Chapter 226: The Hokage Who Sees Through Everything, the Invitation to A-Huo, and the Nine-Tails Depriving Hashirama of the Will of Fire

Kaguya fell into deep thought.

Actually, on the battlefield, when Hiruzen Sarutobi silenced the boiling Konoha military formation with a single wave of his hand, Kaguya had wanted to ask her vessel how he did it…

So strict discipline and absolute obedience were actually possible?

Because back in the day, Kaguya couldn’t even manage the White Zetsu properly and had to endure their offensive questions.

It could only be said that, a millennium ago, White Zetsu possessed a burning curiosity about what the sensation of defecating felt like, a curiosity that had persisted to this day…

“I’m sorry, Lord Hokage…”

“For letting you see this disgraceful side of me…”

Even after undergoing hellish training in the Mountains’ Graveyard by several Kage and the Asura of the Shinobi World, Obito had never complained of fatigue, let alone shed a tear.

But the moment he returned to the village, he completely broke down.

Because to the barren spiritual landscape of the shinobi world, genuine, heartfelt care was like a raging fire, always easily scorching their souls…

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, saying with a beaming smile:

“When I was young, I was just like you, Obito…”

“Back then I was very skinny, so people called me Monkey. Lord Hashirama gave me private lessons, but I couldn’t learn what he taught. I went home tired and anxious, and shed tears too.”

“We’re shinobi. Crying isn’t a sin; it’s just venting the exhaustion in our hearts.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s words seemed to possess a magical power. They quickly calmed the sobbing Obito, who haphazardly wiped his wet eyes and took a deep breath.

So even Lord Hokage struggled to learn ninjutsu?

And he even cried!

But Hiruzen Sarutobi saying this didn’t shatter the Hokage’s divine image in Obito’s heart.

On the contrary, hearing such a relatable anecdote made him feel that the distance between them had closed a bit more…

A personal relationship had been established.

“Lord Hokage…”

Obito chose his words carefully, the Kamui Mangekyo in his eyes slowly revolving: “While fighting Iwagakure, I was ambushed by enemy Jonin like Taiseki and others…”

“Kakashi, Rin, and I engaged the enemy and were driven into a minefield. At the time, I stepped on an explosive tag and lost nearly half my body’s functionality. It was Kakashi who carried me on his back…”

“Later, Kinkaku, Ginkaku, Ashina, and Uncle Second Raikage rescued us, killed those Iwa shinobi, and took me to an underground cave.”

“Which is the headquarters of the ‘Akatsuki’ organization that just made its debut…”

At this point, Obito’s heart suddenly grew tense again.

Because regardless of anything else, the Akatsuki organization was now openly opposing Konoha.

The standoff between the two sides had forced Hiruzen Sarutobi to resurrect Hashirama Senju with Edo Tensei…

Although the outcome was positive, the motives and logic throughout the process were highly intriguing.

Even Obito himself felt that a Konoha shinobi who had been missing for over a year, only to return to the village after mingling there for so long, possessing a whole new set of skills, was exceptionally suspicious…

Being subjected to an interrogation would be completely normal.

Obito could accept all of that.

However, because Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the current head of the Hokage faction, had shown him—his grand-disciple—such profound care, it instead made Obito anxious about gains and losses…

If things suddenly take a 180-degree turn, what do I do?!

In an instant, Obito suddenly understood why the Great Clan Head Madara didn’t forbid him from returning to the village…

Because many things are difficult to explain clearly once you return.

Especially since Madara and the Uchiha Clan were currently deeply intertwined within the village. If his existence and actions were exposed, many things would become incredibly troublesome…

A single misstep could trigger a chain reaction of collapse.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression remained unchanged, still maintaining that encouraging, beaming smile. He nodded slightly to Obito, signaling him not to worry and to continue speaking normally…

Obito paused. Under the Hokage’s gentle gaze, the chaotic emotions in his heart seemed to melt away, and he involuntarily smiled as well.

Right, what am I afraid of?

With Lord Hokage here, even the most difficult things to explain can be made clear…

I’m not afraid!

“Over the past year or so, Mu, Uncle Gengetsu, the Raikage, Kinkaku and Ginkaku, and Uncle Ashina have taught me many combat skills. I’ve trained to the point of exhaustion every day…”

“Because half of my body was blown off by the explosive tag, the ‘Akatsuki’ organization filled the gap with a substance similar to Lord Hashirama’s cells…”

Obito rolled up his sleeve, revealing a pale white arm.

That was the part belonging to Tobi…

Kaguya listened intently to Obito’s confession, slightly taken aback.

She realized she seemingly didn’t understand White Zetsu at all…

First, there was Hashirama Senju, who was extremely akin to a sentient God Tree, and now this “high-tier spatial jutsu White Zetsu,” Obito…

Regardless, utilizing the power of White Zetsu and the God Tree in this manner was undeniably far stronger than the White Zetsu army she had single-handedly built, which relied solely on sheer numbers…

Could it be that she truly made a mistake back then?

Kaguya hadn’t been in Konoha for long, yet she had already accomplished something the Sage of Six Paths had failed to do for a millennium…

She made the Progenitor of Chakra engage in self-reflection!

Especially when Kaguya looked closely and realized that the numerous shinobi who had transplanted Hashirama’s cells could actually be viewed as individual White Zetsus. Wasn’t this exactly what she had done back then?

Although if the Sage of Six Paths and Hiruzen Sarutobi heard this, they would definitely ask her where the similarity lay.

But that didn’t stop Kaguya from projecting herself into the situation right now…

“Oh? Filled with cells similar to Lord Hashirama’s?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, grabbed Obito’s arm, and sensed the vitality within.

It truly was quite something!

The vitality was almost identical to the original Hashirama cells, yet far more orderly…

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment:

“Obito, find a time to have Orochimaru examine your body. Our village’s research into the development of Lord Hashirama’s cells has also made progress.”

“First, to see if there are any hidden ailments in your body. Second, to see if these special cells on you can aid the village’s research.”

Obito nodded naturally: “Understood, Lord Hokage!”

In truth, Obito did feel slightly uneasy about half his body being replaced by Tobi, given that it was the handiwork of the Asura of the Shinobi World.

Based on Obito’s understanding of Madara…

Planting something malicious was unlikely, but it was also unlikely he didn’t leave a contingency plan.

The Great Clan Head was just that convoluted…

Constantly oscillating between acting like a mastermind and a generous elder; you never knew which version of him you’d run into…

“The Akatsuki organization’s ideology seems, on the surface, to be the pursuit of peace…”

“But their methods are very strange. These Edo Tensei former Kage are special puppet bodies. Not only is everyone’s vision linked, but they all possess a bizarre ability.”

“Human Path, Asura Path, Deva Path, Naraka Path, Animal Path, Preta Path…”

Obito eagerly rattled off all six abilities of the Rinnegan. Instead of using some bizarre method like carving characters on a toad’s back, he frantically rattled off a whole bunch of examples…

After all, he trained with these old fogeys every day.

And sometimes, when these Warring States old-timers debated the discord in the shinobi world, they would actually come to blows, using the abilities enhanced by Madara. Obito naturally understood them after seeing them so much.

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened quietly.

Just the existence of these several Kage… if Konoha from ten years ago had encountered them, it likely would have faced the disaster of the village’s destruction. They could very well have steamrolled the village in one breath…

Especially Ashina Uzumaki’s gravitational pull and repulsion, combined with sealing jutsu. It could be described as a “Mini Hiruzen” combat style…

If an ordinary shinobi encountered him, even many Konoha Committee Members would have no way to deal with it.

It’s just that, placed in the current Konoha, although these Warring States weirdos of the Akatsuki organization were still troublesome, the other shinobi in the village weren’t lacking compared to them…

Konoha had plenty of monsters too.

“These eyes of mine, well…”

Obito hesitated for a moment: “I was set up to awaken them. They lied to me and said you were dead. My emotions became extremely volatile, and I fell into the Hell Viewing Technique implanted within me…”

“I saw you, Kakashi, and Rin all die, and that’s how I awakened these Mangekyo. The visual jutsu is called Kamui, and its ability involves spatial manipulation.”

As he spoke, Obito, afraid Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn’t understand his bizarre visual jutsu, extended his intangible arm and waved it back and forth through the office desk… He then absorbed a teacup on the desk into the Kamui dimension, pulled it back out, and placed it down again.

This made Hiruzen Sarutobi laugh.

Kamui’s power was undeniable, but Obito’s clumsy yet earnest demonstration gave the Hokage a sense of watching a magic trick…

“One ball on the left, two balls on the right… Presto! Guess how many balls are in the bowl now?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi had absolutely no doubt that Obito would genuinely use his Mangekyo to entertain children…

“Utilizing overlapping dimensions?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered Kamui’s mechanism, feeling slightly surprised.

This was a spatial ability even more advanced than the Flying Raijin…

Intangibility was simply too unreasonable!

This completely threw traditional shinobi tactical exchanges out the window, bordering on an almost uncounterable ability. After all, even the Flying Raijin required distinct coordinates.

