NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The System
I am the Second Hokage!
His mind was brimming with excitement.
In his previous life, he had been nothing more than a clueless college freshman. He couldn't count how many Naruto fanfics he had read or how often he had daydreamed about being part of that world.
But now, after being struck by a dump truck, he found himself reborn as none other than the Second Hokage of Konohagakure. Granted, he was technically dead, but still—Tobirama Senju!
"What incredible power."
He could feel the immense chakra coursing through his body, leaving him in awe.
"No wonder Edo Tensei bodies are described as having near-unlimited chakra. This energy feels inexhaustible!"
Still, Tobirama's sharp mind immediately began assessing the situation.
"From what I recall, Orochimaru's version of Edo Tensei at this stage is far from perfected. I probably can't unleash my full strength in this form."
He clenched his fists, testing his limits.
"If I were at my peak, who in today's world could stand against me? Perhaps Nagato, though he's a frail, sickly figure."
Despite his predicament, a sense of confidence welled up inside him. Comparing his current form to the full strength of his prime, Tobirama estimated he could only use about 30% of his original power.
"And if Orochimaru forces control over me, that might cut it down by half."
Behind him, Orochimaru formed a hand seal, summoning another coffin. From it emerged the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
Hashirama opened his eyes slowly, lifting his head to take in the sight of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tobirama standing before him. His expression shifted to one of confusion.
"Tobirama? And… Hiruzen?"
Hashirama's gaze lingered on Sarutobi, trying to reconcile the aged figure before him with the energetic young man he remembered.
At this moment, Tobirama felt a faint force attempting to take control of his body. It was weak—pathetically so. He could easily resist it with just a bit of effort.
"Orochimaru must be trying to manipulate me into some sentimental reunion to rattle Hiruzen. After all, I am his teacher."
Without resisting, Tobirama allowed himself to step forward, his sharp mind turning over his options.
"In the original timeline, breaking free of Edo Tensei's control only requires knowing the correct sequence of hand seals. As its creator, I naturally know them. There's no rush—I'll let Orochimaru play his little game first."
Just as he was calculating his next move, a synthetic voice echoed in his mind.
"Host successfully bound."
A translucent panel materialized in Tobirama's mind.
Name: Senju Tobirama
Power Level: High Kage (Partial)
Status: Impure World Reincarnation
The interface was simple, containing only a few lines of information.
Mission: Break free from Orochimaru's control.
Reward: Power restored to 70%.
Tobirama's mind raced through countless possibilities in an instant.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen's bitter smile deepened. "I never expected to see the First and Second Hokage again—let alone like this."
"So you became the Third Hokage? Good. If the village is in your hands, I can rest easy."
Hashirama chuckled, his voice warm. He remembered young Hiruzen as a man of excellent character. Clearly, Tobirama had chosen his successor well.
Then, turning to Tobirama, Hashirama sighed, scratching his head.
"See? I told you not to mess around with forbidden jutsu. Now look where it's gotten us—dragged out of the grave!"
Tobirama turned his head slightly, remaining silent.
Hashirama said seriously, "The one who performed this jutsu hasn't mastered it yet. At most, Tobirama and I can only use 30% of our power. Can you handle it?"
Despite the grave situation, Hashirama's quick thinking stood out. In an instant, he passed critical information to Hiruzen.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"Tch. Haven't even started, and they're already spilling intel? If I let this go on, it'll turn into three against one!"
Sneering, Orochimaru walked behind Hashirama and pulled out a kunai inscribed with a special seal. With a swift motion, he inserted it into the back of Hashirama's head.
Hashirama's eyes dimmed as his will was wiped clean, leaving him nothing more than a lifeless puppet.
Orochimaru then turned toward Tobirama, raising another kunai. But before he could act—
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"