Chapter 180: Chapter 180: Is This Really the Strongest Hokage?
Looking at Hiruzen twisting the truth to push the blame onto Mirai, a glint of coldness flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.
Though Hiruzen's retort had no tangible impact, it infuriated Orochimaru nonetheless.
Mirai-kun is the one I've pledged my eternal loyalty to, Orochimaru thought. I won't tolerate anyone disrespecting him.
With this thought, Orochimaru formed a hand seal.
The reanimated bodies of Hashirama and Tobirama stirred into motion.
"Sensei," Orochimaru said with a mocking tone, "weren't you always proud of being called the strongest Hokage in history?"
"Today, I'll give you a chance to prove it. If you can defeat even one of the First or Second Hokage, I'll spare your life."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed deeply at Orochimaru's words.
No one knew better than him just how powerful these two legendary Hokage had been in life.
Yet, having boasted about his strength for years, Hiruzen had given himself no escape route. Back then, claiming the title of the strongest Hokage had seemed harmless enough—never had he imagined such a situation would arise.
But he wasn't overly worried.
He was well-versed in Edo Tensei and knew that the reanimated couldn't exert their full power.
In this limited state, perhaps he stood a chance against the First or Second Hokage.
Hiruzen's mind raced before he finally responded in a deep voice, "Orochimaru, today I'll show you the true power of the strongest Hokage!"
Although his reputation was already tarnished, salvaging a shred of dignity seemed worthwhile.
As Hiruzen displayed his confidence, the surrounding spectators exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.
For decades since Tobirama's death, Hiruzen had never demonstrated his combat prowess.
Could it be… that Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly as powerful as he claimed?
Inside the barrier, under Orochimaru's control, Tobirama stepped forward, facing Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen," Tobirama said disdainfully, "I never imagined you'd sink to such lows after my death."
"The strongest Hokage? Don't make me laugh."
"This body can only utilize 60% of my full strength," he continued loudly, ensuring the surrounding crowd heard him. "Let's see what you're capable of."
It was clear Tobirama had lost all respect for his former student.
Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat, but with no way out, he gritted his teeth.
"Second Hokage… Forgive my offense!"
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb!"
Hiruzen quickly formed seals, sending a blazing fire dragon hurtling toward Tobirama.
Unfazed, Tobirama countered with a few swift hand seals.
"Water Style: Water Wall!"
A towering wall of water materialized, extinguishing the fire dragon effortlessly.
Without pausing, Tobirama weaved another series of seals.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!"
Massive waves surged, filling the Four Red Yang Formation that Uchiha Mirai had promptly created with a flicker of shadow clones.
"Four Red Yang Formation!" Mirai had sealed the area, sparing the spectators from the overwhelming floodwaters.
The rising water, now several meters deep, left the onlookers visibly shaken.
"Thankfully, Mirai-sama acted quickly," someone muttered. "Otherwise, this level of Water Style would've been devastating."
Within the barrier, Hiruzen was utterly stunned.
How could Tobirama unleash such powerful techniques, even as an Edo Tensei summon?
Meanwhile, Tobirama frowned, dissatisfied.
"This body's strength is so limited…" he muttered.
"No matter," he said, his hands moving rapidly. "If raw power isn't enough, I'll win with sheer numbers."
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
As the massive water dragon surged forward, Hiruzen hastily formed seals.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
A thick, earthen barrier rose from the ground, shielding him.
But Tobirama merely sneered.
"Water Style: Water Severing Wave!"
A high-pressure jet of water sliced through the earthen wall like paper.
What followed was an unrelenting assault of Water Style techniques.
"Water Style: Water Trumpet!"
"Water Style: Water Whip!"
"Water Release: Tearing Torrent!"
"Water Release: Hard Whirlpool Water Blade!"
Each technique was unleashed in rapid succession, overwhelming Hiruzen.
Tobirama's innovations in hand seals allowed him to perform jutsu with astonishing speed. Hiruzen barely had time to react, let alone counterattack.
Forced into a corner, Hiruzen could only dodge, battered and breathless.
The onlookers couldn't help but comment.
"Wow! He's summoning water out of thin air. Shouldn't he be called the Mizukage instead of Hokage?"
"The Second Hokage is incredible. He's a true master of Water Style."
"And Hiruzen? This is the strongest Hokage? He's just getting pummeled!"
"Look at him jump around, hahaha!"
While ordinary shinobi mocked, the Kage among the spectators wore grave expressions.
"The reanimated can wield such immense power…" murmured the Tsuchikage. "This Edo Tensei is far too dangerous."
Within the barrier, Tobirama finally paused, scoffing.
"Hiruzen, is running away all you're good for?"
Seizing the moment, Hiruzen bit his finger, summoning Enma.
Transforming Enma into the Adamantine Staff, Hiruzen gasped for breath.
"This… This is all part of my strategy," he declared weakly.
Tobirama couldn't help but chuckle.
"A strategy?" he asked incredulously. "What, to exhaust me? You realize this Edo Tensei body has infinite chakra, right?"
Without waiting for a response, Tobirama dispelled the surrounding water.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Two clones appeared, dashing around and scattering Explosive Tags across the battlefield.
Before Hiruzen could decipher his intent, Tobirama clapped his hands.
"Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!"
Hiruzen's vision was swallowed by blackness.
In the void, Tobirama's voice echoed.
"Hiruzen, you'd better show me this so-called strength of the strongest Hokage."
"Otherwise, this will be over far too quickly."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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