Kitagawa Minamoto's theory was indeed practical, though frightening.
Based on what Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others knew about Orochimaru, he was definitely someone capable of such actions!
"Third Hokage, we must prepare as soon as possible."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance, their expressions unusually serious.
"And considering the experiments he and Danzo led back then, he might have already prepared for this."
"Meaning he could actually summon my grandfather?"
Tsunade's fists clenched at the thought, and other possibilities crossed her mind.
"Not just them, but even..."
"It's possible, which is why I believe we should act preemptively."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded in agreement, prompting Hiruzen Sarutobi to ponder deeply before finally nodding.
"It is indeed possible, but we mustn't be overly anxious. Each resurrection requires a living sacrifice. Besides, there's something you might not know."
"What is it?"
"I've read my teacher's notes. According to him, the technique has flaws; those summoned may not reach their full potential from when they were alive. I've also fought against Danzo, so..."
"But that's no reason to do nothing. Can we just sit back and let Orochimaru cause trouble?"
Seeing Tsunade's dissatisfied expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew they couldn't just do nothing, or else Orochimaru might indeed cause a major issue.
Moreover, he knew Orochimaru too well. Not only was he exceptionally gifted, but his research capabilities were also terrifying.
Otherwise, Danzo wouldn't have partnered with Orochimaru to study the First Hokage's cells back then.
"Don't worry, I understand."
With Orochimaru as a lurking threat, Hiruzen Sarutobi's "moral boundaries" had become more flexible.
"I'll arrange for someone to patrol the Hero's Cemetery diligently. Minamoto, leave your Flying Thunder God mark there. If anything happens..."
"I'll rush over immediately and eliminate Orochimaru."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, almost causing Jiraiya to roll his eyes.
"But just doing this doesn't seem sufficient, does it?"
"Indeed, it's not enough. I plan to..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, contemplating for a moment before speaking softly.
"Use Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation to summon the First and Second Hokage."
"Only those two?"
Kakashi was puzzled, but Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly explained.
"For now, yes. The Fourth Hokage used the Reaper Death Seal, so...
The First Hokage is too powerful; we must be prepared. And my teacher, the inventor of the Impure World Reincarnation, can provide us with more guidance and assistance."
"Old man, are you planning to have the Second Hokage modify this technique?"
Jiraiya blinked, glancing at Kitagawa Minamoto as he spoke.
Isn't this similar to Minamoto's idea of having the deceased work for them?
"Well... that might not be a bad idea?"
Kakashi murmured, lost in thought, while Guy stood frozen.
"Not just the Kage, perhaps we should consider some other strong individuals as well."
Seeing Kakashi and Guy's expressions, Kitagawa Minamoto decided to remind them.
Although the Impure World Reincarnation seemed evil, using the dead as laborers seemed like a "lamp post" existence.
Yet, when Kabuto Yakushi used this technique, it unexpectedly achieved the effect of a "dream master."
It's safe to say this technique's impact depends on the caster's intentions.
"Exactly, that's my thought."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, speaking solemnly.
"We'll prepare for others' Impure World Reincarnations. With my teacher's help, we can expedite the process and better protect others from Orochimaru's control!"
"Then let's prepare immediately."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance and spoke up.
"I'll go with you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed, but he turned to Tsunade.
"Tsunade, you should prepare too. After all, we're summoning your..."
"Tch, I know."
Tsunade nodded and turned to leave.
"I'll go prepare then."
Given Orochimaru's nature, there was no telling what he might do with such a technique.
He might even use it to threaten them later.
"Then we'll head out. Meet us at the ANBU prison later."
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to Kitagawa Minamoto and the others, suggesting they join him.
"I believe the two Hokage would like to meet you."
"Yes."
Kitagawa Minamoto and the others nodded, but once they processed the statement, it felt odd.
Two deceased Hokage wanting to meet them...
Why did that sound so strange?
"Who would've thought things would turn out like this."
After Tsunade and the Third Hokage left, Jiraiya rubbed his temples, while Kakashi seemed curious.
"I wonder what the two Hokage are like."
"Who knows? I'm not familiar with them."
Jiraiya shook his head. He had been young when the two Hokage died, so familiarity was out of the question.
"But it's not necessarily a bad thing. We might even see some old friends."
"Maybe."
Kakashi nodded, while Guy tilted his head in thought.
Kitagawa Minamoto, however, watched it all with amusement. He had considered using the Impure World Reincarnation early on!
"After all, if I don't 'move the dirt' to my friends, they'll 'move the dirt' to me."
With this mindset, he had to act first!
"Actually, the Fourth Hokage isn't impossible... Never mind."
Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head, walking to the window and looking up at the sky. Suddenly, he froze.
Staring blankly at the sky, an unreliable thought popped into his mind!
"Wait, I remember that Hamura Ōtsutsuki's remains are buried on the moon?"
"What do you think of him?"
After leaving the Konohagakure Hospital, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced around before quietly asking his old friends.
"Calm, composed, meticulous, and flexible in his thinking."
Koharu Utatane quickly shared her thoughts, and after some reflection, Homura Mitokado added,
"Powerful, with mastery over Flying Thunder God, Sage Arts, Ice Release, Dust Release, and even developed Purple Electricity on his own. A super-genius ninja, excellent in every aspect."
"Yes, indeed very impressive."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, but his friends continued.
"However... his ideas are somewhat extreme, even alarming to me."
"And his moral boundaries seem lower than our teacher's. The new use for Impure World Reincarnation, and his ideas about the Kazekage and Daimyō..."
"..."
Their words made Hiruzen Sarutobi purse his lips. After a moment, he sighed.
"Now you understand why I think Konohagakure's education system failed?"
"..."
"Minamoto is excellent in every way, but his personality is too problematic, and his ideas too radical. I can't fathom how the school taught him!"
"..."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances, both wanting to ask:
Could it be that Kitagawa Minamoto's personality was inherently problematic?
But after some thought, Homura Mitokado spoke up.
"Perhaps there are indeed issues with education. We need to continue our efforts."
"Yes, but producing someone like Kitagawa Minamoto is also a success. In a sense, his ideas aren't entirely wrong."
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement, adding,
"Don't be too troubled. We should focus on strengthening ideological education. I think that will suffice."
"True, nurturing him is quite an achievement."
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a bit better, adjusting his Hokage hat with a smile.
"It seems you both have high hopes for him. That's good. I trust your judgment, and I have a plan for this summoning."
"Are you planning to have the Second Hokage mentor him?"
The two immediately guessed Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention but felt helpless.
This kid is already so extreme, and now their teacher is going to mentor him...
They couldn't imagine what the future held!
"What else could I do?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply.
"Should I have the First Hokage teach him instead?"
"..."
At this, the two fell silent.
That would be worse than the Second Hokage.
Not that the First Hokage couldn't do it; in fact, he was incredibly powerful!
But his personality was too unreliable.
Given the circumstances, the Second Hokage seemed the better choice.
Even though Kitagawa Minamoto, from what they'd seen, seemed even more extreme than the Second Hokage...
"Alright, let's not dwell on this. Let's prepare quickly."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, not wanting to discuss the topic further.
The priority was ensuring the two Hokage remained under their control. He hadn't forgotten how Orochimaru had attempted to summon two coffins previously.
It was only thanks to Kitagawa Minamoto's Dust Release shattering them and his relentless focus on Orochimaru during the battle that things hadn't spiraled out of control.
After some preparation, everything was ready by noon.
Kitagawa Minamoto accompanied Kakashi, Guy, and a still-recovering Jiraiya to a room in the ANBU prison.
"You're here. Let's begin."
Seeing their arrival, Hiruzen Sarutobi began forming hand seals.
He hadn't practiced this technique much, but with his level of expertise in ninjutsu, he could manage without needing precise control.
"I've always been reluctant to use this technique because it's too cruel."
As he formed the seals, he explained, and beside him lay two unconscious death row inmates, clearly the sacrifices.
"But given the circumstances, I have no choice. Perhaps these inmates can serve a new purpose. So..."
"Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation!"
Two summoning circles appeared beneath his feet, and a flurry of paper covered the two inmates.
Before long, the two rose, their appearances completely changed!
As chakra continued to flow into them, their previously vacant eyes began to show signs of life.
However, they still seemed slightly dazed, though their consciousness had clearly returned.
"This place..."
Suddenly, Hashirama Senju moved, looking around curiously.
"Where is this?"
"Big brother?"
A voice sounded behind him, and he turned to see his brother, Tobirama Senju.
But soon, his expression turned strange. After a quick once-over, he burst into laughter.
"Tobirama, you look like you're not alive!"
"...Idiot, we've been dead for a long time!"
Tobirama's brow twitched as he assessed his brother's condition.
"Looks like it's the Impure World Reincarnation. How ironic to be summoned back by my own technique. So..."
His words were cut short as he turned to the one who summoned him, his gaze icy.
However, upon seeing the familiar faces, he paused, recognizing them.
"Huh?"
Meanwhile, Hashirama peered around, his head tilted in curiosity.
"Who's that old man? He looks familiar."
"..."
"Old man, who are you?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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