Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 186 Further Cooperation with Mount Myōboku! Might Guy and Hashirama Cells, Hozuki Gengetsu's Speechlessness (8K)

Jiraiya stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

A hint of filial piety flashed in his eyes.

"I thought that after two years of immersion in Mount Myōboku, I had achieved Sage Mode—"

"Finally, I can surpass my teacher and become his support—"

"I never imagined that even now, in terms of both ability and mindset, my teacher is still the person I need to rely on, like an unyielding mountain that gives me peace of mind!"

Jiraiya exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although my muscles and bones were burning with pain, the warmth in my heart lessened the pain by more than half.

Jiraiya felt that today's beating was absolutely worth it—

When men communicate, especially between a master and his disciple, they should use their fists to convey their will!

"Jiraiya, do you understand what I'm saying?"

"You said before that you were going to find the Child of Prophecy, and now you're saying I'm the Master of Prophecy—"

"Judging from the prophecy you were so fixated on before, aren't you, who have been taken as a disciple by me, the master of prophecy, precisely the child of prophecy?"

"And my teacher is Lord Hashirama. Every Konoha ninja follows the Will of Fire and is a successor to Lord Hashirama. From this perspective, everyone in the village is the child of prophecy you mentioned."

Hiruzen Sarutobi argues from two perspectives.

One aspect is practical, and the other is the prophecy of Mount Myōboku, which Jiraiya believed in for decades. It's like closing off both ends.

Jiraiya's mouth dropped open in disbelief, and he stared in utter astonishment.

Is that how it can be understood?

But thinking about it carefully, what the teacher said actually makes sense.

The key to achieving peace had always been right beside him, in the village where he lived.

He is the child of prophecy, as are any ninja who believes in the Will of Fire, and all comrades who work hard for the village and do their jobs well.

Jiraiya understood!

Hiruzen Sarutobi observed Jiraiya's expression and smiled slightly.

He wasn't just talking nonsense—

The ninja world is indeed different from his previous life. This world has extraordinary power and strong people who can fight against hundreds or even thousands of others. Logic cannot be mechanically applied to it.

But the so-called strong are not invincible from birth; they also become strong step by step by relying on the so-called weak.

Even Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju, during their childhood, even in the worst of the Warring States period, their ninja clans provided them with space and resources to grow and survive.

This is especially true for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

His potential ceiling comes from the growth and progress of every Konoha ninja; their sweat and effort have broadened the possibilities for the Hokage to reach higher levels of strength.

Whether it was less or more, Hiruzen Sarutobi genuinely believed that these ninjas, accustomed to hardship, were truly doing their best within their capabilities.

Therefore, no matter how much they contributed to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage appreciated their kindness.

Those who are capable can contribute their physical strength, and those who are truly unable to contribute anything but emotional value.

"I understand, teacher—"

Jiraiya let out a soft breath.

"I used to think I could solve problems on my own, and that finding the Child of Prophecy would solve everything. But I overlooked the fact that my companions were all working hard and practically."

"I will no longer delude myself into thinking I can shoulder the burden of peace alone. I will work with everyone in the village to do everything we can!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with a smile.

The fact that Jiraiya could say these words means that he has already changed.

"Gentlemen, would you like to come over and have a chat?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, Fukasaku, and Shima said with a smile, then nodded slightly to Tsunade.

Tsunade, understanding perfectly, summoned a portion of the Slug Sage's clone and then approached with a handful of medical chakra scrolls.

Fukasaku and Shima exchanged a glance.

After being captured by the ape demon, the two of them gave up resisting and even chatted happily with the ape demon.

The status of the ape clan in the realm of summoned beasts is actually quite similar to that of the Sarutobi clan.

Moving up, they're not in the same league as the Uchiha or Senju, but they're still in the upper echelons of the second tier.

No matter where you go, introducing yourself will not make you look down on; you will receive a certain level of respect.

Two frogs and a monkey came to Hiruzen Sarutobi's side.

The slugs silently lay on their backs, providing chakra and healing their wounds.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the medical chakra scroll from Tsunade and handed it to Fukasaku and Shima: "It's an honor to meet you two sages—"

"This is a medical chakra scroll developed by Konoha. It is very helpful for battlefield first aid. Thank you to everyone from Mount Myōboku for providing us with assistance on the battlefield. I am also ashamed of the loss of many of your men."

