"Brush"
As Minato appeared, Hashirama and Tobirama's gazes quickly shifted towards him.
"This yellow-haired person is the Fourth Generation. He's wearing a Hokage robe. He looks so young. Is this really the Fourth Generation?" Hashirama mused, evaluating Minato's overall strength with just a glance and feeling quite satisfied.
"Is this the Flying Thunder God Technique? This guy actually mastered the forbidden technique I created. Impressive!" Tobirama remarked, clicking his tongue. It had been over a decade since he invented the Flying Thunder God Technique, and he had never kept it a secret.
Yet, few in Konoha could master it. Instead, it seemed to be the ninjas from decades later who learned it. So, could the Fourth Generation be considered his disciple? Tobirama felt a sense of pride, as if he were sending off his grandson.
"Sir, what is the name of this Fourth Hokage? How is he?"
"His name is Namikaze Minato."
"And as for his abilities, he can be regarded as the best Hokage in history."
"Ah?"
Both Hashirama and Tobirama were momentarily taken aback. Given their status as the First and Second Hokages, wasn't it a bit impolite to praise the Fourth Generation so highly? They felt it would be more tactful to save face!
Wakato chose not to argue; after all, that was how he genuinely felt. Minato might not be the strongest Hokage, but he was undoubtedly the best.
He rose from humble beginnings and single-handedly triumphed in three major battles. He was loyal to the village, deeply loved his wife, made decisive choices, and achieved remarkable military success. He even forced the formidable Yunyin Village to think twice and prompted the Third Generation to voluntarily pass on the Hokage title.
Aside from his short lifespan, he had nearly no flaws. If given a few more decades, he might have avoided the struggles that plagued Konoha. When Guangyin kidnapped Hinata, was it because the "yellow shining balls" had lost their luster? Or did they simply miss that golden brilliance?
Hearing this, both Hashirama and Tobirama grew intensely curious about this future Fourth Hokage. What kind of exceptional individual could be deemed the best by this immortal?
"Of course, he excels as Hokage. But in other roles, he falls short..."
"Ah?"
The sudden shift left them puzzled.
Just then, Obito appeared, drawing their attention once again.
"Is that the Sharingan? Another evil Uchiha?"
"Tobirama!"
"Alright, alright, I won't label him as evil. But there's a high chance this guy controls the Nine Tails, right? That movement technique? Is it also a form of space-time ninjutsu?"
"Wait a moment, so he's the one who attacked the Nine Tails Jinchūriki during her childbirth? Brother, this guy is truly a beast!"
Tobirama's excitement surged as he immediately branded Obito an evil Uchiha.
Hashirama found it difficult to argue; attacking a pregnant woman was indeed disgraceful. This Uchiha was undeniably problematic...
"Hold on, he carries a familiar aura. It seems like he has my cells?"
"Indeed, half of this guy's body consists of your elder brother's cells. What's going on?"
Tobirama questioned, puzzled over when the Uchiha had acquired his brother's cells.
"You'll understand after this question."
"Come on, let's make some bets first. Who do you think will win?"
Wakato grew intrigued and decided to introduce a bit of gambling.
However, both Hashirama and Tobirama were confident that Minato would emerge victorious.
Hashirama's judgment was based on his experience; in his eyes, although Obito was mysterious, his aura felt too immature compared to battle-hardened Minato.
Tobirama's reasoning was simpler—his faith in the Flying Thunder God Technique was unshakeable. This space-time ninjutsu was simply too extraordinary.
"Tsk... Alright then, how long do you think this battle will last?"
Hashirama suggested, "One hour?"
Tobirama replied, "I guess ten minutes!"
Both understood Wakato's implication that Minato would win, but their estimates of combat duration varied. Hashirama, who could fight Madara for three days straight, and Tobirama, known as the fastest ninja, naturally perceived time differently.
...
Meanwhile, the confrontation between Minato and Obito commenced instantly.
There was little need to elaborate on the outcome.
In just two exchanges, Minato had already analyzed Obito's attack methods and identified the weaknesses of Kamui.
In the heat of battle, Obito found himself seriously injured by Minato's Rasengan combined with Flying Thunder God 2nd Stage!
The entire engagement lasted less than half a minute.
"This is Flying Thunder God 2nd Stage? Tobirama, has he even mastered your technique?" Hashirama exclaimed, recalling the move used to defeat Izuna.
"No, it's different!"
"He improved the Flying Thunder God. My second stage can only teleport to moving objects and cannot activate ninjutsu simultaneously."
"This Fourth Generation can actually use the Flying Thunder God while casting ninjutsu!"
"Activating two ninjutsu at once? That's incredible!"
"No wonder that evil Uchiha underestimated him..."
"This guy's Flying Thunder God and teleportation skills surpass my own!"
"The next generation of Konoha's Hokage is impressive, truly impressive!"
Senju Tobirama was generous in his praise, a testament to Minato's excellence that even his arrogant personality could not overlook.
He had never overcome the barrier of "ninjutsu cannot be used simultaneously," yet the Fourth Generation had managed to achieve it!
Although the Rasengan requires no hand seals, it was still remarkable.
"Being able to use two types of ninjutsu at once, having such keen combat intuition, and being so young—this Fourth Generation might even surpass me in the future!"
Hashirama chimed in happily.
While this might be a bit exaggerated, it was still a hopeful expectation for a promising young ninja.
Besides, when he and Madara were Minato's age, they were far from this level of strength.
With such a remarkable Fourth Generation leader, he could envision a bright future for Konoha.
However, if the Fourth Generation was so powerful, how did the [Fourth Ninja War] even begin?
As they pondered, the battle between Minato and Obito reached its conclusion.
When Rasengan struck Obito's back, it left behind a mark of the Flying Thunder God.
Minato teleported directly in front of Obito, executing another Contract Seal, which severed the connection between Obito and the Nine Tails, releasing the beast from Genjutsu's control.
In less than three exchanges, Obito was thoroughly defeated by Minato. Not only had he lost the Nine Tails, but half of his body was gravely injured, his left arm completely obliterated, rendering him unable to continue fighting.
"As expected of the Fourth Hokage; he was able to sever my arm and release the Nine Tails."
"But the Nine Tails will be mine sooner or later!"
"I am the one destined to unify the world. In terms of methods, I possess more than enough..."
Obito spat out his threats, but his body told a different story as he activated Kamui to escape. If he lingered any longer, he would surely be in peril.
Minato chose not to pursue and instead rushed toward the village.
Compared to the mysterious masked man who had fled, dealing with the Nine Tails remained the urgent priority.
...