Further Cooperation with Mount Myoboku! Might Duy and Hashirama Cells, Hozuki Gengetsu's Speechlessness (8K)

Jiraiya stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

A hint of filial piety flashed in his eyes.

"I thought that after two years of cultivating at Mount Myoboku, I had achieved Sage Mode..."

"Finally, I can surpass my teacher and become his support."

"I never imagined that even today, in terms of both ability and mindset, my teacher would still be the person I need to rely on, like an unyielding mountain that gives me peace of mind!"

Jiraiya exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although my muscles and bones were burning with pain, the warmth in my heart lessened the pain considerably.

Jiraiya felt that today's beating was absolutely worth it...

When men communicate openly, especially between a master and his apprentice, they should convey their will through fists!

" Jiraiya, do you understand what I'm saying?"

"You said before that you were going to find the Child of Prophecy, and now you're saying I'm the Prophet Master..."

"Judging from that prophecy you were so fixated on, aren't you, who was taken as a disciple by me, the Prophet Master, the very Child of Prophecy?" "And my teacher is Lord Hashirama. Every Konoha Ninja follows the Will of Fire and is Lord Hashirama's successor. From this perspective, everyone in the village is what you call the ' Child of Prophecy '..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi discusses this from two perspectives.

One aspect is the practical reality, and the other is the prophecy of Mount Myoboku, which Jiraiya has believed in for decades. It's like he's blocked out both ends. Jiraiya's mouth dropped open, and he looked completely dumbfounded.

Is that another way to interpret it?

But thinking about it carefully, what the teacher said actually makes a lot of sense...

The key to achieving peace had always been right beside him, in the village where he lived.

He was the Child of Prophecy, as were any ninja who believed in the Will of Fire, and all his comrades who worked hard for the village and did their jobs well... Jiraiya understood!

Hiruzen Sarutobi observed Jiraiya's expression and smiled slightly.

He wasn't just talking nonsense...

The Shinobi World is indeed different from his previous life. This world has extraordinary power and strong individuals who can fight against hundreds or even thousands of people. Logic cannot be mechanically applied to it.

However, the so-called strong are not invincible from birth; they also grow stronger step by step by relying on the so-called "weak." Even Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, when they were young, even in the worst of the Warring States period, their Ninja Clan provided them with space and resources for growth and survival.

This is especially true for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

His potential ceiling comes from the growth and progress of every Konoha Ninja; their sweat and effort have broadened the possibilities for the Hokage to reach higher levels of strength...

Whether it was less or more, Hiruzen Sarutobi genuinely believed that these ninjas, accustomed to hardship, were truly doing their best within their capabilities...

Therefore, no matter how much they contributed to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Lord Hokage appreciated their kindness.

Those who are capable can contribute their physical strength, and those who are truly unable to contribute anything, even just offering emotional value, is commendable.

"I understand, teacher..."

Jiraiya let out a soft breath.

"I used to think I could solve problems all by myself, believing that finding the Child of Prophecy would solve everything, but I overlooked the fact that my companions were all working diligently and practically..."

"I will no longer fantasize about shouldering the burden of peace alone. I will work with everyone in the village to do my best!" Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with a smile.

The fact that Jiraiya could say those words means that he has already changed...

"You two, may I come over and have a chat?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, Fukasaku, and Sage Shima said with a smile, then nodded slightly to Tsunade. Tsunade understood and summoned a part of the Sage of the Katsuyu, and also came over with a handful of Medical Chakra Scroll. Fukasaku and Sage Shima exchanged a glance.

After being captured by the Enma, the two of them gave up resisting and even chatted happily with the Enma...

The status of the Monkey Clan in the realm of Summoning Beast is actually quite similar to that of the Sarutobi Clan.

Moving up, they're not in the same league as the Uchiha Senju, but they're still in the upper echelons of the second tier.

No matter where you go, introducing yourself will not make you look down on; you will receive a certain level of respect.

Two frogs and a monkey arrived beside Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Katsuyu silently lay on their backs, providing Chakra and healing their wounds.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the Medical Chakra Scroll from Tsunade and handed it to Fukasaku and Shima:

"I've long admired you two Sage..."

"This is Medical Chakra Scroll developed by Konoha. It is very helpful for first aid on the battlefield. Thank you to everyone from Mount Myoboku for your help on the battlefield. We are also ashamed of the loss of so many of your men."