"So if you need anything over there, you can let me know. The trust between Mount Myōboku and the village was forged in the blood and fire of the battlefield—"

The toads of Mount Myōboku, especially the intelligent ones, generally possess special abilities.

Their combined combat strength is comparable to that of a special Jonin.

Maintaining the fighting capacity of these toads is a good thing for Konoha, but the premise must be that the ninjas are the primary focus, and only a portion should be allocated after ensuring a surplus.

The expanded production capacity of Amegakure and the continuously improving productivity of Konoha's industrial ninja gave Hiruzen Sarutobi the confidence to do so.

Fukasaku and Shima were taken aback. Are there really ninjas who take such good care of summoned beasts?

Isn't this a prophet?

"Thank you, thank you, Hokage-sama—" Fukasaku said repeatedly.

Those toads that can be sent to the battlefield are, in a sense, its offspring—

As for those that cannot develop sentience, they are simply consumables.

This is the simple and honest standard for judging Mount Myoboku.

"Lord Slug, thank you for your continued support of Konoha—"

"If you have any needs, you can let me know, and I will do my best to coordinate and consider them." Hiruzen Sarutobi stretched out his fist and gently touched the slug's antennae, speaking earnestly.

The reputation of the Three Sacred Sites and the profits from turning abandoned resources into valuable assets are important sources of revenue for Konoha, making a real contribution to the village.

"You're welcome, Hokage-sama—"

The slug spoke softly and gently; it looked like a slug, but its voice sounded like that of a gentle woman.

"If I had to say, I'd just keep signing contracts with Konoha—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked.

Is this for real?

He knew that this creature's true form was an enormous slug, but it was somewhat similar to the Nine-Tailed Fox.

After splitting, the amount of chakra decreased, the size of the body also decreased, and the thoughts also became somewhat childish.

But isn't this too devoid of desire?

"I've actually been hoping to wait until the second Hashirama-sama signed a contract with me—"

Slug said shyly, "If a ninja like that were to appear in the village, I would appreciate it if the Hokage would give priority to Shikkotsu Forest. I would love to see such a genius again—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow twitched involuntarily.

Hashirama's reputation is still growing!

In other words, it's true that when he was a child, he heard that Hashirama had accidentally wandered into Shikkotsu Forest, learned Sage Mode after wandering around, laughed heartily, and ran away without signing a contract.

"It's true what they say, comparisons are the thief of joy—" Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, quite moved.

He suddenly thought of Madara Uchiha, even though Madara was also the pinnacle of ninjas.

However, as Hashirama's lifelong rival, maintaining composure while competing against such a terrifyingly talented monster is no easy feat for an Uchiha.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't in a hurry.

Jiraiya has already mastered the basics of Sage Mode. Once Orochimaru's Cursed Seal is further disseminated, perhaps one day he too will achieve similar results.

Who doesn't have some special talent?

"Lord Hashirama's talent?" Fukasaku the toad shook his head with a smile.

Both he and Shima had lived for hundreds of years and had noticed that the Senju and Uchiha clans often produced exceptionally strong individuals, but the Great Toad Sage remained tight-lipped about it, feigning ignorance whenever asked.

Even so, when Fukasaku and Shima talked behind closed doors, they remarked that Hashirama Senju's talent and strength were the most outrageous among all the ninjas in the world—

"If such a ninja truly exists, Mount Myōboku would be willing to let Shikkotsu Forest go first—" Fukasaku said magnanimously, because he did not believe that another Hashirama would appear.

This is an extremely low probability event!

"We are inseparable, we are inseparable—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and smoothed things over, saying, "If you ask me, the three sacred lands are all one family. It's fortunate that we've all gathered in Konoha. The matter of the contractors is easy to discuss, easy to discuss—"

If a true Hashirama were to emerge, it would be a shame to sign only one Holy Land. We should bind them all firmly to Konoha's war machine at once!

"Gentlemen, could you demonstrate your Sage Chakra once more?"

After finishing treating his injuries, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Fukasaku and Shima questions.

The two toad sages were stunned; they hadn't yet recovered from the shock of Konoha's technology. With such convenient medical ninja tools, the morale and military might of the army were unimaginable—

"Alright!" Fukasaku and Shima gathered their Sage Chakra.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and used Spirit Release once again to try to stabilize the Sage Chakra.

