Hiruzen Sarutobi: "But I'll take all your jutsu with me. Don't think you'll ever use them to harm Konoha again."
The same sealing technique once used by Minato appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's abdomen.
His soul, along with Orochimaru's two arms, was permanently sealed away.
Hiruzen slowly closed his eyes. The ferocious-looking Orochimaru in front of him overlapped with the pure, talented boy from the past.
Perhaps he wasn't too weak to drag him down together.
In the very end, he still chose to believe in his student, giving him a sliver of a chance for redemption.
He didn't cast Orochimaru out of the Konoha family.
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Where the Will of Fire burns, the leaves shall continue to dance."
The scene ended.
Group Chat
Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki: Damn, that was satisfying! Never thought I'd get to witness the strongest Hokage in history—arguably the strongest in the entire shinobi world—sacrifice everything to seal the hands of his own disciple who wanted to destroy his village. That's true resolve.
Fourth Raikage, A: Not just that! The so-called strongest Hokage made such a great sacrifice, yet Orochimaru regained his arms not long after. From the fight with Naruto in Nine-Tails Mode, it's clear even the soul of his arms was restored.
Not-Lady-Tsunade's-Fan:Bridge Beans! So you're saying the strongest Hokage in history died for nothing?
Granny Chiyo: Honestly, it is pretty embarrassing.
Orochimaru @Granny Chiyo: Seems like your Hidden Sand Village should be more ashamed. I killed your Fourth Kazekage and no one even knew.
Fourth Kazekage Rasa: ????
Granny Chiyo: Orochimaru, weren't you trying to destroy Konoha? Why are you suddenly defending them?
Orochimaru: I'm about to collaborate with the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. I already promised her I'd help protect the village.
Immature Old Woman (Tsunade): Orochimaru! This isn't the you I know. You don't have to change just to work with me. Honestly, it's disgusting.
Orochimaru: Tch!
In truth, Orochimaru was acting this way because he desperately wanted to work with Tsunade.
Why?
Because the one thing he had always pursued was immortality!
Everything he had done up until now was all for that goal.
And now, working with Tsunade could help him achieve it.
So forget saying one nice thing about Konoha—he'd say a hundred if it helped!
Gahaha!
While everyone in the group chat continued their banter...
The massive scroll floating above Konoha began to tremble and burst into golden light.
The light shot down toward the Chūnin Exam arena.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was enveloped in the golden glow.
When the light faded—
Though no one could see any changes on the surface, Sarutobi himself felt a sudden revelation.
He had fully mastered "100% Barehanded Baton Catch".
Upon enlightenment, he realized just how powerful this reward truly was.
Just as he had guessed earlier—
When he summoned his summoned beast to attack with the baton, the effect would trigger.
And—
Even if he used a Shadow Clone, the effect would still apply.
Meaning—
Even without teaming up with his summoned beast, he could collaborate with a Shadow Clone.
One clone could attack with the baton, while he himself used other jutsu in tandem.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, turned toward Orochimaru with a smile.
Looking at his unfilial student—
He really wanted to pull out the baton right then and force Orochimaru to kneel.
But he knew... now wasn't the time to act rashly.
Soon after—
The scroll in the sky trembled again, bursting into golden light.
A new name appeared in the Five Kage Composite Ranking.
Five Kage Composite Ranking – 7th Place (Tied): Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki of the Two Scales!
Possesses Dust Release (Kekkei Tōta), can fly in battle, and is a master of Earth Release techniques.
Heir to the "Will of Stone," a battle-hardened warrior and one of the few survivors of the Warring States era.
Once clashed with Uchiha Madara in his youth.
The longest-serving and longest-living Tsuchikage in history. Led the village to its peak.
Reward: Chakra equal to the Nine-Tails, and a body 50 years younger.
When people saw Ōnoki's name on the list, many were shocked.
Especially Ōnoki himself!
He never imagined he'd only rank 7th...
And even worse—
He was tied with the very Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi he'd been mocking this whole time!
He couldn't accept it.
If only he hadn't taunted so much before...
If only he hadn't kept harping on how Hiruzen only ranked 7th...
Maybe things wouldn't be this awkward now.
Fourth Raikage A: Ōnoki, what's going on with you? Only 7th place? And tied with Sarutobi? That's just embarrassing!
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki: Why is my evaluation so low? Why am I only 7th? I'd rather not be ranked at all than be tied with that Third Hokage!
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi: Ōnoki, earlier you and the Raikage were mocking me like you were hot stuff. Turns out you're just as "mediocre" as me!
First Hokage Hashirama Senju: Ōnoki, and you had the nerve to talk trash about my little monkey of a disciple?
Second Hokage Tobirama Senju: Ōnoki, maybe next time before you insult someone, take a good look at yourself first. My dumb monkey might not be the best, but you're hardly in a position to criticize.
Uchiha Madara: I'm laughing too! This guy was just mocking others non-stop—and I'm especially offended. How dare they mention he fought me in his evaluation? That's an insult to my name!
Kurotsuchi: My grandfather is the Tsuchikage I respect the most. I won't let you all talk about him like that!
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki: Go ahead and mock me all you want! Once I get my reward, we'll see who's still laughing!
Though he was bitter about his rank—
Ōnoki was very satisfied with the reward.
Not only would he gain chakra equivalent to the Nine-Tails, but his body would also become 50 years younger.
Compared to the chakra, the second part of the reward was clearly more appealing.
Nine-Tails chakra plus a body 50 years younger?
Ōnoki's power would reach terrifying new heights.
Forget others—
Even he himself couldn't imagine how powerful he would become.
That being said—
Ōnoki now somewhat understood—
Why Hiruzen had declared himself the strongest Hokage in history, even the greatest shinobi ever, after seeing his own reward.
Because—
Ōnoki now really wanted to say the same thing.
With his reward, he felt like he was the strongest in the shinobi world.
At this very moment—
Ōnoki was filled not so much with confusion, but with deep shock.
He was shocked by the scroll—
And the leaderboard it had created.
Just what kind of scroll was this, capable of listing all these rankings and handing out such monstrous rewards?
Nine-Tails: Chakra equal to mine? I wonder—compared to the real me, who would win?
Eight-Tails: It's only the amount of your chakra. I doubt he can use Tailed Beast Bombs like us.
Nine-Tails: Of course not! Even if he has chakra equal to mine, in a one-on-one fight, he's absolutely no match for me.
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki: Arrogant beast! Once I get my reward, if I get the chance, I'll fight you myself. Then we'll see who's stronger!
Nine-Tails: Alright! I accept your challenge. It's been a long time since someone had the guts to face me. I'm excited!
Author's Note :
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