Want to Run?

It had been a long time since they had last met. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade seemed to have much to say, yet none of them was in any hurry.

After all, from this day onward, Tsunade and Jiraiya would no longer leave Konoha.

The three of them headed together toward Hiruzen Sarutobi's cabin near the Forest of Death.

Once upon a time, under Hiruzen Sarutobi's guidance, the three of them had also strolled through Konoha together after completing missions.

Back then, none of them had many worries, and they were filled with hope for the future.

But in the blink of an eye, all three had grown into adults. They were no longer young, and they had experienced war and death, even betrayal and deception.

Even if they still loved this village in their hearts, nothing could return to how it had once been.

"What exactly happened for Sensei to attack Danzo?"

Tsunade took the time to visit the hospital, where she learned about the current state of the Konoha Medical Department and saw Danzo, who was still recovering.

Danzo had been completely crippled. Both physically and mentally, he was no longer the former Darkness of the Shinobi World who had once commanded the winds and clouds.

After losing the Hashirama Cells, Danzo's body had become incredibly frail. Especially after Orochimaru told him, "I am the elder now," Danzo had fallen into complete despondency.

He did not react at all even upon seeing Tsunade. That left her puzzled, unable to understand what could have turned Danzo into this.

Even stranger was the fact that Hiruzen Sarutobi had actually attacked Danzo.

At the mention of this matter, Orochimaru shook his head. He did not understand how his teacher had taken down Danzo so quickly. According to the accounts of those present, Hiruzen Sarutobi had used some kind of secret technique to crush Danzo in an instant.

Danzo's bodily modifications had all come from Orochimaru. Root's research capabilities were limited, so Orochimaru knew Danzo very well.

Orochimaru had temporarily stopped modifying his own body for the same reason. He did not know what secret technique Hiruzen Sarutobi had used, but it seemed especially effective against First Hokage Cells.

Such an obvious weakness did not align with Orochimaru's expectations. Hiruzen Sarutobi's words that day had also made Orochimaru realize something.

Immortality was not so simple. If the price of extending one's lifespan was becoming weaker and weaker, then it could not be considered true immortality.

"Our teacher has been rather mysterious lately. Don't be too shocked when you see him later."

"What is there to be shocked about with some old geezer?"

Tsunade did not believe Hiruzen Sarutobi had changed in any way. Even if he had stepped away from managing Konoha now, it would only make him seem more cowardly.

"Sensei hasn't had it easy either."

Jiraiya understood Hiruzen Sarutobi better.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi was grilling meat outside his cabin.

The inheritance Hiruzen Sarutobi cultivated came from the Ancient Human Race. He was not an orthodox spell cultivator, but rather someone more inclined toward body cultivation.

He tempered his flesh and strengthened his spirit, seeking to walk farther along the path of longevity.

A single copy of the Yin-Yang Body Refinement Formula was enough to cultivate to the Mahayana Stage. However, by Hiruzen Sarutobi's estimation, this ninja world could at most allow him to reach the Nascent Soul Stage.

Worlds differed from one another. This world was clearly weaker and could contain less energy.

The so-called Ōtsutsuki God, after absorbing the life energy of so many planets, was most likely only as strong as a Pseudo-Core Demonic Cultivator who had failed Core Formation.

This world was simply too weak, and the Great Dao's suppressive power was too feeble. If ninjas were sent to the Immortal Realm, even Madara Uchiha using his strongest Fire Release would at most produce a small fireball.

There was still plenty of time, so Hiruzen Sarutobi could cultivate at his leisure.

Whenever he was hungry, he went into the Forest of Death to hunt wild beasts. After eating, he resumed cultivating. It reminded Hiruzen Sarutobi of the days in his previous life when he had secluded himself in the mountains.

The only difference was that spiritual energy in this world was abundant, whereas the Dharma-Ending Age in his previous life had made every step difficult.

When the Legendary Sannin arrived near the Forest of Death, they saw a familiar back grilling meat.

"That old man sure has it easy."

Tsunade felt a little helpless upon seeing how leisurely Hiruzen Sarutobi was. She now believed that he truly wanted to retire this time.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had noticed the three of them long ago, but he showed no reaction.

"Sensei, we're here."

Jiraiya was very happy. It had been a long time since the three of them had been together with their teacher.

However, when Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru were all stunned.

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi had completely transformed into a handsome middle-aged man.

He bore a sixty to seventy percent resemblance to the young Hiruzen Sarutobi, only he was even more handsome.

He was taller, with more rugged features and bearing, and an indescribable air about him.

"You're here. Want some grilled meat?"

Jiraiya stood there agape, and Orochimaru was also dumbfounded. Tsunade, meanwhile, found it hard to believe.

Yet judging by his aura, this really was Hiruzen Sarutobi. He had not even used the Transformation Technique.

"Sensei, what happened to you?"

"Maybe I've figured some things out lately. Without so much pressure, people become younger, right? Hahaha."

As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi scratched his head.

"How is that possible?!"

Jiraiya's mouth still would not close. He could not accept that his teacher had become more handsome than him! He even looked younger than Jiraiya!

Jiraiya was not particularly handsome to begin with. His hair had been white since childhood, making him look older than Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Tsunade found it strange. This might have been some secret technique similar to the Strength of a Hundred Technique, but she could no longer sense any trace of chakra from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Old man, at your age, you still have the leisure for this?"

Orochimaru had not spoken the entire time, merely observing Hiruzen Sarutobi. He was extremely familiar with the human body, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had not used some secret technique—his body had truly regained its vitality.

"You'll understand when you reach my age. When people grow old, they should retire and enjoy life properly."

Taking a bite of grilled meat and a sip of hot tea, Hiruzen Sarutobi comfortably narrowed his eyes.

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi enjoying himself so much, the three of them could not bear it any longer and came over to eat grilled meat as well.

Tsunade had many things she wanted to ask Hiruzen Sarutobi, but seeing him like this, there seemed to be no need to ask.

What had happened had already happened. Talking about it now would be pointless.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had definitely not been a competent teacher. The disciples he had taught all had serious flaws.

However, that had nothing to do with the current Hiruzen Sarutobi. After all these years, there was not much of the bond between teacher and students left among the four of them.

"Old man, what are you going to do from now on?"

Jiraiya looked at the rejuvenated Hiruzen Sarutobi, constantly feeling that it was unreal. He seemed familiar, yet completely different.

"For the time being, leave some of the village's affairs to the three of you. I am still Konoha's Hokage, and I want to lead Konoha toward greater strength."

"Old man, you look younger than all of us now. Weren't you the one who loved handling Konoha's administrative affairs the most? Why are you suddenly giving them up?"

Tsunade was deeply displeased with Hiruzen Sarutobi. Want to run? No way!