Kakashi nodded.
"This is what I should have done."
The ANBU captain turned toward the First Hokage and Second Hokage.
"First Hokage-sama… Second Hokage-sama…!"
The First Hokage waved his hand.
"Now is not the time for formalities. Hiruzen Sarutobi's injuries are severe. He must receive treatment immediately."
"Yes!"
Two ANBU stepped forward at once, carefully supporting the Third Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, we'll escort you to medical treatment."
The Third Hokage spoke weakly,
"Wait… the situation in the village…"
The ANBU captain reported,
"The forces of Sunagakure and Otogakure are attacking, but the jonin from all divisions are already coordinating the defense. The situation is under control for now."
The Third Hokage nodded.
"That's good… Kakashi…"
He looked at Kakashi.
"The village… I leave it to you…"
Kakashi nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Please focus on recovering."
The ANBU escorted the Third Hokage toward the medical unit. The First Hokage watched quietly.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi… time has taken its toll. That spirited young man from the past has grown so frail…"
The Second Hokage sighed.
"That is the power of time—something no one can resist."
He then looked at Kakashi.
"But with young people like you in Konoha, the future is secure."
At that moment, violent explosions echoed in the distance.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Flames of war engulfed the area around the Chūnin Exam venue.
The First Hokage's gaze sharpened.
"Konoha is still fighting. Although these are Edo Tensei bodies, we've regained our consciousness and freedom of action. Before we disappear completely… let us fight for Konoha one last time."
The Second Hokage nodded.
"Agreed."
---
Konoha Village
The battle was raging fiercely.
Forces from Sunagakure and Otogakure surged in from all directions, clashing violently with Konoha's shinobi.
Kurenai Yūhi, Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi, and many other jonin fought on the front lines.
"Protect the villagers!"
"Drive the enemy back!"
"Don't let them advance any further!"
Suddenly, a massive tree burst out of the ground.
Boom!
Like an enormous wall, it cut off the enemy's advance.
"What?!"
Everyone froze in shock.
"That's… Wood Release?!"
"How is that possible?!"
The Konoha shinobi looked up in disbelief and saw a figure standing on high ground, hands pressed together.
"No way…"
"That figure…"
An elderly shinobi trembled.
"That's… the First Hokage-sama?!"
"What?!"
"The First Hokage?!"
"How is this possible?! Didn't the First Hokage pass away long ago—"
Before the shock could settle, an even more astonishing scene unfolded.
"Wood Release: Wood Barrier!"
The First Hokage's voice rang out.
Countless trees rose up, forming a gigantic defensive wall that completely encircled the enemy forces.
That scale, that overwhelming power—only the legendary God of Shinobi could achieve such a feat.
"It really is the First Hokage-sama!"
"The First Hokage has returned?!"
The Konoha shinobi were stunned and overjoyed.
The First Hokage's voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Descendants of Konoha, you've done well. Leave the rest to us."
On the other side, the Second Hokage also made his move.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
"That's… the Second Hokage-sama?!"
"Even the Second Hokage is here?!"
"This is unbelievable—both the First and Second Hokage!"
The Konoha shinobi were completely stunned, their morale soaring.
"It's the First and Second Hokage!"
"They've come to support us!"
"Konoha will win!"
The First Hokage continued unleashing Wood Release.
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
A colossal wooden dragon roared into the sky, crashing into the enemy forces. Wherever it passed, enemies were sent flying.
"What?!"
"That wood dragon…!"
"It's the legendary Wood Release!"
"Run!"
Under the overwhelming assault of the two Hokage, the forces of Sunagakure and Otogakure collapsed.
"Retreat!"
"Fall back now!"
"It's the First and Second Hokage!"
The enemy forces scattered in panic as the Konoha shinobi launched a counterattack. Before long, the battlefield was completely cleared.
"We won!"
"Victory!"
"Long live the First Hokage-sama!"
"Long live the Second Hokage-sama!"
Many shinobi were moved to tears, especially the older generation who had grown up listening to legends of the First and Second Hokage.
"To witness this in my lifetime…"
"It was worth it…"
The First and Second Hokage stood side by side, watching the enemy retreat. The surrounding Konoha shinobi instinctively formed a circle, gazing at them with reverence.
"It's over," the First Hokage said.
The Second Hokage nodded.
"Yes. These descendants have done exceptionally well. With them here, Konoha's future holds no worries."
Kakashi walked forward.
"First Hokage-sama, Second Hokage-sama, thank you for your support."
The surrounding shinobi bowed in unison.
"Thank you, First Hokage-sama!"
"Thank you, Second Hokage-sama!"
The First Hokage smiled.
"No need to thank us. This is what we should do."
He looked toward Konoha Village.
"This is the village we founded. No matter the era, we will always protect it."
Then he turned to Kakashi.
"Young man, before I disappear, there is something I wish to do."
"What is it?" Kakashi asked.
The First Hokage spoke seriously.
"The ability you displayed earlier—the technique that allows you to merge with plants—greatly intrigued me. It resonated with my Wood Release. I could feel it."
Kakashi nodded.
"Yes. The Mantis Technique allows me to merge with plants, including Wood Release."
The First Hokage smiled.
"Good. Before I fade away, I want to leave you a gift."
He pressed his hands together as chakra surged forth—Wood Release chakra infused with Sage Chakra.
The chakra condensed in midair, gradually forming into a solid shape.
In the end, it became an exquisitely crafted wooden necklace.
Deep green in color, etched with intricate patterns, it radiated a gentle yet powerful chakra.
The First Hokage handed the necklace to Kakashi.
"This is a Wood Release crystal I condensed using Sage Chakra. Even in an Edo Tensei body, Sage Chakra still exists. This necklace contains a portion of my Wood Release chakra and the power of Sage Art."
Kakashi accepted it. The necklace was warm, pulsing with a powerful life force.
"The most important function of this necklace is to allow you to perceive Natural Energy."
"Natural Energy?" Kakashi asked, feigning confusion.
The First Hokage nodded.
"The essence of Sage Art lies in perfectly balancing Natural Energy with spiritual and physical energy. Ordinary shinobi cannot even perceive Natural Energy, let alone control it. This necklace contains my Sage Chakra. When worn, it will help you gradually sense the fluctuations of Natural Energy—within trees, soil, air… all things."
"Once you can clearly perceive it, you'll have the foundation to cultivate Sage Art. Sage training is extremely dangerous and is usually performed at the three great sage regions. However, if you can sense and control Natural Energy on your own, it's not impossible to develop your own path. Of course, that requires extraordinary talent and long-term dedication."
He looked at Kakashi.
"With the insight of the Sharingan, your chakra control, and your ability to merge with plants, you're more suited to Sage Art than anyone else. This necklace will guide you."
Kakashi solemnly placed the necklace around his neck.
"Thank you, First Hokage-sama. I will train diligently and live up to your expectations."
The First Hokage nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Remember—do not rush Sage training. Natural Energy is powerful, but if it runs out of control, it will backfire."
His body began to turn translucent.
The Second Hokage was also fading. He looked at Kakashi one last time.
"Young man, you are outstanding. The future of Konoha rests with your generation."
"And remember—continue developing new ninjutsu. Ninjutsu evolves constantly. Do not be bound by the frameworks of the past."
"Yes! I will remember your teachings, Second Hokage-sama!"
"Then… farewell."
"Konoha… is in your hands."
The two figures dissipated completely, turning into countless motes of light that drifted into the air.
Kakashi stood still, his hand resting on the wooden necklace at his chest. He could clearly feel the immense power contained within it.
[System Notification: Special Item Acquired — First Hokage's Wood Release Sage Necklace]
[Effect: Chakra Capacity +2000, Constitution +100, Natural Energy Perception +500]
[Special Effect: While worn, gradually enhances perception and understanding of Natural Energy, laying the foundation for cultivating Sage Art]
[Description: A Wood Release crystal condensed by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, using Sage Chakra. It contains immense life force and Wood Release power, and most importantly, grants the ability to perceive Natural Energy—serving as a guide for Sage Art cultivation]