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 Technique Doctor', 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, "Give me a demonstration, 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 detailed guidance to help him master it better.

"The old days?"

A gentle breeze ruffled Orochimaru's blue-green magatama earring: "Teacher, would you please give 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 increasingly 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, waving 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 here on the spot 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 that the teacher's unconventional preparations were designed 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, "Teacher, 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, "Although it's a bit dangerous, 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 trying to figure 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 little flustered 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 fiercely pounced 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..."

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