I, The New Hokage of Konoha

"Master Sarutobi~~"

Outside Konoha, utilizing the impure world reincarnation, when he saw his former teacher after many years, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed momentarily, followed by a smirk.

"Long time no see!"

As he finished speaking, he made a single-handed seal.

In the next moment, under the scrutiny of Konoha ninjas like Sarutobi and others, the aura of the Senju Izanagi changed. Orochimaru's distinct hoarse voice echoed:

"Long time no see, Master Sarutobi."

"Orochimaru!"

Facing his once proudest disciple, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned grim as he spoke, "Playing with death, desecrating souls, Orochimaru, you've sunk deeper! I regret not finishing you off when I had the chance."

"Hehe, our bond as master and disciple, Master Sarutobi, runs deep," Orochimaru nonchalantly replied through the mouth of the Senju, "But indeed, Master Sarutobi, your regret is justified. Back then, your moment of weakness not only set me free but also allowed the Hokage title to slip to the Fourth. How have you been during these years of captivity?"

As Orochimaru dropped these incriminating words, the expressions of the surrounding Konoha ninjas, who were circling Hiruzen Sarutobi, subtly changed.

As elite Konoha ninjas, they were privy to some power plays between the Third and Fourth Hokage, unlike the likes of Might Guy who remained clueless.

When Orochimaru mentioned captivity, it left Guy utterly baffled, instinctively glancing at the Third Hokage.

In contrast, Hiruzen Sarutobi's demeanor remained unchanged, addressing his former disciple calmly, "I have aged, the transition of power is normal, there's no such thing as captivity. Orochimaru, stop sowing discord."

"Is that so?" After Orochimaru's retort, a string of mocking laughter ensued.

At that moment, the head of the Monkey Demon King emerged from the Adamantine Staff, casting a cold glance at the impure world reincarnation in front and then turning to Hiruzen Sarutobi, reiterating the old saying, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, I've warned you numerous times, your disciple's heart is tainted, it'll bring great trouble in the future. Now it seems my words were true!"

Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded firmly at his old friend, "Demon King, rest assured. This time, I won't show any mercy."

However, as the Monkey Demon King appeared, Orochimaru's laughter abruptly ceased.

"It's you again! I'd love to rip out your tongue and see if you'd still be so foul-mouthed!"

Seeing the Monkey Demon King taunt him as usual, Orochimaru's tone was filled with killing intent.

He had been irritated by this old monkey for quite some time.

"Then give it a try!" The Monkey Demon King's voice was cold.

Though not as renowned as the Three Great Sanctuaries, possessing an Adamantine body and capable of performing seals, in the original series, it was undoubtedly among the top-tier summoning beasts, even earning the title "Strongest Summoning Beast" as stated by Orochimaru himself.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to face Orochimaru again, stating, "Orochimaru, reveal your true form. It's time to settle things between us."

"No rush." Despite mentioning ripping the Monkey Demon King's tongue, Orochimaru didn't reveal himself, still speaking through the impure world reincarnation of the Senju, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, why don't you finish dealing with the esteemed First and Second Hokage before anything else?"

"Orochimaru, at this point, do you lack the courage to stand before me?" Hiruzen Sarutobi furrowed his brow slightly.

As the Third Hokage, he understood that to put an end to the First and Second Hokage before him, he had to deal decisively with the caster of the jutsu. However, Orochimaru seemed overly cautious.

Indeed, in response to Hiruzen Sarutobi's provocation, Orochimaru simply smirked, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, I understand your thoughts. But this time, I... huh?"

Orochimaru's words suddenly paused. Then, although he resumed speaking, his tone was significantly hastier than before, "I was too careless. I didn't expect you, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to personally send someone after me. It seems our master-disciple communication has reached its end. Let's get to the real business!"

With that said Orochimaru's presence within the impure world reincarnation of the Senju instantly dissipated.

Immediately after, the Senju slammed together without a word, and countless trees gathered, rushing toward Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others like a tidal wave.

"Have they arrived?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze sharpened. Banking on the likes of Riku, he hoped to stall Orochimaru, while the Adamantine Staff grew larger and more robust in his hands, sweeping away the oncoming trees.

The handling of the First and Second Hokage would be left to them.

...

Meanwhile.

Outside Konoha, as Orochimaru's true form ceased its reminiscence, led by Nara Riku, a hundred elite Konoha ninjas swiftly acted upon discovering the former's trail, tracking him through various locations.

Without hesitation, upon Riku's command, these ninjas clad in Chakra Armor engaged rapidly.

"You're here so soon! Looks like I'll have to personally intervene."

Orochimaru licked his lips with his elongated tongue.

The next moment, his mouth opened incredibly wide, numerous venomous snakes swiftly emerging, hissing ferociously toward Riku and the others.

"Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!"

The Konoha ninjas reacted promptly.

Immediately, several members of the Sarutobi clan dashed forth, hands forming seals. Augmented by Chakra Armor, they executed the advanced Fire Release ninjutsu from the Sarutobi lineage, combining into a raging sea of flames, engulfing the snake onslaught.

In an instant, a vast number of snakes turned to ashes.

After the flames subsided, the few surviving snakes were swiftly cut down by the approaching Konoha ninjas.

"So, this is the Chakra Armor?"

Seeing the Chakra Armor worn by the Konoha ninjas, Orochimaru, despite failing in his assault, displayed a keen interest.

Subsequently, he produced a grass longsword from his mouth, facing the oncoming Konoha ninjas, ready to experience firsthand.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A series of clashes resounded.

During battle, the figures of the Konoha ninjas, bearing deep sword marks, were continuously forced back.

"Not a bad tool." With a body reconstructed with soft tissues, Orochimaru effortlessly evaded a Konoha ninja's attack, then swung the grass longsword, piercing through the Chakra Armor, leaving a deep wound.

Under usual circumstances, without Chakra Armor protection, his strike would have been lethal, not just causing severe injury as it did now.

"However, it's still not enough. Effective in a large-scale battle, but facing me, it falls short!"

Orochimaru sneered coldly, preparing to increase his power.

Suddenly!

A figure clad in sleek black Chakra Armor, tall and slender, swiftly approached Orochimaru.

Eyes locked.

A pair of blood-red Rinnegan reflected in Orochimaru's eyes.

"Just a mere illusion..."

Before Orochimaru could finish his disdainful remark, he suddenly felt his body stiffen.

The next moment, a sharp ninja blade thrust straight towards him!