But this time, it didn't work.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully.

In his view, the product of the combination of natural energy and chakra should be a relatively cohesive whole, like Fukasaku and Shima, and shouldn't be so easily separated.

"this--"

"Although I don't know what technique you used just now, Hokage-sama, once you've mastered Sage Chakra, it doesn't have many drawbacks in actual combat—"

Fukasaku thought that Hiruzen Sarutobi had questioned the technology of Mount Myōboku, and explained, "What happened just now was because Jiraiya was confused, and his mastery of Sage Mode is still in its initial stage."

"In the combined battle form, although it was my wife and I who were gathering Sage Chakra, the focus was still on Jiraiya-kun—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded knowingly.

"Although the two immortals have been a great help, you still need to learn to manage things on your own—"

Jiraiya scratched his head: "I can gather a little bit, but I can't speed it up. It feels like I'm lacking resistance training, but I don't have any good methods."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up: "Isn't that me?"

His initial Spirit Release and Jiraiya's rudimentary Sage Mode could be used to hone their skills until they were proficient.

The Hokage is currently looking for a new sparring partner.

Jiraiya was taken aback at first, then nodded subconsciously.

Don't say—

The teacher's strange technique can interfere with the stability of his Sage Chakra. If I get used to gathering natural energy in this kind of environment, it will definitely be much easier when I try it myself.

Just thinking about Minato's description of "the three forms of Hiruzen"—a chuunibyou-esque narrative that was actually realistic—made Jiraiya's face turn bitter.

How could a master and disciple only practice Sage Mode when they are training together?

I'm going to get beaten up again—

"My two immortals, though I am not very talented, I am also extremely interested in the Immortal Mode—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly.

Fukasaku immediately chimed in, "No problem, Hokage-sama! When would you like to come for your training? Mount Myōboku is always ready to welcome you!"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Fukasaku and Shima had a completely different opinion of the Toad Master.

This old senile man's prediction seems to be somewhat accurate?

So it turns out I wasn't just saying whatever came to mind in my dream—

"Well, is it alright if we don't have a contract?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked hesitantly.

"You yourself said that the trust between Mount Myōboku and Konoha is forged in blood and fire!" Fukasaku waved his webbed feet and said magnanimously, "You don't need to worry about that! It's all for the peace of the ninja world—"

Where can you find a Hokage who is willing to consider the safety of summoned beasts?

If I don't hold on tight, my wife will scold me for being useless when we get back.

"It's like this—" Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly, "I know my situation; I'm practically a novice when it comes to sensing natural energy, but Enma might have some potential in this area. Could you perhaps help me train it?"

The Monkey Demon is an old comrade-in-arms of Hiruzen Sarutobi, with whom he has fought side by side for many years.

Enma once lamented to Hiruzen Sarutobi that he had some talent in Sage Mode, but unfortunately the ape clan did not have a systematic training method for it, and it was difficult to get started with just a few words.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also drew inspiration from Jiraiya's teamwork with Fukasaku and Shima.

He didn't need to rush to master it. After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi already had ways to improve himself. The construction of the "Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal" was only the beginning, and body tempering was something that required a long-term commitment.

The art of spirit escape also needs further development and improvement.

Even though he is a highly energetic person, his energy is not limitless.

The ape demon was taken aback.

no--

At my age, do I really need to start striving all over again?

It thought Hiruzen was going to learn it!

However, when Enma saw Hiruzen Sarutobi's powerful physique and resolute face, a fighting spirit surged within him.

I can't let my comrades who fought alongside me fall behind!

"Besides, isn't this exactly what I pursued but couldn't achieve when I was young?"

"Now that Koizumi has found this path for me, it would be my fault if I didn't catch up—"

The ape demon took a deep breath and knelt on one knee, knowing how precious the immortals' legacy was.

"Both of you, if I am fortunate enough to gain control of this, I will keep it strictly confidential, solely so that I can fight for peace alongside Hiruzen, Konoha, and Mount Myōboku. I have absolutely no other intentions!"

The ape demon declared firmly, "I swear on the future of the ape race!"

