Transmigrating as the Third Hokage: Make Konoha Great Again!

"No need to say that, teacher."

Orochimaru couldn't help but say, "You...you're different from ordinary ninjas!"

"Perhaps, but a person's life is not only related to talent."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "The historical context and the situation in the ninja world would have had a huge impact. If Lord Tobirama had returned from the battlefield back then, I might indeed be a different person..."

“But he gave his life for the village and for me, so it’s only right that I do whatever he wants.”

Orochimaru nodded.

Taking on the responsibility of Hokage at a young age must have been an immense burden.

Self-improvement requires leisure time.

If the pressure of work has already overwhelmed a person, where would they find the time to do anything else?

"But you're different; you're better than me."

"You have me as your teacher to support you."

Orochimaru's pupils dilated, and he felt as if a fire had been poured into his heart.

The teacher's words were...

Even cold-blooded animals like snakes find it hard not to feel warm.

"I have only one requirement for you: before you do anything, remember that you are a Konoha ninja, someone who grew up bathed in the Will of Fire of your predecessors."

"When faced with irresistible temptations, you must restrain your desires and not let them cloud your judgment."

"Desire makes people impatient, but if you calm down and look at things, there are many ways to solve problems." Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at the sky:

"Going slower might be more solid, and it won't hurt your loved ones or make you regret it."

Orochimaru seemed to be deep in thought.

He understood the implication in Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

The resurrection technique, combined with technological limitations, allows the target of the spell to be essentially another person.

But technology is not static.

From the Sengoku period to the Kunimura period, over several decades, ninjutsu and bioengineering developed rapidly, with various forbidden techniques emerging one after another…

Perhaps one day, the technological barriers will be broken.

On that day, even if Orochimaru took a fancy to the talent of a Konoha ninja, it wouldn't be difficult for him to openly obtain the material from that person.

Let's not even talk about the fact that there hasn't been a genius who has captured Orochimaru's heart like this yet...

Even if it exists.

Just like Tobirama Senju covering the rear, it made Hiruzen Sarutobi resolutely take on the responsibility of the village.

Isn't his teacher's care for him over the years, his support and recognition now enough to earn his restraint?

Moreover, taking a step back and analyzing it solely from the perspective of interests...

Thanks to the village's resources, his research was able to proceed more effectively...

Moreover, for Orochimaru at present, the Reanimation Jutsu is merely a trump card leading to pseudo-immortality.

As a genius, what I want to do is to improve myself; to 'possess' others is always a subservient replacement...

In a sense, that means self-denial.

"Teacher, I will always remember that I am a Konoha ninja." Orochimaru didn't make any cruel vows, but his tone was extremely serious.

"Okay, that's good." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

Conversations and promises between men can sometimes be so simple and unadorned, yet they carry immense weight.

"Perhaps one day you'll become an immortal being, just like the White Snake Sage of Ryuchi Cave..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi lit a cigarette, looking relieved, and even cracked a joke:

"By then, you won't need to be Hokage anymore. Just remember to find a few more contractors in Konoha."

Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression, Orochimaru felt a tightness in his chest.

It's like an ordinary old father fantasizing that his son, after graduating from the Jonin Academy, will become a Jonin or even Hokage, reaching a peak that he himself could never achieve.

"When that time comes, I will write a plaque that says, 'Hiruzen Sarutobi, the great Third Hokage will always be my teacher...'" Orochimaru cheered himself up and started teasing each other.

But he sighed inwardly.

If a teacher has the resources and luck, he might achieve extraordinary success, and these fantasies are not necessarily impossible for him to realize.

These words, of course, are filtered through a lens.

But that's really what Hiruzen Sarutobi thought.

He's different from others...

The effort he put into making Konoha strong was not wasted; instead, it transformed into his talent.

Getting stronger step by step and realizing the increased potential is what Hiruzen Sarutobi has always been doing.

Although it may not be obvious at the moment, quantitative change leads to qualitative change...

He has enough patience and perseverance.

He just wouldn't tell anyone about this.

"This technique still needs to be reported. If the name is attached to me, it's like we're doing joint research and development."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, "My credit is still good, and others won't think too much about it."

To research and improve surgical techniques, resources will inevitably need to be mobilized.

Things are progressing so smoothly that it would be unreasonable to stop Orochimaru from continuing his research.

However, resources are attracting attention from all sides.

Characters like Orochimaru's rival Danzo Shimura, the unaffiliated Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, and even his colleague Hiruko…

Without an official title, conducting private experiments could have serious consequences if exposed.

This could become a media storm capable of destroying Orochimaru's reputation...

But it's different when it's under the Hokage's name.

The stereotypes surrounding Hiruzen Sarutobi are that he's a nice guy, a dove, and a steady person.

If it's registered under his name, it can be classified with the highest level of security, and no one will question it.

This is a way to protect Orochimaru.

It will not have any impact on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Teacher, there's no need for that. I've already assured you..."

Orochimaru frowned: "I dare not say that I will never use this technique, but the possibility is close to zero, unless I never make any breakthroughs by the time I die."

"Anyone who dares to smear me, I'll fight them!"

The teacher really thought too much about him...

Even Orochimaru felt somewhat ashamed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "Some say that Danzo Shimura was there to bear the dark side for me..."

"Perhaps that makes sense, but the burden I have to bear is more than that."

"You may understand later, or you may not, but it doesn't really matter."

"They're all the same."

Orochimaru listened, somewhat puzzled.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi simply waved his hand, brushing the topic aside.

#

A few days later.

Hokage Building.

Danzo Shimura brought with him crucial intelligence.

The final piece of the puzzle for the resurrected adult.

Information about Kakuzu, the holder of the Earth Grudge Fear!

062 The Strange Rogue Ninja Kakuzu: The Unique and Beautiful Mental State of a Ninja

"Hiruzen, we have information about the Earth Grudge Fear you're looking for."

Danzo Shimura reported, "In the hands of a troublesome fellow..."

"His name is Kakuzu, and he is currently a bounty hunter, active in bounty offices in various countries."

"We strongly suspect that he is the Hara Takigaku that Mito-sama mentioned."

Hiruzen Sarutobi began examining the relevant documents.

He was quite satisfied with this level of efficiency…

Danzo, if his ambition can be kept in check, is quite capable.

At least that's how it is from the outside...

But after reading the intelligence report, a huge question mark seemed to appear above Hiruzen Sarutobi's head.

Did I praise you for nothing?

"Loves money? So much so that he'll take on any kind of mission, even one to find a cat?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked suspiciously, "Did you mix up some of the information about Might Guy with his...?"

"No," Danzo Shimura said expressionlessly. "I'm a professional."

"You mean, a dangerous rogue ninja who stole Takigakure's secret techniques and assassinated many high-ranking members..."

"Once they arrived at the underground black market, they actually obeyed the rules, worked hard without complaint, had an excellent reputation, and never betrayed anyone, completing all kinds of tasks diligently like a model worker?"

"It's been going on like this for over twenty years, and he's still an old man at least seventy?" Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked expressionlessly.