Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Leaf.

Research Department.

"The Kazekage and Rasa's understanding of Magnet Release is quite impressive..."

Orochimaru examined the intelligence scroll in his hand, nodded slightly, and discussed it with Hiruko:

"The Sand Village's method of training Magnet Release is systematic, evolving step by step from the Second Kazekage's sand manipulation technique into a bloodline limit that can be mastered through training..."

"There are many variations among them. Fugaku wrote from the front lines specifically to ask me to figure them out. These should be enough for him to properly develop his special Magnet Release."

"Other Konoha ninjas who have the corresponding talent can also try to master it."

After the Third Kazekage and Rasa were defeated and captured, they were sent to Konoha by Hanzo and Sakumo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave instructions on this matter.

For these two people, the living are more useful than the dead, because they are already useless.

Aside from being a symbol of identity as the Kazekage and his disciple, the information and materials in his mind were valuable to Konoha, and under the intelligence department's surprise interrogation, they were all easily copied out...

Even the fact that Rasa gave birth to Gaara to please the Kazekage is known...

"The harmless treatment is now done properly, so I don't need to design it deliberately."

Hiruko nodded:

"After you and Tsunade further processed Hanzo's poison, the combination of chakra not only made it more potent, but also made it more resistant to high-temperature environments."

"In actual combat, the combination of the Salamander swarm and the Second Hokage's multiplicative explosive tags is extremely effective."

"However, further optimization is very difficult, such as resistance to strong acid and alkali environments..."

Although the Third Kazekage and Rasa were still alive, the large amount of residual poison from the salamander had deeply eroded their meridians and bodies. Orochimaru and Hiruko attempted to detoxify them in order to obtain information about them.

However, the chakra levels and physical condition of these two have dropped several levels, making them even weaker than ordinary Jonin.

If the hardware can't keep up, all the experience is in vain.

Orochimaru waved his hand:

"It's already good enough that the toxins of the salamander can withstand high temperatures. There are also different levels among the summoning beasts. There's no need to allocate more resources to Hanzo's research on avoiding strong acid and alkali environments."

"Now we need to focus on researching Lord Hashirama and developing the Dragon Vein Plate."

"The professor has entrusted us with the management of research resources, so we must maximize their effectiveness, otherwise we will be letting down the professor's trust and cultivation..." Hiruko nodded thoughtfully.

This isn't just a matter of resources; in his view, Orochimaru is also considering his own future as Hokage…

If Hanzo were to be further enhanced, although the research department has backups of his toxins, given Hanzo's mastery of Tobirama's Water Release techniques...

When the Third Hokage was in power, there was naturally nothing to worry about, and he could easily keep things under control.

But what if Orochimaru comes to power one day?

These two people did share a strange past, and were given the title of "Three Ninjas"...

"Dragon veins are indeed interesting..."

"A large amount of chakra, almost like a living organism, is hidden underground in Loulan. It is a natural and excellent resource... Furthermore, according to the memories of the Third Kazekage, there is a legend in the Land of Wind that seems to be related to time and space."

Hiruko cleverly changed the subject.

"We need to conduct research. The village's next focus will be on three areas: 'Dragon Vein,' 'Natural Energy and Cursed Seals,' and 'Hashirama Cells.'"

"I've already discussed it with my teacher. We'll leave Rasa and the Third Kazekage to Sunagakure and the Land of Wind to deal with internally. Let them deal with these two sinners themselves."

"Chiyo's grandson, Sasori, is a clever young man, and Sakumo speaks highly of him..."

"Our main targets are the Loulan region of Sunagakure and its gold reserves. We don't need to worry about the rest of the rotten people and lands. Just have them send over the puppetry techniques and mission quotas, and that will be enough."

Orochimaru said with a light laugh.

If they were to kill Rasa and the Third Kazekage in Konoha, the ninjas within Sunagakure who supported them could, to some extent, use their deaths to justify their actions as "dying for the Land of Wind."

The dead cannot defend themselves.

Death automatically erases most of their mistakes in the hearts of the Sand Village ninjas.

The logic behind this is somewhat similar to Danzo's current self-destructive tendencies.

