The Third Hokage Returns to Office

Land of Rice Fields.

The Daimyo's Mansion Annex.

Orochimaru sat upright on the porch in the backyard, looking at the secret information in the scroll, a hint of pleasure flashing in his eyes, but then his brows furrowed.

Although he had left Konoha and become missing-nin, some of his former subordinates were still secretly loyal to him, including a few Civilian Jonin had fought alongside him through thick and thin. Therefore, Orochimaru could obtain some internal information about Konoha with just a little effort.

At this time, Orochimaru already knew that Danzo had lost control after summoning Kinkaku and Ginkaku, and that Minato Namikaze had been seriously injured.

The Impure World Reincarnation would run into problems, which was something Orochimaru had anticipated, since the technique itself was not fully developed to begin with.

In addition, Danzo been urging him on recently, so he thought of getting revenge for the arrow he had shot last time and trying to Danzo.

Orochimaru then modified the Cursed Seal of the Impure World Reincarnation.

If Danzo used weak sacrifices, such as Genin and Chunin, to summon ninjas, he could still control them.

However, if he summons a Kage Level ninja and Jōnin -level ninja as a sacrifice, then the Cursed Seal controlling the Impure World Reincarnation ninja will be ineffective.

Kage Level ninjas aren't a big deal to Konoha, but if they were Immortal Body, that would be quite troublesome.

Orochimaru originally only wanted to make Danzo suffer a bit, since Danzo also had Kage Level strength. Even if the ninjas summoned by Impure World Reincarnation had ordinary Kage Level strength, Danzo would definitely have a way to deal with them.

Who would have thought that Danzo, insatiable in his greed, would use the Impure World Reincarnation to summon Kinkaku and Ginkaku, who had killed the Second Hokage, and even Jōnin -level sacrifices, which caused Kinkaku and Ginkaku to completely lose control.

Orochimaru did not want Minato Namikaze to be seriously injured, but he did not feel any guilt.

"When danger comes, having the young Hokage rush to the front is quite in line with the current style of Konoha High-Level. Old man, you've really changed. You're getting worse as you get older." Orochimaru's eyes showed a hint of melancholy, thinking that the path he was pursuing was indeed the right one.

Only eternal life and an ever-vibrant body can keep a person strong forever.

The transformation of the Third Hokage is largely related to his increasing age and declining strength.

If the Third Hokage were still the powerful Ninja Hero he once was, perhaps Sakumo wouldn't have died, and he wouldn't have been forced to leave by Danzo's petty tricks.

It is aging that makes people weak.

"Old man, I wonder what kind of expression you'll have when we meet again." Orochimaru sighed inwardly. With Shiraha's help, he had made great progress in his research on the Reincarnation Jutsu. Now he had completely mastered the Eight Branches Technique and the Spirit Transformation Jutsu. All that remained was to perfectly fuse these two Forbidden Technique together and develop the eternally immortal ' Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique'!

Konoha.

After several days of discussion, Shiraha and Tsunade obtained First Hokage Cells with high cell activity from Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The viability of First Hokage Cells depends mainly on the storage environment.

The most active ones are naturally stored at low temperatures in a standard laboratory environment. These highly active First Hokage Cells also pose a certain danger; if they come into contact with the human body, they will completely engulf the person's body.

This is the power of the First Hokage Cells, which had been dead for decades. When Bai Yu followed the Anbu Ninja into the laboratory to retrieve the First Hokage Cells, Shiraha couldn't help but marvel at the First's power.

This cell activity indicates that it is at least Third Level Super Radiation Creature, and one of the most powerful ones at that. For Shiraha at this moment, it is the best experimental material.

After all, the body tissue of Fourth-Level Mythological Creature is too powerful. For example, the "star" he found in Hoshigakure is the body tissue of Fourth-Level creature that is still alive.

The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, which appeared to be the shell of Fourth-Level Mythological Creature, exerted a very strong pressure on Shiraha. However, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was just an empty shell and did not have the true Energy Field of Fourth-Level Mythological Creature.

The First Hokage Cells that Shiraha obtained before were all acquired from Orochimaru. Even the highly active First Hokage Cells were cultivated by himself.

There is a certain difference between these and the First Hokage Cells in the laboratory, which are highly active from the start.

The First Hokage Cells obtained here may be able to further enhance their activity.

This will also allow the "Kodama" to reach a higher level of strength.

After all, no one was more suited to the First Hokage Cells than the "Kodama".

Shiraha sensed the unique Energy Field of the First Hokage Cells from Obito's body. He wondered how Obito had successfully transplanted a large number of First Hokage Cells. Unfortunately, given his current relationship with Obito, he probably couldn't obtain any useful information or knowledge from him.

After obtaining highly active First Hokage Cells from Konoha, Shiraha returned to the Land of Whirlpools, citing the lack of complete experimental equipment in Konoha.