Fukasaku raised his hand, using the immense strength of his Frog Kaguya to lift Enma up, slightly salvaging the situation for Mount Myōboku: "Why go to such lengths? The monkey clan, who have signed a contract with the Hokage, are naturally allies of Mount Myōboku! As long as it's for the sake of peace, Mount Myōboku is willing to help!"

That's actually an exaggeration. Mount Myōboku is very strict in selecting contractors.

However, with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the prophetic master, present, the overall vision and theme need to be grander; otherwise, Mount Myōboku will appear too petty.

How can you keep making predictions about this and that when it comes to actually doing your part and not contributing?

And so, Enma, Fukasaku, and Shima, carrying some medical chakra scrolls, bid a reluctant farewell to Hiruzen Sarutobi and returned to Mount Myōboku.

Before leaving, Fukasaku specifically emphasized that if the Holy Land lacked materials for alchemy, and if the other two Holy Lands were short of funds, Mount Myōboku had other useful local specialties.

"Kid, take your time practicing. Don't always try to carry the load by yourself."

"When facing a strong enemy in the future, the first thing to do is to go all out, and also learn to go back to Konoha to get reinforcements. With the Flying Thunder God Technique, you can return to the battlefield quickly—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Jiraiya another pep talk.

This kid has the potential of a fanatic; he likes to go to extremes when things happen, and he always fantasizes that "the grandest ending for a ninja is a glorious death" or something like that.

If you really encounter an enemy that requires a fight to the death, then fighting to the bitter end is naturally no problem.

But one must not intentionally seek death.

Jiraiya nodded earnestly. Even if he was slow-witted, he could understand that his teacher was worried about him.

Orochimaru, standing to the side, glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya and couldn't help but sneer, "That idiot is such a worry, even the teacher needs to take extra care of him—"

Tsunade glanced at Orochimaru with surprise, and said in a strange tone, "Really? Even geniuses get jealous of idiots?"

"That's really funny—"

Orochimaru's face darkened; he was truly exasperated by Tsunade's sharp tongue!

He's always stirring things up from the moment he opens his mouth—

"Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest have both rallied around the teacher, what should Ryuchi Cave do?"

Orochimaru pondered, and he felt that in a "two against one" situation, even if Ryuchi Cave was arrogant, it would have to lower its head and cooperate deeply with Konoha to seek a new balance.

However, summoning beasts that can truly communicate, such as Enma, Fukasaku and Shima, and the split form of the Slug Sage, are extremely rare in Ryuchi Cave.

The summoned beasts there are usually mostly bestial, and the ten thousand serpents he frequently summons are especially troublesome—

"I really need to find a way to deal with these snakes. I need to take drastic measures," Orochimaru thought to himself.

Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing!

After the competition ended, every Konoha ninja who participated had something on their mind.

First came Sakumo and Fugaku. Their desire to become stronger grew stronger. After all, they were members of the Konoha committee, and they could see that Jiraiya's return would definitely help with the development of the "Cursed Seal".

If I can pass the medical exam, then I'm willing to take the gamble!

Even if we lose, at least we've provided material for the village's future.

Ninjas are such extremes—

Furthermore, the transplanted bloodline limit was something Sakumo and Fugaku both coveted. They possessed willpower and decisiveness no less than Hizashi's, and they also trusted the research department and the Hokage.

If you say you can give it a try, these two people won't hesitate for a second!

Next was Danzo. After witnessing Hiruzen's overwhelming power, he felt both gratified that this was his true rival and somewhat dissatisfied with his own Wind Release chakra mode.

Although his Wind Release chakra mode is strong, it's far inferior to Hiruzen's.

However, Danzo wasn't thinking about ordinary bloodline limits or cursed seals—

This was developed by Orochimaru and Hiruko's gang, and Lord Anno doesn't want to use it!

"My beloved disciple, Aokiji, recently reported to me that there has been progress in the development of Lord Hashirama's cells—"

"As a member of the Hokage lineage with impeccable roots, I should receive a transplant from the First Hokage. Even if I don't awaken Wood Release, it would certainly enhance my reputation."

Danzo wondered if he should take a gamble if given the chance.

Perhaps the First Hokage truly protected him, allowing him to withstand the weakened Hashirama cells—

"Hokage-sama!"

"Kai, did you see that? The Hokage's burning passion has ignited everyone's youth! Let's all get stronger and protect the village!"

