22 The Container of Orochimaru

"There's a way!" Chiyo raised her head, pursed her lips, and slowly exhaled before speaking.

"True, the Hokage is incredibly powerful, and with an immortal body, he can act without hesitation. We can't compete with someone of that caliber."

"But remember, this is war, not just his personal playground."

"We'll pull back all the ninjas stationed at the Land of Rivers border and shift the main battlefield to the desert, our most favorable terrain. We'll engage in guerrilla tactics, harassing Konoha troops with hit-and-run attacks, swiftly retreating after each successful strike. Never give the Hokage a chance to respond. No matter how formidable he is, he's just one person. In the desert, we have the home advantage, limiting his movements as long as we avoid direct confrontation."

"Furthermore, based on the Fourth Hokage's battle records, the Flying Thunder God Jutsu is essentially a form of teleportation using a special kunai, and coordinates need to be prepared in advance. Tobirama has never been to the Wind Country, so we don't have to worry about him providing swift support."

After Chiyo presented this strategy, the eyes of the elders present sparkled.

A solid plan!

They thought to themselves. She truly was a veteran with experience in two Shinobi Wars. This approach, a strategic conspiracy, left Tobirama unaware of their intentions and without a clear countermeasure. By employing guerrilla tactics and constantly changing locations, Konoha's ninjas would lose their inherent advantages, achieving the goal of wearing down Konoha's overall strength.

In this scenario, the Hokage would find himself quite powerless.

Of course, the success of this tactic depended on Tobirama's strength. The elders, having never witnessed Tobirama's abilities firsthand, couldn't fully grasp the extent of the Hokage's strength.

"What if the Hokage decides to strike right into our village?" Another elder voiced a concern, breaking the silence.

It was a valid point. As effective as guerrilla tactics could be, their village was still vulnerable.

"Then we move everyone and everything to safety before the fighting starts," Chiyo declared, her gaze steely.

With unanimous agreement from the elders, Suna sprang into action. Chiyo's leadership and decisive planning eased the tension, replacing it with a sense of purpose.

Suddenly, the prospect of facing Konoha didn't seem so daunting. Maybe, just maybe, they could come out on top. And if they did, the rewards would be worth it.

______

At the same time, in the Land of Sound, hidden deep underground in Otogakure's secret laboratory, figures busied themselves with various experiments.

Orochimaru lay on an experimental table, his right arm reattached after Tobirama's severe attack. However, Orochimaru's complexion resembled that of a corpse, pallid and lifeless.

"Hoo, ho..." Orochimaru breathed heavily, anticipating Yakushi Kabuto's research report.

"Orochimaru-sama, your body has reached its limit. If you don't replace it soon, I'm afraid..." Kabuto, holding several tubes of Orochimaru's body samples, spoke with a serious tone.

"I know." Orochimaru nodded, acknowledging the deteriorating state of his body. The harmony between his body and soul was not optimal, and the previous battle with Hiruzen, followed by the brutal encounter with Tobirama, had left his body severely damaged and showing signs of collapse.

"However, there is no suitable vessel available..." Orochimaru admitted with rare helplessness.

At this critical moment, Kimimaro, who had been quietly waiting, looked surprised. His eyes narrowed, and he swiftly approached Orochimaru. Kneeling halfway, he spoke with firm determination:

"Orochimaru-sama! Please let me be your vessel!"

Kimimaro's voice exuded unwavering determination as he lowered his head. His life belonged to Orochimaru, and he willingly offered himself to become Orochimaru's new vessel.

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes flickered, and he fell into deep thought, observing Kimimaro.

Sasuke, Orochimaru's perfect vessel, was still in Konoha, facing the presence of Senju Tobirama. The risks were too great, and Orochimaru couldn't afford another confrontation, especially after his recent injuries.

With no suitable vessel available and his body deteriorating, Orochimaru shook his head after careful consideration.

"No, I currently have no means to cure your disease."

"Kabuto, bring Guren; I need her body."

Though Kimimaro's body seemed fitting, the pressing issue of his disease left him with no choice. He reluctantly turned to the next option.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto swiftly left, leaving Kimimaro alone to attend to the bedridden Orochimaru in the laboratory.

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