Chapter 48: The First Hokage

Of course, the Second Hokage hadn't died, since people resurrected with the Impure World Reincarnation can't be dealt with by ordinary means. But Amaterasu worked similarly—it wouldn't stop burning until the target was completely incinerated. As a result, the Second Hokage was caught in a loop of being burned and then regenerating. His body kept crumbling and healing, rendering him unable to move.

This situation couldn't be resolved unless Amaterasu was dealt with first. For now, the Second Hokage was immobilized. Orochimaru, observing the Amaterasu flames, was unsure how to handle them. It was his first time seeing such fire, and his instinct told him it was extremely dangerous, so he hesitated to investigate further.

Seeing this, Linton quickly checked his shop. Technically, he had already defeated the Second Hokage, even though the latter wasn't completely "dead," but he was subdued. However, Linton wasn't sure if defeating a resurrected Second Hokage would grant him the Hokage's abilities, so he quickly opened the shop.

To his surprise, he found the Second Hokage's jutsu available for purchase. Among them were some new Water Release techniques, even S-rank ones, which were much more advanced than what he had previously acquired from Kakashi. After scrolling down for a bit, Linton finally found what he was looking for.

But soon, he encountered a dilemma: the Flying Thunder God Technique was indeed available, but it cost a whopping 100,000 points! That was enough to buy a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan! But considering it was a "broken" jutsu, the price made sense. Luckily, Linton had plenty of points, so without hesitation, he purchased it.

As he continued browsing, Linton found another broken jutsu: the Impure World Reincarnation. Since the Second Hokage created the technique, it wasn't surprising it was there. However, Linton didn't buy it right away. Although it was powerful, the requirements to use it were too stringent, and it was incredibly expensive. He decided to save it for later, when he had a more pressing need for it.

After making his purchase, Linton realized he was nearly cornered. Although his speed allowed him to dodge the trees closing in on him, the barrier was only so large, and the area was almost entirely filled by the Forest Emergence technique. The Anbu outside could no longer see what was happening inside, and the village was in chaos. The ninja responsible for sealing techniques couldn't get close enough to assist; they were powerless to help.

Finally, Linton was trapped. A tree branch coiled around his leg, and he quickly checked his magic power, which had started to drop. He had heard that Wood Release could absorb chakra, and it appeared that in his case, it was draining his magic power. This was a serious problem.

Just as Linton was considering what to do next, a figure appeared beside him, striking the branch that had ensnared him. It didn't attack Linton but instead broke the branch, freeing him. Linton flipped through the air and landed safely on a nearby tree branch alongside the newcomer.

The person who had helped him was none other than the Third Hokage. Despite his age, the Third's taijutsu was still formidable. Linton had felt its power firsthand. With a few swings of his staff, the Third Hokage broke the tree branches advancing toward them. However, things weren't like they used to be. After a short while, sweat appeared on the Third Hokage's brow, and Linton noticed he was breathing heavily, his stamina waning—he really was getting old.

"Even if you kill Orochimaru, you won't be able to stop the technique," the Third Hokage said to Linton. "It's the Second Hokage's secret jutsu. Unless the caster releases it, their bodies will keep regenerating."

Linton nodded and said, "But my technique has already been revealed. Orochimaru's no fool; he'll avoid it. If we can get close to him and use it at point-blank range, we might be able to hit him."

"Your technique can only hold them temporarily, but it won't keep them trapped forever," the Third Hokage said. "I have a jutsu that can solve the current situation."

"A sealing technique?" Linton asked. Of course, he knew what the Third Hokage was referring to—Shiki Fujin (Reaper Death Seal). Given the current situation, while Linton's Amaterasu could burn the First and Second Hokage to keep them down temporarily, it wouldn't solve the root problem. He couldn't just leave them burning forever, and the Third Hokage didn't know how long Linton's flames would last. After considering for a moment, the Third Hokage decided to use Shiki Fujin, planning to deal with both his former students and himself. As their teacher, he saw this as his duty, and he was willing to sacrifice his life for the village.

"Yes," the Third Hokage nodded, "but I need some time to prepare."

"I'll buy you time and hold him down," Linton said, pointing to the First Hokage.

"Understood," the Third Hokage nodded.

"Push me," Linton suddenly said, stretching out his hand toward the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage grabbed Linton's hand and, with a forceful throw, hurled him forward. However, what the Third Hokage didn't notice was that in the moment they separated, Linton left a mark on the Third Hokage's hand. Unaware, the Third Hokage continued his focus, oblivious to Linton's technique.

