When Hiruzen Sarutobi was young, he fearlessly stepped onto the battlefield during Konoha's moment of crisis, daring to be the one to hold the line. At sixty-nine, he faced death without fear during the Konoha Crush invasion, and now, he still possessed that same spirit.
One could say that Hiruzen Sarutobi was not a good Hokage. He harbored too much personal ambition, was indecisive in his actions, weak externally, and rigid internally, among other flaws. In his later years, he even led Konoha into its most decadent period in history.
However, this doesn't diminish his exceptional skill among regular ninjas, nor does it negate his genuine love for Konoha. When he believed it was necessary, he truly dared to sacrifice his life for Konoha, especially in matters that genuinely threatened its survival.
Since Orochimaru and Jiraiya couldn't defeat Shimizu, it was up to him, the strongest Hokage in Konoha at this stage, to step in!
"If you go to the west battlefield, what if the Third Kazekage and Hanzo launch a joint attack from the northwest?" Utatane Koharu still shook her head.
She and Danzō alone couldn't possibly stop those two powerhouses.
The Third Hokage didn't answer immediately but glanced at the Anbu ninja codenamed "Otsugitsune."
"Otsugitsune, you may leave."
"Yes, Lord Third!"
Realizing that what was to be discussed next was not for her ears, Otsugitsune quickly exited the Hokage's office.
"Monkey, are you thinking of..." Utatane Koharu suddenly understood.
"We haven't been fair enough to Torifu all these years," the Third Hokage sighed.
Akimichi Torifu was also a disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. His strength was considerable, even surpassing Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
However, among the Second Hokage's disciples, besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had already become Hokage, and Uchiha Kagami, who had long since passed away, Akimichi Torifu was the only one who hadn't become a high-ranking Konoha advisor.
While this was partly due to the Akimichi Clan member's honest nature and disinterest in power, the subtle exclusion from the other elder advisors also played a role.
Konoha was only so big. For the Third Hokage to secure his position, the power he could distribute was limited, and no one wanted another person to share the pie.
"That's because he didn't want to contend for it himself, not because we prevented him from taking that position," Danzō scoffed. He would have been delighted to have one less person in a high-ranking position competing with him for power; less power meant his chances of becoming Hokage would be even smaller, wouldn't they?
"But the share that was rightfully his never reached him, after all," Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "After this, we'll first go to the Akimichi Clan compound and say a few soft words to Torifu. For the village, and for the family, he will agree to return to action. Along with Dinsuke, Shikaku, and Inoichi, if war breaks out in the northwest, Danzō will lead the resistance, and Koharu, you will also join."
Danzō, Akimichi Torifu, Utatane Koharu, plus the elder generation of Ino-Shika-Cho.
Six individuals over fifty, but not yet completely past their prime.
Even if this lineup would struggle to defeat Hanzo and the Third Kazekage, it should at least be able to hold the line and maintain a defensive stance.
"What about Mist Hidden?" Utatane Koharu asked again.
"Let Minato go. The young generation is ready to shoulder serious responsibilities."
"Isn't he too young? Even though he's Jiraiya's disciple, still..." Utatane Koharu hesitated.
"We must trust the young people of the village. We also came up under the protection of Teacher Tobirama. He is more outstanding than we were back then. He has already learned Teacher Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Before he departs, I will arrange for him to receive some more items left by Teacher Tobirama to enhance his strength. He and Orochimaru are both very suitable to inherit some of Teacher Tobirama's Ninjutsu. As for experience, isn't Homura leading him? I'll also send Koto and Kosuke to assist. There shouldn't be any problems."
Kime Koto and Maruboshi Kosuke were seasoned veterans. Although the latter was a Genin, his strength was comparable to an Elite Jonin, and both were members of the Hokage faction, well-traveled and experienced. The former had even served as the captain for Tsunade and Kato Dan during the Second Great Ninja War.
"Two final questions," Utatane Koharu said. "Now that Orochimaru and Jiraiya have suffered a major defeat, the village has lost many ninjas. Even with the strength drawn from the ninja clans, it's still not enough. The village also needs someone with enough prestige and strength to hold down the fort and stabilize the rear."
