Yes, the Hokage

It's important to know that in the original work, Obito could come and go from Konoha Village at will without being discovered, and the barrier surrounding Kushina's childbirth was of the highest level of defense, yet he still casually wandered in.

And he wasn't alone. As the Kamui's power spread, Uchiha Shisui suddenly burst out of the alternate dimension and headed straight for Orochimaru.

Shisui's speed far surpassed Orochimaru's, and since it was a sneak attack, the latter had no time to react. Orochimaru only had time to turn his head before he saw the three tomoe in Shisui's Sharingan suddenly spin, transforming into a kaleidoscope pattern resembling a Fuma Shuriken.

The power of the eye contained within those patterns surged into Orochimaru's mind like a silent tide, relentlessly twisting his will.

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes suddenly contracted: [This is... a genjutsu?!]

Looking at the eight ninja skills, Orochimaru also scored ten in the "Illusion" category. Therefore, he immediately tried to disrupt his chakra to resist, and at the same time bit his tongue to let the pain dispel the illusion.

But none of that mattered. Orochimaru was a Genjutsu Level 10 because his mastery of genjutsu was at level 10, while Shisui and Itachi were Genjutsu Level 10 because their highest level was only 10.

Moreover, Kotoamatsukami is not an ordinary illusion. It does not disrupt chakra, create illusions, or rely on the five senses to erode the body; instead, it directly alters the will.

Orochimaru's body froze, his fingers, which were about to form a hand seal, stopped in mid-air. He wanted to struggle, wanted to roar, wanted to order the reanimated Hokage to turn around and protect him... but he couldn't open his mouth, his tongue seemed to be sewn to his palate.

He was still conscious; he could still think, and he could still feel fear and resentment, but these emotions were fading away rapidly. Before he even realized it, only one thought remained in his mind.

That is obedience.

"Stop everyone!"

The sound of still water was as majestic as that of an emperor.

Despite his resentment, Orochimaru could only mechanically reply, "Yes... Stop!"

As soon as he uttered those words, the three controlled Edo Tensei ninjas immediately stopped in their tracks, mechanically standing still.

"What, what's going on?!"

The power of Kotoamatsukami was so great that even Jiraiya and Tsunade were caught off guard.

"Well--!"

Shisui covered his eyes in pain: "Lord Jiraiya, please release the sealing jutsu. Orochimaru can't move anymore."

"..."

Jiraiya was still in a daze when Fukasaku spoke first: "Little Jiraiya, do as this young man says. The power of those eyes is probably..."

He leaned over and whispered a few words to Jiraiya. Even the Toad Sage, one of the Legendary Sannin, couldn't help but change color and look at Shisui with a shocked and complicated expression before slowly releasing the Toad Mouth Binding Technique.

Not only him, but Tsunade and Obito also looked at Shisui with shocked, confused and wary eyes.

Although Shisui had long known that he would be treated this way after exposing Kotoamatsukami, and was mentally prepared for it, he still couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in his heart when he saw that even the Sannin and his comrades could not escape this fate.

[Kotoamatsukami... It really is a technique that shouldn't exist in this world. I wonder if Lord Fenglan will still be willing to let me continue to serve as his guard?]

Who would want a bodyguard who could brainwash you at any time and turn you into a puppet they can control?

Little did he know that all of this was Feng Lan's plan!

The battle outside is a long story, but in reality, Danzo was defeated and Hanzo ran away in just two minutes. The subsequent takedown of Root took less than half a minute. Feng Lan had already arrived near the barrier of the Toad Mouth Binding Technique.

He claimed to trust Jiraiya-sama and didn't rush to get Obito's support. Instead, he had Hizashi use his Byakugan to monitor the situation inside. Only when the Edo Tensei appeared did he show panic (actually) and hurriedly explain the concept of Edo Tensei to everyone.

When they learned that even killing the caster and using the Impure World Reincarnation technique wouldn't undo the curse, everyone was at a loss. It was at this moment that Shisui stepped forward...

Why did Fenglan act this way? It was to force Shisui to reveal his Kotoamatsukami! You must know that since Shisui awakened this strongest illusion technique, he should never have revealed its information to anyone. He always understood the principle that a gentleman is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.

