A Product of Compulsory Education Who Slipped Through the Cracks

At the end of Konoha 47, the Third Great Ninja War came to an end.

The Third Hokage failed to secure any benefits for Konoha in this battle and opted for peace talks despite having a significant advantage.

Therefore, the Third Hokage had to take responsibility for this battle, and under pressure from all sides, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to resign from his position as Hokage.

Before he stepped down, he highly recommended the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze, who had risen to fame during this battle!

Danzo also strongly recommended Orochimaru as a partner, and Orochimaru also had his moments of brilliance in this battle.

"Minato Namikaze orchestrated the Battle of Kannabi Bridge!"

Just when the atmosphere was at a stalemate, Hiruzen Sarutobi said these words to the Daimyo, and sure enough, it was a powerful weapon!

"Oh? That seems quite impressive!"

The Daimyo covered his mouth with his fan and said in astonishment, and the other Daimyo were equally shocked by the news.

Although Orochimaru fought against the Four-Tails and the Five-Tails at the beginning, he only managed to defeat the Five-Tails, resulting in mutual injuries.

They are unaware that Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, has died; this will only be confirmed after further investigation or if the Five-Tails is resurrected.

It was this uncertain battle that gave Orochimaru some fame.

In contrast, Minato Namikaze was truly outstanding in this battle.

He single-handedly fought against the A-B Combo from Kumogakure, against more than sixty ninjas from Iwagakure, and spearheaded the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, among other things.

"In that case, Minato Hokage will succeed as the Minato Namikaze!"

With the Daimyo's decisive decision, the position of the next Hokage was decided, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression immediately relaxed, while Danzo glared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with hatred.

Can we say that he truly Hiruzen Sarutobi, who has consistently outmaneuvered him for so many years?

This reminded him of the words the Second Hokage had once spoken to him:

"You're always like this, trying to be clever, showing off, and stealing credit. This kind of personality will get you into trouble sooner or later. If you don't change, you can forget about working with me!"

Even though he was unwilling, Danzo could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.

After the next Hokage was chosen, the news reached Konoha, and the entire village was in an uproar.

Minato, is going to take over Hokage position!

Might Guy excitedly ran up to Kakashi and shared the news with him.

Since Kakashi lost his two companions, Obito and Rin, he has become depressed, and his already quiet personality has become even more withdrawn.

Fortunately, he had his easygoing younger brother Might Guy to guide him, which prevented him from becoming withdrawn.

"Kakashi, have you heard? Minato- senpai is going to take over Hokage position!"

"Oh!"

Kakashi seemed not to hear, remaining seated in his chair unmoved, his expression unchanged.

"Are you still blaming Minato-sensei?"

Seeing his expression, Might Guy's excitement cooled down, and he asked with some concern.

When Obito died, Minato arrived late, and when Rin died, Minato was on another mission. It would be impossible for an ordinary person not to have any thoughts about this.

But Kakashi didn't blame Minato at all. He could be called a genius, and he wasn't stupid.

Putting aside the fact that it's all the enemy's schemes and tricks, he's already a Jonin. If he relies on others for support in everything, he's handing his life over to them.

Then why Jonin? He should just go back to the Ninja Academy and start over.

"No, of course I'm happy that Minato-sensei became Hokage!"

As he spoke, Kakashi got up and walked in one direction. Might Guy looked at him with some suspicion, then came to his senses and followed him.

Before long, Might Guy knew where Kakashi was going: the Konoha graveyard.

This exciting news needs to be shared with Obito and Rin immediately.

As the saying goes, "One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand," and the rise of Hokage history has been marked by countless deaths and bloodshed.

When the two arrived at the cemetery, they saw two familiar faces.

"Lord Orochimaru, I would like to ask Genin?"

A child, about four or five years old, was standing in front of Orochimaru, asking questions with a respectful expression.

Orochimaru never expected the plot to have such a strong momentum; just like in the Original Work, Itachi came to him to ask for advice.

"To understand the meaning of being a ninja, you must understand your own mission and the meaning of your life!"

Unlike in the Original Work, Orochimaru did not talk to him about the eternity of life or the mysteries of Ninjutsu.

In this life, Itachi still wants to kill him with a single glance and teach him a lesson? Dream on.

However, he did not spout nonsense just because he was a senior, but instead guided him by incorporating Itachi's life experiences.

His mission was to uphold the honor of the Uchiha, maintain the stability of the village, and live for his younger brother!

His life was already predetermined; once he understands these things, he will no longer be confused.

Itachi was slightly taken aback when he heard this. He had thought he would get the answer directly, but he was unexpectedly asked three soul-searching questions.

Although his face is still a bit childish, his eyes are gradually becoming more mature.

Orochimaru knew that this was the look of someone honed on the battlefield. To have such extraordinary awareness at such a young age, he seemed to see his own childhood self in him, even more outstanding.

Orochimaru isn't trying to glorify himself; he was Hiruzen Sarutobi at the age of 5, and in terms of Ninjutsu alone, he had the strongest talent among the Sannin.

In terms of intellectual awareness, he was already pondering the meaning of life at the age of 5. Orochimaru would never admit that he was far inferior to Itachi.

"Everyone goes through this stage: seeing a mountain and wanting to know what's on the other side."

I want to tell you that once you get over the mountain, you might find that there's nothing really on the other side.

Looking back, you might think this side is better, but you don't believe it. With your personality, you won't be satisfied without trying it yourself!

With 37 years of experience as a snake, Orochimaru is more than qualified to be Itachi's mentor. The undefeated Orochimaru shares valuable insights.

Upon hearing these words, Itachi felt as if his heart had been clenched. Could it be that Orochimaru had figured out what he was planning to do?

However, when he met Orochimaru's deep eyes, he quickly lowered his head.

"Thank you, Orochimaru- senpai!"

After speaking, Itachi bowed to Orochimaru and politely took his leave.

Little did he know that Orochimaru's last words would work on everyone with a story, making them a universal remedy.

It's just that Itachi, at such a young age, was overthinking things after hearing such profound words.

Every age has its own things to think about and do; being too precocious means losing the joy that comes with it.

"I don't know whether to be sad or relieved!"

Orochimaru shook his head. The two were quite similar. Itachi wanted to change the Uchiha by his own power, while Orochimaru wanted to change the entire Konoha through a bloody revolution.

The methods are equally radical, and the victims are also those who slipped through the net of nine-year compulsory education!