Chapter 61: Shiki Fūjin   

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The ''Impure World Reincarnation'' (Edo Tensei) technique is a powerful jutsu developed by the Second Hokage, ''Tobirama Senju''.

Due to its overwhelming power and the sinister method required to perform it, the technique was classified as forbidden.

Originally, Edo Tensei was intended to be used in conjunction with another forbidden jutsu, the ''Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags'' (Tandem Paper Bombs) technique.

However, that technique was also forbidden. Tobirama's life was filled with the creation of powerful jutsu, many of which, aside from his water-style techniques, were deemed too dangerous to be used.

Now, ''Orochimaru'' stood as the caster of Edo Tensei, commanding the resurrected ''Hashirama Senju'' and ''Tobirama Senju''. Bound by the jutsu, they had no choice but to obey Orochimaru's orders.

Tobirama, struggling against the control, looked at Hiruzen with pained eyes. "Sarutobi, my body is out of control!"

Despite his resistance, Tobirama's hands moved on their own, forming the seals for ''Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu''.

A massive amount of water materialized from seemingly nowhere, coalescing into a fearsome dragon that surged towards ''Hiruzen Sarutobi''.

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock.

The sheer power of the jutsu, especially in a dry environment like this, was a testament to Tobirama's immense skill.

"As expected of you, sensei," Hiruzen thought, his heart heavy with sorrow.

The roaring water dragon bore down on him, and Hiruzen quickly formed hand signs.

''Earth Style: Earth Wall Jutsu''! A large earthen barrier erupted from the ground, intercepting the dragon's advance.

But there was no time to rest. Hashirama and Tobirama, now holding kunai, charged at Hiruzen, their eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination.

"Be careful, Monkey!" Hashirama shouted, his voice filled with concern.

"Watch your back, Monkey!" Tobirama added, his tone equally grave.

Suddenly, Orochimaru appeared behind Hiruzen, his Kusanagi sword poised to strike. Hiruzen spun around just in time, grabbing the sword with his bare hands.

His chest heaved as he gathered chakra, unleashing ''Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet'' at point-blank range.

Orochimaru's expression didn't waver as Tobirama moved swiftly, countering with ''Water Style: Water Shockwave''. The two elements clashed, filling the barrier with dense steam.

As the mist obscured their vision, Hashirama clapped his hands together, summoning the ancient power of his ''Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence''.

Hiruzen's instincts screamed danger. The legendary Wood Style—Hashirama's bloodline limit—was beyond powerful.

The fog within the barrier thickened, and Hiruzen's vision was completely obscured.

Desperately, he spun his ''Enma''-transformed staff, the powerful gusts dispersing some of the steam. But Hashirama wasn't done.

''Bringer of Darkness Jutsu'', Hashirama intoned. The mist gave way to utter darkness, swallowing the barrier in pitch-black shadows.

Hiruzen gasped as he felt vines wrapping tightly around his body, binding him to a massive tree.

The darkness lifted, revealing that Hashirama's Wood Style had taken root throughout the barrier, trapping him completely.

"Use Fire Style, Monkey!" Hashirama urged, his voice tinged with urgency.

But Hiruzen merely smiled, his eyes filled with acceptance. "Shodai-sama, sensei, no matter what jutsu I use, I cannot defeat you."

"But as the Hokage, I cannot allow Orochimaru to carry out his plans. I will not let him taint this village."

He paused, his voice growing stronger with determination. "I may be old, but I can still serve my village one last time."

With a surge of chakra, Hiruzen called out to his old friend. "Enma! Help me one final time!"

The staff transformed back into the Monkey King, ''Enma'', who instantly sliced through the vines that bound Hiruzen.

However, Hashirama quickly formed more hand signs, summoning a wooden spike that pierced through Hiruzen's chest, pinning him to the ground.

Gritting his teeth through the pain, Hiruzen formed hand seals.

''Shadow Clone Jutsu''! Two clones appeared beside him, and together, they all performed the necessary seals for one of the most powerful and deadly jutsu in existence.

''Sealing Jutsu: Reaper Death Seal''!

The two clones rushed toward Hashirama and Tobirama, their bodies glowing with a ghostly aura.

In an instant, both Hokage were immobilized, their bodies crumbling into ash as their souls were sealed away.

Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened. He stared at Hiruzen's body, drenched in sweat and trembling from exhaustion.

Hiruzen's shirt had been torn open, revealing a strange, intricate pattern on his abdomen.

Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat as he saw the spectral form of the ''Shinigami'' (Death God) looming behind the Third Hokage.

A twisted smile appeared on Orochimaru's face, though fear flickered in his eyes. "So this is the Shinigami… The Reaper Death Seal. Only the caster and the target can see it… How incredible…"

Without hesitation, Hiruzen used the ''Body Flicker Technique'' (Shunshin no Jutsu), appearing right in front of Orochimaru.

He grabbed Orochimaru's hands tightly, locking them in place. The Shinigami, holding a blade in its mouth, extended its hand through Hiruzen's body, reaching for Orochimaru's soul.

Orochimaru felt a cold, unearthly grip pulling at his very essence. For the first time, he experienced true fear. If the Shinigami devoured his soul, not even reincarnation could bring him back.

"Sensei…," Orochimaru began, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'm your disciple! Do you really have the heart to kill me?"

Hiruzen's eyes hardened. "You ceased to be my disciple the day you betrayed Konoha."

Orochimaru laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. "Old man, I was never wrong! I sought immortality! I wanted to uncover the truths of this world! You never understood me!"

"It's that very mindset that led you down this path," Hiruzen replied, sadness mingling with resolve.

A sly grin spread across Orochimaru's face. His tongue slithered out, guiding the Kusanagi sword with it.

The blade struck, piercing Hiruzen's body. Blood dripped from the corner of the Third Hokage's mouth, but he remained resolute.

"Perhaps I can't kill you," Hiruzen gasped, his voice strained. "But I can take away the jutsu you hold so dear!"

In a swift motion, the Shinigami's blade severed Orochimaru's soul, cutting off his connection to his arms.

Orochimaru's eyes widened in horror as he realized he had lost control of his hands, his ability to perform ninjutsu forever stripped away.

Fury and desperation filled Orochimaru's gaze as he stared at Hiruzen, who now seemed so fragile and weak.

Tears welled up in Hiruzen's eyes, memories flooding his mind like a lantern's flickering flame.

He saw flashes of the past—young Orochimaru complaining about being overshadowed by his peers, proudly demonstrating a new jutsu he had mastered, dreaming of becoming Hokage, conducting forbidden experiments, defecting from Konoha, joining the Akatsuki…

In his final moments, Hiruzen found it ironic that his thoughts were consumed by memories of Orochimaru, the student who had once shown such promise.

In a fleeting trance, Hiruzen's mind traveled back to the day they first met. "What's your name?" Hiruzen had asked.

"Orochimaru," the boy had replied.

And with that, the light in Hiruzen's eyes dimmed. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had passed.

Orochimaru, now filled with rage and desperation, kicked the lifeless body of his former master. "Even in death, you continue to defy me, old man!"

But despite his anger, there was an undeniable void where his hands, and thus his power, had once been.

The realization that he could no longer perform ninjutsu began to sink in, driving Orochimaru to the brink of madness.

He had lost. The cost of his ambition had been far too high.

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