Therefore, even if I knew that Shisui could use Kotoamatsukami, I couldn't directly ask him to do anything with Kotoamatsukami, because I couldn't explain how I knew.

That's why he deliberately delayed outside the barrier, in order to create a situation that forced Shisui to use Kotoamatsukami. Given the kid's straightforwardness, he would definitely confess to him on his own initiative.

Feng Lan had even foreseen that the other party would weaken themselves and become more loyal to him, at which point he could use Kotoamatsukami to do many things.

This is how Fenglan controls Kotoamatsukami. Unlike Danzo's philosophy of stealing it for his own use, Fenglan believes that even the strongest ninjutsu is just a tool. The Sharingan can only unleash its full power when it is in the hands of the Uchiha himself (for a counterexample, please refer to Danzo himself). A tool can only unleash its full potential when it is in the hands of the right person.

What I need to do is control the brain that controls the hand. After all, the hand may be severed, but the brain will not stop thinking until there is absolutely no other way out.

Sure enough, after the barrier dissipated, the atmosphere became very subtle. The surrounding ninjas couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Who didn't know the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju? The Valley of the End even had a statue of him carved on it!

"Jiraiya-sensei!" Only Yahiko and his two companions completely ignored everything else and rushed straight into Jiraiya's arms. "Are you alright!"

"It's alright, it's alright, I'm the Toad Sage!" Jiraiya laughed heartily while hugging his disciples, but he didn't seem to be overjoyed at the reunion. His gaze kept drifting towards Feng Lan.

Clearly, this was a serious matter, and he didn't know how to handle it, so he could only leave it to Feng Lan.

"Feng, Lord Fenglan..."

In the ensuing silence, Dai, the most naive and unable to keep a secret, rubbed his eyes hard: "Am I seeing things? That, that's the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju!?"

“Indeed.” Feng Lan sighed dramatically, then said angrily, “That bastard Orochimaru actually dared to defile the remains of the Hokage who were protecting the village!”

He glanced at Orochimaru, then paused slightly, "Is he under a genjutsu? Shisui, how long can you control this guy? Anyway, let's tie him up first."

The essence of illusion is to disrupt the enemy's chakra to create an illusion. Even if the opponent does not resist at all, the disrupted chakra will gradually return to normal, and the illusion will naturally be dispelled.

“My lord, there is no need to worry.” Shisui took a deep breath. “He… can no longer resist.”

"Hmm?" Feng Lan feigned slight surprise. "It's... your kaleidoscope ability?"

“Yes.” Shisui lowered his head slightly. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately.”

With Amegakure currently leaderless, the Akatsuki members yet to be subdued, and three resurrected Kage standing before them, it was hardly a good time to talk. Yet, Feng Lan nodded without hesitation: "Alright."

Seeing that Fenglan still trusted him so much, Zhishui felt a warmth in his heart, but then a pang of sadness struck him: "My relationship with you as your bodyguard probably ends today."

The two found a secluded and deserted place. Feng Lan used her senses to make sure no one was following or eavesdropping before she spoke, "Speak, what is it that is so important?"

"What I want to confess to you is..."

Even a mature and composed person like Shisui took several deep breaths before he could speak, and his voice even trembled as he spoke, showing his unease: "It's my Mangekyou Sharingan ability... Kotoamatsukami."

Chapter 77 The Pursuit of Still Water

"Kotoamatsukami... Sounds pretty powerful, doesn't it?"

Feng Lan smiled calmly: "It seems that the effect of subduing Orochimaru is quite good. This is a unique ability of your Mangekyou Sharingan. Is it really okay to tell me like this?"

“Yes…” Shisui lowered his head, “I wanted to tell you.”

Judging from Jiraiya and Tsunade's expressions, they have clearly already realized the effects of Kotoamatsukami. They will definitely suspect whether Fenglan is being controlled by them, especially given that he is so biased towards the Uchiha.

Rather than letting them question Feng Lan and expose him, it's better to confess voluntarily. As for what happens next... let Lord Feng Lan handle it.

"Alright, it seems you really trust me." Feng Lan smiled. "Then I'll be honored to listen attentively."

