Chapter 169: Orochimaru: Disable The Four Violet Flames Formation!!

"Is Hokage truly such a person?!"

"Just for the sake of the Hokage's position? Is the Third Hokage the Hokage-sama that everyone knows?"

"What…? Did the Third Hokage intentionally release Orochimaru to protect his student? Is he worthy of our trust?"

"Was the hero of Konoha compelled to take his own life?"

"There's another revelation. It appears that Danzo leaked the information about Naruto Uzumaki being the reincarnation of the demon fox to make the villagers hate him. In reality, Naruto's true identity is the son of the Fourth Hokage, a descendant of a renowned hero!"

"No way! Naruto is the son of the Fourth Hokage-sama?!"

"It must be! Look, isn't it Naruto who stood up and saved us today?"

The villagers held the papers in their hands and engaged in animated discussions, hoping that the Third Hokage would step forward. As a result, their voices grew louder and louder!

They could not tolerate such unethical tactics from the Hokage!

When the villagers of Konoha no longer acknowledge a Hokage, it signifies a complete loss of their trust, and a replacement can be sought.

This is why Itachi said, "Becoming Hokage doesn't guarantee universal recognition, but those who are universally recognized can become Hokage."

Hence, the Third Hokage has always maintained a noble and righteous image, consistently allowing Danzo to bear the blame, to win the people's hearts.

However, his positive reputation is now on the verge of collapse.

What he feared the most has already come to pass, but he remains unaware.

*****

Swoosh!

A sudden dark figure swiftly passed by Ibiki, instantly putting him on high alert.

He initially suspected it might be Sunagakure or some other enemies again.

However, when Ibiki caught sight of the vest and mask worn by the figure, he felt a sense of relief.

"A Root ninja... Where is he rushing off to?" Ibiki wondered, perplexed.

While both Root and Anbu were part of Konoha's armed forces, Anbu ninjas always regarded Root with caution since they only obeyed Danzo's orders. They saw the organization that disregarded the Hokage's commands as a significant threat.

Then Ibiki noticed the Root ninja dashing across the rooftops, scattering numerous papers as he went.

"Huh? What is this?" Ibiki came to an abrupt halt, picked up one of the papers, and examined it. His face turned pale with shock.

Anbu, following close behind, also picked up a paper and examined it curiously.

"Ibiki-sama?! This... This is..." The ninja's voice quivered.

As an Anbu member, he was well acquainted with Danzo's signature, the emblem of Root, and the seal of the Third Hokage. Therefore, he was even more startled because it implied that the contents written on these papers might be true!

Many of these documents contained evidence of secretive missions!

"The one who just passed by was indeed a Root ninja, right?" Ibiki contemplated, unsure if he had misunderstood. "Aren't the Root ninjas under Danzo's command? Why... Why would they release this evidence?"

Had Danzo lost his sanity?

"Based on their attire, there's no doubt they were Root ninjas... Or perhaps, someone impersonating them," the Anbu next to Ibiki confirmed.

"Has something happened to Danzo-sama? This is not good. We need to hasten our pace and help Hokage-sama!" Ibiki exclaimed urgently.

"Yes!" The Anbu ninja nodded in agreement.

For the past month, Ibiki had remained unaffected by these rumors. As a member of the Interrogation Unit, he possessed a cold heart and relied solely on concrete evidence, even dismissing the memories stored in his mind.

Thus, he had never doubted the Third Hokage, considering these rumors as baseless. However, now his faith was shaken.

In pursuit of his interests, the Third Hokage colluded with Danzo, conspiring against the Senju, Uzumaki, and Uchiha clans, even framing Kage-level ninja, White Fang, who was a potential candidate for the Hokage position. This revelation made Ibiki perceive the Third Hokage as an extremely sinister individual.

"Perhaps... That's why the Third Hokage managed to govern Konoha for so many years," Ibiki suddenly mused.

*****

Training Ground No. 0, on the rooftop of a high platform.

"Contract seal?! Damn it!" Orochimaru's expression instantly changed as he noticed the connection between him and Senju Tobirama being severed.

Naruto's actions greatly exceeded Orochimaru's expectations. He never anticipated that his Impure World Reincarnation Summoning Technique would be interrupted one day.

"So Naruto even possesses the sealing technique of the Uzumaki Clan?" Orochimaru hurriedly made another seal.

"Wood Release: Birth of the Tree World!" Under Orochimaru's control, Senju Hashirama unleashed his Wood Release ninjutsu.

Orochimaru believed that Naruto could only use the Flying Thunder God Technique to evade the attack. Otherwise, even if Naruto became entangled by the Wood Release, he would consume a substantial amount of chakra.

However, Orochimaru was surprised to witness Naruto standing alongside Tobirama, unaffected by the Wood Release, as if he were immaterial. Ninjutsu seemed to not affect him.

"Time-space ninjutsu?!" Orochimaru furrowed his brow. The ninjutsu displayed by Naruto was far beyond Orochimaru's comprehension, making it difficult for him to understand, predict, or even identify them.

This was an immense blow to Orochimaru, who had devoted himself to researching ninjutsu.

Although Orochimaru didn't claim to possess knowledge of all the ninjutsu in the ninja world, he could confidently say that he was familiar with the majority of them, or at least express them in the form of guesses.

But what Naruto had shown today was beyond his understanding.

Reviving Minato?

Possessing the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai?

Summoning one of the god-tier snakes?

Become intangible without a Sharingan?

What were these abilities?!

Indeed, Orochimaru had only heard of a technique that allowed one to become intangible and immune to ninjutsu damage. And the individuals known to possess such power were those with Sharingan, like Itachi, who had awakened the unique pupil technique through the Mangekyō Sharingan.

But what about Naruto?

He didn't possess the Sharingan.

"What could be the reason behind this?" Orochimaru pondered.

Suddenly, through the gap in the Wood Release ninjutsu, Orochimaru caught sight of a flickering flame.

"Not good!" Orochimaru hastily stepped back.

"Quick! Disable the Four Violet Flames Formation!" Orochimaru shouted to Kimimaro, who stood behind him.

"Huh? Oh, right..."

It was the first time Kimimaro had witnessed Orochimaru in such a state of anxiety. He swiftly formed hand seals and dispersed the barrier.

Why was Orochimaru so unsettled?

Because Senju Tobirama had lost control and Senju Hashirama was unable to restrain Naruto. It was merely a matter of time before they met the same fate. Ultimately, Orochimaru might find himself facing Naruto alone.

Orochimaru didn't believe Naruto would show any mercy. While he might not die, who could say if Naruto didn't have another plan? Wasn't there a possibility that Naruto already knew a way to revive him? What if he was killed by Naruto accidentally?

Consequently, Orochimaru had no choice but to retreat for the time being.

Since the Four Violet Flames Formation required the simultaneous participation of four individuals to activate and maintain it, once one of them ceased their involvement, the barrier naturally dissipated.

Thus, the moment the Four Violet Flames Formation vanished, Orochimaru swiftly disappeared from his location and fled.

As for the Third Hokage?

Heh, Orochimaru couldn't bring himself to believe that Naruto would simply let him go without consequences.

…