Chapter 8: The Face of the Hokage

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"This…"

After hearing what Hashirama said, the Third Hokage couldn't help but twitch slightly at the corner of his mouth.

Isn't this the same as not saying anything at all?

Suggestions can be made.

But not accepted.

Fine!

The Third Hokage felt that he had gained a new understanding of the First Hokage, the founder of the village. Perhaps he had been too young and naive before, hence the illusion of the First Hokage being very kind.

To lead the Senju clan to defeat the Uchiha clan in the Warring States period, establish the village, pacify conflicts, and subdue the tailed beasts.

How could there not be a hint of pride in a strong individual like that?

The Third Hokage suddenly understood a truth: strong individuals often use disguises to embellish themselves, at least he did.

"I understand."

The Third Hokage nodded solemnly, refraining from further comment. At this point, there was no need to say anything more on this topic.

Hashirama's gaze returned to Orochimaru.

The black, lifeless eyes emitted a sense of sharpness.

"Orochimaru, let's go."

Hashirama's tone became much calmer, though still extremely imposing.

"Okay."

Orochimaru immediately turned and strode towards the exit of the corridor.

The four members of Team Taka followed behind Orochimaru.

Outside, there were still sounds of battle.

The plan to destroy Konoha was not halted by the departure of the Third Hokage and Orochimaru.

Soon enough, Orochimaru walked out of the Hokage's office.

As the sunlight shone on his face, he couldn't distinguish whether this action would bring fortune or disaster.

Hashirama followed behind Orochimaru, observing the village of Konoha in a time of crisis without much emotion.

None of the people here were familiar.

They only existed in his knowledge of anime.

There were no bonds established.

Moreover…

It wasn't easy for the people here to establish any bonds with him.

When the gap in status reaches a certain level, there is simply no way to treat each other equally.

Even if Hashirama wanted to treat a genin equally.

That genin wouldn't really believe they were equal to the First Hokage.

Leave it to the Konoha ninja!

They can handle it!

"Let's go!"

Hashirama's slightly somber tone hardly fluctuated.

"Okay."

Orochimaru immediately dashed forward, accelerating instantly with great speed.

The four members of Team Taka followed Orochimaru, all sensing the terrifying presence behind them. Everyone's mood tightened, and nobody dared to let their guard down.

Although…

They all knew.

No matter how they guarded against it.

They couldn't possibly withstand the old man crawling out of the coffin behind them!

But they just couldn't control their nervousness.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

In a series of rapid flashes, several figures disappeared into the alleys outside the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage silently watched their departing figures.

His feelings were complex.

"Lord Third, what should we do?" A white-clothed ANBU ninja, masked and all, leaned in close to the Third Hokage, whispering softly. Through the eye slits of the mask, worry was evident in his gaze.

"Wait and see," the Third Hokage sighed softly, shaking his head helplessly. "If the First Hokage has truly returned to life, perhaps there's a chance for peace in the shinobi world…"

"Yes," the ANBU replied quietly, his mind still haunted by the scene of the birth of the tree within the barrier.

Curiosity lingered in his mind.

What kind of power would the First Hokage wield in his prime?

Meanwhile, Hashirama followed Orochimaru and the others toward the gates of Konoha. Everywhere was the chaos of war, with three winding serpents not far ahead.

These were the summoned beasts Orochimaru had conjured.

Boom!

Suddenly.

At that moment.

Above the serpent's head appeared a dark green toad, carrying two crossed short swords on its back, with a tall figure standing atop its head.

The figure stood against the backlight.

Specific features were indistinguishable.

However.

Given the plot's progression and the characteristics of the summoned toad, this person should be none other than one of the Sannin, Jiraiya.

Jiraiya had summoned not Gamatatsu but another toad. After striking a pose atop the toad, his gaze immediately focused on the swiftly moving Orochimaru.

Swoosh!

Jiraiya's figure flashed, appearing directly in front of Orochimaru, blocking his path.

"Orochimaru, so it's you after all," Jiraiya's voice carried a tone of understanding, as if he had anticipated these events long ago, showing no hint of surprise.

With Jiraiya's appearance.

Orochimaru halted his steps.

The four members of Team Tobi also tensed up.

Hashirama, bringing up the rear, likewise came to a stop.

"Jiraiya, it's you!" Orochimaru's serpent-like eyes glinted with amusement. He had spotted Jiraiya long ago and had anticipated his intervention.

It just so happened.

He intended to be intercepted.

"So, you've finally made a move against the village."

Jiraiya's tone carried a sense of regret; this person before him held a different significance.

Not only was he a renegade of Konoha.

But also a former comrade.

For so many years, Jiraiya had never given up on tracking Orochimaru's whereabouts.

"I'm sorry, I don't have time to reminisce with you right now. I suggest you step aside and mind your own business," Orochimaru intentionally said so. He knew Jiraiya's character well. This strategy of cat-and-mouse always worked.

The more he said this.

The less likely Jiraiya would yield.

"If I hadn't run into you, maybe I wouldn't interfere. But now, I won't let you leave just like that!" Jiraiya's tone was firm, his attitude clear. In his gaze directed at Orochimaru, hostility was evident.

Formerly just a renegade.

But now launching a direct attack on the village.

This was a different matter altogether.

"Oh, really?" Orochimaru's lips curled up with a hint of satisfaction. He was waiting for these words.

The next moment.

Orochimaru turned his head to glance at Hashirama, not far behind.

"Hokage-sama."

"Our path is blocked."

"The other party shows no intention of yielding."

"What should we do?"

Orochimaru's tone was urging, wanting to use Hashirama's hand to rid themselves of the bothersome Jiraiya.

"Hokage?" Jiraiya followed Orochimaru's gaze and immediately spotted a person standing at the very end of Orochimaru's group, clad in red armor.

This person's attire was very old-fashioned.

Not the typical garb of modern ninja.

Black hair cascaded freely behind, with a forehead protector bearing the symbol of Konoha.

Most importantly...

From Jiraiya's angle, he could see the iconic landmark of Konoha—Hokage Rock—right behind the person.

Two faces.

One large, one small, identical!

(End of Chapter)