Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Orochimaru was thinking quickly.

He had been pondering this the whole way, but still couldn't figure out what Hiruzen Sarutobi was going to do...

They haven't had any private communication with each other for years.

Why did he get invited to my house for dinner as soon as I called him?

What kind of show is this?

Although Orochimaru was unaware of the "Feast at Hongmen" story, his doubts were nearly identical.

After entering the room, he felt a little more relaxed.

His wife, Biwako, was kind and gentle to him, and the air was filled with the aroma of his favorite apples and eggs…

However, upon learning that Hiruzen Sarutobi had gone to the training grounds, Orochimaru felt a surge of curiosity.

The old man has been immersed in endless meetings and paperwork for a long time... Does he still maintain his daily training habit?

Judging from his usual tired appearance, he doesn't seem to have this kind of energy.

Orochimaru stood at the door, looking at his teacher who was unusually powerful and seemed to have been rejuvenated, and his lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

No, is this even a person anymore?

Ten years ago, right?

"You're here so early? Didn't you say it was okay to arrive around mealtime?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi effortlessly hoisted the steel rod onto his shoulder, chuckling as he asked, "Are you hungry, kid? Eat a couple more bowls later; your master's wife cooked several dishes!"

His tone was very casual, as if Orochimaru were his son coming home from school.

Orochimaru blinked, his gaze probing as he stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi's body, and slowly said, "Sensei... what's going on?"

"Ah, I was under too much work pressure before and I got very sick."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke calmly, yet with a hint of wistfulness.

"When a person gets sick, they have no choice but to be idle; and when they are idle, they come to understand a lot of things. When their mind is relaxed, their body also improves, and they even try to practice some of the techniques left behind by Tobirama-sama."

"I've figured out a few tricks myself, and the results seem pretty good?"

Orochimaru nodded seriously: "Very good. I thought you had achieved the initial stage of Yin Seal, old man..."

Infected by this gentle attitude, he unconsciously recalled the unique title of the Three Ninja.

Actually, he had planned it before he came.

If the conversation doesn't go well, just deliberately call out "Lord Hokage" with a cold face!

Orochimaru, who is usually cold-faced and ruthless, can only be brought to such a childlike temperament by the three members of Sarutobi's team in the entire ninja world.

"That's still a long way off, but I do have the idea of ​​cultivating the Yin Seal."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked, "A strong Hokage is always more reassuring than a frail old man..."

A glint of light flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

These words pleased him.

Has the teacher realized the horror of aging and become willing to use ninjutsu to solve the problem?

Have you, the "Ninja Master," finally woken up?

Wasn't ninjutsu invented to solve all sorts of problems?

"Teacher, you should have thought of this sooner. I can help you..."

It was as if a fresh breeze was blowing through Hiruzen Sarutobi's aging body and mind, giving the Hokage, whom he thought would slowly decay, a burst of new vitality.

"From what you're saying, you've learned a lot of new ninjutsu in the last two years?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, "Shall I show you how to do it, teacher?"

Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat.

Long ago, every time he learned a new ninjutsu, he would go to Hiruzen Sarutobi to demonstrate it.

Each time, Hiruzen Sarutobi would patiently watch him finish performing the move, then provide meticulous guidance to help him master it better.

"The old days?"

A gentle breeze ruffled Orochimaru's blue-green magatama earrings: "Teacher, would you mind giving me some pointers after all this time?"

He is currently researching ninjutsu, which is not convenient to demonstrate to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

It is a forbidden technique that violates human ethics. The technique is called "Reincarnation of the Undead" and can take over the body of others.

But putting all that aside...

He also hoped to have a "teaching session" with the revitalized teachers.

This will allow him to more deeply feel the changes in Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Give me pointers? You might be better than me now, Orochimaru..."

"But if my apprentice invites me, it would be inappropriate for me, as his teacher, to refuse."

"Teacher, why don't you be a little more serious?" Orochimaru habitually stuck out his long tongue and licked the corner of his mouth, finding this straightforwardness all the more amusing.

"Should I inform the Dark Guard?"

Although he was in high spirits, he had considered everything very carefully.

If the master and apprentice were to fight without restraint...

The commotion it caused would have definitely led to a riot if there hadn't been secret agents maintaining order in the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed heartily, quickly forming several hand seals: "Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"

Towering and thick earthen walls rise from the ground, protecting the training ground from all sides.

Although the training ground was quite spacious, he and Orochimaru were not ordinary ninjas. If they got into a fight, the scope of the conflict could be unpredictable.

"You've thought this through very thoroughly, Orochimaru. You've had the mindset of a Hokage since you were a child."

Hiruzen Sarutobi praised without reservation, then waved his hand dismissively: "No need for further notification!"

