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

Chapter 344 Wood Release: Advent of the Tree World...Mini Version

The rich, earthy fragrance gradually filled my nostrils. Sunlight streamed in, warm and bright.

A gentle breeze rustled through the broad leaves of the giant cabbage.

In the distance, a huge, transparent dome shimmered with light, enveloping the constant-temperature barrier farm. Inside, tender green seedlings thrived on the soil.

Sakumo stood in front of a glowing control panel, his fingertips deftly manipulating the dial to check the chakra output of the barrier.

Every number displayed on the surface of a clear crystal must be precise, as even the slightest fluctuation can affect the delicate balance of the internal environment.

"Tap tap—"

He heard footsteps behind him, and Sakumo turned around to see Hiruzen walking towards him with a gentle smile.

Beside the Third Hokage, the First Hokage, Hashirama, who should have long since passed away, was jumping around like a child.

His gaze greedily devoured everything around him, with Madara Uchiha, who was fighting Hashirama at the Valley of the End, following closely behind.

His posture was composed, with his arms crossed.

Shuo Mao felt a tremor in his heart, and his palms opened slightly.

Seeing these two legendary figures, especially the first one, in such a place... that's quite special.

Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha who had never wavered on the battlefield, felt a surge of unfamiliar emotions and quickly adjusted his state.

"Hokage-sama, Hashirama-sama, Madara-sama."

"Let me introduce myself. I am Sakumo Hatake, the current head of the Hatake family."

Shuo Mao's voice was calm, revealing no inner turmoil, and he bowed respectfully.

Zhujian's eyes were wide open as he curiously surveyed the vast fields before him.

"Ah, the Hatake clan, who are skilled with ninja swords."

"Sakumo! Is this the Konoha Ecological Farm you created? It's amazing, absolutely amazing!"

Hashirama's enthusiasm was palpable. He gently hugged Sakumo and then walked toward the nearest ridge.

He saw the Akimichi clan ninjas using the secret technique of enlarging their bodies to work quickly and precisely.

Every piece of soil was handled perfectly.

"The Akimichi clan's Expansion Technique... when used for tilling the soil, it not only contributes to the farm but also hones ninjutsu. My old friend would be very pleased if he saw it."

"Ha ha ha ha--"

Hashirama slapped his thigh and let out a hearty laugh.

Then he saw a group of Inuzuka clan ninjas, who, along with their tall and intelligent ninja dogs, were guiding the sheep through the lush green pasture.

The ninja dogs did not attack, but instead herded the animals with an almost playful enthusiasm and precision.

"The Inuzuka clan uses ninja dogs for herding?"

Hashirama's cheerful laughter could be stopped, his voice echoing throughout the farm.

Ban remained silent, his head tilted slightly.

His gaze followed the movements of the sheep and the ninja dogs. A subtle, almost imperceptible change appeared on his usually expressionless face.

Sakumo snapped out of his daze at Hashirama's unrestrained laughter and stepped forward.

"Yes, Lord Hashirama. Under the Hokage's guidance, the major clans have integrated their unique skills into agricultural production. The goal is to achieve food self-sufficiency for the village."

Hiruzen stood a little further back, a warm smile on his face.

"Indeed, Sakumo poured his heart and soul into this farm. It has become an important part of Konoha's foundation."

Hashirama nodded vigorously, his eyes bright.

His gaze shifted to the vegetable patch within the barrier, and he reached out to gently touch a vibrant green leaf.

"These vegetables...they look so vibrant! Much better than I remember!"

"Yes, we've also developed a constant-temperature barrier farm."

Sakumo explained, pointing to the transparent dome. "It allows us to grow fresh vegetables even in winter, ensuring a stable supply throughout the year."

"Winter vegetables? This...is truly a miracle!"

Hashirama exclaimed in surprise, his gaze then shifting to a patch of soil that seemed less fertile than the others.

"However, I see that the soil in some areas still has room for improvement. Sakumo-kun, is there some problem troubling you?"

Shuo Mao hesitated slightly; this was a technical agricultural problem.

Should he bother a legendary Hokage with such a trivial matter? His meticulous and methodical mind told him that these details were for him to handle.

However, I recalled Hiruzen's words: Seek solutions, not just point out problems.

"This, Lord Hashirama,"

Sakumo carefully chose his words, "We are currently facing challenges in terms of soil vitality in some areas. We are trying to cultivate highly active chakra earthworms to improve soil structure naturally, but scaling it up is more difficult than expected."

He spoke with the precision of a ninja reporting mission details.

Hashirama listened attentively, then a big smile appeared on his face.

"Oh? No big deal!"

He clasped his hands together, and in an instant, his expression changed.

Dark lines appeared around his eyes, and a unique circular mark formed on his forehead. The natural energy gathered around it did not appear violent, but rather flowed gently, like a slowly flowing river.

Hashirama Senju entered Sage Mode, a transformation that was extremely rapid, almost instantaneous.

Sakumo's lips parted slightly, and a breath of disbelief escaped from his throat.

Using that power just to solve this kind of problem?

Hiruzen watched from the side, a knowing smile on his face. This was exactly the kind of unconventional application he had anticipated from his former teacher.

Madara stood calmly, his eyelids slightly raised, his pupils, which now held a different depth, fixed on Hashirama.

The powerful force emanating from a close friend was not directed at the enemy, but rather towards the earth—this sight was...truly extraordinary.

Hashirama Senju seemed oblivious to everyone's reaction. He raised his hands, and warm, vibrant chakra flowed from his palms to the ground.

"Wood Release: Advent of the Tree World...Mini Version!"

The ground beneath their feet trembled, but there was no cataclysmic destruction; instead, there was a vibrant rhythm of growth, with tiny, delicate buds rapidly emerging from the soil.

They are robust and emerald green, containing life energy that is almost visible to the naked eye. They spread rapidly, their roots intertwining to form a dense living network that cleverly loosens and nourishes the soil.

This change was immediate and profound; the previously infertile soil was rapidly transformed into soft, dark, and vibrant soil.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth.