I don't own Naruto. Masashi Kishimoto-Sama owns him

Chapter 19

"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!"

IN THE KAGE BOX…

Orochimaru, who had been disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, seized the opportunity to reveal his true identity. With a swift Shunshin, he, the Mizukage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Minato Namikaze disappeared from their seats and reappeared at the top of the Kage Box.

This move caught the Kage off guard and led to the intense showdown in the Kage Box, where they found themselves surrounded by Sound ninja in the deadly Four Violent Flames Formation.

"We need to act quickly! Sound ninjas have surrounded us in the Four Violent Flames Formation." Mizukage (Mei Terumi) urgently declared

"Orochimaru, you traitor! You won't get away with this!" Minato chimed in with determination,

"Stay vigilant, everyone. We must work together to break free from this trap." Hiruzen maintained his calm demeanor, addressing both Orochimaru's treachery and the imminent threat posed by the Sound Four and the Akatsuki member.

"Oh, it's too late for that, dear Sarutobi-Sensei," Orochimaru sneered, his voice dripping with malevolence as he addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen, Minato, and Mei exchanged determined glances, their resolve unwavering despite the dire circumstances. They knew that the situation had reached a critical juncture, and they would need to act decisively to protect their villages and the lives of those being evacuated.

IN THE BATTLEFIELD…

Naruto, sensing the shift in Gaara's demeanor, knew that something dire was about to happen. Gaara's hand, now an abomination of sand and flesh, pulsed with dark energy. The arena's atmosphere grew even tenser as the audience watched in a mix of awe and terror.

Determined not to let Gaara lose control to Shukaku, Naruto steeled himself. He could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him, but he couldn't afford to falter. He glanced at Yakumo, who had managed to evade Gaara's earlier attack, and nodded at her, signaling that he would need her support.

"Yakumo, be ready!" Naruto shouted, his voice carrying across the battlefield.

Yakumo, understanding the gravity of the situation, prepared herself. She knew that her genjutsu wouldn't work on Gaara directly, but perhaps she could find another way to support Naruto. She focused her chakra, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.

Gaara, now partially transformed, let out a guttural growl. The monstrous appendage extended, aiming to crush Naruto. The ground trembled as the sand moved with a life of its own, driven by Shukaku's malevolent will.

Naruto, undeterred, activated his own sealing technique, "Fūinjutsu: Tekkō Fūjin" (Iron Binding Seal). Golden chains of chakra erupted from his hands, wrapping around Gaara's transformed limb. The chains shimmered with a powerful energy, designed to bind and suppress even the strongest of foes.

Gaara roared in fury, trying to shake off the chains, but Naruto's seal held firm. However, the struggle was far from over. Shukaku's influence was growing stronger, and Gaara's body continued to morph. The audience watched in horrified fascination as Gaara's form began to resemble that of the One-Tail itself.

In a desperate attempt to break free, Gaara unleashed a massive wave of sand, aiming to overwhelm Naruto and his chains. The arena was engulfed in a sandstorm, the air thick with particles that obscured vision and made it difficult to breathe.

Naruto, squinting against the onslaught, maintained his grip on the chains. He knew he needed to act fast before Gaara completely succumbed to Shukaku. Drawing upon the sage techniques he had learned from Jiraiya, he entered Sage Mode, his senses sharpening and his power amplifying.

With a deep breath, Naruto channeled nature energy into the chains, reinforcing their strength. The golden glow intensified, and the chains tightened around Gaara's monstrous limb, slowly pulling it back into a more human form.

"Yakumo, now!" Naruto shouted, sensing the opportunity.

Yakumo nodded and unleashed a powerful genjutsu, not on Gaara, but on the sand itself. Her technique, "Mugen: Jūsen" (Infinite Bondage: Sand Binding Illusion), targeted the sand particles, making them momentarily inert and unresponsive to Gaara's commands. The sandstorm around them began to dissipate, and the pressure on Naruto eased.

Seizing the moment, Naruto dashed forward, using his immense speed to close the distance between him and Gaara. He formed a Rasengan, the swirling ball of chakra glowing brightly in his hand. With a determined cry, he aimed the Rasengan at Gaara's chest, hoping to knock him back to his senses.

