Naruto: My Clones Can Evolve

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that you're the Phantom Demon," Orochimaru murmured. "Even a genius like me wasn't at your level when I was your age."

Hearing Orochimaru's praise made Genzuki feel a bit uncomfortable.

After all, this man was notorious for his obsession with transferring into younger, stronger bodies.

"You're working for Gato?" Genzuki asked coldly. "That doesn't seem like something you would do."

"It's just a mutual exchange of interests," Orochimaru replied indifferently. "I need his funding to establish the Hidden Sound Village. I'm sure you understand that."

Genzuki was taken aback—he hadn't expected Orochimaru to be so forthcoming.

Such honesty, without any attempts at concealment—what was his goal?

Noticing Genzuki's confusion, Orochimaru explained:

"Phantom Demon, the entire ninja world is in awe of your vast knowledge of jutsu and overwhelming strength. But they've overlooked something even more intriguing."

"You always seem to know things about others—secrets, personal histories—as if you had lived through them yourself."

"So, there's no point in me hiding anything from you. Instead, I'm more interested in uncovering your secrets."

Genzuki chuckled and said, "You truly are different from the others, Orochimaru. You pay attention to the finest details."

"Let's make a bet. If you can defeat me, I'll tell you my secret."

"But if you lose, you'll work for my organization, The Moon Organization

."

A glimmer of excitement flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "That suits me perfectly! Then, I won't hold back."

Without hesitation, Orochimaru reached behind Kinkaku and Ginkaku's heads and removed the sealing kunai, fully restoring their consciousness.

With their free will returned, they would be harder to control—but their power would be nearly identical to when they were alive.

"Enjoy, my Edo Tensei warriors," Orochimaru hissed before slithering into the water, seemingly to avoid the incoming battle.

"Big bro, where the hell are we? This isn't the Nine-Tails' stomach again, is it?"

"You idiot! We've been resurrected using Edo Tensei! Looks like we'll have to take down that brat!"

Kinkaku and Ginkaku immediately pulled out the Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths—Seven Stars Sword and Bashō Fan!

The Seven Stars Sword could curse opponents, while the Bashō Fan could unleash attacks of all five elemental natures.

They also wielded the Golden Canopy Rope, the Crimson Gourd, and the Amber Purifying Pot, which could seal enemies instantly.

Even the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had fallen to these brothers.

Just the weapons alone made them formidable foes!

But as Genzuki eyed their weapons, his gaze burned with hunger.

"Such treasures! These are mine now."

His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan flared.

Susano'o—Fully Manifested!

A towering, violet guardian rose behind him, standing like a titan.

His Susano'o brandished twin blades, radiating an aura of calamity.

Kinkaku and Ginkaku froze in shock.

This brat… summoned Susano'o?

And it was a complete form?

"Uh… big bro… this looks bad."

"Damn it, even Madara Uchiha didn't have this back in our time!"

They stared at Genzuki in stunned silence.

But his eyes were filled with excitement.

"Come on, unleash your Tailed Beast Chakra already!"

"I remember… you can reach up to Six-Tails mode, right? Hurry up and show me!"

Kinkaku and Ginkaku exchanged uneasy glances.

"Even if we go all out with Nine-Tails chakra, does it even matter against that?"

"…We can't back down now, little brother!"

"Bashō Fan!"

Kinkaku swung the fan fiercely, unleashing a storm of all five elemental jutsu.

The combined force crashed into Susano'o—only to be effortlessly deflected with a single sweep of its blades.

"Seven Stars Sword!" "Crimson Gourd!"

One after another, their legendary weapons were unleashed, but none could scratch the Susano'o's defense.

"This is child's play," Genzuki scoffed, his tone filled with disappointment.

"Is this all you've got?"

Fury ignited in Kinkaku and Ginkaku's eyes.

"How dare you look down on us?!"

"Nine-Tails Chakra Mode!"

At last, a surge of crimson chakra erupted from their bodies!

A sinister, malevolent energy spread through the air—it was unmistakably the power of the Nine-Tails.

For the first time, Genzuki felt the sheer terror of Kurama's chakra.

It was an overwhelming, spine-chilling force!

"…Still unimpressive."

"Because my Susano'o wouldn't lose even to the real Nine-Tails."

He smirked and taunted, "Orochimaru, your puppets are still too weak! If you want to beat me, summon all the Hokage while you're at it!"

A massive Tailed Beast Bomb began forming in Kinkaku and Ginkaku's mouths, ready to obliterate everything.

But Susano'o's blade swung—slash!—and the Tailed Beast Bomb was cleaved in half!

The entire sea trembled under the raw force of the attack.

"Lightning Style: Kirin!"

As Genzuki formed hand seals, thunderclouds gathered in the sky.

For a brief moment, he could feel his chakra resonating with the storm above.

Then—BOOM!

A colossal lightning beast descended, striking down Kinkaku and Ginkaku like the wrath of a god!

Their Edo Tensei bodies were reduced to charred husks—destroyed beyond revival.

"…How disappointing."

Genzuki dismissed his Susano'o with a flick of his wrist.

『 Ding! Mission complete! Rewards delivered!』

『 Fire Clone unlocked!』

『 Innate ability "Thousand Shadow Link" activated—Fire Clone upgraded to Kage-level! 』

All 1,000 experience books used—experience maxed out! Evolution to Super Kage-level possible!

Genzuki knew that to reach Super Kage-level, he would have to challenge true masters.

But he had no time for that just yet.

First, he had to finish things in the Land of Waves.

Now that he had fire-based abilities, he could finally wield true Fire Release.

His crimson Sharingan flickered as he turned toward the water.

"Orochimaru… come out."

No response.

It was obvious—Orochimaru had already fled the scene.

"Like a snake, always slithering away."

Genzuki knew that while Orochimaru wasn't the strongest ninja, he was one of the hardest to kill.

The man had cheated death multiple times. Even with Genzuki's current strength, capturing him would be a pain.

But then, his focus shifted—two powerful chakra signatures flared up from the bridge.

Kakashi was in danger!

—

On the bridge—

Kakashi stood alone against Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.

He was at his limit.

Even with his Sharingan, he could barely keep up with Kisame's attacks…

And Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan could trap him in a genjutsu at any moment.

Just as he struggled to find a way out—

A body came crashing down onto the bridge with a thud!

As the figure stood up, Kakashi felt his vision blur.

"Wait… isn't that the rogue ninja… Kakuzu?"

He recognized the man—a legendary shinobi who once fought the First Hokage.

Why is he here?

Coughing up blood, Kakuzu struggled to his feet.

Four out of his five hearts were already destroyed.

But he looked at Kakashi and gasped, "Don't worry… I work for Lord Genzuki."

Kakashi nearly spat out blood.

____

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