But Kamui needed none of that.

Not only was it highly authoritative in combat, but it also came with a free secret base…

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a twinge of envy listening to this.

After all, what man hadn’t dreamed of having a small space entirely his own when he was a child?

For a Mangekyo visual jutsu to flourish in both combat and daily life…

Truly worthy of the most unreasonable Uchiha, the most absurd Eye that Reflects the Heart!

“I think I understand, Obito…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out and very naturally placed his hand above Obito’s intangible arm.

And a scene that made Obito’s eyes widen occurred.

His intangible arm was actually grabbed by the Lord Hokage!

“Ah?”

Obito stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi in astonishment, completely stunned for a moment.

This felt so natural he didn’t know what to say…

Wait, this is a Mangekyo visual jutsu!

“Sealing jutsu, kid.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled:

“A long time ago, when I was still just an ordinary Jonin, I wondered: what should I do if an enemy mastered Lord Tobirama’s Flying Raijin jutsu?”

“An almost uncounterable spatial ability is simply too overwhelming.”

“I couldn’t hope that enemies would never master spatial abilities, but my own talent in spatial manipulation is far too ordinary. Fortunately, I’m somewhat suited for sealing jutsu.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi, targeting Tobirama…

No, targeting the possibility that an enemy might master spatial jutsu… requested Mito’s help to develop the “Spatial Sealing.”

However, Tobirama himself had yet to experience this, while Ao’s junior brother, Obito, got to try it first.

Obito clearly sensed that the instant Hiruzen Sarutobi approached his intangible arm, space seemed to be locked down by a powerful gravitational force, forcibly ripping him out of his intangible state in a split second…

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, still unsatisfied with his performance.

At his current level, he could only make it difficult for an enemy to escape during close-quarters combat. But at a distance, it was a different story entirely…

In Hiruzen Sarutobi’s vision, the ideal scenario would be combining Spirit Release’s “Visual Jutsu Release” with sealing jutsu, or tempering himself into a walking barrier.

Within his domain, illegal spatial displacement would be strictly prohibited!

Hiruzen Sarutobi had already decided on his next round of sparring partners.

Tobirama, Minato, Jiraiya with his Reverse Summoning Jutsu, and of course, primarily Obito with his Kamui, would all accompany him in analyzing the profound mysteries of space…

Obito felt a complex mix of emotions.

He had actually thought he truly had become an uncounterable existence in the shinobi world…

Even Lord Hokage might be the same.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took in Obito’s expression completely and smiled faintly.

Supernatural power affects a person’s mindset.

As the saying goes, ‘A sharp blade in hand naturally breeds murderous intent.’ When one acquires martial power that others cannot defend against, especially power gained in an instant, without the corresponding mental fortitude to match, things can easily go awry…

In a sense, this was also why Mangekyo Uchiha always caused trouble during the Warring States period.

But as long as someone could keep them in check, this ‘illness’ generally cured itself very quickly.

This was also why, when Madara and Izuna were around, the Uchiha didn’t slaughter each other over Izanagi…

As for Obito.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi believed Obito’s Will of Fire wouldn’t allow his mind to become unbalanced.

Not becoming unbalanced was Obito’s responsibility, but restraining overly overwhelming spatial jutsu was the Hokage’s responsibility…

As Hokage, his job was to grow as strong as possible, considering various factors, to minimize the opportunities and thoughts of making mistakes for other shinobi…

Everyone is trying hard to live.

“So that’s how it is?”

Obito couldn’t help but look at his idol with admiration.

The title of Professor of Ninjutsu was well-deserved!

Obito simply couldn’t imagine how Lord Hokage, without the bloodlines of the Uchiha or Senju, managed to brave the cutting winds and freezing frost, slowly cultivating his way to his current strength…

It must have been so much harder than what he went through!

“Lord Hokage, there’s one more thing…”

Obito suddenly became bashful again. The conversation had finally reached the meaty part.

And that was the existence of Madara Uchiha!

Clearly, after the Akatsuki organization’s debut, the question of who was the mastermind behind this mysterious organization—composed of former Kage from various villages—had sparked discussions across the entire shinobi world…

Spatial displacement jutsu, repulsion/gravity kinjutsu, Edo Tensei, a ruthless and insidious style…

And now Wood Style had been added as a variable.

Taking the intersection of these elements, the shinobi capable of satisfying these criteria seemed to point to only one person…

And that was Konoha’s Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju!

But awkwardly, Obito knew that many of the things the Akatsuki organization did were the work of Madara Uchiha…

The problem was, Madara Uchiha had also used the bond between grandfather and grandson to tether Obito, who cared deeply about emotions. So much so that Obito, who hadn’t reacted much when Kamui was cracked, now found his face flushing red again.