The impact was immense. The Rasengan collided with Gaara, sending shockwaves through the arena. Gaara was thrown backward, the monstrous appendage disintegrating as the sealing chains did their work. He hit the ground hard, the sand around him settling into a lifeless heap.

For a moment, there was silence. Waiting to see if Gaara would rise again, or if Shukaku's influence had finally been quelled.

Gaara stirred, his body returning to its normal state. He groaned in pain, but his eyes, though weary, were clear. The monstrous transformation had been halted, and Shukaku's influence had been suppressed.

Naruto, panting heavily, extended a hand to his fallen opponent. "Gaara... it's over. You fought well."

Gaara looked up at Naruto, his expression a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude before he became unconscious.

The battle was over, and though the arena bore the scars of their fierce clash, both shinobi had proven their strength and resolve.

As soon as the battle was over, Obito appeared instantly

"Nicely done, Naruto, Yakumo. Now come on we gotta go and help Master Jiraya near the gates."

Obito teleported them near the gates.

As they approached the massive gates, Naruto performed a series of hand seals, his chakra flaring brilliantly. The air around him crackled with energy as he prepared to summon one of his most formidable allies. With a final, powerful seal, he slammed his hand to the ground, causing a massive seal array to spread out from his palm.

"Summoning Jutsu!" Naruto called out, his voice echoing through the air.

In an explosion of smoke and energy, a colossal fox appeared. Towering over the village gates, the fox had majestic blue fur that shimmered in the sunlight, seven tails that swayed gracefully behind it, each tipped in pristine white. The fox's eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the surroundings with a commanding presence.

"Airada-Sama," Naruto said, addressing the giant fox with respect. "We have a battle ahead of us. Two giant snakes are approaching the village. I need your help to take them down."

Airada, nodded solemnly. "Understood, Naruto. Let's show these snakes the power of the Fox Clan."

As if on cue, the ground began to tremble. From the dense forest beyond the gates, two massive snakes emerged, their scales glinting ominously in the light. Their hisses filled the air, a sinister promise of destruction.

Naruto jumped onto Airada's back, the giant fox leaping forward with incredible speed and agility. The two snakes, sensing the challenge, reared up, their jaws opening wide as they prepared to strike.

"Let's go, Airada!" Naruto shouted, his resolve unwavering.

Airada surged forward, meeting the first snake head-on. With a powerful swipe of his paw, he sent the snake crashing to the ground, the impact creating a deep crater. The second snake lunged at Airada, its fangs bared, but Airada was ready. He twisted gracefully, avoiding the strike and countering with a lash of his seven tails, which struck the snake with explosive force.

Naruto, from his vantage point on Airada's back, began weaving hand seals. "WIND STYLE: SLICING TORNADO" he yelled, forming the deadly, spinning tornado of wind chakra in front of him. He hurled it at the first snake, the attack slicing through the air with high density.

The Tornado hit its mark, slicing the snake upon impact. The snake writhed in agony before splitting in half, its scales shredded and its body lifeless.

The second snake, seeing the fate of its companion, hissed in fury and lunged at Airada with renewed ferocity. But Airada was ready. Gathering chakra into his jaws, the giant fox unleashed a powerful burst of blue flame, "Fox Fire Blast" that engulfed the snake. The flames consumed the snake, its agonized hisses filling the air before it too fell, charred and defeated.

With the threat neutralized, Airada turned to Naruto, his eyes softening. "Well done, Naruto. Anything else to take out?"

Naruto smiled, patting Airada's fur. "Thank you, Airada. I couldn't have done it without you."

As the smoke cleared and the villagers emerged from their homes, they cheered for Naruto and his mighty summon. The sight of Airada, majestic and powerful, alongside their hero, filled them with hope and reassurance.

With a final nod, Airada dissipated in a cloud of smoke, returning to the realm of the Fox Clan. Naruto, standing tall at the village gates, knew that as long as he had friends and allies like Airada, there was no challenge he couldn't face.

