I, The New Hokage of Konoha - Chapter 296
The entire Ninjas world has some who can wield Wood Style. However, within the current confines of Konoha, apart from Hashirama Senju in the impure reincarnation state, there’s only the new generation of the Senju clan, the young maiden, Maki Senju, who awakened Wood Style at a tender age and is highly anticipated by the village!
At the moment the explosion reverberated through the Konoha train station, a young girl named Maki, also known as Maki Senju, disregarded the danger and eagerly rushed to contribute her part to protect Konoha.
Despite her closer proximity to the station, her speed was outmatched by Kakashi Hatake, who arrived earlier.
As a Senju, accompanied by her companion Naruto, dashed forward, even brushing off a Jonin’s attempt to keep them away, the Konoha forces had already been engaged in battle with two members of the Senju clan for some time.
Fortunately, they arrived just in time.
Upon hearing the intense combat ahead, the courageous Maki Senju and Naruto hurried to join the fray.
However, as they rounded the last building, the sight of the Konoha train station ahead left them stunned.
“Th… That… That’s Wood Style?” Naruto couldn’t believe it, rubbing his eyes in disbelief before turning to Maki Senju, seeking confirmation from the most authoritative figure present.
Maki Senju nodded blankly in response.
With her experience, it was undoubtedly Wood Style.
“The Hokage returned to the village? Wasn’t he supposed to be on the front lines?” Naruto scratched his head, displaying his confusion.
“You fool, Naruto!” Maki Senju, regaining her composure, rolled her eyes, “Use that brain of yours! If it were my father using Wood Style, then why would Sarutobi-sensei and the Konoha ninjas oppose him?”
Naruto paused, immediately redirecting his gaze to the Third Hokage, currently engaged in battle with the trees, before realizing, “Indeed!”
Then, with a serious expression, he proclaimed, “So, this person who can use Wood Style is an enemy!”
“Of course!”
Maki Senju nodded solemnly.
“Although I don’t know where this imposter with Wood Style emerged from, the reputation of the Forest Senju must not tarnish. Naruto, get ready to take action!”
Wood Style has always been synonymous with the Senju clan and Konoha.
Now, the enemy attacking Konoha is playing with Wood Style in the presence of its rightful owner.
Even though she was young, Maki Senju, born into the Senju clan, was infuriated by such audacity.
For the glory of the Senju clan and to support the ongoing battle led by Sarutobi-sensei and the others, she decided to intervene.
Maki Senju was not unfamiliar with Sarutobi-sensei, also known as Hiruzen Sarutobi. Otherwise, she wouldn’t address him as “Sarutobi Grandpa.”
When she was younger, her mother, Tsunade, would take her to visit the Third Hokage.
With numerous visits, Maki Senju grew fond of spending time with the seemingly kind-hearted Sarutobi-sensei on her own.
With the permission of the Village Council, Maki Senju and Hiruzen Sarutobi gradually became familiar.
For Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing shades of Tsunade’s childhood in Maki Senju, he adored her obedient and charming personality and, thus, always doted on her.
Each time Maki Senju visited, he would recount his rich and diverse experiences through interesting stories for her.
That’s the reason Maki Senju enjoyed going there.
At Sarutobi-sensei’s place, she could hear many fascinating stories unknown beyond the village.
However, some aspects displeased her.
Maki Senju had always wanted to taste the flavor of the pipe that Sarutobi-sensei held dear.
After all, in her current perception, exhaling smoke from one’s nostrils seemed quite impressive.
Unfortunately, the affectionate and obliging old man adamantly refused her request in this matter.
‘Maybe if I help Sarutobi-sensei today, he might let me exhale smoke too!’
At this moment, Maki Senju thought with renewed determination in her heart.
With a clap of her hands, gathering chakra not inferior to that of adult ninjas, she confidently declared, “Naruto, protect me!”
“No problem! With me here, not a single hair on your head will be harmed, Lady Maki Senju.”
