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Chapter 23: Clash of Legends
The battle began with a stillness that belied the storm of violence to come. Orochimaru, his face obscured by the guise of the Kazekage, removed his disguise in a slow, mocking gesture. His snake-like grin widened as he revealed himself to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hiruzen's sharp eyes narrowed as he regarded his former student. "So, it's come to this, Orochimaru," he said, his voice heavy with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.
"It has, sensei," Orochimaru replied, his tone venomous. "The Hidden Leaf has grown complacent under your rule. It's time for a new era—one that I will usher in with your demise."
With a flick of his wrist, Orochimaru summoned his sword, the Kusanagi, its blade gleaming ominously. Hiruzen, unflinching, removed his Hokage robes, revealing the combat armor he had worn in his youth. He gripped the handle of his bo staff, his weapon of choice, and prepared for battle.
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The Battle Begins
Orochimaru initiated the attack with startling speed, lunging forward and slashing at Hiruzen with the Kusanagi. The Third Hokage deftly parried with his staff, the clang of metal echoing across the rooftop.
The fight escalated as Orochimaru created distance, forming hand seals at an alarming speed. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" he called out, slamming his palm to the ground.
Three massive coffins began to rise from the earth, each bearing the kanji for "First," "Second," and "Fourth." Hiruzen's eyes widened in horror.
"So, you've stooped to this, Orochimaru," he said, his voice grave.
Orochimaru smirked. "Yes, sensei. I'll show you the power of the Edo Tensei."
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The Edo Tensei
Two of the coffins fully emerged, revealing the resurrected forms of the First and Second Hokage. Hiruzen felt a pang of sorrow at seeing his predecessors manipulated as Orochimaru's puppets. However, the third coffin, marked "Fourth," was stopped from rising completely.
Hiruzen let out a quiet breath of relief but did not let his guard down. He quickly formed hand seals, slamming his staff to the ground.
"Enma! I need your help!" he called.
In a burst of smoke, the Monkey King Enma appeared, taking the form of a massive staff. "Hiruzen, this is dangerous even for you," Enma warned, his voice low and gruff.
"I know," Hiruzen replied. "But I must protect the village."
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A Clash of Titans
The battle became a chaotic whirlwind of techniques and counterattacks. Orochimaru directed the First and Second Hokage to attack, their skills and power fully intact. The First unleashed devastating Wood Release techniques, his control of nature overwhelming the battlefield. The Second Hokage, with his mastery of Water Release and Edo Tensei, proved to be just as formidable.
Hiruzen, despite his advanced age, fought valiantly. He utilized his mastery of all five elemental releases to counter the onslaught. The roof of the Hokage Tower became a battleground of fire, water, wood, and stone as the combatants clashed.
Enma, in his staff form, proved invaluable, extending and morphing to block attacks and strike back at the undead Hokage.
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The Reaper's Seal
As the battle dragged on, it became clear to Hiruzen that he could not defeat Orochimaru and his summons through conventional means. Gritting his teeth, he made his decision.
Forming a string of hand seals, Hiruzen called upon the Reaper Death Seal. The ghostly form of the Shinigami appeared behind him, its spectral hands reaching toward Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's confident expression faltered as he realized what his former teacher intended. "You're willing to sacrifice your soul to stop me?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"For the village, I would give anything," Hiruzen replied firmly.
The battle reached its climax as the Shinigami began to pull the souls of the First and Second Hokage into its grasp. Orochimaru struggled, realizing too late that his arms were also being targeted.
Hiruzen, his body trembling with exhaustion, summoned all his strength to complete the seal. "This is the end for you, Orochimaru," he said, his voice unwavering.
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A Costly Victory
As the souls of the First and Second Hokage were sealed away, Orochimaru let out a cry of rage and pain. His arms were rendered useless, the consequence of Hiruzen's sacrifice.
The Third Hokage collapsed to his knees, his life force fading. Orochimaru, despite his injuries, managed to escape with the help of his subordinates.
Hiruzen looked up at the sky, a faint smile on his lips. "I leave the village... in your hands," he whispered before his body fell still.
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Author's Note
The battle between Hiruzen and Orochimaru has come to a dramatic and tragic end, with the Third Hokage making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Hidden Leaf Village. The invasion is far from over, and the fallout from this encounter will set the stage for the next chapter.
What did you think of Hiruzen's final stand? Leave your thoughts and theories in the comments, and stay tuned for the next chapter, where the focus will shift to Team 7 and their role in defending the village during the invasion.
—[Author's Name]