However, if these two useless people are sent back alive, any rising power within Sunagakure, like Sasori, would use them to rise to power and negate all their previous decisions against Konoha, as long as they are not out of their minds.

In order to fundamentally differentiate and contrast itself with the defeated Kazekage and Rasa, it is necessary to provide genuine compensation to Konoha and change the internal propaganda narrative of Sunagakure from the ground up.

Whether the living or the dead are more useful depends on the specific circumstances and requires practical analysis.

The question of whether killing someone or destroying their spirit is more terrifying is also relevant.

Sasori's appearance and peculiar stance made dealing with Sunagakure much easier for Konoha, allowing them to extract their essence without expending too much effort. Hiruko nodded.

That's why he didn't try to compete with Orochimaru for the position of head of the research department...

Being a leader requires not only fighting skills, but also brains.

There are just too many aspects to consider.

It's not as pure as scientific research...

"You also need to help me take on some of the burden."

Orochimaru smiled and said, "The situation on the front lines has now reversed. Sasori, Chiyo, and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind have already submitted their surrender documents." "I will represent my teacher to negotiate with them, and as soon as possible accept their defeat reparations, technological achievements, and take over the Loulan region."

"The Hidden Stone Village and the Hidden Sand Village have also retreated back to their respective countries, but since the Third Raikage and Onoki are still there, their Jinchuriki, although seriously injured, still have strategic defensive value and are still putting up resistance."

"The teacher's idea is to take advantage of this opportunity of shifting between offense and defense, and when we have the initiative to determine the boundaries and intensity of the war, let the various corps and squads of Konoha train in the territory of Iwagakure and Kumogakure."

Controlled attrition warfare is a classic military tactic, with mature examples dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty in dealing with the Xiongnu, achieving maximum strategic results with minimal cost.

"It's not good for us to always stay in the research department. We still need to show our faces on the battlefield. This will help us understand the needs of frontline ninjas and allow us to further adjust the direction of our research..."

"The research department's various projects are ultimately for the benefit of the village's ninjas. Projects that do not meet the needs must be adjusted in a timely manner. If they are divorced from reality, problems will inevitably arise sooner or later."

Orochimaru added, "That's what the teacher said."

"The Hokage always speaks so profoundly!" Hiruko said from the bottom of his heart.

Seeing Hiruko's reaction, Orochimaru chuckled, thinking to himself:

"No wonder the teacher likes to play the role of the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and even Madara's successor..."

"This trick really works!"

Using powerful figures and influential figures as a means to build consensus is an essential part of the process.

"Let me give you some fresh air."

"This time, the village has shifted from defense to offense. The casualty rate of the ninjas and the logistical indicators will be taken very seriously. We must not be greedy for quick success and make rash advances. We must thoroughly understand the strategic significance behind this."

Orochimaru said meaningfully.

Hiruko pondered for a moment and nodded: "I understand. I will focus on letting elite young ninjas like Asuma and Guy experience the battlefield."

"Give newly promoted Jonin and Special Jonin the opportunity to hone their command and combat experience."

Orochimaru nodded:

"It's good that you understand this."

"Now that the war has gone on, the village has actually won. The technology of Sunagakure, the Land of Water, and Kirigakure is enough for us to devour and digest for several years."

"Now we just need to swallow up Iwagakure and Kumogakure. We don't have enough ninjas and bureaucrats to deal with them. We can slowly beat them until they are exhausted and then make them obediently spit out their core resources."

The cost of ruling a new region, without establishing cultural, institutional, and other forms of consensus, is ten times that of ruling a homeland. Rushing in haphazardly will only plunge Konoha into internal strife and indigestion.

It looks good on the surface, but it loses substance.

"Following the teacher's plan won't go wrong..."

"After a while, the teacher will completely rebuild the Land of Water, and the ninjas from Kirigakure will be integrated into the Konoha organization to fight together. This is also the key to establishing their identification with Konoha and subsequent cooperation."

"This is something we should also pay attention to."

Orochimaru shook his head with a sigh: "I've heard that some Kirigakure ninjas are now calling you 'First Mizukage,' and the Daimyo of the Land of Water is even showing a strong intention to sever ties with Byakuren."

