Naruto's Shadow Clone was hiding on the roof of the Palace, witnessing the entire battle between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage.
At the end of the battle, Orochimaru and the Third Hokage reached a deadlock where both were doomed to perish.
The Third Hokage employed the self - sacrificing Dead Demon Consuming Seal, struggling with all his might to pull out Orochimaru's soul.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, controlled the Sword of Kusanagi in mid - air and pierced it through the Third Hokage's chest.
The two were locked in a fierce struggle, both persevering with unwavering will.
Orochimaru asked in panic, "Why didn't you dodge?"
"Heh, once I used this sealing technique, death was inevitable," the Third Hokage said casually. "Since I'm going to die anyway, why should I dodge?"
"Damn it! You old geezer, just go to hell by yourself!"
"Orochimaru, you were my most beloved student. Let's go to hell together and have our souls be entangled in the Shinigami's belly for all eternity."
"No! I've developed a ninjutsu for immortality. I can't die here with you!"
At this moment, Naruto's Shadow Clone suddenly appeared, startling both the Third Hokage and Orochimaru.
"Naruto? Why are you here?" the Third Hokage asked.
"The battle between you two was so exciting. Maybe you were too focused to notice me," Naruto's Shadow Clone said with a grin. "Actually, I've been here since before the barrier was set up."
Orochimaru was extremely shocked. Naruto's appearance was definitely not good news for him.
Orochimaru thought to himself: Why is the Nine - Tailed Fox here? Could it be Tanzo's scheme? What on earth is Tanzo up to...
Naruto's Shadow Clone looked at Orochimaru and thought: Humph, Orochimaru, do you still think I'm working for Tanzo? If nothing goes wrong, my real self should have taken care of Tanzo by now...
Naruto's Shadow Clone flashed a mischievous smile at Orochimaru.
This scared Orochimaru so much that cold sweat broke out on his forehead. If Naruto intervened at this moment, he, Orochimaru, would surely die.
Orochimaru was still locked in a struggle with the Third Hokage, and neither of them had any more tricks up their sleeves. It was even difficult for Orochimaru to move a little finger.
If Orochimaru had the energy to deal with Naruto, he would have turned it against the Third Hokage long ago.
Naruto had spotted this. Currently, both Orochimaru and the Third Hokage had no extra strength.
Naruto's Shadow Clone had become the deciding factor in this battle. It all depended on whom Naruto wanted to help.
The Third Hokage was overjoyed. Having watched Naruto grow up and having a close relationship with him, he quickly said, "Naruto, take out your Kunai and stab Orochimaru..."
"Grandpa Hokage," Naruto said. "Can you first tell me where the box my father left me, which contains the Flying Thunder God Technique, is?"
"Naruto, listen up. If Orochimaru doesn't die, he'll surely pose a threat to Konoha in the future... This is the only chance to take him out..."
Naruto agreed with what the Third Hokage said. Apart from the self - sacrificing Dead Demon Consuming Seal, there was no other way to eliminate Orochimaru.
"But I've already stepped in to help you three times."
Naruto's Shadow Clone said, "My help to you didn't make any difference. I really don't know what to do next..."
The Third Hokage asked, "When did you ever help me?"
"For the first time, during the first round of the Chunin Exams, I left important information on the test paper, but it was all in vain."
"Grandpa Hokage, you didn't wanna cancel the Chunin Exams, did you? Even though there were so many problems and Sasuke got into trouble, you still wanted to hold the exam."
The Third Hokage said, "The Chunin Exams are Konoha's pride and a grand event for important figures from various countries..."
"Alright then. The second time I helped you, I gave a map to Jiraiya." Naruto said, "As long as Jiraiya followed my map, he would definitely find clues, but he didn't come to save you..."
The map Naruto referred to was The Peeping Map of Konoha Village.
Naruto continued, "The third time I helped you, I combined with Gamabunta and used Transformation Jutsu to turn into an extremely large naked beauty. That time, I successfully attracted Jiraiya."
The Third Hokage remained silent.
Naruto's Shadow Clone said, "Jiraiya is hiding in Konoha. If he is willing to team up with you, you can definitely drive Orochimaru away easily."
"I've helped you secretly three times. Do you know what Jiraiya is doing now, Third Hokage?"
The Third Hokage's face turned gloomy.
Meanwhile, at the wall of Konoha Village, the Sound Ninjas used a collective Summoning Jutsu to summon a three - headed giant snake.
The three - headed giant snake was huge. It rammed into Konoha's wall with its head, broke through the defenses, and rushed into the village.
The ninjas from the Sound Hidden Village used the three - headed giant snake to clear the way. A large number of them followed closely behind, overwhelming Konoha's defense force.
Just as Konoha Village was suffering heavy casualties, a puff of white smoke suddenly appeared in the sky. A giant frog of the same size descended from the sky and landed directly on the three - headed giant snake.
Jiraiya made his move. With his powerful combat ability, he not only easily defeated the three - headed giant snake but also eliminated the invaders from the Sound Hidden Village.
Jiraiya won the cheers of Konoha's defensive ninjas with his powerful strength.
"Look, it's Jiraiya, one of the Sannin!"
"Lord Jiraiya is here! We're saved!"
"Long live Lord Jiraiya!"
At this time, Jiraiya stood on the head of the summoned big frog, his eyes fixed on the distance, the direction of his teacher, the Third Hokage.
Jiraiya thought to himself: Old man, don't die...
Back inside the Four - Corner Sealing Barrier on the palace roof, in the shocked eyes of the Third Hokage, Naruto's Shadow Clone said, "If I'm not wrong, Jiraiya should be at the defensive wall."
"Hehe..." Orochimaru felt relieved. It seemed that Naruto wouldn't help the Third Hokage.
"Naruto, let's not talk about Jiraiya now." The Third Hokage said, "If Orochimaru isn't eliminated, Konoha will never have peace. Do you know the consequences?"
Naruto's Shadow Clone said, "All I want to know now is where the box with the Flying Thunder God Technique is."
"Naruto, I'm disappointed in you.
The Third Hokage lowered his head and stated, "I intended to give you that box after you understood the Will of Fire. But it seems you haven't grasped what the Will of Fire truly is."
"Sure thing, I've got it," Naruto's Shadow Clone quickly replied. "Burning yourself to light others and dedicating yourself entirely to Konoha, that's the Will of Fire."
The Third Hokage mumbled to himself, "Where there are leaves in the wind, the fire will burn. The firelight illuminates the village and makes the trees sprout new buds. The Will of Fire will never be extinguished."
"Third Hokage... at least tell me where the Flying Thunder God Technique is! Otherwise, how can I burn? Without the Flying Thunder God Technique, how can I illuminate the village?"
"Dead Demon Consuming Seal!" the Third Hokage shouted. Under Orochimaru's terrified stare, he resolutely activated the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, a Sealing Technique.
"No! Stop it! You old geezer!" Orochimaru screamed desperately.
"Third Hokage, even if you're going to die, tell me where the Flying Thunder God Technique is first!" Naruto's Shadow Clone was equally shocked.
<><><><><><><><>
~ 80+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
p-atreon.com/Tansnovel
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
~ Every 50 Powerstones = 4 Bonus Chapters on the weekend!