Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

Chapter 123: I Consulted the Sage of Six Paths, and He Gave Me Nine Holy Grails

[A/N] Support & Read Up to 16 Advanced Chapters on Patreon!

......

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the first seat to the right of the Hokage's desk.

He kept his head down, taking deep puffs from his smoking pipe.

From time to time, his gaze would drift toward the door of the Hokage's office.

He was worried-worried that Minato Namikaze would return with a lifeless corpse in the next second. He was equally worried that Minato would bring news of Orochimaru successfully escaping Konoha.

That unworthy disciple... he must not be allowed to escape, but it's best if he doesn't die either... Strip him of his ninja abilities and imprison him deep within Konoha for life!

With Advisor Gojo as a "restraining influence," and if he handed over the last of his political capital... could he save Orochimaru's life?

Hiruzen sighed deeply.

Having been Hokage for most of his life, it was unrealistic to say he could completely let go of power.

But for the sake of Konoha, he had smoothly and willingly completed the transfer of power to Minato. Although he still retained a small part, ensuring his position as an elder whose words carried weight at critical moments.

Now... even that insignificant bit of selfish desire for power would have to be given up for his unworthy disciple.

Click-

The door of the Hokage's office opened.

Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat; he instinctively turned his head.

"Tsunade? You're back too."

"Old man..."

Seeing that Hiruzen was safe and sound, only with a few bandages on his body, Tsunade finally relaxed her slightly tense heart.

No one had died-that was the best outcome... She didn't want to lose any more familiar people.

Click-

Tsunade closed the door of the Hokage's office behind her, crossed her arms, and leaned against the door, silently observing what was about to unfold like a boundary's sentinel-

The Meeting

The current Hokage, the former Hokage, and the future Hokage.

Minato Namikaze sat at the head seat, with Gojo Kaigetsu on his left and Hiruzen Sarutobi on his right.

Their gazes converged on Orochimaru, who was kneeling before them.

The three people who held the highest authority in Konoha were gathered at this moment.

"Ahem, since everyone is here, let's discuss the decision regarding Orochimaru's disposition," Gojo Kaigetsu took the lead, initiating the meeting.

As Hokage, Minato was duty-bound to speak first: "Orochimaru has harmed his comrades, with an astonishing count of sixty people. His crimes are unforgivable and should be... executed!"

The wrinkles on Hiruzen's face deepened. He knew all too well that his unworthy disciple deserved death. But he couldn't get past that hurdle in his heart!

"If possible... I hope that, considering Orochimaru's past outstanding contributions to Konoha, his life can be spared."

"Third Hokage, you have softened."

Minato's gaze was piercing; this time, he didn't grant Hiruzen any dignity.

The opportunity for dignity only comes once.