There were many ways to dispel the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, and for Kai, this wasn't the only method available.
For instance, he could use the Mangekyō Tenseigan's ocular technique Kotoamatsukami to seize control of Tobirama Senju. Alternatively, he could use the Self-Sacrificial Rebirth Technique on Tobirama to resurrect him completely. Even the Reaper Death Seal would work—after all, the Shinigami posed no threat to Kai.
However, Kai had no intention of letting Tobirama remain in this world. Given Tobirama's personality, he might even scheme against Kai himself in the future. For Konoha's sake, Tobirama was capable of anything.
Of course, if it were Hashirama Senju, Kai would be quite willing. But with Hashirama's character, having already died, he wouldn't choose to remain among the living. Otherwise, he wouldn't have decisively dissolved after breaking free from the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation.
Therefore, for Tobirama in his reincarnated state, direct elimination was the best option.
Yin-Yang Release!
This power could nullify all ninjutsu in existence—any ninjutsu, chakra, or even physical matter that came into contact with it would be reduced to nothingness! The Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation was no exception, making this Kai's optimal choice.
With Kai having dealt with both the First and Second Hokage, the battles elsewhere had also concluded. After all, Jiraiya was present in the village, and with the full deployment of ANBU forces, Konoha's foundation as the premier ninja village was fully displayed. Without question, the Sand and Sound ninja were utterly defeated!
As for Orochimaru, after using the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, he very decisively chose to flee immediately. For Orochimaru, his primary objective had already been accomplished—implanting the cursed seal on Sasuke. Everything else was secondary.
Having suffered such a massive shock, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and Land of Wind had no leisure to concern themselves with the Chūnin Exams. They hastily summoned large groups of ninja to escort them back to their respective palaces.
This year's Chūnin Exams thus ended inconclusively. As for who could be promoted to Chūnin, evaluations would be based on overall performance across the three previous examinations.
Shikamaru Nara and Neji Hyūga from Konoha were approved for promotion to Chūnin.
Hokage's Office
Jiraiya and the Third Hokage stood together.
Glancing at Jiraiya beside him, the Third exhaled a smoke ring before speaking: "Jiraiya, succeed me and become the Hokage!"
"Huh?!" Jiraiya was stunned, confused: "Old man, you're perfectly fine."
The Third smiled bitterly: "I've already thought it through. How about it, Jiraiya?"
Since Orochimaru had fled directly, the Third hadn't had the opportunity to use the Reaper Death Seal, so naturally he didn't die. However, after this battle, the Third helplessly realized he had aged far too much and was no longer suitable to serve as Hokage.
"No way!" Jiraiya quickly refused.
As if fearing the Third would continue persuading him, Jiraiya added: "Besides, old man, I can't control Kai."
Hearing Jiraiya's words, the Third frowned. Indeed, as long as Kai existed, any matter in the village had to consider his position. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Konoha could choose to lose over ninety percent of its ninja rather than lose Kai. It was precisely with this consideration that the Third had chosen Jiraiya, who had a relatively good relationship with Kai.
But after all, Kai was still a ninja of the village, nominally under the Hokage's jurisdiction. For some matters, the Third could still use his status as an elder to offer advice—whether Kai would act on it was one thing, but at least he would listen. If it were Jiraiya, that would be uncertain.
Moreover, Jiraiya's personality wasn't the best choice for being Hokage.
Actually, the Third's most favored candidate was Shishio Mitarashi—not only did he possess peak Kage-level strength and handle matters steadily, but more importantly, Shishio was Kai's uncle. However, Konoha's ANBU simply couldn't do without Shishio, leaving the Third in a dilemma.
"Old man, I actually have a great candidate in mind," Jiraiya suddenly said.
"Who?!" the Third asked urgently.
"Tsunade!" Jiraiya answered.
"Tsunade? Would she... agree?" the Third hesitated.
The Third was well aware that Tsunade was indeed the best choice—granddaughter of the First Hokage, Princess of Konoha, one of the Legendary Sannin. Whether in terms of strength or reputation, she was fully qualified for the position of Hokage. But for Tsunade, Konoha owed her far too much. The Third couldn't even be certain whether Tsunade would be willing to return to Konoha.
"Moreover, Tsunade has a fiery temper. Whether she can get along well with Kai is still a question," the Third shook his head, not entirely agreeing with Jiraiya's suggestion.
"Well..." Jiraiya showed a peculiar expression, paused for a moment, then continued: "As far as I know, Tsunade and Kai are in that kind of relationship, so their getting along shouldn't be a problem."
As he spoke, Jiraiya looked thoroughly dejected. He had pursued Tsunade for decades, only to be completely outmaneuvered by Kai in the end. If he hadn't accidentally encountered Tsunade during his travels in the ninja world two years ago, when she drunkenly complained to him personally, Jiraiya would never have believed it.
"What?!" the Third's eyes widened in shock, though he didn't doubt Jiraiya's words. In matters as serious as selecting the Hokage, Jiraiya wouldn't joke around.
The Third nodded and said: "Hmm... Then you'll be responsible for bringing Tsunade back. Time limit: half a month."
"Ah! Well, old man..." Jiraiya was about to refuse, but seeing the Third's expression—one that clearly said 'if you refuse, then you become Hokage'—he immediately deflated. He could only say helplessly: "Fine, but let me take Naruto along. It'll be good training for him too."
"Mm." The Third nodded without objection.
Land of Fire, Tanzaku Town
Tsunade, Jiraiya, Naruto!
And facing the three of them were four figures wearing black cloaks with red clouds.
Seeing the unusually tense atmosphere before him, Naruto was somewhat confused. He nudged Jiraiya beside him with his elbow and asked: "Hey, Pervy Sage? What's going on?"
Jiraiya didn't respond, instead moving to shield Naruto behind him as he demanded: "Who are you people?!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters?
🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world?
✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?
✨patreon.com/DarkGolds