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Chapter 242 - Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Dread (Please Give PowerStones)

"You people really are—"

Just as the First Raikage and the others were about to erupt, Madara cut them off coldly.

"Enough. Shut your mouths."

Damn it.

They had not even begun attacking Konoha yet, and these people were already arguing among themselves.

They were all former Kage. How were they still this impatient?

Of course, Madara was not worried that the Kazekage or Mizukage would refuse to cooperate.

After all, they had been revived through Edo Tensei.

He still had basic control over them.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

The moment Madara spoke, the entire meeting room quieted down.

Whether it was the Raikage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, or Mizukage, none of them spoke again.

They all understood one thing very clearly.

For now, obeying Madara was the only choice.

"Sigh…"

From beginning to end, Hiruzen Sarutobi had remained silent.

Now, he finally let out a quiet sigh.

He had thought everything would end with his death.

Unfortunately, reality was far crueler than imagination.

He had been revived through Edo Tensei.

The thought of returning to Konoha, that painful and humiliating place, made even his soul tremble.

After Uchiha Ren rose to power, Hiruzen's deeds had been exposed one after another.

His reputation had been dragged through the mud.

If he guessed correctly, after his death, Konoha had definitely publicized everything he had done—how he had been timid toward enemies outside the village, yet ruthless toward his own people.

What Hiruzen did not know was that Konoha had done more than publicize it.

His so-called Will of Fire, along with the many crimes he committed, had already been written into textbooks.

Now, even children who had just entered the Ninja Academy knew of the Third Hokage's crimes.

"Hashirama."

After a few seconds, Madara seemed to think of something and smiled coldly.

"When we attack Konoha, you four Hokage will take the lead."

"As Hokage, attacking Konoha yourselves… that should feel rather amusing."

"I'm looking forward to watching your internal battle."

As he spoke, Madara actually smiled.

A long time ago, he had wanted to see Hashirama attack Konoha with his own hands.

Now, he would finally witness it.

Just thinking about it made him somewhat excited.

After all, Hashirama was the First Hokage.

If he struck Konoha first, the impact would be enormous.

At the very least, it would damage Konoha's morale.

"Hiss…"

"That is truly malicious."

"Hahaha! If the First Hokage drops a Wood Release technique on Konoha, won't half the village be crushed?"

"The First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage attacking the Fifth Hokage… just imagining it is shocking."

The room immediately filled with gasps and murmurs.

Ōnoki, A, Orochimaru, and the revived Kage all showed strange expressions.

Nobody expected Madara to have such a twisted plan.

Having the revived Hokage attack Konoha first was clearly meant to slap the village in the face.

After all, who could imagine Konoha's former leaders personally attacking their own village?

"Madara, you really are something."

Hashirama did not get angry.

Instead, he crossed his arms and spoke calmly.

"Don't worry. A battle between Hokage will not disappoint you."

"So we're attacking Konoha first?"

Tobirama revealed a bitter smile.

But soon, he accepted it.

Some things could not be avoided.

If trouble came, then he would face it.

Besides, with the current Fifth Hokage's strength, suppressing them should be easy.

"Naruto…"

A trace of anticipation flashed through Minato's eyes.

After being revived, his only wish was to see his son, Uzumaki Naruto.

If Naruto had been treated well in Konoha, then Minato could rest at ease.

Kushina's spirit would also be comforted.

"Minato…"

Seeing Minato's expression, Hiruzen's face became conflicted.

His mouth opened slightly, but he did not know how to speak.

What was he supposed to say?

That after Naruto was born, he had been discriminated against and insulted?

That he had been treated like a monster in Konoha?

That as a child, he often drank expired milk, had no money for proper food, and could only fish by the river?

If Minato learned those things, he might truly explode.

This was unbearable.

Hiruzen suddenly wished he could die again.

Damn Madara.

Why revive him of all people?

The thought of returning to Konoha and having his deeds exposed even further filled Hiruzen with dread.

He could already imagine being publicly disgraced all over again.

"What's wrong?"

Minato noticed Hiruzen's expression and asked curiously,

"Third Hokage, is something bothering you?"

"No, no."

Hiruzen hurriedly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shook his head.

"I'm just feeling nervous about returning to Konoha after so long."

"Don't worry."

Minato did not suspect anything.

"The Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ren, is extremely powerful. He even helped the Hyūga Clan awaken two pairs of Tenseigan."

"With someone like him leading Konoha, you can rest assured."

"Ah…"

Hiruzen froze awkwardly.

After a moment, he forced a stiff smile.

"I understand. I'll adjust my mindset."

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