Although the higher-ups in Konoha had some complaints, they didn't show it now that they needed Shiraha's help.

Tsunade remained in Konoha to care for the unconscious Minato Namikaze, while Shiraha focused on cell research to help Minato Namikaze cultivate his severed limbs.

In fact, with Shiraha's current level of Medical Ninjutsu and the Cell Technology he has mastered, he could help Minato Namikaze cultivate a new pair of arms in a month at most. However, the activity of the First Hokage Cells contained in them is not high. If he really wanted to help him cultivate a pair of arms with a higher Hokage First Hokage Cells, Shiraha would need to focus on research for at least a few months. Moreover, Shiraha was not sure whether the fusion would be successful and whether there would be any rejection reactions later on.

After all, the reason why Nawaki was able to successfully transplant his legs was because he was a descendant of the First Hokage. By using the techniques of Bloodline Warlock, Shiraha could naturally reduce the probability of rejection.

However, Shiraha already had a plan.

A month later, Minato Namikaze still hadn't woken up, but Shiraha had already returned to Konoha with the healed severed limb. He went to Konoha Hospital and, under the watchful eyes of Konoha High-Level, entered the operating room.

The afternoon passed quickly.

Shiraha and Tsunade walked out of the operating room.

"Shiraha, Tsunade, how is Minato?!"

Jiraiya was in the crowd, hurriedly went to greet him. Minato had been in a coma for a month and hadn't woken up yet, so Jiraiya had been waiting for him for a month. Now, his spirits were noticeably worse than before, and he seemed quite exhausted.

"So far, the surgery has been very successful. The new arm that Shiraha has cultivated has a high compatibility with Minato, and there has been no rejection reaction."

Tsunade replied, though her expression remained somewhat grave.

Jiraiya's expression relaxed, but after noticing Tsunade's expression, he frowned and asked, "Then why do you have that expression?"

Tsunade hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Let me explain." Shiraha came to Tsunade and explained to Jiraiya, "Minato has been unconscious due to serious injuries, but we can't find the cause. After successfully transplanting an arm into him, we found that his arm and body were extremely compatible, so I suspect that he may have the blood of the Senju or Uzumaki Clan."

The First Hokage Cells in his arm are now rapidly awakening, and their activity is continuously increasing during the cell fusion process.

If this trend continues, Minato will eventually awaken Wood Release.

"The Senju, the Uzumaki Bloodline?!"

"Awaken Wood Release!"

"How is that possible?"

The other Konoha High-Level present all looked surprised. Minato Namikaze was hailed as a typical example of a commoner rising to power and was regarded as an idol and role model among many commoner ninjas. They never expected that he would have the bloodline of the Senju and Uzumaki Clan.

Moreover, he actually has a high compatibility with the First Hokage Cells. If Minato Namikaze's strength did not decline after losing his arm, but instead awakened Wood Release, he could very well become the number one Shinobi World in the future. Even Kushina Uzumaki, the Perfect Jinchuriki who left Konoha, might not be Minato's match.

After all, the Kurama was treated like a plaything by the First Hokage back then.

Minato's Wood Release might not be as good as the First's, but his Flying Thunder God Jutsu was the Second Hokage's signature move.

In addition, Konoha also has a grandson of the First Hokage, Nawaki, who awakened the power of Konoha.

"You mean Minato's strength won't decrease because of his injury, but will actually increase?" Sarutobi Hiruzen forward and asked. This matter was of great importance and needed to be clarified.

"Yes, but there is a potential problem," Shiraha explained, as everything was proceeding as he had envisioned.

"What potential danger?!"

Jiraiya said with a solemn expression.

"You've all probably heard about the characteristics of the First Hokage Cells. After Minato's cells fused with the First Hokage Cells, their phagocytic ability became extremely strong, so a large amount of nutrients were needed to maintain the cells' consumption. At the same time, the First Hokage Cells solution had to be continuously injected into his body to continue the cell's transformation. During this period, no accidents could occur, and the supply of nutrients could not be stopped."

Shiraha explained.

"What Shiraha means is that Minato might not wake up until he fully integrates with the First Hokage Cells. The cell integration process could take one or two months, or it could take one or two years, or even seven or eight years!" Tsunade added.

"How could this be?!" Jiraiya's expression changed. Minato's injuries had healed and his strength had even increased, which made him turn his sorrow into joy. However, if he continued to fall into a long coma, things would be quite bad.

"I was indeed careless this time. I didn't expect him to possess the Uzumaki Bloodline the Senju and Uzumaki clans. The hidden power of his bloodlines is stronger than I imagined. However, once Minato fully awakens, his awakened Wood Release might rival that of the First Hokage," Shiraha sighed, seemingly blaming himself, but actually just offering empty promises to everyone.

He and Minato Namikaze had a good relationship when they were in school, and there was no animosity between them.