With a heavy heart, Shisui revealed the full effects of his Kotoamatsukami, explaining it in far more detail than what was shown in the anime.

He's truly an honest and kind person; he doesn't hold back at all.

Feng Lan stroked his chin and pondered, "So, your left eye can permanently control a person, but the cooldown time is more than ten years, while your right eye can control a person for a certain period of time. Although the cooldown time is not as long as the left eye, it is still about a year before it can be used?" (This is my original work; the anime does not provide such a detailed explanation.)

“Yes.” Shisui said, bowing his head, “I just used the Kotoamatsukami of my left eye to control Orochimaru. He will never be able to do evil again in his life.”

"I see..." Feng Lan's expression was inscrutable, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

Zhi Shui silently closed his eyes, awaiting Lord Feng Lan's verdict. Whether it was being removed from his guard duties, becoming a marginal figure, or even being imprisoned, he had long been mentally prepared.

Those who possess evil powers like Kotoamatsukami deserve to be feared and rejected.

"That's quite a skill."

However, after waiting for a long time, he only heard this sentence.

"That's...that's it?" Shisui opened his eyes in disbelief.

"More than that," Feng Lan scratched his head. "Are you sure you can control Orochimaru forever? If this guy breaks free from the genjutsu, he'll cause a lot of tragedies."

His words startled Shisui slightly, but the boy, unusually, did not answer him. Instead, he said somewhat excitedly, "Lord Fenglan, now that you know about my Mangekyou Sharingan's abilities, can you still trust me? Will you still let me serve as your guard? Aren't you afraid that I will use Kotoamatsukami to control you?"

His trembling voice carried a hint of expectation.

"What's so scary?" Feng Lan chuckled. "Would you really do such a thing?"

"Of course not!" Shisui couldn't help but shout excitedly.

"That settles it then." Feng Lan shrugged. "So, let's get on with our business. I need to check on Orochimaru's situation, as well as the Kage who were resurrected... There's still a lot to do."

"Oh, by the way, never tell anyone that you possess this technique. Such a powerful ability could undoubtedly trigger a war, and countless people would go crazy for it. I'll talk to Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Obito about it. Just remember to keep it a secret."

He had just turned around and taken a few steps when he heard Zhishui's voice: "You, you really believe me like this? Don't you never trust anyone?"

A rare hint of hesitation and vulnerability appeared in the boy's usually mature and confident voice.

"I've said it before, haven't I? If you want to use a sharp knife, you won't be afraid of cutting your own hand." Feng Lan replied calmly. "It's not that I trust you, but that I'm confident in myself. I feel that I can control you. No matter how sharp you are, I have the magnanimity to tolerate you. So just do your own thing and don't overthink it."

"What if, what if one day I really control you with Kotoamatsukami?" Shisui couldn't help but exclaim.

"That proves that I... am nothing special, lacking the magnanimity to tolerate you, which is why you chose to control me." Feng Lan turned half her head and chuckled. "In the end, it will be you who uses your magnanimity to tolerate me... But not to boast, even Minato couldn't completely control me. Do you have that confidence?"

Just then, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, and a ray of sunlight shone on Fenglan's profile, instantly dazzling Zhishui.

The other person's composure and demeanor, as well as the care and trust he showed, though not explicitly stated, deeply moved him.

"Lord Fenglan, I..." This was the first time Zhishui had choked up since their first meeting.

“Ninjas don’t accomplish missions with words.” Feng Lan shrugged. “But you’re not Obito, and you must be exhausted after using the Mangekyou Sharingan. Go and rest for now, and leave the rest to me…”

"No!"

Zhi Shui darted behind Feng Lan in one stride: "I will follow you, no matter what we do."

“Alright then. I’ll need you to be there as a reference when I’m experimenting with the extent of Orochimaru’s control.” Feng Lan nodded. “After all, you’re the number one genjutsu master in the Uchiha clan… or even the number one genjutsu master in Konoha.”

In the past, when he heard such praise, Shisui would only say a few words of humility and would not be proud of it.

But hearing Feng Lan say that today, he felt a surge of pride: "That's right, Lord Feng Lan has approved of me, and I certainly won't let him down!"