"So if you need anything, you can ask me. The trust between Mount Myoboku and the village was forged in the blood and fire of the battlefield..." The Toad of Mount Myoboku, especially the intelligent ones, generally possess special abilities.

Their combined combat strength is comparable to that of Special Jonin.

Maintaining the fighting capacity of these Toad is a good thing for Konoha, but the premise must be that the ninjas are the primary focus, and only a portion should be allocated after ensuring a surplus.

The expanded production capacity of Amegakure and the continuously improving productivity of Konoha's Industrial Ninja gave Hiruzen Sarutobi the confidence to do so.

Fukasaku and Shima were taken aback. Were there really ninjas who cared so much for their Summoning Beast?

Isn't this a true Prophet Master?

"Thank you, thank you, Lord Hokage..." Fukasaku said repeatedly.

Those Toad that can be sent to fight are, in a sense, its offspring...

As for those that can't develop sentience, they're just consumables.

This is the Mount Myoboku.

" Katsuyu, thank you for your continued support of Konoha..."

"If you have any needs, you can let me know, and I will do my best to coordinate and consider them." Hiruzen Sarutobi extended his fist and gently touched the antennae of the Katsuyu, speaking earnestly.

The reputation of the Three Great Sage Regions and the profits from turning abandoned resources into valuable assets are important sources of revenue for Konoha, making a real contribution to the village.

"You're welcome, Lord Hokage..."

The Katsuyu spoke in a soft, gentle voice; it looked like a slug, but its voice sounded like that of a gentle woman.

"If I had to say, I'd just keep signing contracts with Konoha..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked.

Is this for real?

He knew that this creature's true form was an enormous Haojie, somewhat similar to the Nine-Tails.

After splitting, the amount of Chakra decreased, the size of the body also decreased, and the thoughts also became somewhat childish.

But isn't this a bit too detached from desires?

"I've actually been hoping to wait until the second Lord Hashirama signs a contract with me..."

The Haojie said shyly:

"If a ninja like that were to appear in the village, I would like to ask the Lord Hokage to give priority to Shikkotsu Forest. I would love to see such a genius again..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow twitched involuntarily.

Hashirama's reputation is still going strong!

In other words, it's true that when he was a child, he heard that Hashirama Shikkotsu Forest, learned Senjutsu after just one trip, laughed heartily, and ran away without signing a contract...

"It's true what they say, comparisons are odious..." Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, quite remarkably.

He suddenly thought of Uchiha Madara, even though Madara was also at the pinnacle of ninja.

However, as Hashirama's Hashirama of such a terrifyingly talented monster is no easy feat for an Uchiha... But Hiruzen Sarutobi isn't in a hurry.

Jiraiya has already mastered the basics of Senjutsu. Once Orochimaru's Cursed Seal is further disseminated, perhaps one day he too will receive recognition for his " Performance Metrics " in this area...

Who doesn't have some special talent?

" Lord Hashirama's talent?" Fukasaku the Toad shook his head with a smile.

Both he and Shima had lived for hundreds of years and had noticed that the Senju and Uchiha often produced exceptionally strong individuals, but the Great Toad Sage remained tight-lipped about it, feigning ignorance whenever questioned...

Even so, when Fukasaku and Shima talked behind closed doors, they remarked that Senju Hashirama's talent and strength were the most outrageous among all the Shinobi World in the world...

"If such a ninja truly exists, Mount Myoboku would be willing to let Shikkotsu Forest go first..." Fukasaku said magnanimously, because he did not believe that another Hashirama would appear.

This is an extremely low probability event!

"We're inseparable, we're inseparable..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, trying to smooth things over. "If you ask me, the Three Great Sage Regions are all one family. It's fortunate that we've all gathered in Konoha. The matter of the contractors is easy to discuss, easy to discuss..."

If a true Hashirama were to emerge, it would be a waste to only sign a contract with one Holy Land. We must bind them all firmly to Konoha's war machine at once! "Gentlemen, could you demonstrate your Senjutsu Chakra once more?"

After finishing treating his injuries, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Fukasaku and Shima.

The two Toad Sage were stunned; they hadn't yet recovered from the astonishment of Konoha's technology. With such convenient medical Ninja Tool, the morale and military might of the army were unimaginable...

"Alright!" Fukasaku and Shima gathered their Senjutsu Chakra.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and once again tried to test the stability of the Senjutsu Chakra using Spirit Release.

