Chapter 251: New Problem Arose...

[Stay calm…]

Link took a deep breath, returning his expression to a refined composure, and opened a nearby drawer.

A time machine…?

Well, tell me—where's my time machine?

He inhaled again, pressing one hand to his cheek. Gosh, he should never have cooperated with Tobirama on such a bizarre experiment.

He'd actually understood a little of Tobirama's explanation earlier – that it was a highly formidable space–time jutsu extracted from his own Edo Tensei.

But considering Tobirama's expertise, and the awkwardness of discussing "other worlds," Link had simply let it be.

Who could've guessed the guy would steam ahead so recklessly?

What happened to the prudence and professionalism of Konoha's top forbidden-jutsu expert?

Link cursed inwardly at length. He'd trusted Tobirama so much, yet it all ended in a major experimental accident.

If Tobirama got flung to, say, the Dragon Ball or Warhammer universe, how would they handle that?

Even if they found some connection, did Link really dare to reconstruct that scroll using Tobirama's leftover formula?

Whether it was the godlike figures who casually explode planets in Dragon Ball or the dreadful madness of Warhammer, making that connection would be a disaster.

"Sigh…"

He mulled over a thousand possibilities, then finally exhaled all the CO₂ in his lungs, as though draining himself of all agitation, letting go of those useless worries.

Regardless, he could never stop Hashirama from searching for his brother, nor could he prevent the village from looking for the Second Hokage.

And a new world…?

Heh, for the second time, he felt that spark of drive, that anticipation.

Unconsciously, Link smiled. Honestly, he wasn't sure when it began, but he'd come to love unknown jutsu, a thrilling life, obtaining greater power. If he were sent back to Earth, returning to the old "average Joe," he probably wouldn't want that.

"A new adventure… a new journey. Heh, 'Private' Tobirama."

"Wait for us to rescue you!"

…

Outside Konoha, at the FUNFUN Street Casino…

[I'm having the time of my life!]

"Hahahahaha!"

Hashirama was laughing heartily as he raked the chips toward himself. Wow, today his luck was off the charts—winning bet after bet.

Anyway, even if he was reincarnated, he was only a three-year-old child. Let future troubles be dealt with in the future. If he left every painful thing on his mind nonstop, he'd have become a depressed wreck long ago.

All the suffering from the Warring States era had left him resilient enough to face anything head-on.

Now, if he could fully enjoy himself, why not make the most of this second chance at life?

Whoosh!

An Anbu operative landed beside him, whispered something in his ear, and in that instant, Hashirama's grin vanished. He didn't even bother collecting the chips before disappearing under the startled gazes of gamblers and casino staff alike.

Less than a minute later, in the Hokage's office…

"What happened to Tobirama?" Hashirama demanded, jumping in through the window with the Anbu in hand.

Seeing his subordinate "Tenzō," who was being plunked down like a child, the Third Hokage sighed quietly in his mind.

"It's like this…" Link took the initiative, describing the experimental accident and providing a logical guess at what had happened.

Because Tobirama had been careless, an unknown space–time jutsu had teleported him away.

That was a serious headache.

Currently, the only people in the village capable of space–time ninjutsu were Squad Genma, personally trained by the Fourth Hokage. Sure, they could use it, but to say they'd mastered it was a stretch – there was a lot of room for improvement.

Of course, sealing jutsu and summoning jutsu also dealt with space–time at some level; in principle, they overlapped.

But Tobirama's experiment scroll? The barrier team's experts couldn't decipher it, and even the Third Hokage found it taxing.

Trying to learn an entirely unfamiliar jutsu from scratch was incredibly difficult.

"Ah, Tobirama…"

Hashirama shook his head, wearing an I-told-you-so expression. "Any plan?"

He was quite worried about his missing brother, but expecting him to develop a thorough rescue plan was pushing it.

"Tomorrow, I'll step down, and Tsunade will take over as the Fifth Hokage," said the Third Hokage, calm-faced. "Then I'll sacrifice myself by cutting open the Shinigami's belly to free Minato. We'll see if he can figure out the Second Hokage's technique."

A few days back—prompted by Link—Tobirama had found a way to unseal the Fourth Hokage's soul from the Shinigami's stomach.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have pressed for Hiruzen Sarutobi's resignation – they couldn't ask Tobirama to slice himself open, and not everyone could be like Orochimaru, carving up their own body without consequence.

"So Tsunade's going to be Hokage… My apologies, Sarutobi," Hashirama said with a face full of concern.

[I strongly suspect the Third's partly stepping down because dealing with his three-year-old 'wife'—a porcelain doll—was too much. Likely he'll stay around as a spirit, like Danzō, serving the village for a while, but not face her daily, effectively avoiding the whole issue…]

Link saw the barely perceptible look of relief on Hiruzen's face and smirked inwardly.

Standing nearby, Tsunade wore a serious expression. With her little brother, boyfriend, and grandfather all back, she was ready to become the next village leader.

Jiraiya, however, looked rather down. Seeing firsthand that he had no chance whatsoever left him stung.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "It's nothing. Minato might not succeed, though. If that happens—" He hesitated.

Space–time ninjutsu? The Fourth Hokage was undoubtedly gifted there. Sealing jutsu—also linked to space–time—was that younger man's strong point as well.

But the technique Tobirama left behind was a total enigma. Even as the "Professor" of ninjutsu, Hiruzen saw only one person who might be able to interpret, learn, and replicate that jutsu in the shortest possible time.

"Orochimaru." His expression showed a hint of exasperation. "That disciple of mine, who defected from the village, very likely can understand it."

Hashirama considered it. "Then I'll hold off on finalizing my reincarnation for now, until Tobirama returns."

"I'll go with Link to capture Orochimaru. Sarutobi, you focus on unsealing the Fourth Hokage; Tsuna, you take over the village."

"Homura, Koharu, you two be sure to support Tsuna fully."

"Yes!" x5

"Wait." Jiraiya raised his hand. "I know Orochimaru well; I've chased him for years. Bring me along."

He wanted out of the village for a bit, to clear his head, even if just for a few days.

Stepping outside only to see his longtime crush treating her boyfriend like a baby was too heartbreaking.

Most importantly, he wanted some real interaction with Link, who was suspected to be the Child of Prophecy. The past few days, Link had been so busy with Edo Tensei that they hadn't had time to talk. Maybe a mission together would be the perfect chance.

Hashirama paused, then said, "All right. Jiraiya, you join us."

"Link, I'm counting on you." He gave a deep bow.

Whether it was reincarnation or summoning departed souls, the future and hope of Konoha rested on this child's shoulders. That weight of responsibility was daunting.

~~~

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