Starting Over As Minato

Minato's resurrection was beyond anyone's control—including Orochimaru's. But surprisingly, Minato wasn't reacting the way one might expect. If he were the same man he had been before his death, he would have already intervened to stop Orochimaru's assault on Konoha.

Perhaps dying once had changed him.

Orochimaru, standing beside the resurrected Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, couldn't help but wonder—how had Minato been revived instead? This wasn't part of his plan. Yet, he chose not to probe too deeply. After all, he had his own share of secrets, trump cards hidden up his sleeve.

If Minato had something similar, it was best not to provoke him unnecessarily.

Meanwhile, Minato remained still, watching the unfolding battle with quiet detachment. To him, this was nothing more than a spectacle. A clash between the old and the dead, a fight that had nothing to do with him.

His priorities lay elsewhere.

He had just been resurrected, and he needed to sign in with his system to claim his rewards. Getting involved with the Third Hokage now would only complicate things.

Decades ago, on the night of the Nine-Tails attack, the original Minato had sacrificed everything to protect Konoha. He had used the Shiki Fūjin, sealing away his soul, and in doing so, left behind a newborn son—Naruto.

And what was his reward?

His wife, Kushina, died that night. His son was shunned as the village's "Nine-Tailed Demon Fox." The so-called Will of Fire had made him a noble hero, but a terrible husband and father.

Not again.

This time, he would wait. Observe. Let things play out before making a move.

---

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"

The battle raged on. Minato observed with mild surprise—despite his age, Hiruzen Sarutobi still fought at a remarkably high level. Most ninja peaked between their twenties and forties, but even in his late sixties, the Third Hokage remained formidable.

A testament to why he had once been called "The Professor."

Even so, the odds were against him. The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju—though weakened by the Impure World Reincarnation—were still powerhouses. Hiruzen was managing to hold his own, but how long could he keep it up?

Minato couldn't help but evaluate his own strength in comparison.

Having merged with the original Minato's body and abilities, combined with his system's rewards—including his newfound Shinigami powers—he was far beyond his former self.

And yet, seeing Hashirama in action, even in a weakened state, was humbling.

It was one thing to hear about the First Hokage's might in stories or see it in the anime. It was another to witness it firsthand.

Could he defeat Hashirama at his peak?

That thought lingered in his mind. He possessed *Ryūjin Jakka*, a weapon of immense power, but was that enough?

No matter. He had a system now. As long as he continued signing in and growing stronger, he would surpass all of them in time.

---

Outside the barrier, the Konoha ninjas could only watch helplessly.

"Is this… the power of the First and Second Hokage?" one of the Anbu murmured in awe.

They had all heard the legends, but seeing those legends in action was something else entirely. Even restrained by the Impure World Reincarnation, the sheer scale of their power was overwhelming.

"This is insane," Kakashi whispered. "Is this even ninja combat anymore?"

But soon, another question spread among the onlookers.

"Why isn't the Fourth Hokage doing anything?"

"Minato-sama! Please help the Third Hokage!" someone called out.

Minato turned his gaze toward the battlefield. The Third Hokage was faltering. His chakra reserves were nearly depleted, his movements slower. A fractured leg further hindered him, and fatigue weighed down his every action.

The battle was nearing its conclusion.

Minato sighed. *He really is old…*

Sarutobi Hiruzen had done his best. But against the combined might of Hashirama, Tobirama, and Orochimaru, he was simply outmatched.

If this continued, he would die here.

Minato exhaled slowly. *I suppose it's my turn now.*

Taking a step forward, he locked eyes with Orochimaru. The snake-like Sannin had been watching him warily, waiting for his decision.

Minato smiled.

"Orochimaru," he said calmly, stepping in front of Hiruzen. "I believe it's time for a change in opponents."

---