The Third Hokage silently placed his pipe back on the table. "As for a candidate to hold down the village... there is one. As for replenishing troops... this is the early stage of the war, and moving the Ninja Academy really isn't advisable. It would affect the confidence of our allies. The only course of action now is to deploy the Uchiha."
"Hiruzen..." Danzō stepped forward, wanting to say something.
"Danzō, no more. You just said it yourself, the Uchiha are also a part of Konoha. Now that the village faces danger, it is precisely the time to deploy the Uchiha." The Third Hokage shook his head at Danzō.
The Uchiha's strength was immense. Even after being restricted by the police force for many years, their numbers of Jonin and elite ninjas were still the highest among all ninja clans in Konoha, and even the entire Ninja World. These "beasts" who went berserk on the battlefield were often more effective than several people combined. Moreover, as the most prestigious clan in the Ninja World, everyone knew the Uchiha's reputation. Even if their internal reputation wasn't good, no one would deny the Uchiha's strength.
If a large number of Uchiha were deployed, it would certainly boost the morale of both the ninja within the village and its allies outside.
...
...
That day, the various Konoha elders were exceptionally busy.
First, they collectively visited their old classmate Akimichi Torifu, persuading him to return to service. Then, they split into three groups: Utatane Koharu went to mobilize troops and logistics, while Danzō "greeted" the major ninja clans one by one, securing a large number of elite ninja teams.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, carrying two Sealing Scrolls, arrived at a residence located in the center of Konoha.
Here, Mito Uzumaki had personally carved the seals.
It was in this place that the Jinchuriki's suppression of the Nine-Tails' Chakra was strongest.
"Minato, I knew you'd be here."
Seeing the young man and woman open the door together to greet him, the Third Hokage felt a sense of relief.
"Ah, the war has already begun, and I figure I might not have much time later, so I wanted to spend more time with Kushina," Minato Namikaze said with a gentle smile, holding the pale hand of the red-haired girl beside him.
Kushina squeezed Minato's hand tightly.
She knew that if the Third Hokage sought them out, her boyfriend was likely heading to the battlefield.
"Lord Third, is there something you need me for?"
"It's not just about you."
The Third Hokage glanced at Kushina, walked into the residence, took off the scroll he was carrying, and handed it to Minato.
"Lord Third, this is..."
"The Sword of the Thunder God left by Teacher Tobirama, along with the Mutual Exploding Tag jutsu and his swordplay notes."
Minato Namikaze was taken aback.
"Jiraiya and Orochimaru have been defeated."
Minato Namikaze was stunned again.
"I thought it was just rumors spread by spies..."
The Third Hokage sighed softly, saying, "It was spread by spies, but it's not a rumor. The village hasn't officially announced it yet. Only after tonight, once the village has made all preparations to minimize panic, will it be announced."
"Is Master Jiraiya injured?"
"Yes, quite severely, but nothing life-threatening."
The Third Hokage replied.
At that moment, Minato Namikaze's face was filled with worry for Jiraiya.
The Third Hokage stroked his still dark beard, then pointed to the scroll in Minato Namikaze's hand.
"This is precisely why I'm entrusting you with the Second Hokage's legacy. You've mastered the Flying Thunder God Jutsu and gained the ability to face the Ninja World's top powerhouses, but there's one flaw you need to address."
"Attack—a powerful attack that can be quickly unleashed in conjunction with the Flying Thunder God." Minato Namikaze quickly finished his thought.
"Indeed. Your Wind Release is already excellent, but it still requires hand signs. As for high-power Ninjutsu that can be cast instantly without hand signs, the village doesn't have any. While I believe you have the talent to develop such a Ninjutsu, the village is currently in a critical situation and we don't have that much time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, being led by Minato Namikaze into the residence and sitting down on a chair in the living room.
"Konoha Style Swordplay... I haven't delved much into it before, Lord Third. I'm worried that..."
"But at least it's faster than developing a Ninjutsu from scratch, isn't it? While a Ninjutsu you develop yourself might suit you better, as a user of the Flying Thunder God technique just like the Second Hokage, his swordplay will certainly be highly compatible with you. With the Sword of the Thunder God, you can improve your strength most quickly.
