Chapter 280: Confession

The system message made Masahiko suspect for a moment that Orochimaru has found out about the system through some experiments on his blood, but he immediately felt that it was nonsense.

“Impossible, the system is beyond science, nor is it metaphysics. I’m suspect that it’s some kind of theology.”

Masahiko has never thought about exploring the origin of the system. In his opinion, it something that was yield to him from “God,” and it is okay for him to use it. And the system itself doesn’t have its own conscious, which makes him more assured.

“If it’s not the system… then what does he meant by the power of destiny?” Masahiko was slightly distressed.

Perceiving to the limit, Masahiko didn’t catch any glimpse of Orochimaru’s Chakra.

“He ran away after saying such a half-hearted thing to make this old man confused, didn’t he? You better hide forever then.” Masahiko sighed, “Where is that fat cat when I need him? He has a good nose he would have…”

Thinking of this, Masahiko widened his eyes, “He’s okay… nothing will happen to him, it only been a few hours…”

“Probably not. Tenten seems to like cats. But I will first check Orochimaru’s lab. Maybe I will find something.

…….

Tenten’s Home.

The fat cat sat firmly on the dining table.

A delicate woman with sweat dripping off her chin was working hard to serve plates of fish to the fat cat from time to time, while the latter demolished them instantly.

On the other side, Tenten’s father patting her head, said, “Tenten, where did you find such a cat?”

Tenten replied full of grievances, “A few hours later, just in front of our shop, a red-haired uncle abandoned it.”

The father pondered for a moment, “It’s okay, maybe it’s a good thing. This may be a legendary Summon Beast, and you can make a contract with it… but it’s a bit too edible.”

The man looked at his sweaty wife, a little distressed.

Tears started to appear in the corner of Tenten’s eyes, “What if it eats all of our food then eat us? Father, let’s go and ask for the other Ninjas help.”

“Meow~ Cats don’t eat human flesh.”

“Huh? It can talk?!”

…….

The next day, Masahiko finally walked out of Orochimaru’s lab.

He was inside the entire time and didn’t sleep all night.

It seems that this lab was abandoned a long time ago, and Masahiko’s only gain was a piece of information, but it was exactly the one he needed very much.

Looking through Orochimaru’s researches, he found information explaining in detail how to use cells extracted from the corpse to regenerate the Edo Tensei summoned soul into its youthful appearance, which was very helpful for Masahiko to resurrect Hashirama in the future.

If this measure isn’t taken, they can only live another ten or twenty years after the resurrection, not to mention those who died naturally due to old age like Mito and Nanako. I’m afraid they will just die again the next day after being resurrected.

“Did Orochimaru leave this for me on purpose?”

Masahiko looked at the sun that had just risen satisfied.

“This guy respects his ancestors, and for that reason, I won’t pursue him… No, I still have to pursue him since he knows about the power of destiny…”

“Respecting an old man is originally something he should do.” Muttering these words to himself, he suddenly disappeared.

Ten minutes later, Masahiko reappeared in Konoha.

Near the “Ninja Buki Store,” Masahiko felt like he had a slight headache since he couldn’t perceive the fat cat’s Chakra.

“Did Tenten took her to her house… or did she take her to the store? Maybe he ran out by itself?”

“I should have known better and made a contract with it. And since I don’t even have summoned beast…”

“But isn’t having a fat cat as my summoning beast sounds very cheap?”

Masahiko thought about these messy things as he turned to the Hokage Building.

“Elder Masahiko, you’re back!”

Sakumo appeared next to Masahiko. It seems like he has been waiting for him for a long time.

“Yes, I will go up now.”

In the Hokage’s office, besides Hiruzen, Jiraiya was standing there.

When he saw Masahiko, Jiraiya nervously said, “Elder, did you find Orochimaru?”

“Found him.” Masahiko nodded. Just after Jiraiya took a sigh of relief, he continued, “Unfortunately, he ran away.”

Jiraiya’s expression froze, “Can Orochimaru run away from you?”

“Why is it so surprising? Neither you nor Hiruzen together could beat Orochimaru. Why is it weird that he could run from me?”

Jiraiya opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.

Masahiko looked at Hiruzen, who had been silent since he entered the room, “How about it, it has been long enough, have you thought about an explanation for me?”

Hiruzen smiled bitterly, “What version of the statement do you know?”

Masahiko pulled up a chair and sat down, “I heard that you didn’t allow Minato and Kushina to rescue the Land of Whirlpools, forcing Minato to leave the Hokage’s position…”

“It’s not like that.” Hiruzen interrupted quickly.

“Minato took the initiative to resign from the Hokage’s position.”

Masahiko was startled and waited for Hiruzen’s explanation.

Hiruzen coughed, “At that time, the Land of Whirlpools was attacked, and the whole Shinobi World was paying attention to whether the news of your death is accurate and whether Konoha will send reinforcements.”

“As soon as ninja troops were mobilized from Kumogakure, heading towards the Land of Whirlpools, Iwagakure and Sunagakure also entered a state of preparation, waiting for Konoha to extend a helping hand, and when our combat power is weakened, they will take that opportunity to attack the Land of Fire.”

“As the Hokage, Minato, of course, knew this, but the Uzumaki needed help…”

“At this time, he came to me and said: Because of his decision, Konoha will fall into the flames of war again, and he must resign from the Hokage’s position before he causes that.”

Masahiko frowned, “There’s nothing wrong with Minato’s decision. If you don’t help and the Uzumaki falls, Konoha will face the siege of four villages. Why did he resign?”

Hiruzen sighed, “Elder Masahiko, the current Land of Whirlpools, should be able to withstand the attacks of two villages at the same time, but it will suffer heavy losses.”

“As for the Hokage, the best choice should be… waiting for variables!”

“Tell me the truth, if it were you, what would have been your decision?”

Hiruzen smiled bitterly and didn’t answer directly, “Protecting Konoha is the Hokage’s most important responsibility!”

“Old man…” Jiraiya, who has been immersed in the blow of Orochimaru’s defection, looked up with a confused expression.

“Then what? The Land of Whirlpools survived the crisis. What happened that made Kushina decline your proposal to let Minato go back?”

Hiruzen sighed, “This matter should start with their child Uzumaki Naruto.

“Wait, wait, Uzumaki Naruto, why isn’t Namikaze Naruto?” Masahiko interrupted in surprise.

Hiruzen and Jiraiya were taken aback and looked at each other, then Jiraiya whispered, “Elder Masahiko, my surname is not Ji…”

“I know. You don’t have a last name, because… huh?”

“Minato is an orphan. He doesn’t have a last name too. So, his name is Minato Namikaze, not Namikaze, Minato.”

Masahiko was stunned.

“This is really upright…”