But this time, it didn't work...

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully.

In his view, the product of the combination of Natural Energy and Chakra should be a relatively dense whole, like Fukasaku and Shima, and shouldn't be so easily separated...

"This..."

"Although I don't know what technique you used just now, Lord Hokage, Senjutsu Chakra, once mastered, doesn't have many drawbacks in actual combat..." Fukasaku, thinking Hiruzen Sarutobi had questioned the techniques of Mount Myoboku, explained:

"What happened just now was because Jiraiya was flustered, and his mastery of Senjutsu is still in its early stages."

"In the combined battle form, although it's my wife and I gathering Senjutsu Chakra, the focus is still on Jiraiya..." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded knowingly.

"Although the two Sage were a great help, you still need to learn to manage things on your own..."

Jiraiya scratched his head. "I can gather some strength, but I can't speed it up. It feels like I lack resistance training, but I don't have any good methods."

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Isn't that me?"

His initial Spirit Release and Jiraiya's rudimentary Sage Senjutsu could be used to hone their skills until they were proficient...

The Lord Hokage is currently looking for a new sparring partner...

Jiraiya was taken aback at first, then nodded subconsciously.

Don't say...

The teacher's strange technique can interfere with the stability of his Senjutsu Chakra. If I get used to gathering Natural Energy in this kind of environment, it will definitely be much easier when I try it myself...

Just thinking about Minato's " Hiruzen's Three Forms "—this chuunibyou-esque description was actually realistic—made Jiraiya's face turn bitter.

How could a master and disciple only practice Sage Mode when training together?

I'm going to get beaten up again...

"My two Sage, though I am not very talented, I am also extremely interested in Sage Mode..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly.

Fukasaku immediately chimed in, "No problem, Lord Hokage! When would you like to come for training? Mount Myoboku always ready to welcome you!"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Fukasaku and Shima had a completely different opinion of Great Toad Sage...

This old senile man's prediction seems to be somewhat accurate?

So it wasn't just a dream where I said whatever came to mind...

"Well, is it alright if we don't have a contract?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked hesitantly.

"Hey, you said it yourself, the trust between Mount Myoboku and Konoha is forged in blood and fire!" Fukasaku waved his webbed feet and said magnanimously, "You don't need to worry about that!! It's all for the peace of the Shinobi World..."

Where can you find a Hokage who's willing to consider the safety of Summoning Beast?

If I don't hold on tight, my wife will scold me for being useless when we get back...

"Is that so..." Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly.

"I know my situation; I'm practically a novice when it comes to perceiving Natural Energy. But the Enma might have some potential in this area. Could you perhaps train it for me?"

The Enma of the Monkey Clan was an old comrade-in-arms of Hiruzen Sarutobi, with whom he had fought side by side for many years.

Enma once lamented to Hiruzen Sarutobi that he possessed some talent in Senjutsu Mode, but unfortunately, the Monkey Clan lacked a systematic training method for it, making it difficult to even begin learning from mere words.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also drew inspiration from Jiraiya's teamwork with Fukasaku and Shima.

He didn't need to rush to master it; after all, Hiruzen Sarutobi already had ways to improve himself. The construction of the " Ten Thousand Seal Body Absorption Seal " was only the beginning, and Body Tempering was a long-term endeavor...

The Spirit Release also needs further development and improvement.

Even though he is a highly energetic person, his potential is not limitless.

The Enma was taken aback.

no...

At my age, should I start striving all over again?

It thought Hiruzen was going to learn it!

However, when Enma saw Hiruzen Sarutobi's powerful physique and resolute face, a fighting spirit surged within him. He couldn't let his comrades fall behind!

"Besides, isn't this exactly what I pursued but couldn't achieve when I was young?"

"Now that Hiruzen has found this path for me, it would be my fault for slacking off if I didn't catch up..."

The Enma took a deep breath and knelt on one knee, knowing how precious the Sage ' legacy was.

"Both of you, if I am fortunate enough to obtain this information, I will keep it strictly confidential, solely so that I can fight for peace alongside Hiruzen, Konoha, and Mount Myoboku. I have absolutely no other intentions!"

The Enma declared firmly, "I swear on the future of the Monkey Clan!"

Fukasaku raised his hand and used the immense strength of the Frog Kumite to lift Enma up, slightly salvaging some of the situation for Mount Myoboku.

