In Konoha, atop a building at the Chūnin exam site, the Four Sound Ninja set up the Four Violet Flames Formation, trapping the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, inside the barrier. Of course, with his power, the Third Hokage could break through the barrier if he wanted to. However, at the moment, he was being held back by Orochimaru, leaving him no time to deal with the barrier. Moreover, as the Third Hokage and symbol of Konoha, retreating was not an option for him, and he didn't believe he would lose to Orochimaru.
The true purpose of the Four Violet Flames Formation was to prevent anyone else from interfering in the battle between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage.
At this time, the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru was being livestream in the Golden List Livestream Room, watched by countless shinobi.
Fourth Hokage: "That's the Four Violet Flames Formation. Orochimaru clearly doesn't want anyone interrupting his fight with Lord Hiruzen."
Tsunade: "Damn Orochimaru! How dare he attack our teacher! I'm heading back immediately!"
Jiraiya: "Tsunade, there's no time for that. Just watch for now. I need to go help out!"
Madara Uchiha: "This fight is so dull. If I were there, I could crush them with one hand!"
Fourth Raikage: "It seems like Orochimaru's Reanimation was successful; the First and Second Hokage are no longer speaking, likely because they've been summoned."
"Orochimaru, you summoned me with Reanimation again!" Hashirama Senju said, clearly displeased.
Then, he noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi and exclaimed, "Little Monkey, you've gotten so old!"
"My former teachers, it seems we must fight this time," Hiruzen said with a heavy heart.
Tobirama Senju frowned, "Hiruzen, this body is too weak. I can't fully utilize my strength. Otherwise, breaking Reanimation wouldn't be difficult for me."
"First and Second Hokage, I apologize, but since the Third Hokage is so powerful, I have to rely on your strength!" Orochimaru said wickedly.
He then inserted the control seals into the back of the First and Second Hokage, forcing them to attack.
Of course, they couldn't use their full power, and one-on-one, they couldn't defeat the Third Hokage. Initially, Hiruzen Sarutobi had the upper hand, but as time passed, it became apparent that his stamina was being severely drained.
Fourth Hokage: "Lord Hiruzen is in trouble; his stamina is almost exhausted. He's simply too old now."
Fourth Raikage: "Is the Third Hokage really this weak now? His combat strength is nowhere near mine."
Mei Terumi: "The Third Hokage was once called the strongest Hokage, but he seems to be struggling now."
Madara Uchiha: "What? They called him the strongest Hokage? Who made that up? He doesn't even have a tenth of Hashirama's strength! People seem to have forgotten how powerful the First Hokage was and how terrifying I was. If I could be revived, I'd make everyone remember the might of Uchiha Madara!"
Second Mizukage: "You're awfully cocky for a dead man!"
Madara Uchiha: "Little mustache, you dare speak to me like that? You weren't even worth my notice when I was alive."
Second Mizukage: "Madara Uchiha, what are you going to do, hit me in the afterlife? And don't call me little mustache! I hate that!"
At this moment, the Golden List announced the second list—The Weapon Ranking. However, the specifics hadn't been revealed yet.
Since the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru was far from over, the shinobi in the livestream room shifted their attention to speculating about the weapon rankings.
Mei Terumi: "When it comes to the weapon rankings, the seven swords of the Hidden Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen will definitely make the list."
Fourth Raikage: "Fifth Mizukage, I'd like to remind you that not all of those swords are still in the Hidden Mist's possession."
Madara Uchiha: "My Gunbai should definitely be among the top."
Third Tsuchikage: "Madara, your Gunbai may make the list, but given that you're dead, I doubt you'll receive any benefits from it."
Fourth Hokage: "We'll see once the list is announced."
Fourth Raikage: "We once had the five great tools of the Sage of Six Paths in the Hidden Cloud, but unfortunately, four of them were lost. If we still had them, we'd undoubtedly get the most benefits now."
Before long, the weapon ranking began to be officially announced.
Weapon Ranking No. 100: Giant Folding Fan, User: Temari
Seeing this, the Fourth Kazekage was overjoyed.
Fourth Kazekage: "Temari is my daughter, and I found the Giant Folding Fan for her. I didn't expect it to rank 100th on the weapon list!"
Many shinobi were envious, as any weapon on the list would receive rewards. Next, more weapons were revealed, including Gaara's gourd, Mifune's sword Kurosawa, and others, though their rankings were relatively low.
The list was being revealed slowly, and the anticipation among the shinobi was palpable. Everyone was eager to see if their weapon would make the list, though most knew the odds.
At this time, the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru reached its climax.
Fourth Raikage: "The Third Hokage is out of stamina. He's finished!"
Tsunade: "@Jiraiya, hurry and go save Lord Hiruzen!"
Jiraiya: "I'm on my way!"
However, before Jiraiya could arrive, Hiruzen Sarutobi, using all his remaining strength, knocked away Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword and began performing the forbidden technique Reaper Death Seal.
At this moment, Orochimaru panicked. If he were caught by this technique, it would mean his end, and he definitely didn't want to die. But under the power of the Reaper Death Seal, he was unable to move, and could only manipulate his Kusanagi Sword to try and strike Hiruzen Sarutobi from behind.
If Hiruzen dodged, the Reaper Death Seal would be interrupted, and Orochimaru would regain his mobility. However, Orochimaru miscalculated. Hiruzen Sarutobi had no intention of dodging and took the hit directly, letting the Kusanagi Sword pierce through him while his hands grabbed Orochimaru's, executing the Reaper Death Seal.
Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi exhausted all his life force and could only seal Orochimaru's hands instead of his entire soul.
Thus, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell, and Orochimaru's hands were sealed.
"Get me out of here!" Orochimaru immediately commanded.
The Four Sound Ninja quickly dispelled the Four Violet Flames Formation and rushed to Orochimaru's side, helping him escape.
"Bring Sasuke with us too!" Orochimaru ordered.
"Yes!" The Four Sound Ninja replied. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelFirｅ.net