Chapter 174: A Double Happiness
Impure World Reincarnation? Orochimaru was really getting bolder and bolder.
Genichi chuckled to himself. He didn't have such a strong moral aversion to it. If he were to use it, as long as he didn't use his own people as sacrifices, he wouldn't mind using enemies.
Just then, Tsunade asked him, "Have you figured anything out?"
"It doesn't really matter who it is anymore," Genichi shook his head. "Once you go down the wrong path, it's hard to turn back. As for Madara Uchiha, if you were all in his position, what would you do? Orochimaru-senpai, what do you think?"
"If it were me," Orochimaru smiled, "I would probably want a young body. After all, only then could I achieve my goals."
"If it were me, I would also choose that," Genichi nodded. "The legends of the Rinnegan say it has the power to destroy and create worlds. Is it possible that Madara wants to use Nagato's Rinnegan to revive himself, to reappear in the ninja world in his peak state?"
Hearing this, everyone's expression changed.
"That possibility… is very high," Hiruzen said, exhaling a puff of smoke.
"A very bold guess," Orochimaru smiled. "The Rinnegan… if it has that kind of ability, shouldn't Nagato be reviving his comrades?"
"Sometimes, ideals outweigh life," Genichi shook his head. "I have had contact with them." He then looked at Fugaku. "Clan Head Fugaku, I have also done some research on Izanagi. The cost is very great. Even a Mangekyō Sharingan cannot offset it, because the amount of dōjutsu power required in an instant is too immense."
"That is indeed true," Fugaku nodded. "Many of our ancestors have researched this forbidden jutsu, but they could not solve the side effect, so it was classified as forbidden, and most people do not know about it."
"Then I speculate," Genichi continued, "that the cost to revive a person with the Rinnegan is also enormous. If one wanted to offset such a cost, or meet the requirements for revival, I can only think of one possibility."
"The Tailed Beasts?" Orochimaru said.
"The idea of taking revenge on the Uchiha clan is too narrow-minded," Genichi nodded. "The Sharingan can control the Tailed Beasts, but not all Sharingan can. The Mangekyō is the only sure way. So Madara needs a relatively trustworthy and controllable person to carry out his revival plan. The Tailed Beasts should be an important part of it. So whether he gets revenge on the Uchiha or not is not important to him. Whether the Uchiha will hinder his plan, that is important."
"It seems the Uchiha clan is in for a lot of trouble," Orochimaru said.
Fugaku's heart sank. "For Madara, perhaps a continuous supply of three-tomoe Sharingan is more beneficial?"
Genichi did not refute this. Whether he wanted to destroy the Uchiha or plunder their eyes, the Uchiha clan's only path to survival was to stick closely with Konoha. This was the reason he had said all this. He didn't want the Uchiha causing trouble after Tsunade took office. If they obediently acted as workhorses, he wouldn't do anything to them.
Secondly, guiding this line of speculation was also to mend the rift between the Uchiha and the Konoha leadership. A powerful enemy often makes it easy to unite internally. He believed that after Fugaku returned, he would do his best to suppress the hardliners within the clan.
Of course, Fugaku alone was not enough. The Konoha leadership also needed to throw the Uchiha a few more bones. Danzō and the others had been wary of the Uchiha, but Genichi was not. He had developed the Primordial Spirit Technique precisely to deal with Mangekyō dōjutsu like Tsukuyomi and Kotoamatsukami. Against a non-eternal Mangekyō without Hashirama's cells, he was confident he could suppress it.
However, facing Fugaku, Orochimaru said, "Perhaps the Uchiha could consider something like the Hyūga clan's Caged Bird." It was a real jab.
"The Uchiha do not need to use such a cowardly method to protect themselves," Fugaku said immediately. Plus one damage to the Hyūga.
"There's no need to be so extreme," Genichi said. "If he wanted to harvest Sharingan, he would have done so long ago, after lurking for so long. Clan Head Fugaku, I would like to see Uchiha Tekka's body."
The change of subject was a bit abrupt, and everyone was taken aback.
"Do you think there's a problem with his death, Genichi?" Hiruzen said. "But his body is here, and it has been examined. It's not a shadow clone."
"A gut feeling," Genichi said. "Tekka's personality is different from Obito's. He is calm, emotionally restrained, but has a great spirit of dedication to the Uchiha, and has also made great contributions to Konoha." He had some understanding of him. This person was loyal to Konoha, but was definitely a hardliner who put the interests of the Uchiha first.
So, if this guy had known that Danzō was gouging out Uchiha's eyes, and if Madara had arranged something on the battlefield for him to witness it firsthand, he might have really awakened the Mangekyō. And if he had then learned that the Konoha leadership, and even his own clan head, knew about Danzō's actions and had turned a blind eye, when he fell to the dark side, he would probably be incomparably loyal to Madara, and would hate Konoha and the Uchiha leadership to the extreme.
Everyone present was intelligent. It was easy for them to understand his underlying meaning.