As he landed on the ground he saw Jiraya and Obito standing on a bunch of shinobi corpses while Yakumo had a bunch of people unconscious. "I take it the battle is over?" Naruto said, Grinning

"You Bet it did Kid." Jiraya said, smiling

Back at the Kage Box…

As the tension continued to mount in the Kage Box, the Akatsuki member, clad in the signature cloak with red clouds, abruptly Shunshined next to Orochimaru. This mysterious figure, known to be one of the formidable members of the Akatsuki organization, brought an aura of dread and anticipation with their arrival.

The Akatsuki member's identity remained concealed beneath their hood, leaving their true intentions and abilities shrouded in secrecy.

Orochimaru began to weave the intricate hand seals and channel his chakra into the earth, the very ground beneath him trembled.

In a flash of eerie light, three coffins emerged from the ground, their doors opening with an otherworldly presence. These reanimated shinobi, bound to Orochimaru's will, were renowned warriors from the past, brought back to life through the dark arts of the Reanimation Jutsu.

The identities of these reanimated shinobi sent shockwaves through the Kage. The first of the warriors, a stoic figure with a towering presence, was none other than the legendary Hanzo of the Salamander. His mastery of poisons and ruthless tactics had made him a fearsome adversary during his prime, and his presence now added a formidable dimension to Orochimaru's forces.

Beside him stood the imposing figure of Hashirama Senju, the legendary First Hokage of Konohagakure and a true founding father of the village.

Standing beside him was his brother Tobirama senju, The Second Hokage of Konoha.

As the three reanimated shinobi, Tobirama Senju, Hanzo of the Salamander, and Hashirama Senju, stood before Orochimaru, their expressions were a mix of confusion, anger, and determination. Their souls had been summoned back from the afterlife, and they sought answers.

Tobirama Senju, known for his sharp intellect, was the first to voice his question, his voice carrying a tone of authority, "Orochimaru, why have you brought us back from the beyond? What purpose do you have for us?"

Hanzo of the Salamander, his fury palpable, added with a hint of resentment, "I defeated you once, Orochimaru, and now you dare to use me as a pawn in your schemes? Explain yourself!"

Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, maintained a solemn silence, his eyes fixed on Orochimaru, awaiting an explanation for his return to the world of the living.

Orochimaru, with a wicked grin, stepped forward, holding the answers they sought, "You have all been brought back to serve a purpose, a purpose that aligns with my ambitions. You are here to test the might of the current generation of shinobi, the Kage and their allies. As for why you're fighting, well, it's simple. You are now tools in my grand experiment, and you will battle because I command it."

Hearing Orochimaru's words, Tobirama, Hanzo, and Hashirama exchanged glances, a mixture of resignation and determination in their eyes. They understood that they were mere pawns in Orochimaru's dark scheme, and they had no choice but to follow his orders.

Before Orochimaru placed the final seals to fully control them, the reanimated shinobi turned their gaze toward the Kage and their allies. Their expressions briefly shifted from the emptiness of the undead to a semblance of recognition and respect. It was a silent farewell, a nod to the greatness of those who would challenge them.

With a swift movement, Orochimaru activated the seals, suppressing any remaining fragments of their consciousness and sealing away their emotions. The reanimated shinobi were now fully under his control, ready to carry out his sinister plans.

The reanimated shinobi, under Orochimaru's control, wasted no time in launching their attack on the Mizukage, Third Hokage, and Fourth Hokage. Their movements were swift and coordinated, reflecting their formidable skills and battle experience.

Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, engaged Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, with his mastery of Water Release jutsu. Water whirled around him as he unleashed powerful water-based attacks, challenging Mei's own water-based techniques.

Hanzo of the Salamander, devoid of any emotions, engaging the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in battle with ruthless efficiency and precision. His attacks were be calculated and methodical, posing a significant challenge to Hiruzen's defense as the battle between the reanimated shinobi and the Kage continued to intensify.

Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, clashed with Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, in a battle of titans. Hashirama's Wood Release jutsu and immense chakra reserves posed a formidable challenge, while Minato's speed and precision tested his ability to outmaneuver his opponent.