"Why would it be like this? The Monkey Clan, who have signed a contract with the Hokage, are naturally allies of Mount Myoboku! As long as it's for the sake of peace, Mount Myoboku is willing to help!"

That's actually an exaggeration; Mount Myoboku is very strict in selecting contractors.

However, with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the " Prophet Master," present, the overall vision and theme need to be grander; otherwise, Mount Myoboku will appear too petty...

It's unacceptable to make predictions Tenten, but then fail to contribute when it comes to the task at hand.

And so, Enma, Fukasaku, and Shima, carrying some Medical Chakra Scroll, Hiruzen Sarutobi and returned to Mount Myoboku. Before leaving, Fukasaku specifically emphasized that if the Holy Land lacked materials for alchemy, and if the other two Holy Land were short of funds, Mount Myoboku had other useful local specialties...

"Kid, take your time practicing. Don't always try to carry the load alone."

"When you encounter a strong enemy in the future, you must first think about going all out, and you must also learn to go back to Konoha to get reinforcements. With the Flying Thunder God Technique, you will be able to return to the battlefield quickly..." Hiruzen Sarutobi once again reminded Jiraiya.

This kid has the potential to be a fanatic; he likes to go to extremes when things happen, and he always fantasizes that "the grandest ending for a ninja is a glorious death." If he really encounters an enemy that requires a fight to the death, then fighting to the bitter end is naturally no problem.

But you can't intentionally seek death...

Jiraiya nodded earnestly; Jiraiya he, in his slowness, could understand that his teacher was worried about him.

Orochimaru, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya, couldn't help but scoff, "That idiot is such a worry; even the teacher needs to take extra care of him..."

Tsunade glanced at Orochimaru with surprise and said in a strange tone:

"Seriously? Even geniuses get jealous of idiots?"

"That's really funny..."

Orochimaru's face darkened; he was truly exasperated by Tsunade's sharp tongue!

He's always stirring things up from the moment he opens his mouth...

" Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest have united around the teacher, what should Ryūchi Cave do?"

Orochimaru pondered, thinking that in a two-against-one situation, even the arrogant Ryūchi Cave would have to bow its head and cooperate deeply with Konoha to seek a new balance.

However, Summoning Beast capable of true communication, such as Enma, Fukasaku and Shima, and the split forms of the Sage Oyster, are extremely rare in Ryūchi Cave. The Summoning Beast there are generally more animalistic than anything else; the Manda he frequently summons is particularly troublesome...

"I really need to find a way to deal with these snakes. I need to take drastic measures..." Orochimaru thought to himself.

Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing!

After the competition ended, every Konoha Ninja who participated had something on their mind.

First came Sakumo and Fugaku. Their desire to become stronger grew stronger. After all, they were Konoha Committee Member, and they could see that Jiraiya's return would definitely help with the development of the " Cursed Seal ".

If I can pass the medical exam, then I'm willing to take the gamble!

Even if we lose, at least we've provided Material for the village's future...

Ninjas are just that extreme...

Furthermore, the transplanted Kekkei Genkai was something Sakumo and Fugaku both coveted. They possessed willpower and decisiveness no less than Hizashi's, and they also trusted the Scientific Research Department and the Lord Hokage...

If you say you can give it a try, these two won't hesitate for a second!

Next was Danzo. After witnessing Hiruzen's overwhelming power, he felt both gratified that this was his true rival and somewhat dissatisfied with his own Wind Release Chakra Mode...

Although his Wind Release Chakra Mode is strong, it's far inferior to Hiruzen's...

However, Danzo wasn't thinking about ordinary Kekkei Genkai or Cursed Seal...

This was developed by Orochimaru and Hiruko's gang; Lord Darkness of the Shinobi doesn't want to use it!

"My beloved disciple, Aosui, recently reported to me that there has been progress in the development of Lord Hashirama's cells..."

"For Hokage Faction, the only cell I should receive is that of the First Hokage. Even if I don't awaken Wood Release, it would certainly enhance my reputation..."

Danzo pondered whether he should take a gamble if given the chance.

Perhaps the First Hokage truly was protecting him, allowing him to withstand the weakened Hashirama Cells...

" Lord Hokage!"

"Kai, did you see that? The Lord Hokage's burning passion has ignited everyone's youth! Let's all get stronger and protect the village!"

Might Duy, recalling Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, shed tears of youth:

"Kai! We need to memorize the Lord Hokage's words and recite them while running during our morning practice, to unleash the full potential of our youth!"

Might Guy nodded repeatedly, then embraced his father and wept bitterly. " The Lord Hokage is truly amazing!"

Danzo's lips twitched as he listened.

" Hiruzen, he can make even ordinary words sound like Genjutsu..."

"But perhaps we could bring Might Duy along?"

Danzo's eyes flashed, but the way he learned about Might Duy left him speechless for a long time.

After the Root was disbanded and re-established, Root core combat members have been reorganized.

Might Duy was among them!

There were thirteen people in total.

They are Hizashi, who also serves as the Deputy Chief, and Aosui, who is part of the management team.

Aburame Tatsuma and Aburame Shikuroo.

The classic Ino-Shika-Cho trio consisting of Nara Suzaku, Yamanaka Fu, and Akimichi Domu.

Ida and Uchiha Yashiro have mastered the Super Beast Imitating Drawing.

One of the elite Iburi ninjas, whose illness was cured by Orochimaru on a case-by-case basis, can transform his body into smoke without fear of strong winds; his name is Iburi Hi. And then there's Uzumaki Shio, medical-nin.

Having figured out that her priorities were her personal career and the village, Uzumaki Shio chose to work at the village's most demanding and respected Root.

Here, although she met with Tobirama frequently, they interacted in a natural and unpretentious manner, only discussing work.

It's as if that slap never happened...

Interestingly, after Uzumaki Shio continuously learned and improved herself, it was Tobirama who actively sought out Uzumaki Shio more often in order to learn Mito's Sealing Jutsu...

Finally, there's Might Duy.

"If it weren't for his mastery of the Eight Gates, even if he begged Hiruzen multiple times, I would never have allowed him to enter Root. This guy is too noisy..." Might Duy looked at Might Guy Danzo. Sometimes, he was also at a loss with this youthful energy.

It's only because Root currently so powerful that no enemy they encounter survives; otherwise, if Might Duy used the Leaf Great Whirlwind, even a fool would know who it was...

"Dai possesses a rare type of Chakra is neither elemental nor apprehensive, and is insensitive to changes in any of its properties..."

"This is usually a synonym for waste, but according to Aosui's research, Might Duy's condition actually has a better chance of carrying Lord Hashirama's cells."

"Because of the devouring nature of the Wood Release power in Lord Hashirama's cells, it repels Chakra that can differentiate into other natures, unless countered with powerful Yin Release Chakra..."

Although everyone's Chakra is neutral in nature without undergoing nature transformation, once mastered and used repeatedly, it will be marked with a unique attribute, and is not completely unmarked.

"I don't expect Dai to master Wood Release. His body suffered from deficiencies in his youth, so even if he tries his best now, his upper limit is relatively fixed. He's only using the Eight Inner Gates to boost his combat power..."

Danzo pondered it more and more, and felt that this was a feasible idea!

While it's not easy for a transplanted Hashirama Cells, weakened by its effects, to grant the recipient Wood Release, its abundant life force and vitality are undeniable. Moreover, for Might Duy, this perfectly addresses his most critical deficiency...

"When the Eight Inner Gates reach their peak, they will unleash power dozens of times greater than before, if we add Lord Hashirama's life force as a base."

Danzo thought it over and it seemed more and more feasible, so he planned to find an opportunity to ask Might Duy.

"But we have to be careful about how we do it..."

Danzo sighed. He didn't know when, but he had subconsciously started considering the matter of following procedures.

In the past, he would have easily gotten away with it by cheating, swindling, and bullying people!

That won't work now...

If Hizashi, Orochimaru, or even his own Aosui found out, Danzo felt he would be in deep trouble, and even Hiruzen wouldn't show him any favoritism. After all, he had already said during their Fireside Chat that it was the last time...

If he causes any more trouble, Danzo will definitely have to give an explanation to all the ninjas in the village!

Besides the upper echelons and pillars of Konoha,

Kakashi and Obito were also captivated by what they saw.

I feel I've spent enough time in the Ninja Academy; it's time to face the cruel Shinobi World...

This is also something their companions are considering.

Due to the physical characteristics of ninjas, with the proper food and training at the Ninja Academy, their physiques grew rapidly, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, and their builds were already like those of teenagers...

It's a bit strange that they're still staying at the Ninja Academy, being among the elite members.

"Go back and apply for graduation!" Kakashi said to Obito.

"Yes, we need to hurry up and do missions to improve in real combat!" Obito nodded emphatically.

" Asuma and the others think the same way; Shisui has been waiting impatiently for a long time..."

"But who will be my mentor?"

Obito pondered, " Asuma must be Hiruko; he's already become his apprentice..."

Kakashi rolled his eyes at Obito: "It's good enough to have a Jonin. Anyway, let's see what the village decides."

Kakashi didn't know was...

The Yellow-Hair he feared most had already secretly discussed the matter with Sakumo and decided to have Minato form the first team with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin. It was a standard combination of three factions: Ninja Clan, Anbu, and Commoner Ninja —a choice that couldn't go wrong...

That concludes the discussion.

The " Golden Generation " of the Konoha Ninja Academy is about to graduate and prepare to make their debut on the grand stage of the Shinobi World.

#

A few days later.

Konoha, Hokage Office Building.

Orochimaru took the scroll and went up the steps.

He's fine...

It was just a routine visit to see Hiruzen Sarutobi to sit for a while and chat.

As he walked, Orochimaru thought to himself:

"Kabuto's talent is quite good, and he has a high level of recognition for Konoha. It's time to consider formally taking him as a disciple and report to the master..." Although Orochimaru brought Konoha from the Orphanage to Konoha, he wasn't initially determined to take Kabuto as a disciple. He was a realistic and rational person.

After nearly six months of observation, Orochimaru finally felt reassured and decided to regard Kabuto as his true disciple and successor...

Orochimaru also experienced the joy of nurturing others...

"I guess this is how my teacher taught me back then?" Orochimaru shook his head and chuckled, nodded to the Anbu, and stopped at the door.

He actually heard Kabuto's voice!

"Tell your Grandmaster, what have you learned lately?" Hiruzen Sarutobi a gentle smile.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also discovered Kabuto by accident.

While he was cultivating, he casually used his Crystal Ball Technique to observe the situation in the village and discovered a little boy wearing glasses, holding a book, walking around and reading it!

His hairstyle was still the same well-behaved mushroom cut, which immediately triggered Hiruzen Sarutobi's memories. In the Shinobi World where he had grown up wielding swords and spears, he hadn't seen such a "study kid" in a long time...

So he called Kabuto over, and upon asking, learned that Orochimaru had brought him from the Orphanage. Kabuto's affection grew even stronger. What Hokage wouldn't like such a humble child, so grateful to him, so diligent in his studies, and still his own grand-disciple?

"Reporting to Grandmaster, Kabuto has recently learned a little bit of the Mystical Palm Technique!"

Dou said excitedly, a faint green light emanating from his palm. "Look!"

"Kabuto is really amazing..."

"I'm already on the decline, the village will still have to rely on you guys. Grow up and take over the banner of the Will of Fire step by step..." Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed, patted Kabuto's head, and handed him a piece of beef jerky. "Grow up quickly! Develop a strong body... Kabuto will definitely be a great ninja in the future!"

" Grandmaster, I will cultivate diligently and then protect you!"

Dou chewed on some beef jerky, raised his little fist, puffed out his cheeks, and said, "Watch me!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

If Kabuto were to simply flatter and praise him, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't like it, finding it too contrived.

Children should act like children...

Orochimaru was stunned.

Is this the legendary special bond between grandparents and grandchildren?

No wonder the teacher often sought out Minato for sparring...

But then, Orochimaru's eyes darted around, and the corners of his mouth curled up in a wide smile.

Compared to Jiraiya, he has filled this gap as well!!

The teacher, as always, favored those in the "research" track...

#

In a time when Konoha were well-established and everyone was moved by Hiruzen Sarutobi's words to develop a desire to become stronger...

Hozuki Gengetsu and Mu, this pair of sworn enemies, had just finished a business trip from the Sky Hidden Village under Madara's command. Instead of immediately returning to the Graveyard of Mountains, the two of them took a stroll in the sky above the Kirigakure.

Madara's control over them was exquisite, a clever scheme orchestrated over several months using the Rinnegan's Genjutsu.

They can move freely, but if their mind wanders, their whole body will become paralyzed.

The White Zetsu Spores attached to their bodies will also immediately engulf them.

"No way..."

Hozuki Gengetsu, who was in stealth mode, looked extremely grim.

"That useless Mutori, how could he have managed to govern Kirigakure like this!"