply before speaking in a firm tone:

"Indeed, Tobirama Senju is incredibly powerful. Coupled with his immortality, he can act recklessly. He's not someone we can defeat directly.

"But this is war—it's not a game he can play alone.

"We'll pull back all the shinobi stationed along the border of the Land of Rivers and shift the battlefield to the desert, where we have the upper hand. At the same time, we'll adopt guerrilla tactics, harassing the Konoha forces with hit-and-run attacks. Strike swiftly, then retreat before Tobirama has time to react. No matter how strong he is, he's still just one man. The desert is our domain, we hold the geographical advantage. As long as we avoid direct confrontation, we can restrict his movements."

Chiyo paused, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

"Additionally, based on Namikaze Minato's combat records, the Flying Thunder God Technique is essentially a specialized teleportation jutsu reliant on marked kunai. It requires pre-established coordinates. Tobirama has never been to the Land of Wind, so we don't need to worry about him teleporting here instantaneously."

The room of Sunagakure Counsellors fell silent for a moment before their eyes lit up in unison.

What a plan!

They couldn't help but marvel at Chiyo, whose wealth of experience in warfare was unparalleled.

Chiyo's strategy was a classic open play. Even if Tobirama could guess their intentions, there would be no effective counter. Using guerrilla warfare to erode Konoha's forces would strip them of their inherent advantage, gradually wearing down their overall strength.

In such circumstances, even Tobirama's abilities would be insufficient.

Of course, this tactic hinged on the assumption that Tobirama was only marginally stronger than a typical Kage-level shinobi. However, none of the Counsellors present had seen Tobirama in action firsthand. They could only speculate about the extent of his power.

…

"But what if Tobirama directly attacks our village?" an counsellor suddenly interjected, his voice tinged with concern.

The thought hung heavy in the room.

While guerrilla warfare might limit Tobirama, Sunagakure itself couldn't move. What if he bypassed their forces entirely and struck directly at the heart of the village?

"Then, we evacuate."

Chiyo's voice was calm but resolute.

"Before the war begins, we'll relocate the village's population and resources to a secure location."

The Counsellors exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Chiyo's decisiveness left no room for dissent.

Under her command, Sunagakure mobilized swiftly. The plans she laid out turned their disadvantages into manageable challenges, dispelling the unease among the leadership.

Perhaps defeating Konoha wasn't as impossible as it had seemed. If they succeeded, they wouldn't just avoid reparations—they might even profit greatly from Konoha's defeat.

...

Meanwhile, in the Land of Rice Fields, deep within a hidden laboratory in Otogakure…

The lab buzzed with activity. Several figures worked diligently, their focus unwavering.

On the main operating table lay Orochimaru, his pale complexion resembling that of a corpse. His severed right arm had been reattached, but the damage had left him in a weakened state.

"Ha… ha…" Orochimaru's breathing was labored as he awaited Kabuto's analysis.

"Orochimaru-sama, this body has reached its limit. If we don't find a replacement soon, I'm afraid…" Kabuto's voice was heavy as he held several samples of Orochimaru's tissue.

"I know," Orochimaru replied with a faint nod. This body had never been a perfect match for his soul. After his intense battle with Hiruzen Sarutobi and the injuries inflicted by Tobirama, his physical form was deteriorating rapidly.

"But there isn't a suitable vessel right now…" Orochimaru's tone was uncharacteristically bitter.

At that moment, Kimimaro, who had been silently standing nearby, stepped forward. His expression was firm as he knelt before Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru-sama, please… allow me to be your vessel."

Kimimaro's voice carried unwavering determination. His head bowed low, his words were a declaration of loyalty. To him, his life belonged to Orochimaru. Becoming his vessel was not a sacrifice—it was his purpose.

Orochimaru's golden eyes flickered as he gazed at Kimimaro, his mind deep in thought.

His original choice for a vessel, Uchiha Sasuke, was still in Konoha—a place now guarded by Tobirama Senju. Orochimaru had no desire to risk another encounter with that devastating Water Dragon Jutsu. Sasuke wouldn't willingly leave Konoha anytime soon, either.

But Orochimaru desperately needed a new body.

After a long pause, he shook his head.

"No. Your kekkei genkai disease remains untreatable for now."

Turning to Kabuto, he issued his next command.

"Bring me Guren. I'll use her as my vessel."

Kimimaro's hopeful gaze faltered, replaced by quiet acceptance. Despite his deep desire to serve Orochimaru in this way, his current condition made him an unsuitable choice.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto replied, bowing as he swiftly left the room.

The large laboratory fell silent. Orochimaru remained on the operating table, his frail body tended by the ever-loyal Kimimaro.

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