……

Although he was most concerned about Orochimaru and the Edo Tensei, reason told Fenglan that he had to strike while the iron was hot and deal with the Akatsuki organization to show that he valued them.

Sure enough, when he returned, both sides had recovered from their shock and the joy of their reunion and sat on opposite sides, clearly separated.

Even though Yahiko and his trio relied heavily on Jiraiya, after expressing their concern, they still did not sit with the Konoha ninja. Instead, their gazes toward the other Konoha ninjas were filled with undisguised hostility.

The entire Akatsuki organization were orphans, and the reason they became orphans was because the Sand Village and the Leaf Village were at war in the Land of Rain. The two great nations fought to the death for their own interests, but it was the people of the small country who suffered. How could they possibly have a good attitude towards the Leaf Village ninjas?

Especially Nagato, whose parents were killed by Konoha ninjas. Although it was an accidental killing, it did not prevent the pain and hatred from being firmly sealed in his heart.

When Feng Lan returned, everyone's eyes were on him. Both sides knew that the only one who could decide the future was this ordinary man.

"Shisui, go and rest with the team for a bit," Fenglan calmly instructed. "Orochimaru will need your strength later."

"Yes, sir." Shisui obediently complied. He didn't have Hashirama cells, and using the power of the Kaleidoscope once was a considerable burden on his body.

Upon seeing Shisui rejoin the group, Fenglan walked alone towards the Akatsuki's gathering place. Obito and Jiraiya instinctively stood up, wanting to take on the role of guards, but Fenglan waved them off.

He didn't even need to rely on Jiraiya's influence; he simply walked straight to the leader Yahiko and sat down opposite him. Everyone around him gave him cold looks, but did nothing.

After all, it was Feng Lan who saved Konan with the Flying Thunder God Technique, preventing the Akatsuki from being wiped out. With this favor still in place, it's not appropriate to turn against them directly.

Feng Lan had already entered his smiling tiger mode, extending his palm: "I am the leader of this Konoha delegation, and the chief advisor to the Fourth Hokage, Feng Lan."

Yahiko's personality is quite resolute and magnanimous, somewhat similar to Naruto's, so he wouldn't deliberately not respond. He extended his hand and said, "I am Yahiko, the leader of the Akatsuki."

"Hello, Yahiko," Feng Lan said with a smile. "Everyone's time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point. Are you... interested in becoming the leader of Amegakure?"

Chapter 78 Alliance Negotiations

"The leader of Amegakure?"

Yahiko had clearly considered this issue, and he showed no panic in the face of Fenglan's abruptness. Instead, he calmly said, "The personnel changes in Amegakure are none of Konoha's concern. Besides, your delegation's purpose in coming here is to pay a visit to Hanzo of the Salamander."

Although Amegakure was small and isolated, Yahiko was, after all, the leader of Akatsuki, and still held some influence in some of the surrounding small countries; otherwise, he wouldn't have attracted Hanzo's murderous intent. Therefore, although Jiraiya hadn't revealed anything, he still had a general understanding of the delegation's situation.

"At first, of course, but not later." Feng Lan seemed quite frank. "After Jiraiya-sama told me about the three of you, I changed my mind."

"Jiraiya-sensei has mentioned us to you?" The trio seemed somewhat surprised.

“Of course.” Feng Lan tilted her head. “Should I call Jiraiya-sama over and ask him?”

This time he wasn't lying. On the way here, Feng Lan deliberately guided the conversation, making Jiraiya describe the trio's situation in detail, for fear that something not mentioned in the original work might happen.

"No need. As the chief advisor, he wouldn't lie to us about something like this." Yahiko shook his head, worried that he might soften his heart if Jiraiya pleaded for him.

Feng Lan knew this, which was why he deliberately didn't let Jiraiya come over. The perverted sage had already used his charm to increase favorability, and he hoped that the next negotiation would be reached under completely rational conditions. These three were not motivated by gratitude or momentary impulse, but by the benefits he offered.

Only alliances formed by combining gratitude and self-interest are truly reliable.

"Why would you choose us over the mighty Hanzo the Salamander?" Yahiko stared intently at Fenglan, trying to find clues, but the other party always had that squinty-eyed smile, and he couldn't see any flaws.