Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Outer Path—Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique
Konoha, Hokage Office
"Second Grandpa, Second Grandpa! What's the New Year's gift? Please tell me!"
Tsunade clung to Tobirama's left arm, shaking it persistently, causing him to sway with her movements. Ever since Tobirama had publicly announced the special New Year's gift, countless people had come to him inquiring about it. However, he had remained tight-lipped, which only made Tsunade more curious.
"Stop, stop! Alright, I'll tell you..." Tobirama covered his face with his hand, pulling his left arm free as he sighed helplessly.
"You've heard of the Rinnegan, haven't you?"
"Yes, it's said to be the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. Though it's not just a legend—I once saw it in the Rain Country during the Second Great Ninja War," Tsunade said, nodding as she recalled the boy, Nagato. At that time, she had been astounded by him and had considered bringing him to Konoha for training. However, due to the carnage caused by Konoha in the Rain Country, the boy had harbored resentment, and the idea was abandoned.
"Those eyes belonged to Madara Uchiha," Tobirama explained. "With the Rinnegan, one can master yin and yang, control life and death, and even resurrect a large number of the dead."
"Ah!" Tsunade gasped dramatically.
"That Obito brat was Madara's chosen successor before his death. Madara plans to use the Rinnegan to revive the innocent people who died during the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha—as a way to atone for his sins," Tobirama said, smirking as he speculated about Madara's mindset.
"I see!" Tsunade exclaimed, understanding dawning on her.
"Though Nawaki and the others aren't within this time frame, I might convince Madara to resurrect a few more people for my sake," Tobirama added, stroking his chin with a smile.
"Huh? Second Grandpa, are you really that influential?" Tsunade eyed Tobirama skeptically. While she didn't know much about Madara's personality, history and vague childhood memories hinted that the two had an antagonistic relationship.
Madara Uchiha, resurrecting someone because of Tobirama's influence? That seemed improbable. Well, maybe for her great-uncle Hashirama...
"How do you think Madara returned to Konoha in the first place?" Tobirama retorted, rolling his eyes. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "You should let Kakashi and the others know about this. Bring Naruto along as well."
"Got it!" Tsunade cheered before rushing out the door, leaving behind her dignity as the only female Sannin.
Watching her retreating figure, Tobirama stretched lazily, a thought crossing his mind. Among the people Madara planned to resurrect was himself.
While Tobirama could have revived himself once all the tailed beasts were gathered, the revival of the Three-Tails was still some time away. He had already arranged for Kirigakure to notify him immediately upon its return. A head start on resurrection was certainly welcome.
At his current level, the undying body and infinite chakra provided by Edo Tensei offered little benefit. His enhanced chakra reserves were already massive, and combining the Rinnegan's abilities with the Flying Thunder God Technique made him nearly untouchable. The drawbacks of Edo Tensei, such as the inability to further improve his strength, had become apparent.
The prospect of returning to life in a flesh-and-blood body delighted him. The idea that he had managed to influence Madara to this extent filled Tobirama with a sense of accomplishment.
...
New Year's Eve
As fireworks lit up the night and the bustling crowd cheered, the skies gradually darkened. Red lanterns hung from every household, casting a warm glow across Konoha.
Driven by excitement and curiosity, a massive crowd had gathered, making their way toward the back mountain of Konoha. Among them were people who had lost loved ones during the Nine-Tails' attack—parents, siblings, and children. Others were simply curious to see what gift the Hokage had prepared.
When Tobirama announced the event, he hadn't anticipated such a turnout. As a result, the venue was relocated to the back mountain of Konoha.
Anbu members and Hyuga clan shinobi maintained order. Hyuga Hiashi, in particular, had personally thanked Tobirama after the annihilation of Kumogakure and had volunteered members of his clan to assist with the event.
"What do you think the Hokage's New Year's gift is?" a villager asked.
"We'll find out soon enough," another replied.
"Maybe he caught the culprit behind the Nine-Tails' attack?" a Chūnin speculated, drawing gasps from the crowd.
The crowd soon reached the back mountain, where a simple stage had been erected. On either side were small pavilions labeled "Registration." A line of Anbu, their animal masks concealing their identities, stood guard around the stage.
At midnight, Tobirama appeared on stage without warning, his arrival marked by a flash of blue light. His dramatic entrance drew cheers from the crowd.
"Hokage-sama!"
"Happy New Year, Hokage-sama!"
The villagers of Konoha clearly understood the peace they now enjoyed was due to Tobirama's efforts. Unlike the self-proclaimed "strongest Hokage" Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tobirama's feats—single-handedly wiping out two villages—had earned him a reputation as the strongest Hokage. Some even considered him greater than Hashirama, dubbing him the new God of Shinobi.
In his Hokage attire, Tobirama tilted his hat slightly, revealing his sharp features as he greeted the crowd.
"Happy New Year, everyone," his voice amplified by chakra, ensuring all could hear him.
Cheers erupted again.
"Second Grandpa is so cool! When I become Hokage, I'll be even cooler, right, Sasuke? Gaara?" Naruto whispered, tugging on Kakashi's sleeve.
Though Naruto had been downcast for a time after learning about his heritage and Sarutobi's inaction, he had quickly returned to his usual self.
"If you think so, then sure," Sasuke replied, rolling his eyes.
Gaara, standing nearby, simply shook his head.
Unlike the younger generation, Kakashi and Itachi, who accompanied them, wore solemn expressions. They understood the gravity of the event.
"I'm sure you're all curious about the New Year's gift I mentioned," Tobirama began, his voice commanding attention. "Before I reveal it, there's someone you need to meet."
Another figure appeared on stage. Madara, having shed his old armor, now wore a sleek black robe, exuding an air of youth. To Tobirama's surprise, Madara had even tied a Konoha headband around his left arm.
"Who is that?"
"No idea, but he's so handsome!"
"Almost as handsome as the Hokage!"
While most of the crowd didn't recognize him, a few elderly villagers felt a faint familiarity. However, none could associate the man before them with the legendary Shinobi of the Warring States Era.
"Master?" Sasuke's eyes widened.
"Isn't that Madara-uncle… I mean, Madara-grandpa?" Naruto corrected himself, remembering Tobirama's reaction the last time he'd mixed up their titles.
Madara surveyed the crowd in silence. Knowing he wouldn't introduce himself, Tobirama took the lead.
"This is Uchiha Madara," he declared.
The announcement sent ripples through the crowd.
"Uchiha Madara? THE Uchiha Madara?!"
"Didn't he die fighting the First Hokage?"
"If the Second Hokage can return, why not Madara?"
"But wasn't he Konoha's first missing-nin? Isn't he our enemy?"
Various murmurs filled the air until Tobirama raised his hand, silencing them.
"I hereby restore Uchiha Madara's status as a Konoha ninja. Furthermore, today, Madara will resurrect all those who perished during the Nine-Tails' attack!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and disbelief.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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