Chapter 217 - The Final Battle At The Top of Konoha
At that moment, the massive warships had drawn even closer, and those atop the Hokage Tower—Orochimaru and the others—could now clearly make out the ships' forms.
Whether it was their wingless flight, island-sized bulk, or iron-forged exteriors, everything about these vessels captured their attention.
For scientists like Orochimaru, nothing stirred their curiosity more than the unknown. Even Tobirama Senju and Hiruko stared wide-eyed at the warships, completely entranced.
The fleet moved swiftly. Within minutes, they were directly above Konoha. The five colossal ships hovered in the sky, blotting out the sun, casting enormous shadows that blanketed the entire village.
Never before had anyone seen such titanic constructs. Combined with the emergency signal issued by Kazane himself, the presence of these skyborne giants left a heavy weight pressing on every shinobi's heart.
How do you even fight something like that? they wondered. A kunai wouldn't even scratch the surface of one of these metal mountains.
Then, a voice boomed out from the sky.
"To those on the ground—your world harbors one who studies immortality. That is a forbidden power, not meant for mortal hands. Surrender that individual, or Lord Baal's wrath will descend and obliterate your entire world."
The ships had halted above Konoha, and now emitted an eerie, bestial sound. Though it resembled an animal's growl, strangely, everyone could understand its meaning.
"A monster… is talking?"
"The iron beast is speaking?"
Though surprised they could comprehend it, the shinobi gathered before the Hokage Tower all turned toward Orochimaru with complicated expressions.
They had understood the message clearly: these airborne monsters weren't from their world. They'd come because of Orochimaru's research into immortality.
That realization brought a wave of quiet resentment. It seemed that Orochimaru's forbidden experiments had attracted something far worse than any rogue ninja.
Ordinarily, no one would dare question him, but the sight of these alien warships sent everyone's emotions spiraling. Unspoken thoughts surfaced that few had ever dared to think aloud.
Even the Four Elders behind Orochimaru stared at him in astonishment. Who would've thought that dabbling in immortality could attract interstellar visitors?
Yet Tobirama and Hiruko were fixated on the ships themselves. The unfamiliar technology made their hands itch—they both badly wanted to dissect one and see what was inside.
In that tense moment, it was Orochimaru—the new Daimyō of the Land of Fire—who stepped forward.
With a snap of his fingers, he summoned his personal summoning beast, Manda. Standing atop the giant serpent's body, Orochimaru rose into the sky and, amplifying his voice with chakra, declared loudly:
"I am the Daimyō of the Land of Fire. Have your leader come forth to speak."
As Konoha's Hokage and the ruler of a major nation, Orochimaru had his own pride to uphold.
Especially in this kind of standoff between factions, he represented the entire shinobi world. He wouldn't deign to speak with underlings.
His voice, bolstered by chakra, carried clearly into Baal's command ship.
"Hm?"
The sudden appearance of the massive serpent and the strange way Orochimaru transmitted his voice caught Baal by surprise.
Only now did he realize that this world might not be as primitive as he'd assumed.
Still, while Baal was mildly intrigued, it didn't alter his plans. Over the centuries, he'd encountered many civilizations with unusual powers—he himself possessed strength far beyond the norm.
He had crushed countless planets, faced countless powerful beings, and yet here he stood, undefeated.
This world would be no exception.
Still, his curiosity piqued, Baal gestured toward his ship's control deck.
An operator understood the signal and manipulated a holographic console. Moments later, a massive screen unfolded outside the ship, projecting Baal's image.
Towering, four-armed, and radiating strength, Baal's imposing form now loomed over Konoha.
Sharp tusks jutted from his jaw, glinting with menace. Just by looking at him, one could sense the overwhelming power he wielded.
And that sense was not deceiving. Baal had traversed the universe for eons, never meeting a worthy rival—he was a war god in every sense of the word.
Looking down at Orochimaru, Baal's voice rang out with disdain:
"I am the commander of this fleet, the strongest warrior under Lord Otto. You are the ruler of this planet?"
The hologram had magnified Baal's form, but Orochimaru could still see clearly the sneer curling at his lips.
He wasn't angered, though.
Because in his mind, he was already planning how to dissect this intriguing creature.
Who gets angry at a lab rat?
Orochimaru believed in Konoha's strength—especially with Kazane on their side. And if, somehow, they still lost… well, what point was there in worrying once the village was gone?
These ships weren't here for sightseeing. That much was clear.
Still, the civilians hadn't all evacuated yet. He needed to stall for time.
So he replied:
"The Shinobi World is composed of many nations. The Land of Fire is merely one among them. I am but a small country's leader—hardly the ruler of this world."
Baal frowned slightly. He hadn't expected this world to be so fragmented. How long would it take to find the one he sought?
But then Orochimaru added, "However, I do know something about this 'immortality' you speak of. I believe I know who you're looking for."
That eased Baal's expression. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Just as they arrived, they found their target? This might be easier than he thought.
"You know who I'm looking for?" Baal said. "Bring them to me. If you do, I'll spare your world."
Of course, those were empty words.
In the law of the cosmic jungle, mercy didn't exist.
This planet had already begun developing technology. And in the vast universe, time was the least important factor. Baal had seen firsthand how rapidly tech could evolve.
The fact that this world was already dabbling in immortality meant it had begun to touch powers it should never have known.
That alone was reason enough—it had to be destroyed.
Orochimaru chuckled silently. Naturally, he didn't believe Baal for a second.
Now that the civilians had all evacuated to shelters, he crossed his arms and calmly said, "Well then… it's just…"
Before he could finish—
FWOOOSH—
A black slash, hundreds of meters long, suddenly roared past Orochimaru's shoulder. Its killing intent was palpable as it tore through the air, aiming straight for the command ship nestled at the center of the fleet.
There was no mistaking it.
The attack came from Kazane.
Having received Orochimaru's signal, he had chosen to strike—without hesitation.