The Third Hokage took another puff of his cigarette and smiled calmly.
"Ever since I was placed under your control, I have been preparing for retirement. What I just said was thought out long ago.
My goal is to ensure that Konoha remains stable and safe after you take charge, and that the villagers do not suffer."
Hearing this, Arata couldn't help but take a closer look at the old man. It was no wonder the Second Hokage had entrusted him with the position.
Though he seemed muddled at times, he had indeed contributed immensely to Konoha.
Arata waved his hand. "Don't worry, I don't plan to become Hokage. I want you to abdicate and have Tsunade return to take over. With her identity and achievements, she is the most suitable candidate."
(I only want to be the man who pushes others to become Hokage.)
The Third Hokage felt relieved upon hearing that Arata did not intend to assume the position.
However, when he heard Tsunade's name, he immediately sighed bitterly, taking a long drag of his cigarette.
"You think I don't want to? I've long wished to hand the position over to Tsunade. But she is deeply dissatisfied with my inaction over the years. Not only did she ignore my summons, she even chased Jiraiya away when he delivered my letters."
Arata responded righteously, "This Tsunade is truly outrageous. She even ignored her own teacher's summons.
Konoha needs her now. This time, I'll personally persuade her—no matter what, I'll make sure she comes back."
Hearing Arata's words, the Third Hokage looked at him suspiciously. "Arata, what is your true purpose in wanting Tsunade to return so badly? She poses no threat to you, and she is the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Please, don't harm her."
The Third Hokage knew Arata's strength well. Tsunade was no match for him, especially with her hemophobia, which would only place her at a disadvantage.
Unable to resist Arata's authority, he could only plead in hopes that Arata would abandon any dangerous intentions.
Seeing the old man's wary gaze, Arata understood his concern and explained part of the truth.
"I've already obtained the first and third stages of the Raikage's Thunder Release Armor cultivation methods, but I lack the second stage.
I plan to directly attempt the third stage. For that, I need someone with exceptional medical skill to supervise me and provide immediate assistance if necessary."
The Third Hokage already knew that Arata had mastered the first stage. Previously, Arata had asked him to try acquiring the second stage, but due to the risk of exposing Konoha's infiltrators in Kumogakure, the plan was abandoned. He never expected Arata to obtain the third stage directly and attempt such a dangerous leap.
Though he knew he could not stop him, the Third Hokage still tried to persuade him. "Arata, you're still young.
Your strength is already extraordinary. There's no need to risk your life practicing that technique."
Arata nodded slightly, acknowledging his concern, but still insisted, "I understand. But even stronger enemies will appear in the future. If I become complacent now, I will regret it later."
When the Third Hokage heard Uchiha Arata's words, the hand holding his pipe suddenly trembled violently, and the gaze he directed at Arata instantly filled with shock and disbelief.
How could the aging Third Hokage fail to understand the meaning behind Arata's words? Moreover, his disciple Jiraiya had been shouting about it all these years.
Entrusted by the Great Toad Sage, Jiraiya had been roaming the ninja world in search of the so-called Child of Destiny, said to be the one who would save the world from an impending catastrophe.
At the time, the Third Hokage had not taken those words seriously. But now, combined with what Arata had just said, he could not help but think more deeply.
Seeing the Third Hokage's reaction, Arata realized that he had unintentionally revealed too much. However, it no longer mattered. After all, the Third Hokage was already under his control.
Originally, the Third Hokage had always found Arata's existence puzzling. Though he had a past, he had always acted ordinary and unremarkable.
Yet suddenly, he had erupted with terrifying strength, along with a mysterious ability capable of permanently controlling others.
One must know that the Third Hokage was renowned as the "Professor" of the ninja world. His combat strength aside, his knowledge and understanding were unrivaled.
This was precisely what confused Sarutobi Hiruzen the most.
Before being controlled, he had never heard of any genjutsu capable of permanently dominating another's will.
Even after being affected by Arata's technique, though unable to act against him, he still retained a great deal of autonomy and could freely search for information.
He had combed through every record in Konoha, including the secret collections left behind by the Senju clan, yet found no clues.
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