Chapter 701 : Konoha's Relentless Schemes!!!

Kabuto was slightly startled. It felt like he had gotten up from a long sleep. He saw Orochimaru immediately and was about to speak when he realized that something was off with his body. He glanced down and his eyes widened.

He looked at Orochimaru again and asked in shock, “Is this the Second Hokage's Edo Tensei?”
Orochimaru nodded and said, “It is. How did you die and who did it?”
Kabuto let out a long sigh and said, “I've disappointed you, Orochimaru-sama. It was Hatake Kakashi.”
Orochimaru asked in surprise, “Kakashi was able to kill you? How? And, why did you run into him again?”

Orochimaru suspected that Kabuto ran into Hiruzen, Jiraiya or Fujin. He didn't expect it'd be Kakashi. Kabuto answered, “It was immediately after I escaped. I thought that I had managed to get away successfully. However, he was still somehow able to track me. In addition, he was also able to sneak behind me without alerting me. I had no idea until he stabbed me with his Chidori.”

Orochimaru frowned. While he knew Kakashi was strong, he didn't think he'd be strong enough to kill Kabuto in such a manner. He wondered, ‘Was he putting up an act against my clone? Or did Kabuto lower his guard? Even though assassination is his speciality, he shouldn't have been able to kill Kabuto without any assistance.’

Kabuto could see Orochimaru's thoughts on his face and said, “I hadn't lowered my guard. On the contrary, I had raised it to the highest level considering the situation. However, he still managed to sneak up on me. I'm afraid that Kakashi has been hiding a considerable amount of his strength until Konoha needs him to show it. If not for the Edo Tensei jutsu, you wouldn't have found out about it either.”

Orochimaru's lips curled up as he muttered, “Interesting. I didn't expect him to play such a card. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised considering the talent he displayed in his younger days. I wonder how much more Sensei is keeping hidden.”

Kabuto added, “We underestimated Konoha. Be it Fujin or Kakashi, both would be very difficult to deal with. And, we don't know how strong Might Guy truly is. If we don't make any arrangements to restrain him, he could turn the tides of the war single-handedly. Even you might not survive if he can and does open the Gate of Death.

Not to mention, since Kakashi killed me, Konoha must have read my memories. They should know that we have allied with Sunagakure and plan to attack Konoha during the final rounds. They'll be prepared.”

Orochimaru replied, “It's fine. I haven't told you about the final plan. Even if they prepare, it won't have much effect on me. As long as I kill Hiruzen, any resistance they put up and losses we take are inconsequential. That said, you're right. We need to make several changes to our plans…”

Orochimaru weaved a few hand seals as he continued, “Fortunately, I've already made a few. I can't sustain the Edo Tensei for a long time yet. However, you'll play a role in the upcoming war. Even though you won't be at your full strength, you can't be killed in this state and can only be sealed. Make sure to use it to the fullest.”

Kabuto nodded as Orochimaru sealed him and stepped out of his laboratory. Kimimaro and Sound Four were waiting patiently for him. He glanced at them and said, “It's time to meet up with the Kazekage. Follow me.”

The six of them immediately left the hidden base and began moving towards the Land of Rivers.

In Kumogakure, the council had come together for another meeting. Even Inazuma, who had already resigned and accepted the blame for the missing ninjas was present. However, the reason for this meeting was quite different from the meetings they had been having for the past few days.

Ay placed a scroll on the table and said, “I received this scroll from Sunagakure this morning. It's rather interesting.”

Ay's tone puzzled others in the room and they began reading the scroll. Mabui explained, “Even though they didn't say it outright, they're hinting at creating a secret alliance to assault Konoha together. From their words and the events in Konoha, we suspect that Orochimaru is involved as well.”

The entire room was surprised. None of them expected such an invitation. Darui muttered, “That's a very convenient timing. They send such a proposal right when we are suffering from such a loss and our hatred towards Konoha is at its highest point. However, how could Sunagakure know that Konoha was behind our missing ninjas?”

The entire council became silent for some time as everyone had their own thoughts. Finally, one of them said, “Could it be that Sunagakure was behind this incident and is trying to pin the blame on Konoha?”

Ay replied, “I don't think so. They don't have anyone to do something like this. If they did, their situation wouldn't be as bad as it is. It was definitely Konoha. However, this is indeed suspicious. Both Sunagakure and Orochimaru are associated with Konoha.

I suspect that this is another scheme of Konoha. They know that we have taken heavy losses and are vulnerable. This might be a trap to lure us. If we participate, they could join hands with Konoha to wipe out the forces we send. Combined with our current losses…”

Ay didn't say anything else as everyone knew how dire the consequences would be. Several members glanced at Inazuma, who said, “I'm of the same opinion. Even though I can see why the Kazekage hates Konoha, this is too suspicious.

Even with Orochimaru, they shouldn't have the numbers to attack Konoha. On the contrary, they might have reached a deal with Konoha. Perhaps Konoha would assist them financially in return for their help to reduce our strength even further.”

The hearts of the council members became cold on hearing his words. Their hatred towards Konoha was increased by another level. At the same time, the fear in their hearts increased as well! They immediately began cursing.
“God damn Konoha!”
“Those bastards are relentless! It's one fucking scheme after another! Are they still unsatisfied despite inflicting such horrendous losses?”
“Curse those spineless Suna cowards as well! They've bent over backwards to maintain their alliance with Konoha! Don't they have any pride in being a Great Village?”
“There is no need to think about them. At this point, they are nothing but Konoha's lackeys.”
“Raikage-sama, we can't keep enduring all their schemes. Even though we can't attack Konoha openly, we need to do something to make them pay. And, I know just the one we should target!”

Everyone was intrigued by his words and looked at the council member with curiosity. He continued, “There is little doubt that Konoha is using Orochimaru to bait us. In fact, they might be using him to bait Sunagakure as well. It is obvious that he is a rogue only in name. Let us hunt the snake down and make them pay. The loss of a rank S ninja and the Hokage's disciple will hurt them dearly! And, they can't do anything about it openly either since they have declared him a rogue-nin.”

Everyone thought for a bit before agreeing that his words made sense. Even Ay was pleased. However, Inazuma said, “As good as the idea is, I'll recommend not to go overboard right now.

Don't forget Akuro's threat. Hunting Orochimaru won't be easy and you'll have to participate in it, Lord Fourth. However, if Akuro attacks the village when you're away again, it'll cause an even larger turmoil in the village.”

The faces of the Kumogakure leaders became ugly on hearing Akuro's name. They hated him even more than Konoha. Even though Ay was cursed for not being in the village and Inazuma took the blame, the people in Kumogakure didn't shy away from calling other leaders incompetent and useless. They did nothing despite facing only one enemy and let him humiliate the village to this extent! The entire Kumogakure Council's reputation was at its lowest point throughout its history.

Ay said, “Don't worry, I'll be careful this time. Even if I move out, Bee will stay in the village. Even though targeting Orochimaru is a good idea, hunting down Akuro is our priority.”

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. The council continued making plans to deal with the situation and also discussed the reports sent by the ninjas to look for the missing ninjas.

In Konoha, Hiruzen and Shikaku were in Shikaku's office as he explained the defensive plans to Hiruzen. Unlike what Orochimaru and Kabuto suspected, Konoha had no access to Kabuto's memories. They didn't know how and when they would be attacked. So, Shikaku developed a comprehensive plan covering all aspects.

After going through everything, Hiruzen nodded and said, “Great work as usual, Shikaku. However…”

A worried expression appeared on his face as he asked, “Are you sure Fujin would accept this role without any complaints?”