"They're certainly seizing the opportunity..." Hiruko said with a laugh.

"But there's nothing we can do about it, isn't there? The Will of Fire and Konoha's system are so much better than Kirigakure, which has always had a unclear vision since its founding."

"Although the Third Mizukage's creation of the Blood Mist Village was terrible, it must be said that he objectively helped the village reduce the cost of absorbing the Hidden Mist Village and the Land of Water in recent years."

"If the Third Raikage and Onoki had done the same, the village might actually have been able to take over these two great nations by now."

Orochimaru laughed and shook his head:

"It's rare to find a ninja clan leader who would blow up his own village, let alone in the few decades since the establishment of the one-country-one-village system, or even in the hundreds of years of the ninja world."

"This is something we should analyze carefully."

"The teacher said that this is an example of how extremism leads to a decline in personal morality. Using this as a classic case to interpret and analyze it through the lens of the Will of Fire, I think it's a good topic."

"Scientific research should not always be confined to ninjutsu. The spirit and psychology of ninjas, and the deepening of the institutional construction of villages are also very important aspects."

Orochimaru said very seriously.

The longer Orochimaru stayed by Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, the more he learned from and understood his teacher, and the more Orochimaru realized this.

Ninjutsu, bloodline limits, secret techniques, scientific research, and even tailed beasts…

Ultimately, it must be carried out through individual "people".

Understanding the structure of "people" and the village is the most important thing for a Hokage. Only by doing this can one be said to have truly possessed "Hokage-style thinking".

Hiru sighed.

This shows the difference in their perspectives and the gap between them. It's no wonder he's a disciple whom the Hokage raised since childhood!

His every move, word, and action already bears a resemblance to the Hokage…

"By the way, how do you think Sasori will deal with the Kazekage and Rasa?"

Bei Liu Hu pondered.

"What else can be done? He avoided battle so much on the battlefield, and Sunagakure was beaten so badly by Hanzo Sakumo and Nagato. This is already a very clear separation from the decisions of the Third Kazekage and Rasa."

"Right now, both the actual results and public opinion within the village are on Scorpion and Chiyo's side."

"The Daimyo of the Land of Wind and the Kazekage have been at odds for a long time, and the two sides have been constantly clashing."

Orochimaru casually said:

"If I were Sasori, I would go back and hold a general meeting to make the Kazekage abdicate. I would keep Rasa to work in the desert panning for gold until he dies. Once the matter is settled, I would kill the Third Kazekage and say that he committed suicide."

"I've heard that Sunagakure has special forbidden puppet techniques. I've read Sasori's file, and I can see some similarities between this kid and my past self..."

"If the Third Kazekage's body were turned into a puppet, it would be much stronger than it is now, which would also benefit Sasori in consolidating his rule." Hiruko nodded silently. "Hopefully, Sasori is a smart man!"

Orochimaru and Hiruko did not morally condemn Sasori regarding the forbidden puppet technique.

As a researcher from the "Fei Pai" school, this is really no big deal...

It's worth mentioning that when Tobirama used the incredible combination of exploding tags and Edo Tensei, Danzo made an unexpected move.

There's a slight resemblance to Hiruzen Sarutobi having attributed "Reanimation Jutsu" to himself.

Danzo stated that this was a deployment he made and had nothing to do with anyone else.

While it may seem like he's taking credit for the victory, he's actually shouldering the blame for his apprentice, since the combination of these two techniques creates a truly pungent odor...

If this gets out, it will be detrimental to the future reputation of Danzo's beloved disciple, Seisui...

Danzo was hoping that after his death, when Aozumi became Hokage, he would inherit Hiruzen's fireside talk show and tell the ninjas a few heartwarming stories about the darkness of the ninjas.

In this respect, Danzo and Tobirama are of the same ilk.

They all hoped their beloved student would help them wash up...

"You and I need to get to work on the compensation and logistics matters immediately."

Orochimaru's expression turned serious:

"The condolences and financial assistance provided to the families must be fully implemented. Anyone who tries to tamper with this or harbors malicious intentions will be dealt with severely, regardless of their identity or background!"

"The teacher specifically emphasized that if anyone dares to 'eat well while the front is in dire straits,' then they should be sent to see the Six Paths Immortals and made to repent in the Pure Land."

"Businesses that actively support the village during this battle, such as Ichiraku Ramen, should be recognized for their donations and free food for the frontline ninjas."

"The banners and plaques must be properly presented. Once they are recognized as 'Outstanding Merchants of the Will of Fire,' they should receive certain tax reductions and exemptions. In the future, when the village organizes cultural and sports collaborations, these merchants should be given priority."

Hiruko sighed:

"The Hokage's thinking is truly comprehensive!"

"Actually, the Konoha ninjas don't need that bowl of noodles. What's important is that after returning to the village from the front lines, they can feel the unwavering support of their kin through these small acts of kindness. This kind of emotional value is extremely important."

"On a grander scale, it can be seen as a manifestation of the Will of Fire!"

I've spent a lot of time with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruko gradually realized something: ninjas generally had psychological issues...

They are a group of people who desperately need love and care.

The high-pressure environment of the ninja world often leads to personality flaws, and the Will of Fire is the best remedy to mend these emotional gaps. Of course, Hiruko doesn't think he has any problems; he just hadn't met the Hokage before…

"Everyone has it tough. Although it's for the long-term benefit of the village, casualties are inevitable in war. If the compensation issue isn't handled properly, it will damage the teacher's authority..."

"That Uchiha kid from Minato's clan, Obito, also died in battle. It's a shame."

Orochimaru shook his head.

Thanks to Obito's enthusiasm and positive work attitude, coupled with his status as a member of the Hokage's faction, he was well-regarded by the village elders and was quite famous in the village.

The older folks often talked about him and praised this enthusiastic young man to various Konoha committee members, so even Orochimaru had a relatively deep impression of Obito.

Orochimaru even observed Obito twice because of this, and was slightly surprised to find...

Although Obito was a member of the Uchiha clan, Orochimaru felt that this kid had an inexplicable sense of déjà vu with his former disciple, Nawaki.

However, what made Orochimaru unable to hold back was, how come this kid also stepped on the explosive tags?

So you really are the kind of hot-blooded idiots who are easily defeated by explosive tags, huh?

"It's such a pity..."

Hiru sighed:

"Let's raise the awareness of young ninjas about explosive tags! But I've also seen Obito's files; he was hit by a hidden explosive tag and a Explosion Release artifact made using a special Iwagakure technique. I guess he was just unlucky..."

"I will take special care of his grandmother."

"We've collected enough materials for Explosion Release during this war, and our village will have them in the future."

"However, did you notice what happened to his two teammates? The brat from the Sakumo family, and that medical ninja that Tsunade took care of..." "Lord Mito is very angry right now, you know that..." Hiruko's expression was subtle.

After Kakashi and Rin Nohara awoke, their injuries had healed thanks to Ashina Uzumaki's sealing therapy, and they hurriedly returned to the command center to report on the matter.

Therefore, when Konoha was pushing back against Iwagakure's front, it avoided a large number of traps thanks to the intelligence brought by Obito, Kakashi, and Rin, making a real contribution.

But the seals on his body are quite conspicuous…

After extensive investigation, Kakashi and Rin returned to the village and were confirmed to have no hidden enemy weapons, but the seal was difficult to break. It was only through the intervention of Orochimaru and Hiruko, who took them to Mito, that the seal was finally broken.

What was revealed after the puzzle was solved was even more astonishing, showing an extremely strange composition...

Mito laughed then, but it was a laugh of anger!

Tobirama, do you realize how far you've gone this time?

I really hope she doesn't catch me. If she does, I'll have to bring the Nine-Tailed Fox and slap her in the face!

As a Sengoku period ninja, Mito could understand why you would hide behind the scenes as the mastermind of the ninja world and act as a controllable external conflict to stimulate the development of Konoha.

This was commonplace in her time…

But how could she have her father resurrected using the Impure World Reincarnation technique?

Did they even ask her, as a family member, for her opinion?

Others couldn't see the sealing techniques on Kakashi and Rin Nohara, but Mito had already determined that the "Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal" pattern and sealing techniques after it was broken were the work of her father, Ashina Uzumaki.

Within the Uzumaki clan, for a powerful figure like Mito, the details of sealing techniques are as essential as an identity card.

Extremely difficult to fake!

The logic behind resurrecting Ashina Uzumaki through Edo Tensei seemed quite in line with Mito's style as her brother-in-law...

First, their strength is sufficient, allowing them to further influence the battle situation in the ninja world as henchmen.

Secondly, his beloved disciple Hiruzen Sarutobi was practicing the Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal, and since this was a blind spot for Tobirama, the teacher naturally sought out a "master" from the Pure Land to provide guidance...

Mito became increasingly certain of Tobirama's identity.

If it weren't for this little rascal, how could he possibly know so much about Konoha?

Therefore, Mito, who had not been angry for a long time, made a surprising request to Orochimaru and Hiruko!

Using the tailed beast chakra and a large number of replicated Hashirama cells as a base, a vessel was created to replicate Hashirama's strength as much as possible, and the Impure World Reincarnation technique was improved with all efforts!

Mito had a vague premonition.

Since Ashina Uzumaki has been resurrected using Edo Tensei, it means that Tobirama has gone mad. It's impossible that only one Sengoku powerhouse fell for his move; perhaps all the previous Kage from various villages have gathered together!

Tobirama is capable of doing something so horrifying!

Although Mito believed that Tobirama's actions were generally for the good of Konoha, as a former Hokage who had already become detached from the village's system, he seemed to have an excessive desire for control...

We can't let everything go according to his plan!

You are impure earth?

Then I'll also use the Impure World!

Mito was certain that Tobirama wouldn't dare go to the Edo Tensei Hashirama, because he was simply too difficult to control...

But Konoha is different; Hashirama just laughs and strolls around the village every day…

When Hiruko brought up this issue, the expressions on his and Orochimaru's faces became subtle.

The most sensitive issue for the current Konoha leadership!

Even considering their respective positions, this is a topic that should be avoided at all costs…

The kind that even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't admit or face!

The Second Hokage is still alive and has established a strange, mysterious organization.

Orochimaru coughed heavily:

"Well, this is a complicated matter. We younger generations shouldn't get involved in the affairs of our ancestors!"

"Since Lady Mito wishes to see Lord Hashirama again, we must do everything in our power to fulfill that wish. I believe the Three-Tails, Six-Tails, and Nine-Tails are all willing to contribute to the restoration of the First Hokage..."

"We have enough of the First Hokage's cells. Mount Myōboku said they are very willing to help with natural energy. Lady Mito is working on improving the Impure World Reincarnation technique. It's not difficult to do this technically."

"But many things aren't just about the technical aspects, you know..."

Hiruko shivered slightly.

The older generation of ninjas were too authoritative; they never minced words when it came to fighting techniques.

This is the reanimated vortex of Ashina, or perhaps the powerful figures from various villages and their predecessors…

They created the God of Ninjas over there!

The battle of wits from afar hadn't even truly begun, yet the intensity and tension were already off the charts, making the extremely serious Third Shinobi World War seem like a minor skirmish...

"To be honest, Lady Mito is really scary when she gets angry..."

"I don't think she was lying about what she said in anger that day, 'At worst, we'll sink the ninja world and rebuild Konoha.' My heart was pounding when I heard that. You know, Tobirama-sama really is something, how did she push him so far..."

Hiruko lowered his voice and said.

"Alright, alright, I've already reported to the master about both the structure of the sealing technique and allowing the First Hokage to tour Konoha. The master only gave a 'perfect' reply..."

Orochimaru emphasized the nature of the matter: "This wasn't the reanimated First Hokage for the sake of war; it was simply that he wanted the Konoha ninja to see Lord Hashirama one more time..."

"You know, the teacher and that person have a very deep relationship, so he's been reluctant to admit it."

"This matter must be kept strictly confidential from others and cannot be made public, otherwise the teacher will lose face, and the consequences will be very dangerous..." Orochimaru said meaningfully, "You saw how angry Mito-sama was. If the teacher gets angry, he might really 'sink the ninja world'."