How exactly should he face Lord Hokage?

Deceive the Hokage?

That was, of course, impossible.

But betray his great-grandfather and the Great Clan Head?

That didn’t seem right either…

“The leader of the Akatsuki organization…”

A fierce internal conflict raged within Obito’s heart. He unconsciously lowered his head and mumbled softly:

“Obito, raise your head.”

Observing Obito’s reaction, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already figured it out. He said softly: “Is it that he won’t let you speak? Not only that, but he was also someone of high status in Konoha in the past…”

Obito paused, raised his head to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze, his Mangekyo filled with nervousness and anticipation.

Could it really be as Mr. A-Huo said…

Lord Hokage actually knows everything?!

“Let me think…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out his smoking pipe, pretending to be deep in thought. Obito quickly stood up and used an exquisite Fire Style to light it for his grand-master.

Although he was Minato’s disciple, generally speaking, anyone separated by more than two generations was collectively referred to as “grand-master”…

Hiruzen Sarutobi cast a slightly surprised glance at Obito.

Having studied abroad under Madara for over a year, his EQ has certainly improved quickly, hasn’t it?

Feels like he’s done his fair share of waiting on people…

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt an increased interest in Obito. His intuition told him that given Obito’s personality, he shouldn’t be able to grasp such a deep tactic as playing the emotional card on Madara.

It felt like he had an expert guiding him behind the scenes!

Amidst the swirling smoke, Obito waited nervously for the Hokage to speak.

Kaguya inexplicably felt a sense of anticipation.

Although Kaguya wasn’t exceptionally bright, she surprisingly enjoyed listening to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s deductions and decryptions, which made her feel as though she could also analyze many things…

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi was her vessel!

“You said your Mangekyo was awakened through a setup…”

“And this person possesses so many kinjutsu and materials that only Teacher Tobirama would have, which is why most people in the shinobi world believe the leader of the Akatsuki organization is my teacher.”

“This deduction is logical because it matches up in terms of both style and objective jutsu. But they ignore one issue: Konoha’s Will of Fire and bonds.”

“The more he resembles Teacher Tobirama, the less likely I believe the leader of the Akatsuki organization is him.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, speaking with a chuckle.

This left Obito somewhat uncomprehending.

Why is it that the more he resembles him, the less likely it is?

“Obito, even after awakening your Mangekyo and lingering in the Akatsuki organization for over a year, bearing heavy suspicions, you still trusted me enough to come alone to the Hokage’s office…”

“It is because the Will of Fire resonates between us. The bonds of Konoha transcend so-called doubts.”

“You trust me, therefore I also trust you.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly.

Obito listened, his face glowing, and subconsciously puffed out his chest: “Yes, Lord Hokage!”

“In private, you may call me Grand-master.”

“Yes, Grand-master!” Obito immediately said loudly.

“And this trust is passed down through generations. The bond between me and Teacher Tobirama is the same.”

“If it were Teacher Tobirama, even if he resurrected former Kage with Edo Tensei, held differing views on the Will of Fire and the village’s development, and truly hadn’t died back then but lived to this day to set up trials…”

“He wouldn’t avoid seeking me out.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly: “Just as I trust you, my grand-disciple, and you trust me, your grand-master, I also trust my teacher…”

“If the real Teacher Tobirama made a move, on one hand, he would come to inform me that Konoha is about to undergo a trial, laying his cards on the table so the village could prepare, essentially coordinating an inside-and-out takeover of the shinobi world…”

“On the other hand, he would absolutely not let so many people think it was him. Instead, he would find a representative figure to act as a front for his identity. After all, Teacher Tobirama still cares about his reputation…”

“If it truly were Teacher Tobirama, I think he would probably try to find a way to masquerade as ‘Madara Uchiha’…”

Obito’s whole body jolted, his eyes widening instantly.

Wait…

Is he really going to deduce the whole thing flawlessly in one breath?!

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he watched Obito’s reaction: “You kid really are suited to wearing a mask. You have to learn to keep your expression in check in the future, otherwise you’ll suffer for it sooner or later…”

Obito let out an ‘ah’ and waved his hands frantically: “I didn’t say anything, Grand-master!”

“Whether you say it or not is unimportant. The facts are what they are, and the logic is right there.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head:

“If Teacher Tobirama would choose to masquerade as Madara, then who would choose to masquerade as Teacher Tobirama?”

“In reality, a powerhouse masquerading as a weaker individual carries a certain irony. The one holding the initiative is often far higher in tier than the other person.”