Might Guy, recalling Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, shed tears of youth: "Guy! We have to memorize the Hokage's words, and recite them while running during our morning training sessions, to unleash the full potential of our youth!"

Might Guy nodded repeatedly, then embraced his father and wept bitterly, "The Hokage-sama is truly amazing!"

Danzo's lips twitched as he listened.

"Hitsugi is really something. He can make even ordinary words sound like illusions—"

"But perhaps we could bring Matt Day along?"

Danzo's eyes flashed, but the process by which he learned about Might Guy left him speechless for a long time.

After the Root was disbanded and re-established, the core combat members of the Root have been reorganized.

Matt Daly was among them!

There were thirteen people in total.

They are Hizashi, who also serves as the vice minister, and Aomizu, who is part of the management team.

Aburame Ryoma and Aburame Shiguro.

The classic Ino-Shika-Cho trio consisting of Suzaku Nara, Fuya Yamanaka, and Mu Akimichi.

Ida and Uchiha Hachidai mastered the Super Beast Imitation Painting.

One of the elite Iburi soldiers, whose illness was cured by Orochimaru on a case-by-case basis, can turn his body into smoke without fear of strong winds; his name is Iburi Fire.

And Uzumaki Shio, a medical ninja.

Having figured out that her priorities should be her personal career and the village, Shio chose to work at the village's most demanding and respected root position.

Here, although she often met with Tobirama, they got along very naturally and only talked about work.

It's as if that slap never happened—

Interestingly, after Uzumaki Shio continuously learned and improved herself, it was Tobirama who actively sought out Uzumaki Shio more often in order to learn Mito's sealing techniques.

Finally, there's Matt Day.

"If it weren't for his mastery of the Eight Gates, even if he begged Hiruzen multiple times, I would never have let him join Root. That guy is too noisy—"

Danzo looked at Might Guy speechlessly; sometimes he was helpless against this youthful power.

It's only because Root is currently so powerful that none of their enemies survive. Otherwise, if Might Guy used the Leaf Whirlwind, even a fool would know who it was.

"Dai possesses a rare type of chakra that is neutral in nature, making him insensitive to changes in any of its properties—"

"This is usually a synonym for waste, but according to Aozumi's research, Might Guy's condition actually has a better chance of carrying Hashirama-sama's cells."

"Because of the devouring nature of the Wood Release power in Hashirama's cells, it repels chakra that can differentiate into other natures, unless countered with powerful Yin Release chakra—"

Although everyone's chakra is neutral in nature without undergoing nature transformation, once mastered and used repeatedly, it will be marked with a unique attribute, and is not completely unmarked.

"I don't expect Dai to master Wood Release. His body suffered from deficiencies when he was young, so no matter how hard he tries now, his upper limit is still relatively fixed. He's just using the Eight Gates to boost his combat power—"

Danzo pondered it and became increasingly convinced that this was a feasible plan!

After the weakened Hashirama cells were transplanted, it was not easy for the recipient to obtain Wood Release, but the abundant vitality and activity within them were real.

Moreover, this perfectly addresses Matt Day's most critical weakness—

"When the Eight Gates reach their peak, they will unleash power dozens of times greater. If we add Lord Hashirama's life force as a base—"

Danzo thought it was feasible more and more and planned to find an opportunity to ask Might Guy.

"But we have to be careful about how we do it—"

Danzo sighed. He didn't know when, but he had subconsciously started to consider the matter of following the proper procedures.

In the past, he would have cheated, swindled, and used his power to bully people!

That won't work now—

If Hizashi, Orochimaru, or even his own Aozumi found out, Danzo felt he would definitely be in deep trouble, and even Hiruzen wouldn't show him any favoritism.

After all, it was already said during our fireside chat that this was the last time—

If he causes any more trouble, Danzo will definitely have to give an explanation to all the ninjas in the village!

Besides the upper echelons and pillars of Konoha, Kakashi and Obito were also captivated by the sight.

I feel I've lingered long enough in the world of the ninja academy; it's time to face the cruel ninja world.

This is also something their companions are considering.

Because of the physical characteristics of ninjas, with the proper food and training at the ninja academy, their physiques grew rapidly, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, and their builds were already like those of teenagers.

It's a bit strange that they're still staying at the ninja academy, being among the elite members.

"Go back and apply for graduation!" Kakashi said to Obito.

