

In Episode 264 of Naruto Shippuuden, Kabuto clearly states that the four
Hokage can't be reanimated because their souls were sealed away in the Reaper
Death Seal.

So how come Orochimaru can suddenly use the reanimation jutsu on them?

I kind of get the feeling that everyone just forgot that this shouldn't be
allowed, or am I missing something that suddenly allows it?


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question
naruto
How could the four Hokage be reanimated by Orochimaru?


Indeed Orochimaru could not reanimate the Hokages while their soul were not in
the "Pure World", in other words, while they are sealed inside the Shinigami's
stomach.

But at **chapter 618** , Orochimaru summoned and controled the Shinigami with
the help of [Shinigami's mask](http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Shinigami_Mask):

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/JnLiE.png)

So he was able to remove the seal if he cuts his on stomach, using the
technique: **Dead Demon Consuming Seal: Release.**

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/e6eXL.png)

With the Hokage's souls relesead, he could reanimate them.

At [Naruto
Wiki](http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Dead_Demon_Consuming_Seal:_Release), this
technique is well explained:

> This technique involves invoking the Shinigami using a mask from the Uzumaki
> Clan's Mask Storage Temple. From there, the summoner is possessed by the
> Shinigami allowing them control over it, they can then force it to cut its
> own stomach resulting in the release of the souls sealed inside. Due to the
> possession however, the same damage will reflect on the invoker's own body.
>
> After the souls are released, however, persons are free to do as they please
> with the souls. **Orochimaru used this technique to free the** **souls of
> the Hokage along with that of his arms and then reincarnate** **them.**


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answer


I think you're referring to the fight between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru,
when Orochimaru resurrected 3 figures and Hiruzen stopped the summoning in
Naruto episode 69 at around 15 minutes, and in page 18 and 19 of manga #117.

I think the story was alluding to the Yondaime Hokage, and it's probably
another plot-hole. An alternative idea could be that it was some other
character that we'll never uncover.


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