"I'm very unhappy about Kushina Uzumaki being kidnapped by Kumogakure last time..."

"This time, there will be no prior notice, no greetings, and no one to receive or report to us. You and I, master and apprentice, will be right here on the ground to see how the village reacts!"

Orochimaru nodded slightly, his eyes filled with even greater anticipation.

Whether it's saying he has the mindset of a "Hokage," or the teacher's unconventional preparations to test Konoha's quick reflexes...

All of this made him very happy!

He doesn't seem like that old man who always had so many concerns when he spoke or acted anymore.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rummaged through his ninja tool bag and pulled out a slightly rusty copper bell.

"Teacher, are you still going to try and steal the bell?" Orochimaru chuckled. "I'm not a graduate of the Ninja Academy anymore."

"Does this look familiar?" Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked with emotion, "This is the bell you used when you were kids. I kept it as a souvenir."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's heart stirred.

Did the old man really keep this bell in his ninja tool bag all this time?

Orochimaru felt a strange stirring within him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly.

He actually put that bell in his ninja tool bag later...

His plan was to casually show it to Orochimaru on a certain day to get closer to him.

I didn't expect the right opportunity to come so quickly.

To be fair, Hiruzen Sarutobi had deep feelings for the Sannin in the past.

The pressure from being the Hokage made him almost breathless, and he was hesitant and timid in every aspect. In addition, the traditional mindset of old ninjas made it impossible for him to express his emotions as clearly as he did.

The relationship between a teacher and student is like that of a father and son; if they are always silent and reserved, it is easy for estrangement to form.

Over time, the gaps built up little by little will create a distance between the two people, causing them to drift further and further apart.

In that case, even if we can reconcile our differences when we look back, how much meaning does it really have?

Therefore, it's better to be an emotionally stable and supportive "father figure," generously praising your apprentice...

This persona is much more likable!

Orochimaru's slightly upturned lips proved the correctness of his idea.

"If we're going to steal the bell, it wouldn't be bad if I did it alone..." Orochimaru said, suppressing his emotions.

"Orochimaru, you have always been my proudest disciple..." The bell jingled melodiously in the breeze.

"hehe…"

Orochimaru laughed hoarsely, "Master, why are you saying this?"

"Didn't I always say that when we were little? Still not used to it? It's my fault, you don't mention it as much now that you're older..." Hiruzen Sarutobi tossed the bell to Orochimaru:

"How about I snatch the bell today? Let's test your strength and see if your shoulders are strong enough."

Orochimaru instinctively took the bell, his heart tightening.

The teacher snatched the bell?

What does this mean?

"Am I overthinking it?" Orochimaru wanted to ask himself that question.

Hiruzen Sarutobi mobilized his chakra, his gaze gradually becoming serious.

The reason he assigned Orochimaru to defend was...

There are several reasons.

First, although the original body's combat awareness has been largely integrated, it is naturally easier for the attacker than the defender, and they can expose fewer weaknesses.

Secondly, it also subtly implies that Orochimaru has high regard for him, raising his favorability and making him a key figure in his research.

Third, the platform he built with Orochimaru through their banter was a perfect stage for him to establish his authority!

Once a powerful ninjutsu is unleashed, regardless of speed, the Anbu, the Konoha Police Department, and a host of other forces will inevitably arrive…

As a Hokage who hasn't made a move in a long time, he needs to create a scene that amazes people.

This is beneficial to his 'authority'.

"My chakra level has increased considerably... so there's no need to be meticulous. I need to fight with momentum and ferocity!" Hiruzen Sarutobi organized his battle strategy.

After regaining his senses, Orochimaru looked at the eager Hiruzen Sarutobi and felt a chill run down his spine.

Something's not right...

I just thought the old man was testing him...

Now it feels like I've been set up! It's like I need an excuse to beat him up!

"But, a teacher who's changed is really interesting..."

Orochimaru licked his lips, thinking to himself, "It's a bit dangerous, but let's add fuel to the fire!"

Orochimaru cleared his throat and unleashed a move called "Reversing Heavenly Power".

"Teacher, do you remember what you said to us when we used to fight over the bell?"

"You said you'd attack with the intention of killing me..."

"Teacher, perhaps you can also have this thought today."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up as soon as he heard that!

Is this a requirement?

He's figuring out how to strike a balance...

After all, even though Orochimaru had asked to spar with him, if the fight went too far, it might create a rift between them...

But if he takes the initiative to speak, that's a different story!

Looking into Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, Orochimaru suddenly felt a pang of panic and quickly tried to cover it up, saying, "Five minutes, teacher!"

"If I can't take it in five minutes, then I've won..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed heartily: "Alright!"