Hiruzen sighed. Tsunade gritted her teeth. "That bastard Danzō."
Fugaku's face was expressionless, but he was in great pain. He had been wrongly accused. Danzō was already dead, and he had been branded as a traitor to Konoha, taking all the blame. What could the Uchiha do? Demand that Hiruzen be punished? And of the former four-person leadership, only Hiruzen was left. The matter of the stolen eyes could not be pursued further. And it shouldn't be. Madara was too terrifying.
"Perhaps we can start with the Akatsuki," Orochimaru smiled. "After all, Jiraiya was their teacher."
"Danzō and Hanzō joined forces. That's why Yahiko died," Genichi said wearily. "Jiraiya… if he goes, Nagato will probably kill him too."
Hearing this, Tsunade wanted to curse Danzō again. The man was dead, but he had left behind a mountain of trouble. As expected, all Hokage were idiots.
"It seems we can only prepare to be attacked by Madara and the Akatsuki," Orochimaru said with a smile.
"That's all we can do," Hiruzen said helplessly. He looked at Fugaku. "Fugaku, when the three-tomoe Sharingan users go out on missions, tell them to be extra careful."
Fugaku nodded, but his heart had made a difficult decision: to disseminate the forbidden jutsu, Izanagi. It was better to fight than to have their eyes taken by Madara. As for being like the Hyūga, that was absolutely impossible. Even if he, as the clan head, wanted to do so, the clansmen would never agree to use such a cowardly way to protect themselves. They would rather die a glorious death. This was the Uchiha way.
Clearly, even with discussion, they couldn't come up with a good countermeasure. This was a lack of strength. None of them present were confident they could defeat Madara. How could they even talk about dealing with him? It was no wonder Tobirama had developed a fear of Madara, which had also been passed down to Danzō and the others. The exclusion of the Uchiha was nothing but a fear of their power. After all, without sufficient military strength, if an Uchiha were to go rogue and another Madara appeared, no one could stop them.
So, the meaning of this meeting was not to come up with a way to deal with Madara. It was, one, for Genichi to reveal some information through guidance. And two, to deal with the Uchiha. There's a Madara outside, so be good and stay in Konoha. The guy who was gouging out eyes inside the village is dead, but the one outside is not.
After the meeting, Orochimaru and Fugaku left. Genichi and Tsunade, however, went to the Hokage's office together.
"Being the Hokage really is a troublesome job," Tsunade grumbled, a little emotional.
"Although it's a lot of trouble," Hiruzen wanted to cover his face, but Genichi smiled, "it also has many benefits. For example, you can make Konoha whatever you want it to be."
Hiruzen's eye twitched. He had a bad feeling. Had he chosen the wrong person for the Fourth? He quickly coughed. "Um, as the Hokage, stabilizing the village is the first priority. Tsunade, don't be too hasty. Although Madara is a big problem, since he has been lurking for so long, there must be a very compelling reason."
"But not dealing with such a problem is always a hidden danger," she said, her brows furrowed. "And we don't know when it will erupt." It was not a good feeling to have a sword hanging over one's head.
"Then let's take him as an incentive," Genichi comforted her. "As long as we have the power of the First Hokage, there's no need to worry."
"You've already synthesized Wood Release," Tsunade said, her arms crossed. "When will you be able to reach my grandfather's level?"
"You've mastered Wood Release, Genichi?" Hiruzen was surprised. He really didn't know. Genichi hadn't taken the Wood Release ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals, but directly from Tsunade.
"I have. I analyzed some information from researching the First's cells, and then I copied Onoki's Earth Release. I got lucky and mastered it," Genichi said, making up an excuse.
Hiruzen had originally been very happy, but this excuse left a bad taste in his mouth. Luck? Is your luck a bit too heaven-defying?
"The First had not only Wood Release, but also Sage Mode," Hiruzen said, suppressing his complex emotions. "Genichi, perhaps you could try Sage Mode. When Jiraiya comes back…"
Before he could finish, Tsunade said, "The Shikkotsu Forest also has a sage art inheritance. And my grandfather also left behind a scroll on it. There's no need to wait for that guy Jiraiya."
Hiruzen nodded, but still said, "The sage art inheritance of Mount Myōboku is, after all, more complete. Both Jiraiya and Minato have mastered it."
Genichi did not directly refuse this kindness. But he would not learn the sage art of Mount Myōboku. From what he knew of its manifestation, training there would leave their mark on you. This was reflected in the frog transformation when natural energy went out of control. Whether there was any hidden meaning in this, he didn't know for now. But he had a persecution complex. If he could master it himself, then he would. If not, then he would try the Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myōboku. Of course, he could take the data to study.
After talking about Sage Mode, Hiruzen said, "Genichi, I'll leave the matter of protecting Tsunade to you. So you should come back to the Anbu."
Before he could speak, Tsunade waved her hand. "There's no need to be so formal. Let him focus on his training. He's in Konoha anyway."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
Tsunade stayed in the Hokage's office to study. Genichi went home to continue his training.
