Yagura is the perfect Three-Tails Jinchūriki. How could he possibly be trapped in a genjutsu?
This was the thought racing through Terumi i's mind.
Indeed, under normal circumstances, it was impossible for a perfect Jinchūriki to be placed under genjutsu.
The fundantal principle of genjutsu was to disrupt the target's chakra flow, but a Jinchūriki had a Tailed Beast inside them.
If the Tailed Beast had a good relationship with its host, it could imdiately regulate their chakra flow, rendering genjutsu completely ineffective.
Just like when Killer Bee easily countered Sasuke's Sharingan illusions in the original tiline.
By this logic, Yagura should have been immune to genjutsu.
And that's precisely why he was able to remain controlled for so long without anyone suspecting a thing.
Because no one even considered the possibility that a perfect Jinchūriki like Yagura could be placed under genjutsu in the first place.
---
Orochimaru smiled knowingly.
"Under normal circumstances, that would be true," he admitted.
"But what if… the Tailed Beast is placed under genjutsu as well?"
He didn't elaborate further.
But the implication was clear.
As long as both the Jinchūriki and the Tailed Beast were simultaneously subdued, they could both be placed under genjutsu.
That was exactly how Obito had controlled Yagura.
However, Obito's ability to phase through attacks was a defensive technique.
It gave him an advantage in evasion but not in direct combat.
So, when it ca to subduing a Kage-level Jinchūriki like Yagura, Obito had needed Nagato's help.
Of course, Orochimaru had no intention of revealing that part of the story.
---
i furrowed her brows.
"You're saying… you controlled both Yagura and the Three-Tails?"
It sounded ridiculous, but she couldn't ignore the logic.
Suppressing a Tailed Beast was possible with certain sealing techniques.
But controlling one?
That could only be achieved through Wood Release or the Sharingan.
And Orochimaru had both.
Combined with his imnse combat prowess… it wasn't impossible.
Moreover, if Orochimaru even knew about Yagura's Jinchūriki status,
didn't that prove he had already fought and subdued him?
"…Fine," she exhaled.
She didn't want to believe it, but she couldn't deny the possibility either.
---
Orochimaru smirked.
"Well then, if there's nothing else—" he stretched lazily, "—you should probably get back to handling your duties. Managing an entire village won't be easy."
i sighed in exasperation.
She got up to leave, but hesitated at the door.
"…Orochimaru, can I ask you sothing?"
"Go ahead."
"…Why did you help Kirigakure?"
She turned slightly, her erald eyes locked onto him.
"Was it really just for peace?"
"And… even if I am Mizukage now, I have to admit… I don't deserve the title.
I don't have the experience.
I don't have the military achievents.
There are plenty of stronger candidates in Kirigakure—so why ?"
Her voice softened slightly.
"…I really want to know."
Orochimaru was montarily stunned by her sincerity.
Then, after a brief pause, the corners of his mouth curled up playfully.
"Hm… well, I suppose I could tell you," he murmured.
"But what if I told you—"
"It's just plain curiosity?"
i blinked.
There was a mont of silence.
Then, to Orochimaru's genuine surprise—
i smiled.
"Of course, I believe you."
She turned fully, stepped forward
and bowed deeply.
"…Regardless of your reasons, on behalf of Kirigakure, I sincerely thank you for what you've done for our village."
Her words genuinely caught Orochimaru off guard.
Was this… the mindset of a true Kage?
For the sake of the village—
Hiruzen had cast aside their master-disciple bond and betrayed him.
For the sake of the village—
The Third Raikage had sacrificed his own dignity, even kneeling before Orochimaru to beg for his son's life.
And now—
Because he had saved Kirigakure, i had put aside her prejudices and bowed to him, a man branded as a traitor.
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"…I suppose I really was never ant to be a Kage."
He shook his head.
But as he observed i, her confident yet graceful posture.
He had to admit, she was quite striking.
"No need to be so formal," he finally said.
"Just don't forget our agreent."
i hesitated, then nodded.
"…I won't."
With that, she turned and left the room.
As soon as she was gone—
A distortion rippled through the air.
A masked figure erged from the shadows.
"What's the next move?" Obito's voice was low.
"Do we just take Yagura and leave?"
Orochimaru took a sip of tea, unbothered.
"Almost," he mused.
"But first… there's soone else I'd like to et."
---
One Day Later – Jungle Outside Kirigakure
A tall, imposing figure moved steadily through the misty jungle.
Strapped to his waist was a massive blade, so large that it couldn't be carried on his back.
His skin was ashen-blue, his teeth sharp and jagged like a shark's.
His dark blue hair swayed slightly as he walked.
His expression remained unreadable.
Then, suddenly—
A black silhouette appeared before him, wielding a coral staff.
"Who's there?"
The man's sharp eyes flashed.
He instinctively lowered his stance, fingers tightening around his sword's hilt.
But as he got a clearer look at the figure—
He relaxed.
"Oh… it's you," he exhaled.
His lips curled into a toothy grin.
"Mizukage-sama—no, my mistake—the forr Mizukage."
From behind the misty figure, a hoarse voice spoke:
"Hoshigaki Kisa?"
Kisa tensed.
He imdiately sidestepped, creating so distance.
His grip on his sword tightened once more.
"…You snuck up on ?"
He grinned wider, his razor-sharp teeth glinting in the fog.
"Hah! You must be quite the powerhouse."
Another voice joined in.
A masked figure stepped forward.
"And here I thought you'd be smarter than this."
Obito's voice was calm, yet commanding.
"Let's make introductions, shall we?"
He gestured slightly.
"I am Uchiha Madara."
Then, he pointed behind Kisa.
"And the man standing behind you—
—is Orochimaru of the Legendary Sannin."
---
Kisa's pupils shrank.
"…Uchiha Madara?
Orochimaru?"
***
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