With the boost, Linton surged forward. Upon seeing this, the First Hokage initiated a bizarre technique.

"Genjutsu: Infinite Darkness."

Most of the First Hokage's will was under Orochimaru's control at this point, and it was only because of Orochimaru's lack of knowledge that such a strange decision was made. If the First Hokage had been in full control, he would've known that casting genjutsu on someone with Mangekyō Sharingan was like showing off one's minor skills to an expert. This was why Linton felt confident he could take down both the First and Second Hokage.

"Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change."

Linton activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, and with a single glance, he reflected the First Hokage's genjutsu back at him. Clearly, Orochimaru's understanding of the Sharingan was quite limited.

The First Hokage was momentarily plunged into darkness by his own genjutsu but quickly dispelled it. Forming a hand seal, the surrounding trees once again began growing wildly, as if to completely encase Linton.

At this point, nearly the entire barrier was filled with trees, and those outside couldn't see anything. Linton watched the advancing branches, his eyes glowing red as he muttered, "Amaterasu."

With a loud "boom," black flames tore a hole in the mass of trees, and Linton stepped through, arriving directly in front of the First Hokage. Glancing at his magic power, he noticed that even without being entangled, it was steadily draining just from being inside the forest. No wonder the Third Hokage was getting exhausted so quickly.

As Linton pondered this, the First Hokage suddenly swung a punch at him. Although Linton didn't react immediately, his body did, automatically raising a fist to meet the blow. There was a loud crash as the First Hokage's hand shattered but immediately began regenerating, while Linton was sent flying backward.

Linton recalled that the First Hokage possessed a monstrous strength technique that he later passed down to Tsunade. This punch was no joke; even with his own strength exceeding 600 points, Linton couldn't match it. However, his body quickly adjusted. In mid-air, he flipped and landed on his feet, skidding for a short distance before coming to a stop.

Without needing to be told, the surrounding trees surged toward Linton again, but he was faster. With a burst of speed, Linton once more reached the First Hokage.

"Amaterasu."

This time, the First Hokage tried to dodge, but the distance was too short. The black flames struck him. Linton sighed in relief; he had finally hit his target. However, in the next instant, the First Hokage charged directly at Linton.

Ordinary people would have been writhing in pain by now, but the First Hokage, resurrected through the Impure World Reincarnation, felt no pain and could heal his body. Even after being hit by Amaterasu, he could still hold on for a while. Linton realized that the First Hokage was trying to launch a final attack before being completely consumed.

Linton admitted he had been a bit careless, but it didn't matter. While his mind may have relaxed, his body hadn't. As the First Hokage lunged at him, Linton's body instinctively ducked, dodging the punch. It seemed that in their earlier clash, Linton's combat instincts had learned that his strength was no match for the First Hokage, so it avoided another direct confrontation.

The First Hokage's punch missed, and he quickly formed a hand seal for a new jutsu, but Linton's body followed suit, starting to form its own seals. Both moved at lightning speed, but the First Hokage was faster—until, at the last moment, his right arm broke off.

The Amaterasu flames had continued to burn the First Hokage, and they finally severed his arm, interrupting his jutsu. In the next instant, Linton

 completed his own technique.

"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu."

A massive, dragon-shaped fireball shot toward the First Hokage. At this distance, there was no chance of escape. The red flames engulfed the First Hokage, and soon after, the black flames of Amaterasu overpowered the red, delivering a double fiery onslaught. The First Hokage's body finally gave out, collapsing to the ground.

"Battle over," Linton's AI announced as the First Hokage, still burning from Amaterasu, fell. Linton quickly opened his shop and, upon seeing the first item listed, sighed in relief. His efforts hadn't been in vain, though the cost of these powerful abilities was always overwhelming. Just when he thought he'd accumulated enough points to be wealthy, he realized it wasn't nearly enough.

Before he could make a purchase, a loud shout erupted from nearby. Linton turned to see the Third Hokage finally beginning his own move.

Linton glanced at Orochimaru, who was clearly much more anxious now. Throughout the earlier battle, Orochimaru hadn't been able to focus on what was happening, which had led to the First Hokage's poor performance. But he had no choice—what the Third Hokage was doing was far too concerning. Although Orochimaru didn't know exactly what technique the Third Hokage was using, a deep sense of foreboding told him it was something extremely dangerous.

(End of this chapter)