Chapter 322: The Fourth Hokage Revives
"Let's begin."
In the underground chamber, Dan leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, giving the order to Orochimaru.
"As you wish, Lord Hokage."
Orochimaru bowed to Dan, then, under the watchful eyes of Kakashi, Black Zetsu, and others, he moved to the center of the room, took out the Shinigami mask, and put it on his face.
Then, he began to dance strangely and somewhat comically, as if performing a bizarre ritual.
Before long…
"Ke-ke-ke."
A strange laugh echoed through the air, reverberating in the chamber, and a massive spectral figure appeared behind Orochimaru.
It was a white-haired, red-horned Shinigami, dressed in a wide white robe, with pale skin and long fingernails, laughing maniacally.
As the Shinigami descended, a dark and cold aura filled the chamber, causing Kakashi and the others to shiver.
Is this the Shinigami?
Dan squinted, scrutinizing the entity before him.
In this world, there were indeed gods, such as the Shinigami in front of him, the evil god Hidan worshiped, and the King of Hell summoned by Pain. They wielded great power over life and death but were shrouded in mystery, hidden in unknown dimensions.
However, that was all.
Dan had no reverence for these so-called gods. The reason was simple.
His power surpassed theirs.
Whether it was the Shinigami, the evil god, or the King of Hell, if they dared to oppose Dan, they would face the same fate as Danzo and Obito.
Therefore, while the others showed awe before the Shinigami, Dan remained impassive, looking down on it.
Unlike Dan, Orochimaru couldn't control the Shinigami's power, but he used his cunning to deceive this deity.
Orochimaru's eyes flashed, and he pulled out a short blade, stabbing it into his abdomen.
"Hah!"
He grimaced in pain, dragging the blade across his belly and splitting it open in front of everyone.
Simultaneously.
Bound by the rules of the Reaper Death Seal, the Shinigami's belly also split open, and a soul began to emerge from within.
"Ke-ke…"
Sensing Orochimaru's intention, the Shinigami laughed again, this time with evident anger.
Being forced to regurgitate what it had consumed, even a god would be enraged.
The Shinigami reached out its large hands to seize Orochimaru, intending to rip out his soul and imprison it forever.
"Heh."
Orochimaru smirked, showing no fear.
Because, not far away, two White Zetsu bodies had already been prepared.
Now.
With a swift motion, Orochimaru opened his mouth, and a snake with a human face shot out, burrowing into one of the White Zetsu's mouths.
"Roar!"
The Shinigami missed its target and roared in fury. But bound by the rules, it grew more transparent and eventually vanished in frustration.
After some futile struggle, the White Zetsu transformed into Orochimaru's appearance on the ground.
Next was the Impure World Reincarnation.
"Ha!"
Orochimaru shouted, slamming his palm onto the ground. The soul released by the Shinigami began to descend, merging into the other White Zetsu.
The White Zetsu wriggled, its body quickly covered in dust, forming the shape of its host.
A blond, blue-eyed man in a white cloak appeared, looking sunny and handsome, albeit a bit absent-minded.
"It worked!"
Seeing the man, Kakashi and the others were elated.
The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
In Konoha's history, the Fourth Hokage's tenure was short but impactful, like a brilliant comet that left a lasting impression on everyone.
From the Yellow Flash on the battlefield to sacrificing himself to seal the Nine-Tails, the Fourth Hokage's deeds proved he was a true hero.
A hero of Konoha.
Therefore, when Minato was revived, the gathered Anbu, especially Kakashi, his former student, couldn't contain their excitement.
"I'm… revived?"
Minato muttered, looking at his hands in disbelief.
Then, he lifted his head, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings, his gaze eventually settling on Orochimaru.
He immediately frowned.
"Orochimaru, did you revive me? Weren't you exiled from the village?"
Minato's voice was stern as he questioned Orochimaru, adopting a defensive stance.
Clearly.
He thought Orochimaru had manipulated him.
"Don't be agitated, Minato. It's the year 64 in the Konoha calendar. Much has changed in the ninja world and Konoha since your death."
Orochimaru smiled, signaling Minato to remain calm and assuring him of no ill intentions.
Hearing this, Minato crossed his arms and shook his head.
"No matter how the world changes, I doubt someone like you would reform. Tell me, what's your purpose in reviving me?"
"Ah, prejudice is indeed a mountain in one's heart. I thought you'd be more open-minded, Minato."
Orochimaru sighed, then shifted his tone. "But fortunately, the Sixth Hokage is generous and willing to pardon my past crimes, allowing someone like me to return to the right path and contribute to Konoha's future."
With that, Orochimaru gestured towards Dan, bowing slightly.
"Let me introduce you. This is Konoha's current Sixth Hokage, Lord Uchiha Dan."
Hmm?
Hearing this, Minato looked puzzled and reassessed Dan.
Given his imposing two-meter frame, he had noticed Dan earlier, making him hard to miss.
But Minato hadn't expected him to be the Sixth Hokage.
Moreover, he had distinctly heard the name "Uchiha" from Orochimaru.
An Uchiha as Hokage?
This was the most surprising part for Minato.
As the former Fourth Hokage, he was well aware of the tensions between the Uchiha clan and the village leadership.
Despite his personal friendship with Uchiha clan head Fugaku and his efforts to mediate between the clan and the village leadership, the distrust and hostility led by the Third Hokage and Danzo never ceased.
Suppression of the Uchiha had been a policy since the Second Hokage's time, enforced for decades by the time the Fourth took office. There was no turning back.
The conflict seemed insurmountable during Minato's life.
What had happened in Konoha since his death?
Despite his doubts, hearing that the man before him was Konoha's current Hokage, Minato maintained politeness and, with a mix of skepticism, greeted Dan.
"Hello, Sixth Hokage."
(End of chapter)