Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Minato pondered for a moment, then shook his head and refused. "No matter what, I am still the Fourth Hokage of Konoha!"
Orochimaru's tone held a slight hint of feigned regret. He sighed and said, "Oh dear! What a pity. I was truly looking forward to finally fighting alongside the famous Yellow Flash."
Minato gave Orochimaru a warm smile and said calmly, "You should sort out your own affairs first. By the way... do you truly intend to destroy Konoha?"
Orochimaru was taken aback. He was surprised that the Fourth Hokage, whom he remembered as a man who cared deeply for the village, would ask such a question with such detachment. Orochimaru gave Minato a sinister smile.
Then, he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "To be honest, Sarutobi-sensei, I wasn't convinced when you recommended Minato to be the Fourth Hokage. I thought it was a terrible decision at the time. But now? It seems Minato is actually perfect for the role!"
"Orochimaru!"
Upon hearing the mocking words, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but roar at his former student.
"Let's deal with the immediate problem first. I know you can handle it," Orochimaru said with a playful expression. He ignored Hiruzen's rage, and his smile became even more sinister. Slowly extending his hands, he formed a strange hand seal. The First and Second Hokage, resurrected through the Edo Tensei, seemed to snap into a cold imitation of life, taking a sudden step forward.
Those outside the barrier became increasingly tense as they watched Hashirama and Tobirama move. They had also overheard the strange conversation between Minato and Orochimaru.
At this moment, Kakashi and the others outside the rooftop barrier watched the scene with solemn expressions. One of the ANBU ninjas swallowed hard and whispered to the silver-haired ninja beside him, "The First Hokage... all the previous Hokage... are they really dead?"
Kakashi, sensing the confusion of the ANBU, began to share his insights. "The Impure World Reincarnation is an S-rank kinjutsu developed by Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage. However, because the First Hokage felt that this technique toyed with the souls of the dead, it was sealed within the Scroll of Seals."
"The technique uses the DNA of the deceased as a medium to summon the soul, but it also requires a living human as a sacrifice."
The ANBU ninjas turned to look at Kakashi. As the "Copy Ninja" and a former ANBU captain, his reputation was enough to earn their immediate respect. "So, what exactly is that talisman Orochimaru used?"
Kakashi pondered for a moment before explaining, "The talisman is inserted into the head to suppress the original soul's personality. It turns them into nothing more than a simple killing puppet."
Everyone became visibly worried. "If that's the case, will the Third Hokage be a match for them?"
Kakashi muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on the blond figure inside. I hope the Third Hokage can hold them off. But Minato-sensei... what is wrong with you?
The entire rooftop was enveloped by the Four Violet Flames Formation, and everyone outside was powerless to help. They could only pray that Hiruzen Sarutobi could withstand the combined assault of the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and Orochimaru.
The only variable was Minato Namikaze. The people of Konoha knew his strength, yet his current behavior was inexplicable. Kakashi gazed at his teacher's figure, thinking, Why isn't Sensei helping the Third Hokage?
Seeing that Minato wasn't under Orochimaru's control, Kakashi figured that with the Fourth's speed, he should have been able to resolve the situation instantly. However, Minato remained completely unmoved. He stood there with a smile, looking like a spectator watching a play.
Orochimaru glanced at Minato one last time. "Are you going to stop me?"
When he realized the Fourth had no intention of intervening, Orochimaru breathed a secret sigh of relief. Even though he was a Sannin, Minato's sudden appearance and terrifying speed earlier had shaken him. If the Fourth Hokage chose to fight for the village, the outcome of this invasion would be decided in seconds.
Minato's lack of action made the tense Orochimaru relax slightly. He hesitated for a moment, then glared at Hiruzen Sarutobi and shouted, "In that case, let the battle begin, Sarutobi-sensei!"
Before the words had even faded, Orochimaru manipulated the two legendary Hokage to attack.
Minato stood quietly in his spot, watching the chaos unfold. Since Orochimaru wasn't attacking him, he didn't bother to move. All he wanted to do now was leave this barrier, find a quiet place to complete his daily sign-in, and see if he could get any "Critical Hit" rewards from other worlds.
As Orochimaru controlled the two Hokage, a lingering thought nagged at his mind. He had prepared the ritual to summon Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage. So why did Minato Namikaze come out of that coffin instead?