Let the Third Hokage attend his own funeral?
Orochimaru's gaze slightly solidified. The Reanimation Jutsu was not invented to be used like this, was it?
The inventor of this jutsu, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, probably never thought that someone in the world would use the Reanimation Jutsu for such things.
But...
Orochimaru found it rather interesting!
Orochimaru recalled when he revived Sarutobi Hiruzen and wondered what intriguing expression his teacher would show upon seeing him. And letting that teacher attend his own funeral—what interesting expression might he show then?
Orochimaru looked at his immobile hands, feeling that he could use this method to avenge Sarutobi Hiruzen for sealing his hands with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal!
"First, help me solve the trouble with my hands."
Orochimaru thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Once I retrieve the souls of my hands, when I slice open his soul from the belly, I'll help you reanimate him..."
"I can handle it myself."
Akihara Kagura looked at Orochimaru and chuckled: "Lord Orochimaru, you don't think you're the only one who learned the Reanimation Jutsu, do you?"
"..."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
When did Akihara Kagura learn the Reanimation Jutsu too? Is this guy secretly competing with me for reanimated ninja?
Strong ninjas in the history of the Ninja World are not abundant—having one more person who can use the Reanimation Jutsu diminishes the power I control...
"Prepare to start."
Akihara Kagura picked up the Death God Mask from the table and tossed it to Orochimaru: "Remember to be cautious. It's best to use your Orochi Style Substitute Jutsu to escape in time to avoid having the Death God take your soul as a sacrifice..."
"..."
There's even a risk!
No wonder this bastard is letting me undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal!
Orochimaru stared at the mask thrown over by Akihara Kagura, laughed and said: "Kagura-kun, can't we let someone else use such a dangerous unsealing?"
"Kagura-kun."
Orochimaru glanced around the office at others and continued asking: "You should have many willing to sacrifice their lives for you, right? Shouldn't such dangerous tasks be left for our subordinates?"
"..."
Akihara Kagura glanced at his subordinates.
Whether it was Karin or the surviving Uchiha of Root, they probably wouldn't mind sacrificing their lives for him.
"Forget it."
Akihara Kagura shrugged, unwilling to accept Orochimaru's suggestion: "No matter how many are willing to sacrifice their lives for us, I never feel their number is too large; rather, I feel it's too small. Their lives are precious, and I can't let them do such things..."
"..."
Orochimaru felt uneasy.
This bastard, your subordinates are more valuable than mine?
Not wanting your subordinates to sacrifice, yet wanting me to take the risk?
"Can we just grab someone else..."
Orochimaru suppressed the anger rising within him and continued smilingly: "I can have my subordinates capture someone..."
"You are the most suitable candidate."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, showing no inclination to compromise: "If someone else uses this jutsu, they will perish upon summoning the Death God. Unlike you, I'm not so evil—I don't want to harm innocent people..."
"..."
Orochimaru's eyes twitched.
And you don't worry about me dying here, you bastard?
You care about innocence, care about innocent people dying?
"Hurry up and start!"
Akihara Kagura pointed at Orochimaru and continued: "All you have to do is wear this mask, summon the Death God, then cut open your belly to release the souls sealed inside the Death God, including freeing your hands..."
"Kagura-kun, this timing might not be ideal..."
Orochimaru glanced at his hands, which quivered slightly: "My hands are still immobile, as if burning by flames. Wait until my arms can move before undoing the Dead Demon Consuming Seal..."
"This is the best opportunity."
Akihara Kagura stared at Orochimaru and calmly explained: "Lord Orochimaru, the Dead Demon Consuming Seal can only be undone this way."
"If the souls of your hands cannot return to the body, you cannot undo the aftereffects, even if you transfer with Immortal Rebirth to another person..."
"Hurry up."
"I've been waiting a long time."
"Don't make me wait any longer."
Akihara Kagura glanced at his subordinates, casually instructing: "You guys, Lord Orochimaru's hands are inconvenient, help put the Death God mask on him."
"Wait..."
Orochimaru wanted to say more.
But the group of Root Ninja ignored Orochimaru's feelings; two held Orochimaru's shoulders while another went to put the mask on him!
"Kagura-kun? Akihara Kagura!"
Orochimaru watched the Root Ninja's actions, eyes suddenly turning angry, desperately struggling, not wanting to wear the mask!
"Don't think of escaping."
Akihara Kagura watched Orochimaru still wanting to resist and continued: "Lord Orochimaru, I can set up a barrier anytime, so don't make futile resistance—this is all for your well-being."
"..."
Orochimaru's body trembled with fury!
Doing such dangerous stuff is for my well-being?
"Make sure to escape in time."
Akihara Kagura looked at Orochimaru with a serious, sincere face, offering his suggestion: "If you don't escape in time, the Death God will take your soul..."