Days passed. Although Tsunade had not yet officially taken office, she was already busy, following Hiruzen and handling official duties. Kushina, Ina, and Shizune were also busy, preparing for her inauguration ceremony. And the carving of the Hokage Rock was also underway.
Everything indicated that a new era was about to dawn.
In a flash, it was December 15 of Konoha Year 48. This morning, a huge crowd had gathered in front of the Hokage's tower. On the roof, Genichi, Ina, and Shizune watched as Tsunade received the Hokage's hat from Hiruzen. This represented the official handover of power.
At this time, Tsunade was 35 years old.
"Lady Fourth Hokage!"
"Lady Tsunade!"
…
As she waved the hat in her hand, the villagers below erupted in fervent cheers. The Fourth Hokage had ascended.
Genichi watched the radiant Tsunade and couldn't help but smile like a proud aunt. He was, in a sense, the man behind the Hokage. Without him, she would not have become the Hokage so soon. Now that Danzō, Koharu, and Homura were dead, there would be fewer obstacles to her rule.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Genichi raised an eyebrow, and his smile grew even wider. Today was indeed a good day. Tsunade had officially become the Fourth Hokage, and he had finally mastered Magnet Release before the year was out.
A double happiness.
On a rooftop, Minato, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin watched the inauguration ceremony from a distance.
Listening to the cheers that seemed to spread throughout the entire village, Obito's face was full of envy. He then shouted, "One day, I will also stand there!"
Minato smiled and thought to himself, I will too. He had no particular thoughts about Tsunade becoming the Fourth. Under normal circumstances, no matter how amazing his war record was, the possibility of him becoming the Hokage at his age was very small. Unless Tsunade and the others didn't take the position. But the next Hokage… Minato felt, who else but him?
As for Genichi, he was not a competitor. In his eyes, Genichi should be his successor. As for Obito, well, he could dream. A dream didn't necessarily have to come true. Minato was a little teasing.
But Kakashi did not indulge him at all. "Then you should think about how to surpass Genichi."
Obito's smile immediately froze. He couldn't help but hold his head and shout, "Oh yeah, how did I forget about that guy Genichi? Damn it, why are we from the same generation? This guy is such a monster, he must be some old monster in disguise."
"Don't worry, Obito," Rin covered her mouth and smiled. "Knowing Genichi's personality, he might not necessarily become the Hokage. Do you remember what he said during his self-introduction?"
Hearing this, Obito jumped up, feeling that he was back in the game. He said proudly to Kakashi, "Did you hear what Rin said, Kakashi? If Genichi doesn't compete for the Hokage, then I can definitely become the Hokage!"
"Even if he doesn't," Kakashi said coolly, "it will be very difficult for a crybaby like you to become the Hokage. Beat me and Asuma first."
"When I awaken the Mangekyō, you'll be no match for me, Kakashi," Obito puffed out his chest. "And… I'll tell you some good news. From today on, I am a member of the Fourth Hokage's personal guard! This is enough to show how much Lord Hokage values me!"
"Congratulations, Obito!" Minato was slightly surprised, then smiled.
"Amazing, Obito!" Rin gasped in pleasant surprise. "Congratulations on being valued by Lord Hokage! Keep it up! I'm sure you can become the Hokage!"
Obito was very pleased with himself. He glanced at Kakashi like a proud rooster.
"From tomorrow on," Kakashi said flatly, "I will also be joining the Anbu, as a squad captain. And, Obito, you are still just a chūnin."
Stabbed in the heart, Obito immediately said loudly, "I have some other good news! From today on, I am a Special Jōnin of the Leaf! Kakashi, get your gift for me ready!"
"Amazing!" Rin gasped.
Minato had known this already. He watched with a smile, but his heart was also filled with many emotions. In the blink of an eye, the naive and always-getting-into-trouble Obito had become a Special Jōnin and was beginning to stand on his own. Everyone was developing very well.
Just then, Obito suddenly realized something. "Wait, I've become Lord Hokage's guard, and this guy Kakashi is going to the Anbu. Then what about you, Rin? Are you still going on missions with Minato-sensei?"
"I'm joining the medical corps," she smiled. "Lady Tsunade intends to expand the training of medical-nin, especially the training of part-time medical-nin, so she has arranged for me to be a training instructor."
Part-time medical-nin? The three of them looked at her with some confusion.
"It's for people like Kakashi," she explained, "who have a Yang Release affinity but are not developing in the direction of a medical-nin, but who can learn some simple medical ninjutsu and techniques to treat injuries, such as the relatively simple Hemostasis and Healing Jutsu, which don't consume too much energy. This can share some of the medical pressure."
"That is indeed a very good idea," Minato nodded. "As expected of Lady Tsunade."
"Kakashi, you'll also have to come to my training," she smiled.
"Me too," Minato smiled. "At that time, I'll be in your care, Rin."
"Me too! I also have Yang Release!" Obito quickly raised his hand. His Yang Release came from Hashirama's cells.
(End of Chapter)
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