“A heavy Warring States style, an intimate understanding of the Uchiha…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked toward the paperweight on the Hokage’s desk, the Sage Monument passed down through the Uchiha Clan:

“Can you read the words on this? Obito…”

Obito squinted, slowly reading the words inscribed upon it:

“When Yin and Yang become one, the Power of All Creation shall be attained…”

“The so-called Power of All Creation can be the combination of Yin-Yang Release, or it can be the generation and subjugation of the five elements leading to the derivation of Yin and Yang.” Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly:

“During the Warring States period, the ultimate representative of Yang power was the First Hokage, Lord Hashirama. The ultimate representative of Yin power was naturally the Great Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan, Madara Uchiha.”

“Therefore, the union of these two is the pure integration of Yin and Yang. The representative of all creation is the Rinnegan, symbolizing a brand-new power.”

“So the matter is very simple.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed the truth, his eyes gleaming brightly through the smoke:

“Madara Uchiha did not die after his battle with Lord Hashirama back then. Through some method, he obtained Lord Hashirama’s cells and hid himself to cultivate this Power of All Creation.”

“He didn’t awaken his eyes until he was old, which is the time period he began his activities…”

“Based on my understanding of the paranoia of Warring States shinobi and the Uchiha, I guess he might have found some method to resolve the conflicts in the shinobi world, but he shelved it.”

“The reason for shelving it is naturally because he saw that Konoha is currently developing quite prosperously, getting closer and closer to the village he envisioned in his heart…”

“But he also doesn’t want to give up his method of resolving everything with pure power using the Rinnegan. Yet Konoha is the village he built with Lord Hashirama. Amidst these conflicting sentiments, it evolved into this…”

“Madara is very awkwardly unwilling to abandon his method, yet holds a certain degree of approval for Konoha. And so, he simultaneously tests Konoha while causing trouble for it, constantly raising the stakes, attempting to prove right and wrong.”

“Am I right? Obito…”

Obito and Kaguya, one inside and one outside, listened to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s analysis in stunned silence.

Kaguya didn’t know the inside story, but she felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi’s ability to say so much in one breath and string so much logic together was incredible!

Isn’t this harder than firing the All-Killing Ash Bones?!

Obito, on the other hand, felt the Lord Hokage’s eyes were even sharper than the Great Clan Head’s Rinnegan!

He completely saw right through the Great Clan Head…

It was as if he held the script in his hands, reading out his experiences word for word.

Obito couldn’t help but wonder, if the Great Clan Head, who always prided himself on being mysterious, found out he had been figured out by Grand-master long ago…

Wouldn’t he be so anxious he couldn’t even eat grilled meat anymore, completely red-faced with anger?

However, this was just Obito’s perspective being too narrow, underestimating the complex bond between “Madara and the inheritor of his youth’s will.”

A long time ago, Madara Uchiha felt he was already playing chess from afar with Hiruzen Sarutobi, though neither side explicitly stated it.

The significance of Madara letting Obito return to the village, in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s view, was in a sense Madara wanting to further reveal his identity to him… to test his attitude as Hokage!

After all, as Hiruzen Sarutobi countered every move, Madara’s approval of Konoha was likely gradually increasing.

Furthermore, he had given Madara ample face on the noticeboards of the Ninja Academy and the village…

The Uchiha Clan was also doing very well, and on top of that, there was Izuna inside Tobirama, and now Hashirama as well.

These factors were all present.

But this individual had an incredibly awkward personality. He couldn’t just come back without a legitimate reason, could he? Yet the things he did were hard to explain to the public…

The only person who could handle it was Hiruzen Sarutobi.

So rather than saying he let Obito come back, it’s more accurate to say Madara took a half step back: “Hiruzen, I still have to test you on my end. The contest between the Infinite Tsukuyomi and the Will of Fire isn’t over yet!”

“But you’re doing alright right now, so I’m sending you back an Uchiha with a Mangekyo, plus six Kage and a good sapling I cultivated for you…”

“Think about it, if you ultimately win, how should I return to Konoha?”

This request was a bit of “wanting to have his cake and eat it too,” yet it perfectly fit the Asura of the Shinobi World.

Even for Hiruzen Sarutobi, it would be difficult to help Madara justify this logic and demand. But ever since Kaguya reminded him that Madara seemed to have encountered another Deus ex Machina and harbored an anomalous entity within him, there was a perfect solution for all of this…

The false Shinobi of Darkness and scapegoats: Tobirama and Danzo.

The true one bearing everything: The anomalous entity in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes, Isshiki Otsutsuki!