Tobirama Senju, engaged in a fierce clash with the Mizukage Mei Terumi, initiated the discussion, "This jutsu... it can only be released by the caster themselves. Orochimaru must be our key to breaking free."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, battling Hanzo of the Salamander, nodded in agreement, "He's right. Our only hope is to get to Orochimaru and force him to undo the jutsu. But with these reanimated bodies, they will continuously attack us."

"We'll need a coordinated effort. The moment we sense Orochimaru weakening his control, we strike." Minato Namikaze, exchanging blows with Hashirama Senju, chimed in

Mei Terumi, countering Tobirama's water jutsu with her own, added, "And we must ensure that the battle does not escalate any further. We can't risk Orochimaru using more of his trump cards."

As the battle between the Kage and the reanimated shinobi raged on, they continued to execute their plan to reach Orochimaru and force him to release the jutsu. It was a daunting task, as Orochimaru's control over his summoned warriors was unwavering, and each moment of delay allowed the reanimated shinobi to unleash more devastating attacks.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, recognized the urgency of their situation and called out to his fellow Kage, "We must close in on Orochimaru quickly. Time is not on our side."

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, agreed, "We'll need a diversion to create an opening. Mei, cover us!"

Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, intensified her water-based assaults on the reanimated shinobi, creating a barrier of mist and steam to obscure the battlefield.

The combined efforts of the Kage and their allies created the necessary diversion. As the reanimated shinobi were momentarily distracted, Hiruzen, Minato, and Mei seized the opportunity to close in on Orochimaru, who was observing the battle from a safe distance.

With Orochimaru's attention momentarily diverted, Hiruzen called out to him, "Orochimaru, you will release this jutsu! It's time to end this madness."

Orochimaru, his eyes filled with malevolence, responded with a mocking tone, "Oh, but it's just getting started, my dear Kage."

the Akatsuki member who had been accompanying Orochimaru took swift and decisive action. With a blur of movement, he intercepted the Kage, effectively cutting them off from their pursuit of the Sannin.

The Akatsuki member, shrouded in the distinctive cloak of the criminal organization, emerged between the Kage and Orochimaru. His presence alone sent a shiver down their spines, as they recognized the danger he posed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, his eyes locked onto the Akatsuki member, demanded an explanation, "Who are you, and why are you interfering in our battle?"

The Akatsuki member, his expression hidden beneath his cloak, responded cryptically, "I have my reasons, but they do not involve you. Orochimaru's plans must proceed as intended."

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, acted quickly, utilizing his incredible speed and mastery of the Flying Raijin technique. He hurled a kunai infused with chakra toward the Akatsuki member, intending to teleport to the weapon and deliver a devastating Rasengan.

However, the Akatsuki member displayed exceptional reflexes, effortlessly evading the kunai and narrowly escaping Minato's surprise attack. It became evident that facing this formidable adversary wouldn't be as straightforward as they had hoped.

As the battle continued to escalate, the Fourth Hokage devised a new strategy. He signaled to the other Kage, and they quickly understood his intentions. With precise timing, Minato unleashed a Paralysis Seal, a technique renowned for its effectiveness in immobilizing opponents. The seal, inscribed onto a kunai, was hurled directly at the Akatsuki member.

The kunai struck its mark, embedding the Paralysis Seal into the Akatsuki member's body. Instantly, his movements became sluggish, and he struggled to maintain his balance. The Kage seized this opportunity to regroup and prepare for their next coordinated assault.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, spoke with determination, "Now is our chance! We must not let it slip away."

Hiruzen then bit his finger, blood dripping. He them slammed his palm on the ground

"SUMMONING: MONKEY KING ENMA"

*Poof*

A white furred monkey appeared from the smoke. As he saw Orochimaru his mind was filled with anger. "It's you, again"

"We have no time enma, TRANSFORMATION: ADAMANTINE STAFF"

"Alright then" Enma transformed into a Black staff with golden edges.

"Mizukage-Dono, Minato, go after Orochimaru," Hiruzen commanded. "I will handle these reanimated shinobi with Enma. We must not let them wreak havoc any longer."

Mei and Minato nodded, understanding the urgency of their respective tasks. With Enma's support, Hiruzen faced the reanimated shinobi head-on, determined to contain their formidable powers and buy Mei and Minato the time they needed to confront Orochimaru.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, showcased his unmatched mastery of jutsu. As his shadow clones weaved through the fray, he engaged in a bit of banter with his adversaries.