Furthermore, I will assign Kakashi to you as a subordinate."
"Kakashi... is Sakumo-senpai's orphaned son?"
"That's right. The most recent sword master in the village was Sakumo. Kakashi has the essence of the Hatake Style Swordplay left by Sakumo, which will be very useful to you. I will also arrange for Kosuke to be your other subordinate. He too received guidance from the Second Hokage and is one of the few masters in the village who has grasped the essence of Konoha Style Swordplay. He can give you the most guidance in swordplay."
Minato Namikaze lowered his head.
"Forgive me, Lord Third, it's my dream to give my all and fight for the village, but Kakashi... isn't what we're doing perhaps a bit... unprincipled?"
"Minato, how you decide on this is up to you," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, looking at Minato Namikaze.
"However, Kakashi's situation isn't good right now. Because of what happened with Sakumo, he's become somewhat overly extreme and has had considerable conflicts with his teammates on every mission. I hope you can guide him."
"I understand, Lord Third!" Minato Namikaze said, nodding to the Third Hokage.
The latter nodded slightly.
Since Minato Namikaze had such strong principles regarding his village comrades and respected others, it was fine.
He believed Minato's charisma would influence Kakashi.
The latter was only an eight or nine-year-old child, still very innocent. With a few more persuasive words, a little setup, and some clever tactics, he should be able to get the child to willingly offer up the essence of Sakumo's sword techniques, and even be grateful to him for it.
Having finished discussing Minato Namikaze, the Third Hokage turned his gaze to Kushina.
"Lord Third, why are you looking at me like that?"
Kushina felt a little flustered and subtly moved a small step closer to her Blondie boyfriend beside her.
"Kushina, there's some news I need to tell you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then continued, "The Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village has become a Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, just like you. But the difference is, he can perfectly control the power of his Tailed Beast and is extremely strong. The reason I'm giving Minato these things is so he can assist Homura in fending off the Fourth Mizukage.
So, I want to know, to what extent have you mastered the Nine-Tails' power?"
Minato Namikaze frowned slightly.
"Lord Third, does Kushina… also have to go to the battlefield like the Jinchuriki from other villages?"
"If the village reaches a point where the Nine-Tails' power absolutely must be used, then it's inevitable. Otherwise, the village would likely suffer an extremely heavy blow."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Minato Namikaze.
"Lord Third, I… I still can't completely suppress the Nine-Tails' power like Grandma Mito could."
Kushina bowed her head.
Just then, she felt a warmth in her hand.
Minato Namikaze tightly held Kushina's hand.
"Lord Third, I swear I will risk everything to turn the tide of the war and prevent that from happening.
This is for the village, and it's for Kushina."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly and patted Minato Namikaze's shoulder, saying, "Minato, I believe you can do it. But as Hokage, I must be prepared for everything. This is also my responsibility to the village, and to Kushina."
Kushina glanced at Minato, then back at the Third Hokage, and said, "Lord Third, if the seal is stable enough, I can remain conscious in a Five-Tails state. There's a risk of losing control in a Six-Tails state, and my consciousness would be significantly interfered with by the Nine-Tails. If it's Seven-Tails, then it's close to a berserk state.
(Image from Minato's story: Kushina went berserk in a Seven-Tails state after leaving the barrier.)
But the key is, the Nine-Tails' power is too strong. Even the Four Symbols Seal cannot completely suppress it. Once I leave the sealing barrier left by Grandma Mito, the Nine-Tails' Chakra will rampage."
"So, the key is that the sealing power isn't strong enough? Can a stronger seal be applied then?"
The Third Hokage asked.
"The Uzumaki Clan does have stronger Sealing Jutsu, but they are very difficult forbidden jutsu that require the caster's life as a price. They are generally used to take down overly powerful enemies along with oneself."
"Are there any other methods?"
The Third Hokage asked again.
"Yes, but it's not complete. If we wanted to change the seal, the Tailed Beast might suddenly rampage during the empty period in between. So, Grandma Mito left a solution."
Kushina hurriedly found a book with yellowed pages from a corner of the room.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https:// beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1111+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский at: https:// beta.randomtranslator.com/
Join our Discord: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------