Shiraha had a decent impression of Minato, and despite their different allies and conflicting interests, he didn't intend to kill him outright.

On the contrary, Shiraha is now going to give Minato a Grand Ceremony.

Of course, Shiraha originally only added a special Cell Solution to the severed arm. This solution would continuously consume Minato Namikaze's Chakra, causing him to remain unconscious.

To Shiraha's surprise, Minato Namikaze did indeed possess a special bloodline power, which indirectly activated the First Hokage Cells in the severed arm, resulting in a significant increase in cell activity.

This means that what Shiraha originally intended for Minato Namikaze to remain unconscious for a few years before waking up and regaining his strength, perhaps with the First Hokage Cells contained in the severed arm providing a certain boost to his Chakra, now might actually result in Minato Namikaze being unconscious for an even longer period. However, upon waking up, his Chakra will be greatly enhanced, and his strength will definitely reach a new level.

However, this is actually more advantageous for Shiraha.

If he only has two or three years, Shiraha might only be able to progress from the Mental Power stage of a Level 1 "Spirit Summoning Warlock" to the Crystalline State Liquid State, and with good luck, he might even begin to attempt to break through to Level 2. However, there would be no qualitative difference between him and Minato Namikaze, who possesses the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. After all, Space-Time Ninjutsu is mysterious and unpredictable, and Shiraha would need to reach at least Level 2 before he could even begin to touch upon it by learning Space-type magic.

However, if Minato Namikaze remains in a coma for seven or eight years, or even more than ten years, by then Shiraha Yu will definitely have advanced to level two, and may even find a shortcut to level Third Level due to the body tissue of Fourth-Level Mythological Creature. At that time, even if Minato Namikaze awakens and his strength skyrockets, reaching the level of the First Hokage, Shiraha will still be able to suppress him steadily.

"That's true," Tsunade added.

"In the time to come, I will do my best to find a way to wake Minato up as soon as possible," Shiraha promised.

However, the expressions of Sarutobi Hiruzen and other high-ranking officials were somewhat solemn.

After all, losing Minato Namikaze, a top-tier savior, is a significant blow to Konoha. Fortunately, he is still alive, and his strength will be even greater after he awakens.

"Shiraha, thank you for your hard work." Sarutobi Hiruzen forced a smile. Although he suspected that Shiraha had sabotaged the treatment, Tsunade was also there, and he trusted this disciple quite a bit. At least he wouldn't conspire with outsiders to harm Minato.

"Mm." Shiraha nodded.

Hokage Building.

With the help of Earth Release ninjas and Nawaki, who possessed Wood Release, the Hokage Building, which had been destroyed in the battle, was quickly rebuilt.

At this moment, in the High-Level Meeting Room of the Hokage Office, Konoha Four Elders and a group of Jōnin were gathered.

"I must take responsibility for the recent incident in which a battle broke out within the village, resulting in the Fourth Hokage being seriously injured and falling into a coma!" Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and bowed to everyone in apology.

"Lord Third Hokage, this is not your fault!" said Jōnin the Third Hokage's faction.

Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a deep voice, "After the village lost its Jinchuriki, it lost its key deterrent power over other villages. So, in order to fill the gap in Jinchuriki, I agreed to Danzo's Jinchuriki Re-creation Plan and used Forbidden Technique to summon Kinkaku and Ginkaku, the Kumogakure Rogue Ninja from Kumogakure who possessed the Nine-Tails Chakra. Ultimately, this led to disaster, and it is all my responsibility."

Danzo's eyes flickered slightly; he hadn't expected Hiruzen to take the blame so willingly.

"Hiruzen, you don't need to blame yourself too much, it was just an accident!" Utatane Koharu said, glancing at Danzo beside her.

At this moment, Mitokado Homura said solemnly, "Rather than pursuing responsibility, the most important thing now is to re-elect a ninja who can take on the great task. The Fourth Hokage may be in a coma for several years, but the village cannot be without Hokage for several years."

"Regarding the selection of the Fifth Hokage, I recommend Tsunade," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.

"I've already asked Tsunade, and she's clearly rejected me," Utatane Koharu said.

"If neither Tsunade nor Jiraiya are willing, there will be too few ninjas capable of taking on such a great responsibility."

Mitokado Homura sighed.

"I recommend Young Nawaki!" said Jōnin from the Senju lineage.

"I... I can't do it! Although my dream is to become Hokage, right now I don't have enough achievements or popularity to lead everyone. Maybe one day I will gain everyone's recognition." Nawaki shook his head and refused. After all, he had been disabled for nearly ten years, and he had not made any contributions in either Second Shinobi World War or Third Shinobi World War.

"But the village can't be without Hokage, we can't let this drag on any longer!" Mitokado Homura frowned deeply.

"In that case, I will temporarily Hokage position until a new successor is chosen."

After a long silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke.