Daily Life of the Third Hokage - Chapter 198
The first time, the last time, the last time.
In front of the bulletin board, the ninjas’ various speculations and fantasies surged like a tide, but Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to be unheard of, and still calmly controlled the direction of Konoha. His calm attitude seemed to have been tempered by the years, and precipitated a unique calmness and wisdom.
Still in that familiar study, Sarutobi Hiruzen quietly stared at the scrolls on the rows of bookshelves. Each scroll carried his hard work and wisdom, and recorded his deep understanding of ninjutsu, politics, and life. Time passed quietly, “Time flies so fast, it’s been 15 years since I came here.” Sarutobi Hiruzen whispered softly, and on his seemingly young face, the sense of vicissitudes and loneliness that did not belong to this age became deeper and deeper. After traveling to this world, from the initial confusion to the current certainty, he has experienced too much.
When he sensed the arrival of Orochimaru, he just waved his palm slightly, and the door of the study opened automatically, and Orochimaru just raised his hand to knock on the door.
“Come in!” Sarutobi Hiruzen’s voice came from behind the desk. Orochimaru walked into the study as he said, closed the door carefully, and then walked to the guest area of the study.
“Are you excited? In a few days, you will be the fourth generation Hokage.” Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at this disciple he had high hopes for with a hint of teasing. Orochimaru’s usually cold face unexpectedly showed a barely perceptible smile, and he slowly said, “It’s more of an expectation! Many years ago, when we were in the ninja school, most of the boys in the class dreamed of becoming Hokage, including Jiraiya and Tsunade. But as time went by, everyone grew up and went through all kinds of experiences, but not so many people kept talking about becoming Hokage.”
Speaking of this, Orochimaru’s thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the time when he was accepted as a disciple by his master. At that time, among the six brothers, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru all had the dream of becoming Hokage, and the three of them were fighting for it, while the three older brothers and sisters, Hatake Sakumo, Yuhi Shinku, and Mitarashi Naoto, always showed a smile with a little indulgence in their eyes. Time flies, and those past scenes keep flashing in Orochimaru’s mind like slides.
“Sometimes it’s also surprising. Why did the master choose me to be the Hokage? In terms of strength, I may not be able to beat Sakumo. In terms of mission experience, I may not have more than Shinku. In terms of teaching the younger generation, I may not be better than Naoto. In terms of consistency, I admit that I am not as good as Jiraiya. In terms of background, Tsunade is unparalleled. To be honest, I was a little surprised at the beginning.” Orochimaru still had a trace of confusion in his eyes, as if he was seeking the answer from the master.
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened quietly to Orochimaru’s questions, and after thinking for a moment, he slowly said: “Then what do you think is the most important thing for Hokage? Strength? Mission experience? Can you train disciples? Extraordinary character? Or a strong background? In terms of strength, I was not the strongest in Konoha. In terms of mission experience, it was the turn of the younger generation? Training disciples, I didn’t accept any disciples at the beginning, and I don’t know if I can do this myself. In terms of background? I am not the most outstanding. As for character, I can’t judge myself.” Sarutobi Hiruzen’s eyes became deep, as if he was trapped in the memories of the past.
“Becoming a Hokage does not just depend on being outstanding in one aspect. Strength is important, but the leader of a village needs more comprehensive qualities. Mission experience can help you understand how to deal with various complex situations, but the Hokage is more about planning and making decisions from a global perspective. Cultivating disciples is to cultivate hope for the future of Konoha and to continue the heritage of Konoha. Having an extraordinary character can keep you calm and firm in the face of various pressures and challenges. And background may provide you with some help to a certain extent, but a true leader relies on his own ability and charm to win the trust of everyone.” Sarutobi Hiruzen’s words flowed into Orochimaru’s heart like a gurgling stream.
Orochimaru listened quietly and fell into deep thought. He began to re-examine his understanding of the position of Hokage.
“Take Sakumo for example. He is indeed very strong, but his personality may not be suitable for becoming a Hokage. He is too upright and sometimes does not know how to be roundabout and compromise. As for Shinku, she has rich mission experience, but she may still lack some fire in leadership and decision-making. Naoto is good at teaching juniors, but he may need to further improve his overall perspective. Jiraiya is in the heart of
Simple, sometimes too casual. Tsunade has a deep background, but her temper is too hot. And you, Orochimaru, you have a smart mind, a unique understanding of ninjutsu, and a certain leadership ability. Although you also have shortcomings, no one is perfect. “Sarutobi Hiruzen said earnestly.
Orochimaru nodded slightly, and seemed to have some enlightenment in his heart.
“In a few days, this study will belong to you. There are all kinds of secrets belonging to Konoha, all kinds of secrets of the ninja world, hidden dangers, the truth of the world, and the real purpose of the sky repair plan. Go and see it yourself!”
“After becoming a Hokage, you will face all kinds of challenges and difficulties. The development of Konoha, the relationship with other villages, internal conflicts, etc., all need you to handle them properly. You can’t just rely on your own strength, but you must unite and lead the people of Konoha to move forward together.” Sarutobi Hiruzen continued.
Orochimaru’s eyes became more and more determined, and he knew that he had a heavy responsibility.
“Master, I understand. I will work hard to become a qualified Hokage and live up to your expectations. “Orochimaru said solemnly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction, “I believe you can do it. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, don’t fight alone, remember that I am still here.”
The conversation between the master and the apprentice echoed in the study, and the atmosphere in the study became particularly solemn and hopeful. It seemed to indicate that Konoha was about to usher in a new chapter, a new era led by Orochimaru.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen went out, Orochimaru was left alone in the study.
Orochimaru stood in the center of the study, looking around at the countless scrolls on the bookshelves, each of which represented an important chapter in Konoha’s history. He reached out and gently touched one of the scrolls, feeling the strong breath flowing on the scroll.
This study was where Master Sarutobi Hiruzen used to study ninjutsu, national affairs and strategy, and it was one of the most important secrets of Konoha Village. Orochimaru was full of awe. He understood that the true meaning of this study was not only to collect countless precious scrolls, but also to carry the hope and future of Konoha Village.