Although uncertain about Maki Senju’s intentions, Naruto, aware of her superiority, didn’t resist, walking quickly to shield her with his not-so-broad frame.
Seeing this, Maki Senju smiled slightly, closing her eyes to focus on unleashing her ultimate technique.
Though her predecessors in Wood Style, such as Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and even Madara Uchiha, would simply clap their hands and summon powerful abilities, for Maki Senju, it was still a challenge.
Even though she awakened Wood Style at the mere age of four or five, unleashing a grand technique required significant effort and concentration.
However, at that moment, noticing the chakra fluctuations, guided by Tobirama Senju, some trees extended toward their location.
Due to angles and obstructing trees, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained unaware.
The foremost Naruto naturally noticed.
Glancing at the motionless Maki Senju behind him, he bravely faced the approaching trees, declaring, “Come on! I’ve seen Wood Style before. Let me show you what I’m capable of!”
“Shadow Clone Jutsu!”
Despite being still in school and without a forehead protector, Naruto hadn’t yet mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Although Tobirama considered teaching him, it was supposed to happen after graduating from the Ninja Academy.
Nevertheless, with the guidance of Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya, Naruto improved significantly compared to his peers from the original timeline.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Instantly, dozens of smoke clouds erupted.
Sustained by considerable chakra, dozens of Naruto clones dashed forward, attacking the approaching trees.
Sounds of intense combat echoed alongside the fading echoes of the clones.
Though Naruto’s clones appeared formidable, they were soon dispersed under the assault of the trees.
Undeterred, Naruto continued to summon more clones, even resorting to the Rasengan, a technique he had only recently acquired, to buy more time for Maki Senju.
Maki Senju didn’t disappoint his trust.
Soon after, fueled by her surging chakra, she reopened her eyes.
“Naruto, well done!”
Praising Naruto, Maki Senju raised her clasped hands confidently, proclaiming:
“Wood Style: Wood Release!”
In an instant, as the voices of the incredulous witnesses like Hiruzen Sarutobi reached her, the ground beneath their feet cracked open like an earthquake.
Within, thick, imposing trees surged forth with unparalleled ferocity.
A bird’s-eye view would reveal that Maki Senju’s Wood Release had entirely covered the massive area where Tobirama Senju’s Wood Release had previously dominated.
It was Maki Senju’s deliberate move.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have waited so long.
In a split second, as the two converging Wood Release techniques clashed, like fire and water, the trees summoned by Maki Senju and Tobirama Senju clashed in a furious battle.
Under this circumstance, the pressure on Hiruzen Sarutobi significantly decreased.
This also allowed him to spot Maki Senju.
“Too risky! Maki Senju! And Naruto! Who allowed you to come here? Quickly, return!” Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted anxiously, realizing the potential catastrophe given one possessing the Wood Style Kekkei Genkai and a Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
“Rest assured, Third Grandpa! With me here, I’ll protect Maki Senju!” Naruto laughed confidently, paying no heed to the warning.
“Now it’s my turn to protect you, Naruto.” Maki Senju shrugged at Naruto, then turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi, “Grandpa Sarutobi, no more talk! While I still have the strength, take down that imposter who can use Wood Style!”
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated for a moment, wanting to say that the user of Wood Style wasn’t an imposter but your ancestor, Maki Senju.
However, time was of the essence.
Just as Maki Senju mentioned, her intervention had created the best opportunity to deal with Tobirama Senju.
Seeing the entwining trees around them, with no further capacity to attack them, he knew he had to act.
Aware of what he should do at that moment, he once again wielded the Diamond-Covered Adamantine Staff in Monkey Sage Transformation, charging toward Tobirama Senju alongside four Konoha elite ninjas.
Meanwhile, the impure reincarnation of Tobirama Senju paid no attention to the approaching Hiruzen Sarutobi and others.
Instead, his colorless, impassive eyes locked onto Maki Senju.
Gradually, within those dead-water-like eyes, an unexpected ripple began to emerge.”
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