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Everyone was stunned when they heard Hashirama Senju's remark. Confusion filled the air as people exchanged bewildered glances.
The scene grew awkward.
Just moments ago, the Konoha ninjas were preparing to berate Uchiha Obito. A heated verbal exchange was expected. However, Hashirama's words shattered the tension and left the entire audience speechless.
All eyes turned to him.
The first Hokage's expression was one of disbelief and genuine confusion, as though he'd been confronted with a concept that defied his understanding of the world. His face was a blend of doubt and astonishment.
The silence was heavy.
Senju Tobirama, standing nearby, glanced at his brother's perplexed face and sighed. Wearing a forced smile to deflect the stares from the crowd, he leaned over and whispered into Hashirama's ear.
"Brother, you're the God of the Ninja World. *You,* Hashirama Senju, can tame the nine tailed beasts as if they were kittens. Not everyone has your strength. Please, don't embarrass me further."
The audience, remembering Hashirama's legendary might, softened their expressions. Indeed, the tailed beasts—dreaded entities for most—were mere playthings for the first Hokage.
Still, some Konoha shinobi couldn't suppress their indignation.
"What nonsense did that guy just say?" Naruto Uzumaki fumed, his fists clenched tightly. "He dares to insult the Fourth Hokage—our hero? No way I'm letting that slide!"
Without hesitation, Naruto stormed toward Hashirama, his face flushed with anger.
"Idiot," Uchiha Sasuke muttered, stepping in swiftly to intercept Naruto. Unlike his impulsive teammate, Sasuke knew exactly who Hashirama was. This was the legendary founder of Konoha, a man so powerful even the infamous Uchiha Madara respected him.
Sasuke's fist slammed into Naruto's head, halting his advance.
"Ouch! Sasuke, what was that for?" Naruto cried, clutching the fresh lump on his head.
"You absolute moron," Sasuke growled. "Do you even know who you're yelling at?"
Meanwhile, Asuma Sarutobi, standing among the onlookers, was equally conflicted. As the son of the Third Hokage, Asuma knew better than anyone the reverence Hashirama commanded in Konoha. Even his father, celebrated as a wise leader, couldn't compare to the first Hokage's prestige. Yet, Hashirama's earlier remark left Asuma speechless, the cigarette slipping from his lips in disbelief.
Might Guy, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement. His signature grin stretched wide as he fixated on Hashirama. Though he had been raised on stories of the Hokage's unmatched power, Guy still burned with the desire to test his own strength against the legendary "God of Shinobi."
As the tension in the air thickened, Uchiha Obito—unfazed by the awkward atmosphere—regained his composure. Pulling his mask back on, he turned to Orochimaru, who stood smirking beside him.
"You're still alive," Obito said coldly. "Then help me eliminate everyone here."
Orochimaru's yellow eyes glinted mischievously. Without a word, he began weaving hand seals, summoning powerful techniques to control the resurrected Hokages, Hashirama and Tobirama. The two former Hokages launched an attack on the Konoha shinobi, wreaking havoc.
Watching from the sidelines, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened, but his gaze shifted to Kirito. Despite the chaos, Kirito appeared relaxed, his sunglasses concealing his eyes. Hiruzen hesitated, then called out:
"Kirito! If you can help Konoha resolve this crisis, I will personally ensure that all your future expenses in the village are covered. Additionally, you'll have access to half of Konoha's assets whenever you need them!"
Kirito's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Deal," he said simply.
As the words left his mouth, a voice rang in Kirito's mind:
**[Ding! The host's behavior aligns perfectly with Admiral Kizaru's persona. Role-playing completion: 100%. New abilities unlocked: Enhanced Observation Haki and future prediction (3-second limit).]**
Kirito's grin widened. His body flickered as he moved at the speed of light, positioning himself between the Hokages and the Konoha shinobi.
"So, the old monkey raised the stakes. Fine by me. Orochimaru, Obito—come at me together," Kirito said nonchalantly.
The sheer audacity of his words stunned everyone present. Orochimaru and Obito exchanged looks, their eyes narrowing.
Obito lunged first, throwing a kunai imbued with explosive tags. Kirito's body dissolved into light, effortlessly avoiding the attack.
Obito's Kamui activated, and he appeared directly in front of Kirito, his voice filled with rage.
"Wood Style: Grafting Technique!" Obito roared, his arm transforming into sharp, barbed branches that shot toward Kirito.
But Kirito remained unfazed. His body shimmered and reformed, dodging the attack with ease. Before Obito could retreat, Kirito closed the distance and delivered a precise light-speed kick, sending him flying.
Orochimaru struck next, summoning a swarm of venomous snakes. Kirito's Observation Haki allowed him to predict every movement. He weaved through the snakes effortlessly, his golden light cutting through Orochimaru's defenses.
The battle intensified, but Kirito was always one step ahead. His calm demeanor and precise attacks left everyone awestruck. As Orochimaru was flung into the rubble and Obito was knocked out of the Kamui dimension, the battlefield fell silent.
The Konoha shinobi stared in amazement.
To them, Kirito's movements were almost otherworldly, as though he had foreseen every attack before it happened.
In the face of two of the most dangerous opponents, Kirito stood victorious, his confidence unwavering.
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