Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 346 Konoha Farm Ecological Consultant

Sakumo's lips were pressed tightly together, and his once rational and composed eyes were now filled with astonishment and struggle. He tried to refute, but found himself unable to utter a word.

A god of the ninja world using the earth-shattering Wood Release technique for farming is beyond his comprehension.

Now that this deity is going to descend to earth and personally cultivate the land, he felt his mind go completely blank.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took in the subtle expression on Sakumo's face. He stepped forward and stood between Hashirama and Sakumo.

He looked at Hashirama gently, his voice carrying just the right amount of helplessness.

"Lord Hashirama, I understand your intentions. But as the First Hokage of Konoha, the creator of a legend in the ninja world, your very existence is an invisible banner. If you were to work day and night on the farm, I'm afraid... it would cause unnecessary speculation from the outside world, and might even shake some of your still unstable foundations."

Hiruzen's words were like a gentle breeze caressing a restless heart, subtly elevating Hashirama's status while gently pointing out the profound impact his actions might have.

He wasn't questioning Hashirama, but rather looking further ahead, guiding this upright senior to understand that symbolic meaning is sometimes more complex than pure power.

Upon hearing this, Hashirama Senju tilted his head slightly. The facial lines that had become clear and deep due to Sage Mode gradually returned to peace as the natural energy slowly dissipated.

He scratched his signature black hair, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Hmm... Third Hokage, what you said does make sense."

Hashirama Senju fell into a brief moment of contemplation, his fingers tapping lightly on his palm.

He wasn't an unreasonable person, but he had never delved into this symbolic aspect. His gaze returned to the farmland, which had just been nourished by Wood Release and was now teeming with life. The excitement in his eyes hadn't completely faded; instead, a hint of confusion had crept in.

"Then... what can I do? I can't just watch the village being built and do nothing, can I?"

His voice carried a hint of urgency, like a child eager to be assigned a task.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile; this was exactly the outcome he had hoped for.

He looked at Hashirama, his voice carrying guidance and affirmation.

"Lord Hashirama's Wood Release is a unique life force in the world. Although this land has been revitalized by your guidance, how to ensure that this vitality continues and that the land continues to bring abundance to the village requires long-term planning and sustained investment."

Hiruzen's gaze deepened, and he spoke slowly.

"Your understanding of natural energy and your mastery of life rhythms are unmatched in the ninja world. If you can guide the farm to establish a long-term, sustainable soil ecosystem, the wisdom and potential contained therein will be a contribution to Konoha that is several times greater than the current yield."

Shuo Mao's body trembled slightly, and the confusion in his eyes was instantly replaced by a bright light.

He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and suddenly understood. This was not a perfunctory gesture, but rather a search for a more suitable position for Lord Hashirama, a position that would allow him to fully unleash his unparalleled talents! It was a field that even he, the head of the agricultural powerhouse, had never ventured into.

As Hashirama listened intently to Hiruzen's words, his eyes shone brightly once more, and the confusion on his face vanished.

"Soil ecosystem? That sounds interesting!" He rubbed his hands together excitedly, as if he had discovered a brand new toy.

"That's right! We can delve deeper into how to keep this land at its most vibrant forever! How to make it self-sufficient and continuously nourish the crops!"

Hashirama was completely captivated by this challenging new concept, and he turned to Sakumo with sparkling eyes.

"Sakumo! Do you have any research materials on soil science, crop growth, and... biology? I can take a look at those for you!"

His smile was as bright as the rising sun, full of thirst for knowledge.

Shuo Mao had now fully recovered from his initial shock. The confusion and sense of absurdity that had been swirling in his mind had completely dissipated, replaced by a heartfelt admiration.

He knew that the Hokage, with his extraordinary wisdom, had cleverly transformed a god who would change the landscape of the ninja world into a top-tier ecological scientist capable of revolutionizing traditional agriculture.

"Lord Hashirama, of course!" Sakumo's face also showed a sincere smile, his tone filled with undisguised excitement.

"The farm's research lab has a wealth of materials, including Orochimaru's latest papers on bioactivity and cell culture. I'll take you there now!"

Hashirama Senju nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge. He was almost impatient, eager to immediately immerse himself in this new research project.

Looking at the harmonious and hopeful scene before him, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a slight weariness well up inside him. Dealing with these senior figures and geniuses was like walking a tightrope high in the air; every step required precise calculation and guidance.

But he knew that every successful guidance would bring unimaginable rewards to Konoha, which was exactly what he was pursuing: a village that was truly peaceful and prosperous, full of unlimited potential.

"Sakumo." Hiruzen turned his gaze to Hatake Sakumo.

"Now that Hashirama-sensei has also joined the construction of the farm, the production plan for winter vegetables and the overall crop layout for the next season need to be reassessed and adjusted."

Hiruzen's tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable depth of meaning.

Sakumo felt a chill run down his spine; he naturally understood the Hokage's unspoken meaning.

The addition of Lord Hashirama means that the foundation of the farm's power has been elevated to an unprecedented level, and with that comes the village's higher expectations for the farm. This is not pressure, but a challenge, and an unprecedented opportunity.

"Lord Hokage, I understand!" Sakumo straightened his back, his voice loud and powerful.

"I will immediately communicate with Nara Deer Antlers to revise... a more forward-looking and challenging grand plan!"

A defiant glint ignited in White Fang's eyes. His gaze toward Hashirama was no longer one of awe and astonishment, but rather one of equal competition and cooperation.

He felt a surge of new energy, a powerful urge to move toward a higher and farther future.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, satisfied with Sakumo's reaction.

"In that case, Hashirama-sensei, Sakumo, you two go ahead with your work."

As Hiruzen spoke, his gaze fell on Madara Uchiha, who had remained silent, and he gave him an inquiring look.

Hashirama nodded repeatedly, completely absorbed in his boundless imagination about the soil ecosystem, wishing he could rush into the research lab immediately.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Madara Uchiha walked side by side, then turned and slowly headed out of the farm along the tree-lined path they had come from.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of earth and grass, accompanied by the cheerful voices of the pillars in the distance behind them.

Ban remained silent until the two figures completely left the farm's boundaries and entered a relatively open woodland.

He stopped, turned his head, and narrowed his deep Rinnegan eyes slightly, as if he could see through everything in the world.

"To channel power like Hashirama's into something so seemingly insignificant. You are..."

Madara paused, seemingly searching for the most appropriate word to describe the Hokage before him. Finally, a very slight smile appeared on his lips, and his voice was deep and magnetic.

"You're a... very interesting Hokage."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile deepened. To receive affirmation from this proud and legendary figure was undoubtedly a great honor.

He calmly replied, "It is my honor to receive praise from the Asura of the Ninja World."

Hiruzen's gaze held a hint of amusement as he glanced at Madara again.

"However, I wonder if Lord Madara has also developed an interest in this kind of agricultural science?"

Madara turned his head, his Rinnegan first glancing in the direction of the farm they had come from, then refocusing on Hiruzen's face.

"No. My power is not applicable to those."

His voice was steady and firm, his words revealing a pride that came from his very bones—a profound understanding of the nature of his own power.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded knowingly and did not continue the topic.

He knew that Ban had a unique will and persistence.