He couldn't help but smirk and say, "You'll have to do better than that!"

The reanimated shinobi were relentless, but Hiruzen's shadow clones seemed to be everywhere at once, attacking and defending with remarkable coordination.

Hiruzen's shadow clones moved with blinding speed, engaging the reanimated shinobi in combat. Each of his adversaries was a powerhouse in their own right, and the battle raged on.

Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, summoned his Wood Style: Wood Golem jutsu, creating a massive wooden titan that swung its colossal limbs at Hiruzen. The Third Hokage countered with his Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet, summoning massive serpentine constructs that coiled around the wooden titan, attempting to restrain it.

Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, displayed his mastery of Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu, sending towering waves crashing toward Hiruzen. The Third Hokage responded with his Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation, unleashing a devastating inferno that clashed with the surging water, creating a steamy battleground.

Hanzo of the Salamander, the feared leader of the Hidden Rain Village, employed his Poison Style: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, launching venomous serpents at Hiruzen. The Third Hokage swiftly invoked his Wind Style: Divine Wind Jutsu, dispersing the toxic creatures with powerful gusts of wind.

The battlefield crackled with elemental fury as Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Hanzo of the Salamander clashed with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. From a distance, Minato Namikaze watched the intense battle unfold, fully aware that his role in this confrontation was crucial.

Beside him, Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, shared a determined look. Together, they would confront Orochimaru and put an end to his manipulation.

With a swift nod, Minato activated his Flying Thunder God Jutsu, teleporting Mei and himself closer to Orochimaru's position. As they closed the distance, the ongoing battle continued to rage around them. Hashirama's wooden deity clashed with Hiruzen's serpentine constructs, Tobirama's surging water collided with Hiruzen's fire, and Hanzo's venomous snakes filled the air.

Amidst the chaos, Mei and Minato reached Orochimaru. The snake-like Sannin stood there with an air of arrogance, watching the battle unfold. Unbeknownst to him, his treacherous plans were about to come to an abrupt end.

With unwavering determination, Mei declared, "Orochimaru, your nefarious schemes end here!"

Minato swiftly executed a complex set of hand seals and placed a temporary seal near Orochimaru, imitating the seals required to release the Reanimation Jutsu. Orochimaru's eyes widened in fury as he found himself temporarily immobilized, unable to complete the jutsu he had been about to unleash. The Sannin's plans had been foiled momentarily.

Hiruzen Sarutobi found himself overwhelmed by the combined might of Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Hanzo of the Salamander. The battle was taking a toll on him, and he struggled to maintain his footing.

However, he sensed a sudden movement from the Akatsuki member who had been observing the battle. With uncanny reflexes, Hiruzen hurled a sword in the direction of the rogue ninja. The sword was blocked in the nick of time, but Hiruzen seized the opportunity to question his adversary.

"How did you escape from the paralysis seal?" Hiruzen demanded as he continued to fight off the formidable trio.

The Akatsuki member, partially caught off guard, replied, "I have my ways."

He then struck Hiruzen's Staff with multiple punches for it to dispel back to an unconscious Enma.

"Enma!" He shouted as he watched him dispel in a cloud of smoke

he then saw the man coming at him.

As they clashed, the tension between the two combatants escalated. Hiruzen's instincts urged him to continue his investigation. With a swift move, he knocked off his mask, revealing his face to the Akatsuki member.

To his astonishment, he saw Fugaku Uchiha alongside Orochimaru's treacherous plan and involved with the Akatsuki. he was met with a disturbing revelation. Hiruzen's eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to reconcile Fugaku's presence with his past memories of the man's demise. Fugaku, his Sharingan activated, gazed upon Hiruzen with cold determination. "Now that you've seen my face, you won't leave this battlefield alive."

Hiruzen's mind raced as he pondered the events that had transpired over the years. He couldn't help but wonder if Fugaku had a hand in orchestrating the Nine-Tails attack on the village and what his motivations truly were.

Before he could delve deeper into these thoughts, the reanimated shinobi closed in on him, their combined strength overpowering the Third Hokage. He fought valiantly, using every technique and strategy at his disposal.

