Speech and Rescue

When the "Three-Year Pact" was unfolding in the world of the Virtual Reality game, something similar was happening in reality.

But the location wasn't Sunagakure—it was Konoha.

At this moment, countless Konoha residents were cheering and rejoicing, joyfully welcoming the return of the Three Ninja.

The streets and alleys were packed with people, shoulder to shoulder.

The Three Ninja, who had built such a fearsome reputation back in the day, had all been forced to leave the village for various reasons.

Now, with the kings returning, the common folk were offering food and drink to joyfully welcome the royal army.

Tsunade strode proudly at the front of the procession, with Orochimaru and Jiraiya flanking her on either side.

Even though Orochimaru was still a Konoha Rogue Ninja with a thoroughly rotten reputation, not everything could be judged by the same standard.

After the earlier incident where the Nine-Tails Fox made a stunning turnaround and was revealed to be the son of the Fourth Hokage, the residents of Konoha had all turned into conspiracy theorists.

Many old grudges were dug up and debated one by one, to decide which higher-up should take the blame.

When the Nine-Tails invaded, why did Namikaze Minato have to die? He was the Yellow Flash! Forget combat power—at least he could have saved himself, right? Did the Konoha higher-ups just watch him die there? Had they been plotting something all along?

Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang—why did he suddenly commit suicide back then?

As for the annihilation of the Uchiha Clan, anyone with a working brain knew the official explanation was toxic. Under this kind of storm, even fewer people believed it.

So when the Three Ninja gathered, and Orochimaru—unexpectedly—joined the returning party, aside from a few timid folks and those with personal grievances, most residents actually lined the streets to welcome them...

After all, the fearsome reputation of the Cold Lord Orochimaru was forged on the battlefield, built from the flesh, blood, and bones of his enemies!

"Everyone's so enthusiastic..."

Jiraiya, after being presented with flowers by a few pretty young girls, laughed like a squealing pig.

Orochimaru shot him a glance.

That look was like a bucket of ice water dumped on his head, snapping Jiraiya back to reality.

He quickly put on a righteous expression, sweeping his gaze over the surrounding residents with solemn dignity, and declared loudly, "This time, we've returned because we've sensed the rot and darkness in Konoha! We are determined to sweep away all that is wrong, so that every Konoha resident can live in happiness! Joy! Fulfillment! That is our promise!"

Orochimaru gave a noncommittal grunt.

His personality and reputation meant he could never do such a thing, and having Tsunade take the lead would also damage her dignity.

As for the other followers this time...

Kaguya Kimimaro, Guren of the Crystal Style, Hozuki Suigetsu—the younger brother of Hozuki Mangetsu of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—Jugo, the source of the Cursed Seal, Shizune, and even the newly defected Mitarashi Anko...

After Orochimaru's "Scientific Conditioning," these people had decent combat power and were obedient enough. But in this situation, they had no standing to speak.

The Sage of the Toads, Jiraiya, had a pretty good reputation. Sure, he was a bit lecherous, but he'd never done anything out of line. In many girls' eyes, it even came off as an endearing quirk. When he stepped up to speak, plenty of people were willing to trust him.

But rice feeds a hundred kinds of people, and there were still some hard-headed ones who stepped forward to challenge him: "Excuse me, Lord Jiraiya! How do you plan to fulfill your promise? Or rather, do you think what you do will definitely be better than what the Third Hokage and the Elder Council did?"

"Great question!"

Jiraiya's performance exceeded Orochimaru and Tsunade's expectations.

He was like a legendary actor from an ancient stage play, his tone exaggerated yet somehow stirring: "I have no confidence in myself at all! But! I trust my comrades!"

With that, he pointed at Tsunade: "The last heir of the Senju Clan, granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, a woman full of courage and conviction—Tsunade!"

Then he pointed at Orochimaru: "The Cold Lord Orochimaru, boundless in wisdom and overwhelming in strength!"

Finally, he took a deep breath: "With them here, I firmly believe that Konoha's future will be brighter! Everyone will have ample food and clothing, live happy and fulfilling lives, and never again fear being bullied by other powers."

"As for Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure—before us, they are nothing but chickens and dogs, not worth mentioning!"

"We are the blazing sun in the sky!"

"We will illuminate all four corners of the earth!"

In the silence, an emotion that hadn't stirred in decades began to brew among the crowd.

Moments later, a deafening roar of cheers echoed through Konoha!

"Three Ninja! Three Ninja!"

"Build a new Konoha!"

"Step down, Third Hokage and Elder Council! Support the Three Ninja to take over!"

The villagers roared, venting their inner ecstasy with all their might.

What did they want?

Peace and dignity!

The ninja world situation had been like a storm brewing before the rain—every major village was frantically preparing for war. Only Konoha played deaf and dumb, closed its borders, and pretended nothing would happen, fooling itself.

Other powers kept provoking and suppressing, yet Konoha's only response was to swallow its anger, never daring to strike back.

At a time like this, nothing could lift people's spirits more than a new leadership team full of boldness!

The Three Ninja were worthy of trust!

Before long, the Three Ninja team successfully arrived at their destination—a wide open space between the Hokage Office Building and Hokage Rock.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura looked like they'd been waiting for a while. A handful of ninja stood scattered behind them.

But these shinobi were a mixed bag in strength—there was Kage-level Might Guy, Elite Jonin Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi, and ordinary Jonin and Special Jonin like Shiranui Genma, Gekko Hayate, Ebisu, Morino Ibiki, Namiashi Raidō, and Yamashiro Aoba.

As for Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, those Elite Chunin were just there to fill the scene.

And the many other Genin were only padding to prop up the presence.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened, anger brewing in his eyes.

Finally, that fury erupted.

He barked out, "Jiraiya! Tsunade! What do you think you're doing! Mingling with a Rogue Ninja like Orochimaru—are you betraying Konoha?"

At this moment, the aura of the Ninja Legend from years past finally emerged.

Not giving them a chance to retort, he glared and said, "I'll give you one last chance! Don't be stubborn!"

"Heh... still clinging to hope, old man..."

Tsunade Chuckled, sneering with disdain, "Do you represent Konoha, or do the people of Konoha represent it better? Don't talk to me about the Will of Fire—I'm from the Senju Clan, I know it better than you."

"I said it before! If you can't cut it, I'll step up. Maybe you didn't take it seriously? But I meant it."

"The Konoha that Grandpa Hashirama and Tobirama built through hardship can't be ruined by degenerates like you!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned purple with rage.

Degenerate?

How was he degenerate?

Hadn't he faithfully fulfilled his duties as Hokage every single day?

An old man, giving his whole life's effort to Konoha, only to be spoken of like this!

Burning with fury, he decided not to waste more words on these youths blinded by desire.

He, the Professor of Ninjutsu, would use strength to "save" these lost lambs!

Third chapter! Please collect!!! Please recommend!!!