Hearing Orochimaru's words, Minato pondered for a moment before shaking his head in refusal.
"No need. No matter what, I am the Fourth Hokage of Konoha."
Orochimaru sighed theatrically, his tone tinged with mock regret.
"Ah la la, what a pity. I was hoping that today, I could finally fight side by side with the famous 'Yellow Flash.'"
Minato gave him a warm, knowing smile before replying lightly.
"You should first handle the situation with the Third Hokage. Aren't you trying to destroy Konoha?"
Orochimaru froze for a moment. Minato, who had once been fiercely protective of Konoha, had just said something completely unexpected. Orochimaru's lips twisted into a sinister smile.
He turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen, continuing, "I must admit, I was dissatisfied when you recommended Minato as the Fourth Hokage. I thought it was a mistake. But now, it seems Minato is the perfect fit for Konoha's Hokage."
"Enough, Orochimaru!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was sharp, a command laden with frustration. His eyes burned with anger, but Orochimaru was unfazed, wearing a mocking grin.
"Let's focus on the issue at hand, Sarutobi-sensei," Orochimaru said, his tone dripping with amusement. "I'm not sure if you can handle it."
Ignoring Sarutobi's roar, Orochimaru stretched out his arms and performed a strange seal. The bodies of the First and Second Hokage, brought back by the Impure World Reincarnation, moved. Both Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju stepped forward.
Outside the barrier, the onlookers tensed as they saw the two legendary Hokages stir. Minato and Orochimaru's conversation had revealed the gravity of the situation: the First and Second Hokage had been revived and were now under Orochimaru's control.
Kakashi, along with the Anbu and the other Konoha ninjas, watched the events unfold with growing concern. One of the Anbu ninjas, his voice shaky, asked, "But... aren't the First Hokage and the others dead?"
Kakashi, with a grave expression, explained. "The Impure World Reincarnation was developed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. After Hashirama Senju objected to it, the technique was sealed away. It involves using the remains of the dead and sacrificing living people to revive them."
The Anbu ninjas turned to Kakashi, taking in his words. Known as Konoha's "Copy Ninja," Kakashi's wisdom was respected, especially as a former Anbu captain.
Kakashi continued, "The talisman used in the technique erases the personality of the original soul, making the revived into mere puppets with no will of their own."
The explanation made the ninjas uneasy, and one voiced the concern that was on everyone's mind, "Can the Third Hokage even defeat them?"
Kakashi's brow furrowed. "I hope so... But I wonder what Minato-sensei is doing. Why isn't he helping?"
The barrier trapped them all, unable to assist those inside. Konoha's ninjas could only hope the Third Hokage would be able to withstand the assault of Orochimaru and the two resurrected Hokages.
Looking at Minato, Kakashi couldn't understand why the Fourth Hokage wasn't intervening. With his strength, this situation should have been manageable. But Minato remained still, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed the battle unfolding.
Orochimaru, sensing the lack of action from Minato, let out a small breath of relief. He had feared that Minato would act, and with his strength, the outcome was far from certain. But now, seeing that Minato made no move to stop him, Orochimaru's confidence grew.
"Not going to stop me?" Orochimaru asked, his voice almost casual.
Minato's lack of response made Orochimaru feel somewhat relieved. As the Fourth Hokage, Minato was undoubtedly powerful, and it would have been a difficult battle. But now, Orochimaru could focus on his plans without interruption.
With a wicked smile, Orochimaru turned his attention back to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "In that case, let's begin, Sarutobi-sensei."
Before Sarutobi could react, Orochimaru commanded the First and Second Hokage to charge, their chakra-infused attacks directed at the Third Hokage.
Minato remained standing quietly, watching with a detached expression. The tension in the air was palpable, but Minato had no intention of intervening. Orochimaru had not attacked him directly, and Minato didn't feel the need to interfere.
He wasn't here to fight. He had more important things to do, like completing his sign-in and receiving his rewards. Who knew? Maybe there would be a critical hit reward, or something from another world.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru, still controlling the two Hokages, was focused on his own thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder why Minato was revived through the Impure World Reincarnation. He had specifically summoned the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, of the Sand Village. But now, here was the Fourth Hokage of Konoha standing before him.
Could someone else have summoned Minato? What was going on?
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