“You know, you really knew it all!”

Obito simply didn’t know how to express his admiration for Hiruzen Sarutobi: “You guessed everything! Your analytical ability is stronger than Sister Tomie’s Mangekyo visual jutsu…”

It’s truly just as the Great Clan Head said…

Those who use their brains will always be invincible!

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly.

He had merely managed to guess it through some minor techniques like controlling variables and quantitative analysis…

“Obito, right now you might be wondering why I am so tolerant of Madara Uchiha, even allowing him to usurp Teacher Tobirama’s reputation, despite clearly being Teacher Tobirama’s disciple…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression turned serious as he pointed to the stone monument:

“This stone monument was passed down by the Sage. Some of its contents can only be seen after awakening the Mangekyo, and some can only be discovered when one’s understanding of chakra reaches a certain level.”

In reality, the Sage of Six Paths’ stone monument didn’t mention anything about Isshiki.

But if Black Zetsu could alter the contents, couldn’t the Hokage do it too?

If he said he could see it, then he could see it. After all, it was an object placed in his office…

Obito listened intently to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s words.

He felt as though something huge was coming…

“The reason Madara broke with Hashirama, and why he became so paranoid, is because he was likely possessed by a certain evil Sage, turning into a vessel for reincarnation.”

“The Sage truly does exist.”

“This so-called Sage will infiltrate Madara Uchiha’s mind with chakra, and ultimately will very likely transform him into his own image, thereby achieving a variant form of resurrection.”

“Similar to the ‘Living Corpse Reincarnation’ jutsu recorded in the Scroll of Seals.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice.

And these words made Kaguya’s heart tremble.

It was one thing for the various homegrown White Zetsu of the shinobi world to surpass her army…

But how could they even replicate the core mechanism of the Otsutsuki Clan, the “Karma”?!

Regardless of whether it was a “lite version,” just possessing the concept was terrifying enough…

In this shinobi world, was she the Progenitor of Chakra, or were these shinobi who didn’t understand the true essence of chakra the real progenitors?

Why does she feel so outdated…

“Does my vessel know that I can actually seize his body?”

“No, seizing his body seems impossible. This constitution of his is too strange. This sliver of my consciousness and chakra inside his body feels almost the same as being inside my rebellious son’s Six Paths: Chibaku Tensei…”

“I can’t exert any influence at all.”

Kaguya sorrowfully discovered that she seemed to have wandered out of one seal right into another.

However, the good news was that she could at least communicate with Hiruzen Sarutobi, attempting to use her world-shaking wisdom and strategy to see if she could secure an ally…

“Then isn’t the Great Clan Head in terrible danger?”

Obito said, somewhat agitated: “Lord Hokage, we have to save him! We have to tell him about this!”

“Obito, when facing a situation, the first thing to do is remain calm.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi cast a majestic glance at Obito, his tone severe.

Obito instantly quieted down and nodded obediently: “I’m sorry, Grand-master…”

“Given Madara Uchiha’s personality, if you tell him his thoughts are being controlled by someone else, he will view it as an insult to his character and will definitely be furious…”

“This kind of intense emotional fluctuation will actually give the ‘Sage’ hidden within him an opportunity, further accelerating the process of possession.”

“Moreover, the ‘Sage’ isn’t just an amateur. He won’t be easily detected. Mere words are useless; there must be concrete evidence,” Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said.

“Then Grand-master, how do you know? This stone monument?”

Obito asked with great curiosity.

“I have my own intelligence network. You will understand when you become Hokage in the future.” Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, raising an eyebrow.

Obito obediently gave an ‘oh’ and didn’t ask further.

The Hokage’s clearance level was indeed something he shouldn’t touch upon; Obito had at least that much awareness.

However, Obito was still intensely curious about just how terrifying his Grand-master’s intelligence network was…

To even detect Madara and the Sage far away in the Mountains’ Graveyard!

Obito couldn’t help but think that even if someone told him right now that the Sage of Six Paths was also a part of his Grand-master’s intelligence network, he might actually believe it…

His Grand-master was too mysterious; his Mangekyo Sharingan couldn’t see through him at all.

But Obito’s heart could feel the warmth of the Hokage’s Will of Fire, and that was enough.

And…

Obito astutely caught onto a crucial point…

Hiruzen Sarutobi just said that he might become Hokage in the future!

“I understand your situation now.”

“I will give you a Root token. From now on, you are part of my direct Escort Guard, Obito.”

“After returning to the village, people will definitely ask you about the various things that happened over the past year. These matters must be kept strictly confidential and absolutely cannot be leaked.”

