At the very moment Orochimaru perished, the reanimated Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama momentarily froze.
This brief pause was enough for the wood clones to tighten their control, as the tree branches wrapped firmly around the reanimations.
At this moment, the true might of "Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees" began to shine.
The branches entangling the reanimated bodies started absorbing chakra from them at an alarming rate, using it to nourish and grow further.
While reanimations like Hashirama and Tobirama seemed to have near-limitless chakra, their supply was not truly infinite—it merely replenished rapidly.
However, no matter how fast it regenerated, it couldn't keep up with the insatiable absorption of the tree branches.
In no time, their bodies were completely drained of chakra.
Deprived of the sustaining chakra, the Reanimation Jutsu began to crumble. The bodies of the two former Hokage gradually turned back to ashen clay.
As their true consciousness returned, their eyes no longer burned with killing intent. Instead, they gazed at Aburame Shigeo with admiration.
Tobirama was the first to speak.
"Apologies, young man. You're Aburame Shigeo, right? Impressive work!"
Before his words settled, Hashirama chimed in.
"Sorry for the trouble, next-generation Hokage!"
In the face of their apologies, Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses with a faint smile.
"No need to apologize, First and Second Hokage. I've learned much from you both just now. Thank you for your guidance. Until we meet again!"
As his words echoed, Hashirama and Tobirama's forms completely crumbled into dirt and clay.
The Reanimation Jutsu was undone, leaving behind the sacrificial mediums—two lifeless Sound Village genin with expressions of eternal despair.
Simultaneously, the Four Violet Flames Formation shattered with a resounding "bang."
Among the Sound Four, Tayuya collapsed to the ground. When she reopened her eyes, they gleamed with the cold, slit pupils of a snake.
Orochimaru, who had just died, had forcibly performed the Living Corpse Reincarnation!
But it came at a steep price—he was now gravely weakened, barely able to stand.
In his rasping voice, he commanded the others:
"Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, Ukon—let's go!"
"Yes!"
The three, who had been panic-stricken by Orochimaru's death, quickly regained their composure.
Jirobo and Sakon-Ukon supported Orochimaru while Kidomaru covered the retreat, the group fleeing towards the outskirts of the Leaf Village.
A few ANBU members immediately pursued them.
"You won't escape!"
In response, Kidomaru performed hand seals and unleashed his jutsu.
"Ninja Art: Spider Bind!"
With a "whoosh," a sticky chakra-infused web ensnared the pursuing ANBU, sending them flying backward.
With their pursuers blocked, the Sound Four fled swiftly, disappearing as tiny black dots on the horizon.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not pursue. Instead, he walked onto the now-forested rooftop of the arena.
At that moment, Aburame Shigeo had just retrieved his insect gourd from a corner, slinging it onto his back.
"Tsk... This thing's my old man's keepsake—I can't afford to lose it..."
Seeing Hiruzen approach, he waved.
"Yo, Master! You good?"
"More or less," Hiruzen replied casually before his gaze landed on the two lifeless Sound genin. His face darkened with anger.
"Orochimaru... that bastard. He even toyed with the lives of his subordinates... unforgivable!"
His voice quivered with fury, filled with bitter disappointment.
Hearing this, Shigeo chuckled.
"Heh, to Orochimaru, there are only two kinds of subordinates: those with value and those without. Like these two here."
"And what about you?" Hiruzen asked, staring into Shigeo's eyes. "What do your subordinates mean to you?"
"They're the people I trust!"
Shigeo raised a hand, and the blood insects swarming in the sky streamed down like a liquid wave, pouring back into his gourd.
As the last insect entered, Shigeo sealed the lid, turning back to Hiruzen with a determined gaze.
"Those who trust me, and whom I trust—I'll protect them with all my power. Just like I protected you earlier. And now…"
He clasped his hands together, fingers interlocking.
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees!"
With a resounding shout, the surrounding forest erupted with life once more.
All across Konoha, massive branches burst from the ground, twisting toward the sky like writhing serpents.
Everyone, from Leaf ninjas to the invading Sound and Sand forces, stared in shock.
"What is that?"
Under their astonished gazes, enormous crimson flower buds blossomed atop the branches.
Moments later, the flowers bloomed, releasing a golden pollen cloud that enveloped the entire village.
Ninjas began collapsing one by one.
Regardless of their allegiance—Leaf, Sound, or Sand—or their rank, none could remain standing after inhaling the pollen.
Explosions and shouts ceased.
Silence fell over Konoha.
On the massive trunks of the flowering trees, wooden clones began sprouting. There were hundreds of them.
These clones, identical to Shigeo, spread throughout the village.
They bound unconscious Sound and Sand ninjas with Wood Release, tossing them into the custody of the village's security forces.
Leaf villagers and ninjas were gently carried to the hospital.
When all was settled, the clones dispersed into puffs of wood smoke.
Gazing at the now-peaceful Konoha, Shigeo exhaled deeply.
"Phew... All done!"
Clapping his hands together, he turned back to Hiruzen, grinning as the older man stared at him in awe.
"Heh, Master! All that's left is cleanup. What a day, huh? Maybe I'll head to the Land of Hot Springs for a year or two to recover."
Hiruzen: "…"
Just say you want to slack off!
Despite Shigeo's nonchalance, Hiruzen smiled warmly before turning serious.
"Shigeo, from now on, treat the people of Konoha as part of yourself. They trust you, so trust them in return! Protect those who admire the village and believe in you. Train them until you find someone you can entrust the next generation to."
"Wait!"
Realizing where this was going, Shigeo raised a hand to protest.
"Master, stop saying weird things! I just want to be a quiet, handsome guy. Don't—"
"With great power comes great responsibility!"
Hiruzen interrupted, firmly patting Shigeo's shoulder.
"This isn't just my decision—it's also the will of our predecessors. Starting tomorrow, you're the Hokage!"
"…"
(Chapter End)