Just as the battle reached its zenith, Minato's temporary seal near Orochimaru took effect. The Reanimation Jutsu was released, causing the reanimated shinobi to disintegrate. However, Hiruzen still found himself locked in a fierce struggle against Fugaku Uchiha, determined to uncover the truth and bring an end to this treacherous conflict.

The battlefield erupted with a clash of jutsu and words as Hiruzen Sarutobi confronted Fugaku Uchiha, the air charged with tension.

Fugaku's Sharingan blazed with malevolence as he taunted Hiruzen. "What? Too early to find a dead man alive?"

Hiruzen's response was an intricate sequence of seals, summoning water whips to entangle Fugaku. "The responsibility of leadership isn't lost on me nor Lord Fourth nor Obito, Fugaku. But the Uchiha coup d'état was a path of destruction we couldn't allow."

Fugaku spat at the ground as he said "Those Uchihas are nothing but weak, they don't know what power we can hold. Only I know what true power is. I have seen it with my own eyes."

Their battle raged on, both shinobi displaying the pinnacle of their abilities. Hiruzen summoned shadow clones, each wielding a different elemental jutsu, while Fugaku utilized his Sharingan to predict and counter every move.

Amidst the chaos, Fugaku seized a moment of vulnerability. With a swift, precise movement, he disappeared Infront of him and reappeared behind him, striking Hiruzen's back with a kunai, embedding it deep within him.

As Hiruzen staggered, gasping for breath, Fugaku's voice dripped with wanting for more power. "It ends here."

In his final moments, Hiruzen's trembling hand reached for his mask. He glanced at Fugaku; his eyes filled with determination. "The village...to protect," he whispered.

Fugaku was grinning madly as he made a set of hand seals.

"FIRE STYLE: GREAT FIRE ANNIHILATION"

With Minato…

Minato Namikaze stood over Orochimaru, ready to deliver judgment.

However, just as Minato was about to act, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught his attention. He sensed a presence behind him and reacted with lightning-fast reflexes, narrowly dodging an attack. To his astonishment, he found the Akatsuki member, still masked, standing beside Orochimaru.

Minato quickly assessed the situation, realizing that confronting the two formidable foes would be unwise, especially with Orochimaru's cunning and the Akatsuki member's unknown abilities. Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, joined Minato's side, their expressions a mix of vigilance and uncertainty.

The Akatsuki member's voice cut through the tension as he uttered, "Let's go."

Before Minato and Mei could respond, the barrier that had sealed the Kage Box crackled with energy, and the world around them shifted. In an instant, the Akatsuki member and Orochimaru vanished, leaving Minato and Mei to ponder the mysterious turn of events.

The barrier came down, and the battlefield fell into an uneasy calm, marked by the absence of their enigmatic adversaries. The unanswered questions surrounding the Akatsuki and Orochimaru's schemes loomed large, casting a shadow over the aftermath of the Chunin Exam Finals.

Their eyes fell upon the scorched and lifeless body of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. The once-mighty leader of the village lay motionless.

Mei couldn't help but gasp in shock, her hand instinctively moving to her mouth as she took in the sight. Minato, his expression one of profound sorrow, knelt beside his fallen predecessor. The battlefield was eerily quiet, as if paying its respects to the fallen hero.

Gently, Minato closed Hiruzen's unseeing eyes, a solemn gesture of farewell and respect. His mind raced with questions, both about the circumstances of Hiruzen's death and the ominous alliance that had been revealed.

Mei broke the silence, her voice carrying a mixture of sadness and determination. "I am very sorry for your loss, Lord Fourth"

Minato shook his head in disagreement, his gaze lingering on Hiruzen's lifeless form. "We will uncover the truth behind that masked man and ensure that Konoha remains strong."

Together, they began the solemn task of preparing Hiruzen's body for a proper funeral, vowing to carry on his legacy and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Thanks for reading Chapter 19

Author's note: ME BACK AGAIN WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER! VERY VERY SORRY FOR NOT POSTING. LOVE ALL THE FANS READING MY FANFICS. LOVE YOU ALL. PEACE! *Poof*