"Yes, we need to hurry up and do some missions to improve in real combat!" Obito nodded heavily. "Asuma and the others think the same way. Shisui has been waiting impatiently for a long time—"

"But who will be my mentor?"

Obito pondered, "Asuma must be Lord Hiruko; he's already become his apprentice—"

Kakashi rolled his eyes at Obito: "It's good enough to have a Jonin. Anyway, let's see what the village decides."

What Kakashi didn't know was...

The blond guy he feared most had already discussed things privately with Sakumo and decided to have Minato form the first team with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin.

A classic combination of three factions: ninja clans, ANBU, and commoner ninjas—it's a choice that won't go wrong.

This is the end.

The "Golden Generation" of Konoha Ninja Academy is about to graduate and prepare to make their debut on the grand stage of the ninja world.

#

a few days later.

Konoha, Hokage Building.

Orochimaru took the scroll and went up the steps.

He's fine—

It was just a routine visit to Hiruzen Sarutobi to sit for a while and chat.

As Orochimaru walked, he thought to himself, "Kabuto's talent is quite good, and he has a high level of respect for Konoha. It's time to consider formally accepting him as a disciple and report this to my master."

Although Orochimaru brought Kabuto from the orphanage to Konoha, he wasn't initially determined to take Kabuto as his disciple; he was a realistic and rational person.

After nearly six months of observation, Orochimaru finally felt reassured and decided to regard Kabuto as his true disciple and successor.

Orochimaru also experienced the joy of nurturing others in the process.

"Is this how my teacher taught me back then?" Orochimaru shook his head and chuckled, nodded to the Anbu, and stopped at the door.

He actually heard Kabuto's voice!

"Tell your master, what have you learned lately?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a gentle smile.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also discovered Kabuto by accident.

While casually using his crystal ball technique to observe the village during a break from his cultivation, he discovered a man wearing glasses...

A child holding a classic book, walking and looking at it!

His hairstyle was still the well-behaved mushroom cut, which immediately activated Hiruzen Sarutobi's past memories. In the ninja world where people had been wielding swords and spears since childhood, he hadn't seen such a studious child in a long time.

So they called Kabuto over, and when they asked, they found out that he had been brought over from the orphanage by Orochimaru, which made them like him even more.

What Hokage wouldn't like a little kid who comes from humble beginnings, is incredibly grateful to him, studies hard, and is his own grand-disciple?

"Reporting to my master, Kabuto has recently learned a little bit of the Palm Healing Technique!"

Dou said excitedly, a faint green light emanating from his palm: "Look!"

"Kabuto is really amazing—"

"I'm already on the decline. The village will still have to rely on you all to grow up and take over the banner of the Will of Fire step by step—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed heartily, patted Kabuto's head, and handed him a piece of beef jerky: "Grow up quickly! Develop a strong body—Kabuto will definitely be a great ninja in the future!"

"Grandmaster, I will cultivate diligently and then protect you!"

Dou chewed on some beef jerky, raised his little fist, puffed out his cheeks, and said, "Watch me!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

If Kabuto were to simply flatter and praise him, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't like it, feeling it was too deliberate.

Children should act like children.

Orochimaru was stunned.

Is this the legendary special bond between grandparents and grandchildren?

No wonder the teacher often sought out Minato for sparring matches—

But then, Orochimaru's eyes darted around, and the corners of his mouth curled up in a wide smile.

Compared to Jiraiya, he has filled this gap as well!

The teacher, as always, favors ninjas in the "scientific research" category.

#

In Konoha, where the traditions were well-established and everyone was moved by Hiruzen Sarutobi's words to develop a desire to become stronger—

Hozuki Gengetsu and Mu, this pair of sworn enemies, had just finished a business trip from the Hidden Cloud Village under Madara's command. Instead of immediately returning to the Mountain Graveyard, the two of them took a stroll in the sky above the Hidden Mist Village.

Madara's control over them was exquisite, a clever scheme orchestrated over several months using the Rinnegan's genjutsu.

They can move freely, but if their mind wanders, their whole body will become paralyzed.

The white spores attached to their bodies will also immediately engulf them.

"No way—"

Hozuki Gengetsu, who was still invisible, looked extremely grim: "That good-for-nothing Kiritori, how could he have managed to manage Kirigakure like this!"