Chapter 424: The Eternal Mangekyo Uchiha Itachi
As Tobirama continued to interrogate the Third Hokage, Minato suddenly spoke up:
"Lord Second, let's leave Naruto's situation for now. Haneda has handled it well. Let's focus on the enemies at hand."
Tobirama glared at Minato and asked, "Who are you?"
Minato scratched his head, turned around, revealing the words "Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze" on his Hokage cloak:
"Ahem, I am the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze."
Tobirama snorted but stopped interrogating the Third Hokage.
He glanced around at the others. He recognized Orochimaru as the one who performed the Edo Tensei, but the other two were unfamiliar.
"Who are you?"
Itachi was the first to introduce himself: "Uchiha Itachi, Captain of Konoha's Anbu."
Upon hearing that he was an Uchiha, Tobirama's stern face immediately broke into a smile:
"Uchiha Itachi, eh? A fine young man, becoming Anbu Captain at such a young age. Konoha is truly flourishing!"
The speed of Tobirama's change in attitude made the Third Hokage's old face flush with embarrassment.
The difference in treatment was too obvious!
Of course, the Third Hokage understood that his teacher was trying to win over the Uchiha and test Itachi's loyalty to Konoha.
The Third Hokage was well aware of Tobirama's previous attitude towards the Uchiha.
It was a mix of caution and recruitment!
Now that the Uchiha held power, regardless of the circumstances, they needed to stabilize the Uchiha and ensure they fully understood the First Hokage's Will of Fire.
Itachi, being praised by the Second Hokage who had been interrogating the Third Hokage moments ago, was momentarily at a loss for words.
After a second or two, he habitually responded with humility:
"Lord Second, I still have a lot to improve on. I have an older brother, only a few years senior, who is already the Sixth Hokage."
Tobirama's eyes sharpened upon hearing that the Sixth Hokage was also an Uchiha:
"And he is...?"
Itachi replied, "Uchiha Shisui, an even more outstanding ninja who made a name for himself with his Shunshin technique shortly after the Third Shinobi World War."
In an effort to restore his image in his teacher's eyes, the Third Hokage added:
"Teacher, both Shisui and Itachi are among Konoha's most excellent young shinobi, devoted to the village and worthy of trust."
Tobirama gave the Third Hokage a long, hard look but didn't doubt his words:
"I see. Well, keep up the good work. The village values talent when it comes to the Hokage. I think you'd be a good fit for the Seventh Hokage."
Hearing this, a flicker of excitement crossed Itachi's eyes: "Thank you, Lord Second, I will do my best!"
After inspiring the younger generation, Tobirama turned his attention to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya immediately felt uneasy under Tobirama's scrutinizing gaze.
He had just watched the Third Hokage get grilled by Tobirama, and considering his own image, if Tobirama found out, he might be next in line…
But under Tobirama's gaze, Jiraiya could only try to appear serious:
"Lord Second, I am Jiraiya, a student of the Third Hokage."
Tobirama remarked, "So, you're Monkey's student? Why didn't you stop him from doing wrong?"
Realizing he was about to get interrogated, Jiraiya quickly dragged his old friend Orochimaru into the fray:
"Lord Second! Orochimaru is also a student of the Third Hokage! He was much more valued than I was and almost became the Fourth Hokage!"
Orochimaru shot Jiraiya a speechless glance, fully aware of Jiraiya's antics.
"Orochimaru has been away on secret missions for the village and rarely returns. These matters are not his fault."
Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief, especially at the phrase "away on secret missions," which suited him perfectly.
As long as they didn't mention his wandering across the ninja world…
Orochimaru, you're the best!
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Tobirama seemed to understand something and didn't press further.
He had a rough idea of the nature of the Third Hokage's students. It was already good enough if they didn't cause trouble for the village.
Tobirama said, "There are 13,413 enemies in total. Given their numbers, even as Edo Tensei bodies, we must handle this carefully. Let's move out."
"Yes," the Third Hokage was the first to respond, seemingly trying to redeem himself in his teacher's eyes, charging forward.
He summoned Enma and, wielding the adamantine staff, engaged the enemy.
Facing the massive army, he seemed vigorous and energetic, a stark contrast to his reluctance to personally engage in the Third Shinobi World War.
But, unfortunately, Minato was faster.
By the time he rushed into the fray, Minato had already set up his Flying Thunder God markings and was busy attacking.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru exchanged glances and summoned their respective creatures.
Gamabunta and Manda.
Gamabunta, transported suddenly, was ready to grumble but stopped upon seeing the detestable Manda.
It drew its blade, aiming at Manda, but Manda remained docile and harmless.
After all, Manda had been warned multiple times by Haneda, with threats of Susanoo and Buddha's fury. Manda's small frame couldn't withstand that.
So, whether towards Haneda or Orochimaru, Manda behaved.
Gamabunta noticed Manda's unusual behavior and sensed a chilling gaze from behind.
Turning, it found Tobirama's cold stare, which sent a shiver down its spine.
Within a second of locking eyes, Gamabunta recognized Tobirama as an absolute powerhouse.
Especially with the added sinister aura from the Edo Tensei.
Even Gamabunta's earlier disdainful attitude was gone.
Seeing that Manda didn't react, and with Jiraiya constantly signaling, Gamabunta got to work.
With one strike, it took down at least a squad of ninjas.
Its kill rate was even faster than Manda's.
Tobirama, overseeing from the rear, finally showed satisfaction.
However, his primary attention was on Uchiha Itachi.
Despite his young age, Itachi was already the Anbu Captain, a high-ranking figure in Konoha.
His position was just below the Hokage, and judging by the Fifth Hokage Uchiha Haneda's evaluation, Itachi seemed to be the prime candidate for the Seventh Hokage.
Tobirama wanted to see how far Konoha's younger generation had progressed.
When Itachi revealed his Three Tomoe Sharingan, Tobirama thought it was ordinary.
As an Anbu Captain, Itachi needed such power to command his subordinates.
But when Itachi revealed his Mangekyo Sharingan, Tobirama's eyes flashed with surprise.
He hadn't expected Itachi to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan at such a young age.
The Mangekyo was different from the Three Tomoe Sharingan — awakening it granted Kage-level strength.
Especially with Susanoo, it was a killing machine on the battlefield.
Tobirama had witnessed Madara and Izuna using Susanoo to massacre his clan.
When Itachi activated his Full-Body Susanoo, Tobirama was stunned.
The size…
It surpassed Madara's peak!
At such a young age, Itachi had already reached Madara's peak!
His potential was destined to surpass Madara's!
The Uchiha's younger generation was producing exceptional talent one after another.
Tobirama, who had fought, allied with, and targeted the Uchiha, was momentarily lost in thought.
What had happened in Konoha over the past few decades?
There was Uchiha Haneda, Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Shisui…
But what shocked Tobirama the most was yet to come.
...