The commotion near the barrier attracted the attention of Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Orochimaru. Minato turned his head and glanced at the barrier, recognizing the faces outside.
Isn't that masked guy Kakashi? And that watermelon-headed man in the tight green suit—that's definitely Might Guy. And there's my former bodyguard, Genma Shiranui.
The only difference was that the atmosphere surrounding them felt darker than before, perhaps a result of the Third Hokage's long rule. Minato smiled slightly at everyone, revealing his signature sunny expression.
"Wow, the Fourth Hokage is so imposing! Just one look from him makes me feel like I'm being stared down by the Nine-Tails," whispered a civilian ninja.
Inside Minato, the Nine-Tails grumbled: Are you being polite, or just insulting me?
"Don't talk nonsense," another added. "I think the First Hokage actually looks quite funny, almost like a clown."
"The Fourth Hokage is so handsome! He just smiled at me. I want to give him a big thumbs up!"
The woman next to her retorted, "He was clearly smiling at me!"
And just like that, a friendship capsized. Minato Namikaze, the culprit, remained completely unaware. Even if he had known, he would have simply laughed it off. Having been a fan of online novels in his previous life, he knew the absolute importance of strength. To him, once you have power, everything else—including relationships—falls into place.
"Teacher is still the same as always; he hasn't changed at all!" Kakashi exclaimed, looking at Minato from outside the barrier.
The various ninjas of Konoha all had different reactions as the Hokage's gaze swept over them. But the time for a reunion was over; the battlefield was calling.
Minato looked at Orochimaru and then at Hiruzen Sarutobi. Orochimaru had already walked behind the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. He pierced their necks with kunai bearing control talismans. Immediately, the two legendary brothers retreated to Orochimaru's side, their eyes turning dull as the control took hold.
Orochimaru spoke first: "Sarutobi-sensei! Let's end this boring reminiscing here!"
"It's almost time to start, isn't it? I hope you can hold on, Sarutobi-sensei," Orochimaru said with a sinister look. He then turned to Minato and added, "Please don't interfere, Minato!"
Minato, showing a flash of interest, teased the Sannin: "Why? I am the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, after all!"
Orochimaru was furious, but he kept his voice steady as he replied to Minato: "The current Konoha is not the village you remember. Don't you see its limitations? It is now dominated by fools and old men."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, feeling a chill run down his spine, quickly barked at Orochimaru, "Shut up, you bastard!" He turned to Minato, his voice urgent. "Minato, don't listen to his nonsense."
Minato silently glanced at Hiruzen. Under that calm, blue-eyed gaze, the Third Hokage's heart sank. Minato watched the two of them bickering and let out a cold laugh.
"I don't need you to tell me, Orochimaru. I have already seen what Konoha has become. It is not the village of the past. It has decayed."
"What!" Hiruzen was taken aback. What did Minato mean? Could he really know what had happened while he was dead?
Even Orochimaru was surprised. Minato had been dead for over a decade; how could he speak with such certainty? Orochimaru realized that this revived Minato was not only stronger than he was ten years ago but far more mysterious. He also noted that Minato had somehow broken the shackles of the Impure World Reincarnation to regain a living, physical body.
Minato looked directly at Hiruzen and spoke slowly. "Third Hokage... you're not young anymore."
Hiruzen's expression darkened. "What are you implying, Minato?"
Minato ignored the question and began to recite: "Where the leaves dance, the fire will never cease; its light will illuminate the entire village and allow new leaves to sprout."
"This is the Will of Fire—the very thing you keep preaching! You, the Third Hokage, should understand this better than anyone," Minato said, his voice laced with disappointment.
"Minato, what are you trying to say?" Hiruzen stared coldly at his successor.
Minato gave a chilling smile. "Let's not beat around the bush. You know exactly what I mean."
Orochimaru stood to the side with his arms crossed, curiously watching the confrontation. He wondered what shocking truths this "perfect" Hokage was about to reveal.
Minato continued, ignoring the murderous glints in the eyes of those around him. "It seems the Third Hokage is a little reluctant to give up his position."
He looked at Hiruzen's gloomy, aged face and continued: "Young people are the hope and the future of Konoha. The older generation must trust and protect them. Your sacrifices are meant to inspire them to become the pillars of the village."
"Third Hokage, you've grown old and weak. It's time for you to retire! Otherwise, Konoha will never grow. Your generation has become parasites, absorbing the nourishment of this towering tree until there is nothing left for the new leaves."
"Enough!"
A roar interrupted Minato. Hiruzen's face was twisted with anger and shame. He never expected that Minato, who had always been so respectful and obedient, would contradict him so publicly—let alone demand that he step down.
Orochimaru's laughter rang out as he clapped his hands. "Hahaha! What an irony!"
Orochimaru looked at Hiruzen's crumbling composure and mocked him: "Did you hear that, Sarutobi-sensei? Even your precious Fourth Hokage says it's over for you!"
"I have to say, you really failed miserably. This is better than I imagined." Turning his gaze back to Minato, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "Why don't you join me, Fourth Hokage? Help me destroy this decaying village. After all, you said it yourself—Konoha is rotten to the core."