Chapter 103: 103. Saving Third Hokage
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Inside the examination room layed a group of defeated shinobi, unable to continue fighting. Among them were Konoha ninjas and shinobi from the other village.
The stark difference was that all the Konoha ninjas had Katsuyu, the slug summon, resting on their backs, continuously healing their injuries.
This gave them the advantage of rejoining the battle—a testament to having an exceptional medical-nin on their side.
Meanwhile, dozens of shinobi continued to clash in the arena. With most of the spectators evacuated due to Naruto's actions, the stands were now nearly empty—a situation the village could hardly explain.
The most eye-catching battle was between Baki and Genma, with Shisui supporting from the shadows. It was only a matter of time before Baki would be overwhelmed.
Itachi, an ANBU captain, demonstrated his prowess as well. He refrained from using extravagant Fire Release jutsu like Sasuke.
Instead, he skillfully utilized each jutsu and shuriken with precision, perfectly synchronized with his Sharingan.
He combined intelligence and finesse, making even the smallest jutsu effective.
Furthermore, when his opponent wasn't Sasuke, Itachi's hand signs were so fast they were almost imperceptible—he truly lived up to his reputation of hitting seven targets in an instant.
On another front, Gai and Kakashi teamed up. One is a taijutsu master, the other an all-rounder adept in both offence and defence.
Years of rivalry and camaraderie have made their coordination seamless. In this intense fight, Kakashi might have had fleeting thoughts of Kurenai.
Overall, Konoha had the upper hand, and there was little concern about the ongoing skirmish in the arena.
…
Naruto couldn't comprehend the scene unfolding inside the barrier atop the roof. The two sides' lineups were as follows:
Our Side:
Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi
Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze
Kushina Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki
Jiraiya, the Toad Sage
Tsunade Senju, the Slug Princess
This formidable team had attackers, defenders, assassins, and even healers. Their lineup was so balanced that even if Madara Uchiha were resurrected, he would think twice before challenging them.
Opposition:
First Hokage, Hashirama Senju
Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju
Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage
Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin
…and Sai, incapacitated on the ground
With three of them revived through Edo Tensei, the lineup seemed absurd. It was like a team of four elite shinobi carrying a rookie.
Naruto hadn't left a shadow clone behind, so he was clueless about what transpired while he was away.
Fortunately, Kurama, the Nine-Tails, had witnessed everything and narrated the events to him.
Despite Kurama's grumbling towards the resurrected Hashirama, Naruto managed to pacify him with his trademark line: "The past is the past, Kurama. Everyone's dead and gone."
Kurama then began recounting what had happened after Naruto's departure.
Orochimaru had kidnapped the Third Hokage and escaped to the roof, ordering the Sound Four to erect the Four Violet Flames Formation, with Sai trailing behind.
Confident in his victory, Orochimaru shed his disguise as the Kazekage, reverting to his original form.
In the shocked gaze of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru shared a twisted reunion between Teacher and student, showcasing his pride—the Reanimation Jutsu.
Orochimaru was now using a female body, embodying the sinister Snake Sage.
When Orochimaru moved to kill Hiruzen with a sadistic smile, Minato and Kushina burst onto the scene.
Orochimaru caught off guard, saw Minato deflect his kunai and save Hiruzen while Kushina landed a powerful punch on him, sending him sprawling. Naruto fondly thought of naming this combo the "Scrambled Egg Set with Tomato," if only it weren't his mother in action. ( Minato's naming Sense has affected him )
After regaining his composure, Orochimaru shed his damaged body, emerging anew, and wiped his face with his tongue. "The Flying Thunder God Jutsu? Impressive, Minato. You did manage to enter the barrier. But the jutsu requires a mark, doesn't it?"
Minato held his kunai calmly. "You know well, Orochimaru. That's true."
Suspiciously glancing at Sai, Orochimaru wondered if Danzo had leaked his plans. "But I chose this location on the info. There shouldn't be any marks here. The only possibility is that you marked the old man himself."
Hiruzen looked puzzled. "Minato, are you implying you knew about Orochimaru's attack in advance? I don't recall being in contact with you recently. When did you mark me?"
Minato smiled. "I don't need direct contact. I only need to leave a mark on your clothing."
"Clothing?"
Kushina interjected with a grin, "That's right. You don't pick your clothes, do you?"
"Don't tell me…" Hiruzen recalled Kushina visiting him days ago, asking for ninjutsu lessons, and during the chaos caused by Konohamaru's prank, she was alone with his wife, Biwako, while he changed.
Kushina continued, "That's when I handed Biwako the marked cloth and asked her to sew it into your clothing's lining. I also asked her to keep it a secret."
Minato apologized, "I'm sorry for keeping this from you, but we had our reasons."
Hiruzen, finally understanding, smiled sadly. Minato must have feared for his life, anticipating Orochimaru's attack.
"I see. You were worried that I was resigned to dying."
Minato countered, "I don't care about your past deeds, be they right or wrong. But if you truly believe you were wrong, live and make amends. Don't leave everything to the next generation and give up."
"What can an old man like me do, other than die here today?" Hiruzen lamented.
"You're a master of ninjutsu. Your knowledge is invaluable. If you could train more exceptional shinobi like Jiraiya-sensei, it would be a tremendous service."
"Ha! If that's the case, then I'll fight for Konoha for the rest of my life! But let's hope there aren't too many more like Jiraiya."
Determined, Hiruzen turned to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, I won't let you continue down this path. I will stop you."
Orochimaru smirked, his hands flashing through hand signs. "Is the chat over? Even with all of you here, you won't be able to stop me! Edo Tensei—Reanimation Jutsu!"
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