“You only need to tell them that you reported to me. Everything reports directly to me. I will specially sign my name on the Root token for you. Do you understand my meaning?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly.

Obito nodded repeatedly, but his thoughts rapidly drifted to the clouds at this moment.

Holy crap!

A token personally signed by Grand-master? And it’s from Root!

It carries a distinct feeling of ‘Hokage’s special permission, no taboos’…

And he’s a Guard!

Obito couldn’t help but imagine a scene: Kakashi comes over to ask what he’s been doing for over a year, and he coldly flips open the token: “Kid, don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask…”

How satisfying would that be!

It could only be said that despite awakening Kamui and possessing formidable skills, Obito’s focus was still entirely on Kakashi. He just wanted to see that cold-faced kid shoot him a look of utter shock…

He just loved that.

“As for Madara Uchiha’s side…”

“You can go back and visit him from time to time. Bring some local Konoha specialties. You can also share some unimportant intelligence with him. If you’re unsure about this aspect, you can talk to me…”

“The core objective is to stabilize Madara’s emotions so his sense of self doesn’t suffer violent conflicts. As for the Sage within him, I will find a way to deal with it, Obito.”

“Give me time.”

“Madara founded Konoha, and he is using his physical body to seal an evil Sage. He is a hero of Konoha, and indeed the shinobi world. I will personally bring him back to the village…”

“Even if I have to break both his arms and tear apart the Sage within him, I will do it.”

“In the name of the Will of Fire.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice.

Obito’s heart trembled as he listened.

He realized that when it came to intense emotions, his Grand-master seemed no less potent than the Great Clan Head…

Except the intensity was laced with stability.

Obito nodded firmly: “I understand, Grand-master!”

“By the way…”

“The fact that Madara let you return shows that the relationship between you two seems quite harmonious…”

“But based on my understanding of you, kid, and Madara’s temper and personality, how did you manage to achieve this? Did one of the former Kage in the Akatsuki organization guide you?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.

Obito’s eyes widened. He felt as though everything about him had been completely seen through by his Grand-master!

Even when locking eyes with Madara’s Rinnegan, Obito had never felt this way…

Is this what a Hokage is?

Watching Hiruzen Sarutobi logically deconstruct Obito’s secrets one by one, Kaguya’s frown deepened. She wondered exactly how he managed to do this.

Is this some kind of jutsu?

Damn it, I really want to learn it…

Kaguya couldn’t help but think: if she had Hiruzen Sarutobi’s logic and eloquence to knock the Sage of Six Paths and Hamura—those two rebellious sons—to the ground and subject them to a thorough critique, how satisfying would that be…

It’s just a pity she really was a bit clumsy with words. She couldn’t string together a sentence longer than fifteen words smoothly…

“This… I really did forget this!”

Obito only just remembered that Mr. A-Huo had also instructed him to mention its existence in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi if he got the chance.

To pave the way for its transfer to Konoha…

“There is a White Zetsu…”

“Its name is A-Huo, and it is a very formidable person!”

“It read Lord Hiruko’s biography, Lord Hizashi’s notes, and deeply studied many of your articles and the contents of Konoha’s systems. It now oversees all the permissions of the White Zetsu…”

“Mr. A-Huo really likes Konoha. It was because of its suggestions that I got along so well with the Great Clan Head. It has always protected me…”

Obito continuously put in a good word for A-Huo in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi:

“It really wants to become a Konoha shinobi!”

Now it was Hiruzen Sarutobi’s turn to be surprised.

If his guess was correct, White Zetsu should be some sort of immature Hashirama clone…

To think it could actually become the strategist behind Obito through step-by-step learning?

From the sounds of it, it had even gained Madara Uchiha’s trust and done a lot of work!

“Are there any other special White Zetsus?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi inquired further.

“Are there others? Tobi is quite special. It is called the Son of the God Tree and can use very powerful Wood Style, which is why I know it too…” Obito thought seriously:

“There is also a black Zetsu that looks very special. It seems to be some kind of Yin-Yang Release creation. I heard from the other White Zetsus that it used to be the Great Clan Head’s butler, but was later replaced by A-Huo…”

Kaguya paused. That sounded exactly like her third son, Black Zetsu!

Wait…

Did Black Zetsu actually fail to compete against an ordinary White Zetsu?

Does this Will of Fire really have the effect of opening one’s mind?

In this instant, Kaguya developed a deep interest in the Will of Fire…

Just what kind of miraculous thing is this?

