A New Snake In The Shinobi World-Chapter 343:

Yagura is the perfect Three-Tails Jinchūriki. How could he possibly be trapped in a genjutsu?

This was the thought racing through Terumi Mei's mind.

Indeed, under normal circumstances, it was impossible for a perfect Jinchūriki to be placed under genjutsu.

The fundamental 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 immediately regulate their chakra flow, rendering genjutsu completely ineffective.

Just like when Killer Bee easily countered Sasuke's Sharingan illusions in the original timeline.

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 came 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.

---

Mei 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 immense 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."

Mei sighed in exasperation.

She got up to leave, but hesitated at the door.

"…Orochimaru, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"…Why did you help Kirigakure?"

She turned slightly, her emerald 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 achievements.

There are plenty of stronger candidates in Kirigakure—so why me?"

Her voice softened slightly.

"…I really want to know."

Orochimaru was momentarily 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?"

Mei blinked.

There was a moment of silence.

Then, to Orochimaru's genuine surprise—

Mei 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, Mei had put aside her prejudices and bowed to him, a man branded as a traitor.

Orochimaru chuckled softly.

"…I suppose I really was never meant to be a Kage."

He shook his head.

But as he observed Mei, 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 agreement."

Mei 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 emerged from the shadows.

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"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 someone else I'd like to meet."

---

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 former Mizukage."

From behind the misty figure, a hoarse voice spoke:

"Hoshigaki Kisame?"

Kisame tensed.

He immediately sidestepped, creating some distance.

His grip on his sword tightened once more.

"…You snuck up on me?"

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 Kisame.

"And the man standing behind you—

—is Orochimaru of the Legendary Sannin."

---

Kisame's pupils shrank.

"…Uchiha Madara?

Orochimaru?"

***

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