Before the words had even finished, his fingers flew like butterflies, quickly forming hand seals.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, his chest bulging: "Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

The chakra poured out without reservation!

The fireball transformed into a dragon shape and pounced fiercely on Orochimaru, covering the entire training ground!

The flames were fierce and menacing, and the light and shadow reflected on the earthen wall swayed as if it were about to be set ablaze.

"Reddish-white flames? And this range..."

This is the Sarutobi clan's family-inherited Fire Release technique, but it's not really a complicated ninjutsu.

However, the fundamentals of ninjutsu, particularly chakra nature transformation, are not fundamental.

"Alright! Let's try out these common Five Elements ninjutsu after so long..." Orochimaru also channeled his chakra. Like Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was a ninja proficient in all seven chakra natures.

"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"

The fireballs collided and became entangled, exploding at the center and forming a towering fire tornado that swirled menacingly in the sky.

For a moment, it looked as if a giant firework had exploded in the sky.

"The old man's fire release technique is truly masterful... Is the temperature really that high?" Orochimaru quickly retreated, ran his thumb across his lips, splattering blood on the ground, and slammed his hands together.

"The Art of Spirit Communication: Rashomon!"

The gigantic gate with the ghostly face rose from the ground, cutting off the surging flames.

The crimson and white flames of the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet split along both sides of the giant gate, striking the earthen walls surrounding the training ground and causing the solid earthen walls to begin to melt.

"Teacher, have your basic skills improved again?"

Orochimaru stood atop Rashomon, glanced into the distance, and said meaningfully, "However, someone will be here soon..."

"Kid, show the villagers your best side!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi declared loudly, "There are no distinctions in a duel. If you're at a disadvantage, then go back and keep training, just like me!"

This stage belongs to us all!

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru smiled, just like he did when he was a child.

To be honest, he definitely wouldn't have the confidence to fight Hiruzen Sarutobi to the death.

However, if we take five minutes as the dividing line, with his escape techniques and formulas, delaying the enemy would be too easy... Even with the limitations of the venue, Orochimaru is confident of this.

In the entire ninja world, how many dare to say that their techniques are more bizarre or their survivability is stronger than his?

He was worried that if Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't defeat him in front of everyone, he would lose face as Hokage.

But to his surprise, the teacher acted like a young man, not talking about those things, but about real, practical matters…

It's very comfortable.

"I've rarely used techniques for physical body modification in the past, but sooner or later it will attract attention..."

"The old man used to be very sensitive to these kinds of procedures."

"I'll show you a few skills today, so that if the teacher gets angry, I can prepare accordingly."

Orochimaru's mind raced: "Summoning Jutsu: Fivefold Rashomon!"

In the past, he was used to summoning three Rashomon gates, but today Orochimaru summoned as many as five in one go!

Five towering, sturdy Rashomon gates stand in the widest training ground in Konoha, forming an irregular arrangement that resembles a maze, in addition to the previous one.

This is Orochimaru's line of thinking.

With his agility, he darted and weaved through these multiple Rashomon-like formations, like a slippery venomous snake; even the most elite hunters would be caught by him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru waited in tacit agreement.

A short while later, the secret service arrived.

Sakumo Hatake arrived first, followed by his eldest son, Shinnosuke Sarutobi.

They were both squad leaders in the secret service.

Seeing the tense standoff between his father and his beloved student, Shinnosuke was somewhat bewildered: "What are you doing...?"

"The speed is barely acceptable, but it's still slower than I expected."

"Sakumo, you're in charge of managing the scene from now on!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice, "Maintain order and keep track of the arrival times of all departments and personnel in the village."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Sakumo Hatake immediately accepted the order.

After taking a brief look at the man who stood as tall and straight as a pine tree, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly.

Very loyal!

Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze back.

At this moment, Orochimaru had already transformed into a snake, and he looked at his teacher with a mixture of anticipation and probing.

"Huh?"

Orochimaru was delighted. He saw no displeasure in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, only curiosity.

That curiosity, though it sounds contrary to Tiangang's nature, is indeed very similar to his...

That's a thirst for exploring any ninjutsu!

"Give me more surprises, teacher!"

Orochimaru entered a labyrinth composed of multiple Rashomon gates, where hissing sounds filled the air, clearly indicating the presence of numerous venomous snakes. He shouted from afar:

"Old man, I don't feel any pressure. Use any other techniques you have!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled into a smirk.

His apprentice is truly a remarkable person.

At that moment, the Uchiha clan from the Konoha Police Department also arrived.

"Just in time..."

"Play guerrilla warfare with me? Then let's just melt this area down!"

"Let me see the strength of this body!"

The Hokage unleashed his chakra!