Capable of turning corruption into miracles…

As for what to do about Black Zetsu, although Kaguya also wanted to contact it, currently, there seemed to be no good way to do so. She could only take it one step at a time…

“A-Huo? Did it choose that name for itself?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

“Yes, Grand-master.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, saying thoughtfully:

“Obito, from now on, you are the secret bridge of communication between Konoha and Madara’s side. If there are any developments with Madara and the Akatsuki organization, you must report to me immediately…”

“I understand this matter concerning A-Huo.”

“How about this. I have a few copies of the government affairs I usually review. I’ll have the Anbu make copies later. Since A-Huo is interested, let it read more of them. Also, ask it to offer me some suggestions and point out any shortcomings.”

“Tell it that if it’s interested, it can come find me for a chat. I very much look forward to meeting it.”

Obito smiled from the bottom of his heart.

He felt genuinely happy for A-Huo…

Has it finally been recognized by Lord Hokage?!

But he also wanted to see A-Huo’s expression. After all, being the only one seen through felt a bit complicated…

He hadn’t even mentioned it, yet his Grand-master had pinpointed A-Huo!

Obito couldn’t wait to brag with A-Huo about how powerful Hiruzen Sarutobi was…

A true fan club gathering.

“Hmm…”

“Recently, a few geniuses have enrolled in the Ninja Academy. They are Yamato, raised by Lady Mito; Fugaku’s eldest son, Itachi; and Orochimaru’s disciple, Kabuto. They are all very outstanding talents.”

“Minato’s son, Naruto, and Fugaku’s second son, Sasuke, have also displayed talents far beyond their years…”

“Obito, you must take up the banner once held by Minato. After all, you are his disciple…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and took a puff of his pipe: “We must put a little bit of pressure on these geniuses to give them the motivation to strive upward, but don’t overdo it…”

Obito’s eyes lit up.

Oh my…

Has this day finally come?!

Now that the evil blonde has moved on to compete in the Konoha Committee Member arena…

As his disciple, taking up this banner is indeed completely appropriate!

Obito couldn’t wait to play with these Ninja Academy geniuses using Dual Kamui. Just thinking about the pressure from the past appearing on the faces of the new generation’s Ninja Academy elites made him want to laugh…

It could only be said that if Madara knew what little ambition Obito had after awakening his eyes, he would probably pass out from anger.

Dual Kamui is meant for you to show off to Kakashi, use as a storage room, and play with Ninja Academy students?!

Forget the Infinite Tsukuyomi, at least have some higher aspirations!

But this was the happiest thing Obito could think of…

Hiruzen Sarutobi chatted with Obito for a while longer. After he left, the Lord Hokage stretched lazily.

He sighed, collected his emotions for a moment.

Then picked up the various reports.

Some were about post-war condolences; some were about the construction of the economic belt between the Kirigakure and Konoha regions; others were further approvals and funding requests regarding Rouran’s puppet jutsu and Dragon Vein research.

Hiruzen Sarutobi patiently reviewed them one by one.

“The pace of informatization implementation is even faster than I imagined…”

“Is a prototype already taking shape?”

“However, this Dragon Vein actually possesses distinct space-time characteristics, and has shown signs of anomalous activity?” Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, reading the bolded remarks highlighting the Rouran region.

Requesting focused attention and resource allocation…

Kaguya silently watched Hiruzen Sarutobi handle government affairs.

After a long while, she couldn’t help but ask: “Why? Why are you already so strong, yet you still handle these utterly insignificant matters? How can they possibly help you?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the documents in his hand and replied naturally:

“The vast majority of them truly offer me no help. But I don’t need them to make outstanding contributions. I only need them to do what they ought to do and live their lives earnestly.”

“If everyone does this, it will foster a relaxed, cheerful, and positive atmosphere in Konoha.”

“This atmosphere is like fertile soil. It will rapidly allow ordinary shinobi to grow into remarkable individuals, stimulating their creativity and their will to protect the shinobi world…”

“Have you ever planted a tree?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment, and based on Kaguya’s bizarre previous statements, used a grounded analogy:

“The shinobi are the saplings, and I am the gardener.”

“It takes time for a seed to grow into a large tree. What I must do is nurture these saplings as they grow. Once they are fully grown, I will be able to relax and enjoy the shade beneath the trees…”

“I believe they will become very powerful. Therefore, while I am still capable of doing something, I must do my utmost to protect this precious nursery…” Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

Kaguya listened in silence.

She felt as though Hiruzen Sarutobi had stolen all her lines…

Planting trees, a nursery…

If Hiruzen Sarutobi claimed to be an Otsutsuki right now, Kaguya might actually believe him!!

In the past, Kaguya looked down on the shinobi world, feeling that shinobi simply didn’t understand chakra.