Naruto was more concerned about Sasuke's safety than making Orochimaru submit.

Orochimaru was also unsettled: In such a short time, Naruto had mastered the Rinnegan, surpassing even the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Could Naruto, as a member of the Uzumaki clan, possess the potential to embrace the Uchiha's power?

For the first time, Orochimaru felt he might have underestimated someone.

He then said seriously, "A defeated person has no say. I will give up on Sasuke, but immediately pledging loyalty to you is still difficult for me..."

A ninja of Orochimaru's caliber wouldn't simply submit to power.

Naruto's expression softened upon hearing Orochimaru's promise to leave Sasuke alone. Moreover, Orochimaru said he couldn't 'immediately' submit, not that he couldn't submit at all.

Naruto removed the black rods from Orochimaru.

Orochimaru stood up and asked with interest, "Naruto-kun, aren't you afraid I'll just leave?"

Naruto smiled calmly. He was no longer the naive boy he once was. After serving as Hokage for many years, he understood the art of leadership.

Combining kindness and authority is better than relying solely on force.

"Orochimaru, you can leave anytime you want, but I guarantee that one day, you will willingly return to me..."

Naruto's composure intrigued Orochimaru even more.

Our last conflict was only six months ago... Back then, he was still reckless, with nothing but incomplete Nine-Tails power. But now, in just half a year, he's become someone I can't easily understand.

Orochimaru said, "Alright, let me see your next move. That will determine my choice..."

Naruto pondered, "Let's go to the Shinigami of the Reaper Death Seal and retrieve your hands first!"

"Hmm!?" Orochimaru's pupils contracted sharply.

Naruto smirked, "I chose this place because it's close to the Uzumaki clan's Mask Temple, making it convenient for you..."

As he spoke, he suddenly extended his hand.

—Bansho Ten'in!

*Swish!*

A White Zetsu, observing from the bushes, was pulled over.

Naruto grabbed White Zetsu by the throat, "Did Tobi send you? You've already scouted this place. Impressive."

"Naruto Uzumaki... you!"

"I won't let you relay information to your comrades."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

*Sizzle!*

Naruto's left eye, the Rinnegan, glowed, and White Zetsu's eyes went blank.

Naruto turned and said, "Let's go, Orochimaru. Don't you want to reclaim your long-desired jutsu?"

Orochimaru stared deeply at Naruto's back: Naruto's strength has far surpassed Sasuke's. It's intriguing to see where this wind will blow...

In the Uzumaki clan's Mask Temple, among the myriad masks, Orochimaru found the one described in the secret scroll.

The Hannya Mask, which housed the Shinigami of the Reaper Death Seal, was the only key to undoing the seal.

Orochimaru said, "This is it. I found its existence after extensive research. Naruto, how did you know about it?"

"..." Konan glanced sideways. She was the only one who knew the truth and wondered if Naruto would reveal everything to Orochimaru.

After a moment of contemplation, Naruto said, "The Reaper Death Seal is a sealing technique of the Uzumaki clan. As a member of the Uzumaki clan, it's not surprising I know about it..."

Konan relaxed slightly.

Such a significant secret shouldn't be casually shared with someone whose intentions are unclear. If they become an enemy in the future, it would be a major problem.

Naruto said seriously, "Orochimaru, perform the ritual here."

Orochimaru sighed, "In my original plan, this scene was supposed to happen elsewhere."

He referred to the Uchiha Shrine, where performing the ritual would symbolize his longing for the Uchiha and add more ceremony.

But performing it in the Uzumaki clan's Mask Temple also had its own significance.

Orochimaru took a deep breath and donned the Hannya Mask.

*Boom!!!*

"Ugh..."

A powerful chakra storm erupted, and Orochimaru's body trembled, arms outstretched... The Shinigami of the Reaper Death Seal revealed its majestic form!

Orochimaru said, "Naruto-kun, besides my hands' souls, four other souls will also be released. Among them is..."

Naruto said, "I understand. I have a plan."

Orochimaru smiled, "Good."

—Reaper Death Seal: Release!

*Slash!*

The Shinigami drew its blade and sliced open its abdomen.

"Ugh...!!"

As the sacrifice, Orochimaru suffered fatal damage and screamed in agony...

*Swish!* From the Shinigami's abdomen, the souls of Orochimaru's hands and the four Hokage emerged!

Naruto squatted, prying open White Zetsu's mouth. Orochimaru's true form, the White Phosphorus Snake, emerged and entered it.

A substitution, turning the Shinigami's curse into a blessing!

Orochimaru used the forbidden technique 'Living Corpse Reincarnation,' taking over White Zetsu's body!

*Swish! Swish!*

His hands' souls returned, reclaiming his lost jutsu!

Four soul lights floated in the air.

Naruto focused on the fourth soul, murmuring with a complex expression, "Sorry, Father, now... is not the time."

His left eye, the Rinnegan, opened.

—Naraka Path!

*Boom!*

Purple flames ignited, forming the majestic figure of the King of Hell, swallowing the four Hokage's souls.

Naruto hoped: But I believe the day we meet will come soon.

Orochimaru, moving his hands after a long time, looked at Naruto with more admiration.

Konan approached and asked, "What's the plan now? Return to Amegakure?"

"..." Naruto closed his eyes, contemplating the current situation.

The Five Kage Summit was about to convene, initiated by the Raikage, focusing on dealing with Sasuke and Akatsuki.

Danzo, having seized the position of Hokage, would attend the summit. Meanwhile, Sasuke, urged by Tobi, would attack the summit and confront Danzo.

Naruto remembered the time he knelt before the Raikage to save Sasuke... and the moment when Sasuke, after killing Danzo and nearly losing his sight, locked eyes with him.

"The banquet of the present world, time flies..."

But Naruto knew now was not the time to dwell on the past.

For a long time, his genjutsu abilities had been a weakness. In Kurama Mode, he could almost simultaneously break genjutsu, but that was for ordinary genjutsu. Against ocular techniques like Tsukuyomi, which could manipulate time within the illusion, it was ineffective.

In the Otsutsuki clan, many possessed similar genjutsu abilities...

Moreover, to achieve bloodless victories in future actions, a proficient genjutsu eye was essential.

Danzo's right eye... was undoubtedly the best choice!

Opening his eyes, Naruto had a new plan.

Under the watchful eyes of Konan and Orochimaru, Naruto took a mask from the wall and slowly put it on.

—"To the Land of Iron, the Five Kage Summit. We must capture Danzo before Tobi and Sasuke do!"