Root Base.
Uchiha Sasuke saw a group of people.
When Uchiha Sasuke saw this group, it felt even more overwhelming than seeing his clan, making his heart almost leap out.
These people...
They're actually the former Hokages...
Uchiha Sasuke never imagined he would see four deceased Hokages, those heroes who were already engraved on the Hokage Rock, appearing at the Root Base!
"First Hokage, Second Hokage, Third Hokage..."
Uchiha Sasuke widened his eyes, his gaze landing on the only one he recognized, Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"I'm here too..."
Namikaze Minato saw Uchiha Sasuke and extended his hand with a smile: "I'm Naruto's father. When I was resurrected, I secretly saw you all. Thank you for taking care of him during the missions..."
"Naruto's father! The Fourth Hokage..."
Uchiha Sasuke's pupils dilated instantly!
Uchiha Sasuke remembered that underdog comrade of his, the one who had been ostracized by village people since childhood, known by all to be an orphan...
But...
Never imagined...
Naruto Uzumaki's father is the Fourth Hokage of Konoha!
Always thought the ostracized comrade, his father is actually the village hero, the Fourth Hokage!
However...
Weren't these Hokages already...
Just as Uchiha Sasuke was full of doubt, Karin answered his confusion nearby: "This is Kagura-sama using the Reanimation Jutsu to resurrect the former Hokages..."
"Because Kagura-sama was worried that Orochimaru would resurrect the former Hokages to go against Konoha, she took proactive steps to bring them back. Even though they are dead, they still willingly respond to Kagura-sama's call and steadfastly protect Konoha..."
"..."
The expressions of the four Hokages present were somewhat subtle.
Karin surely knows how to fib!
However, Uchiha Sasuke actually believed it!
Karin extended her hand gently: "Now you need to learn the Flying Thunder God Jutsu here. Once you master it, Kagura-sama has an S-rank mission lined up for you, and this jutsu ensures your safety during missions..."
"Is the Fourth Hokage going to be my future teacher?"
Uchiha Sasuke felt a strange sense of fate.
Because his instructor Jonin is Kakashi Hatake, who also learned an unconventional Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Kakashi occasionally mentioned the Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, as the Flying Thunder God Jutsu was once Minato's signature move!
"No..."
Karin shook her head, gesturing towards Senju Tobirama: "The Second Hokage is the developer of the Flying Thunder God Jutsu; he will be your future teacher..."
"..."
Uchiha Sasuke's expression immediately soured.
Having once encountered Senju Tobirama in the Land of Waves, their meeting was less than pleasant. Uchiha Sasuke doesn't have favorable impressions of Senju Tobirama.
"A naturally evil Uchiha brat..."
"Might also have the space-time talent to learn Flying Thunder God..."
Senju Tobirama looked at Uchiha Sasuke's familiar face, feeling amusedly absurd about destiny, sensing Uchiha Izuna's lingering presence affecting his mind.
"Tobirama, he really resembles Izuna!"
This time, Senju Hashirama, who hadn't seen Uchiha Sasuke before, was surprised at the resemblance.
The First Hokage felt somewhat odd, cautiously glancing at the displeased Senju Tobirama, being aware of the historical grudge between Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Izuna, who were lifelong arch-nemeses...
"Who is Izuna?"
Uchiha Sasuke couldn't help but frown.
"Uchiha Izuna."
Senju Tobirama unhesitatingly revealed his past, coldly stating: "An Uchiha from the Warring States Era, killed by me. He loved boasting about his Sharingan, yet I killed him with Flying Thunder God Slash..."
"!!!"
Uchiha Sasuke's expression turned even uglier.
Uchiha Sasuke could keenly feel Senju Tobirama's sheer animosity toward him. This Second Hokage definitely doesn't get along with him!
"Can I change teachers?"
Uchiha Sasuke immediately looked at Karin.
Karin looked at Uchiha Sasuke, gently advising: "The Second Hokage is the most suited to teach you the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Kagura-sama wouldn't recommend changing your teacher..."
Though the Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato excelled at the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, it didn't mean he was adept at teaching it—he never succeeded in teaching it to Kakashi Hatake...
Moreover...
This Fourth Hokage has a bit of a quirky personality.
"I can also assist you in learning."
Namikaze Minato, lacking any self-awareness of his mentorship flaws, offered with a smile, patting Uchiha Sasuke's shoulder: "This jutsu is simple; I'm sure you'll pick it up..."
"..."
Uchiha Sasuke nodded, feeling reassured in his mind.
"First, focus on creating a distinctive Flying Thunder God Mark..."
When Namikaze Minato taught Uchiha Sasuke, he immediately emphasized the aesthetic aspect, even using his Ninja Love Sword for demonstration: "I can help you name your Flying Thunder God Mark with something nice-sounding, so you can truly feel the emotional connection between you and your Flying Thunder God Mark..."