"In any case, let the teacher focus on the construction in the Land of Water for a while, so he can relax. I heard from the teacher that he has recently had some new insights into his spiritual practice."

"We've collected all the tailed beast chakra that the teacher needs, except for the Seven-Tails from Takigakure. But now that the major war fronts are free, we can just have a few Konoha committee members go and capture it with Kakuzu..."

"Iwagakure and Kumogakure don't have time to bother with Takigakure."

"Let the teacher focus on his cultivation! We should also do something for the village, otherwise how will we take over in the future?"

Hiruko nodded solemnly.

The Hokage's deep affection for Tobirama is common knowledge in Konoha, and it has never wavered, even under pressure from Mito. To this day, he has never admitted that the mysterious Sengoku powerhouse was Tobirama…

Therefore, even if we need to use the Edo Tensei Hashirama as a backup plan or trump card, we can't involve Tobirama...

Hiruko considered it for a moment.

The distribution and supervision of compensation and condolences, training exercises in response to changing battlefield situations, the strengthening of the Edo Tensei (a type of Japanese magic), bloodline research...

Analysis of the Third Mizukage case, acceptance of puppet techniques from the Loulan region and Sunagakure…

After Nagato becomes the One-Tailed Jinchuriki, he needs to be arranged to contact the Nine-Tails committee member in charge of the Tailed Beasts and coordinate the process. There are many tasks…

But Hiruko wasn't complaining; he was clarifying his thoughts on the work.

As a member of the Konoha committee, I'm not afraid of having a lot of work, I'm afraid of having nothing to do...

If you can't shoulder the burden, you should make way for someone else...

There are just too many capable people in Konoha; if you don't want to do it, there are plenty of ninjas who will!

"The Hokage didn't take on everything, which is also giving us a chance..."

"We must do this well!"

Hiruko secretly made up his mind.

Orochimaru thought the same thing.

He was destined to become Hokage someday, no matter how long he held the position; this was a goal he had to achieve.

However, as Konoha developed rapidly under Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership, the territory grew larger and larger, and as the number of powerful individuals increased, the interests and balances among various parties became more complex.

This is also a kind of happy trouble.

Entropy increase is irreversible, and the expansion of an organization will inevitably bring about these problems.

But in any case, it will definitely be a challenge for the new Hokage!

"Luckily, the teacher gave me enough time to prepare..."

Orochimaru's eyes flashed.

He's only interested in things that are challenging!

This state of Konoha made Orochimaru feel that being Hokage was too troublesome, but he also wanted Hiruzen Sarutobi to personally place the Hokage hat on his head…#

The Land of Water.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat cross-legged by the sea, the sea breeze blowing on him, carrying with it a misty haze.

"Did Madara Uchiha even use Edo Tensei on Ashina Uzumaki?"

"Looking at it this way, it's actually a good thing that Lady Mito misunderstood Madara as Tobirama-sensei. She took the initiative to bring up the idea of ​​Edo Tensei Hashirama, so I don't need to worry about it legally."

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi is in the Land of Water, Konoha's communication system is extremely advanced, with various new ninja tools and air power serving as base stations, making it relatively easy for him to remotely control various fronts.

However, he was unwilling to do that; he usually just set a basic framework and let the ninjas below carry it out.

Because personal growth requires trials and tribulations.

Without personally experiencing, taking responsibility, and even making mistakes, it is difficult to grow into a mature ninja who can stand on his own.

"Hashirama..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered.

Hashirama Senju was a very special ninja.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Hiruzen Sarutobi actually did not intend to use Edo Tensei on him, because his ideas were sometimes rather naive, and he would be too idealistic without the assistance of Madara and Tobirama.

Moreover, he is difficult to command.

On many real-world issues, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't easily refute Hashirama because of his status, although when it came to getting serious, the Hokage wouldn't back down.

However, compared to Madara and Tobirama, Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident that he and Hashirama could get along better.

Because none of them wanted to start a war.

"We need to change our approach..."

"Hashirama cannot be used as an offensive weapon, but he is a real deterrent."

"However, we still can't bring it out easily; we have to wait for the right opportunity to go with the flow..."

After Ashina's identity was revealed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi has concluded that the mysterious powerful figure could not possibly be anyone else but Madara Uchiha.

No one else has that kind of power except him!

The training methods recorded on the Uchiha Sage's Stone Tablet gradually made Hiruzen Sarutobi understand that the Uchiha clan's patriarch must have also seen them, and probably even gained some real insights from them...

Otherwise, there's no way to explain his current bizarre spacetime magic, gravity, and repulsion forbidden techniques...

"Fortunately, I've come to understand some of it..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at his palm.

During his time in the Land of Water, Hiruzen Sarutobi was working to improve the security and order there, but for him, who had previously been in charge of Konoha, it was essentially a vacation.

It was rare for him to be able to dedicate large blocks of time to training. Of course, the main reason he was able to do this was because Hiruzen Sarutobi had promoted a large number of Konoha committee members and mid-level ninjas.

He doesn't need to do everything himself; it's the institutionalization that benefits him.

This war, which spread across four fronts in Konoha, brought the village a great deal of benefit, and these benefits also led to significant progress in his own talent, which he continuously realized through his training.

First, at the level of the Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal, in addition to "fire" and "water" among the five elements of chakra, "lightning" and "earth" have now also been mastered.

Only the last element, "wind," is needed to form a preliminary small-scale five-element cycle.

Then comes the Spirit Escape.

The Spirit Escape Technique has become more powerful, faster to cast, and can be easily cast remotely with a line of sight. Its analytical capabilities have also been greatly improved.

Hiruzen Sarutobi has recently been working on a special technique…

Similar to his Boil Release and Lightning Release chakra modes, he constructs a unique "Spirit Release Mode" that covers his body with Spirit Release chakra.

First, it further enhances proficiency in Spirit Release; second, it provides immunity to some wide-range offensive ninjutsu.

Within the realm of Spirit Release Chakra Mode, create an absolute "forbidden zone without magic"!

The reason for doing this is that Hiruzen Sarutobi's physical stats are also improving.

It's not that he's arrogant...

If both sides were to disable chakra and it came down to a pure numerical contest, Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident in his skill level.

now.

At the center of Hiruzen Sarutobi's body, with the "second heart" of the Ten Thousand Seals as its core, a palace-like array is being constructed. Using an enhanced version of the "Four Symbols Seal" as the four beams and eight pillars of the palace, the Five Elements and other seals as rivets, and composite chakra threads as auxiliary materials, a huge tempering pool is formed.

Ripples constantly emanated from it, nourishing Hiruzen Sarutobi's body.

He was able to achieve this not only because of the Hokage's hard work, but also because of the diagrams sent by Ashina Uzumaki and the methods on the Sage's Stone Tablet, which provided him with a great deal of inspiration.

If it were just him alone, he wouldn't know how long he would have to think about just the design...

This is a ninjutsu that has never been seen before in the ninja world.

"Now, every punch and palm strike I make carries a subtle 'sealing' effect..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed in and out.

Besides further integrating the array within his body, his next task was to try injecting the chakra of the nine tailed beasts into his body as provisions, according to the instructions on the Sage's Stone Tablet…

Try to melt, fuse, and engrave it into your body.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no clue about this matter yet.

The inscription on the immortal's stele is also ambiguous, and it feels like this part was added arbitrarily by laymen in later generations...

Hiruzen Sarutobi's judgment was actually correct.

Black Zetsu only understands the general principles, but when it comes to specific practical applications, it doesn't understand the details...

However, there are actually people in Konoha who know these things...

"Hokage-sama!"

Nakamaro tiptoed to Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, carrying a sumptuous breakfast:

"Please have your meal first; you must be tired from your cultivation..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled as he looked at Nakamaro.

During his time in the Land of Water, Nakamaro served him very well, much like a secretary.

This is also why Hiruzen Sarutobi deliberately cultivated this sensible young man.

Nakamaro's lineage as a member of the Kaguya clan of Kirigakure makes him a perfect candidate for the role of a representative, given his strong bond with Konoha and his own exceptional qualities.

Their combat strength is a bit lacking; they're not quite able to control the situation...

"Sit with me for a while, let's eat together..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand and gave half of it to Nakamaro.

Nakamaro chuckled, sat down, and began reporting on recent military and political affairs.

"In the Land of Water, thanks to the strong motivation and ability of the officials from the Land of Fire who were dispatched, a basic framework has been established, and the security and economy in most areas have now stabilized."

"About two-thirds of the former Kirigakure ninja who were on the run have been recruited. I have already dealt with the die-hards who supported the Third Mizukage. As for the very few nobles and rogue ninjas who tried to oppose you, I gave them a lesson a few days ago, along with Kisame and Mei Terumi."

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked: "How were you raised?"

"I was taught the Corpse Bone Pulse technique..." Nakamaro said honestly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips twitched.

So, the "bone-carrying program" is in the countryside?

"Under special circumstances, such things are hard to avoid, but once things stabilize, we must follow the rules." "Following the rules is not cowardice, but rather for the sake of maintaining social stability. We cannot resort to force to break the deadlock whenever there is a problem. As a manager, your every move will be imitated."

Hiruzen Sarutobi habitually picked up his pipe, and Nakamaro quickly leaned over and lit it.

"You have to understand that the biggest beneficiaries of the system are actually us, so when you uphold the rules, you are also upholding your own authority, and breaking the established rules is essentially damaging your prestige."

"Even if violence is to be used, it's essential to communicate with all parties involved before taking action, and to clarify the legal and logical principles..."

Nakamaro listened very attentively, taking notes rapidly.

"You brat, just use your brain to remember..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and patted Nakamaro on the head: "Ask me directly if you have any questions. How's your health now? Is your bloodstain disease cured?"

"Much better, Hokage-sama..."

Nakamaro smiled憨厚ly.

However, compared to when he was in front of the Third Mizukage, he is really honest and simple now.

On one hand, he acknowledges the Will of Fire and Konoha, and Hiruzen Sarutobi is an elder in his heart.

On the other hand, it was also after Nakamaro witnessed Hiruzen Sarutobi's gradual approach, using the laws of the Land of Water's daimyo and the "Holy Land Elixir" to infiltrate and control the lower-level organizations through bureaucratic infiltration...

Nakamaro understood.

No wonder Uncle Tenzo was so well-behaved in Konoha…

"Hokage-sama, aren't you planning to accept the title of 'First Mizukage'? Everyone's been hoping you'd establish a new Kirigakure..." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand.

"If you could find a former Mizukage and have him entrust Kirigakure to me in front of everyone, then this matter could be considered legitimate..." Otherwise, this behavior is similar to "self-appointment," and many Kirigakure ninjas are still driven by a fear of ingratiating themselves. Having such a title will only bring trouble and has no real benefits.

Nakamaro gave an awkward laugh.

This is a bit beyond Kaguya's capabilities...

"The Three-Tails and Six-Tails are currently undergoing training in Konoha, so the intensity has decreased considerably. Are you confident you can become a Jinchūriki?"

"Tenzo also told me that he plans to give you a pair of Byakugan to solve your bloodline disease problem once and for all. When the First Hokage's cells can be transplanted, you will be the first ninja from another village to receive the transplant."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.

Getting someone to do a favor usually involves offering a reward...

Nakamaro's eyes lit up. Compared to these material things, he was even happier about the Hokage's trust in him!

"Lord Hokage, I have confidence!!"

"Please rest assured, I will definitely make Kirigakure a strong rear base for Konoha. However, please grant me a small request: I plan to support Mei Terumi as the Mizukage, and I still want to return to Konoha to work in the future..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback: "Not going to become the Mizukage?"

"I really don't want to be a villager, I want to go back to the village!" Nakamaro said earnestly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was speechless.

This really makes me want to go back to Konoha...

And at this moment.

Kisame rushed over, his expression serious, and said, "Hokage-sama! We've caught track of the rogue ninja Kirigori!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately stood up: "Let's go!"

Resolving the issue of the Third Mizukage is the final step in integrating the Land of Water region.

But it's worth mentioning.

Not only did Kisame discover Kirigori, but Hozuki Gengetsu and Mu had been targeting him for a long time...

The previous Mizukage is on his way!