After another close-quarters clash, Sarutobi Hiruzen's stamina had clearly run out.
Panting heavily, he leapt from one Doton (Earth Release) wall to another, but was finally struck hard by the First Hokage and sent flying.
"Mokuton (Wood Release): Jukai Kōtan (Birth of the Trees)!"
Countless thick branches burst upward from beneath the rooftop, growing into towering trees that quickly wrapped around the Third Hokage.
Just as the constricting branches tightened around him, he hastily formed hand seals—summoning the Monkey King, Enma.
The great ape appeared in an instant, transforming into the Kongō Nyoi Bō (Adamantine Staff) that fell squarely into Hiruzen's grasp.
Orochimaru's eyes widened in twisted delight. His mouth split open, and from within slithered a serpent's head. That serpent's jaws gaped wide, and from its throat emerged the legendary Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grasscutter Sword).
Watching from the eaves, Shigeo frowned slightly.
He couldn't deny it—Orochimaru's fighting style and his grotesque jutsu were utterly revolting.
The two clashed at close range again, their weapons colliding with vicious speed.
Hiruzen, already exhausted, was soon struck down. Orochimaru grabbed his collar and mocked him, voice dripping with disdain.
The Third Hokage glared back, eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.
Orochimaru truly was wild—doing whatever he pleased without restraint.
Seeing this, Enma—still in staff form—suddenly extended an arm from the staff, gripping Orochimaru's neck and snapping it instantly.
But the body crumbled into dirt. It was only a Doton Bunshin (Earth Clone).
Orochimaru reemerged from the ground, only to be kicked backward by Hiruzen the moment he surfaced.
Meanwhile, the entire Hidden Leaf was engulfed in battle.
Sound and Sand ninja coordinated their attack from inside and outside the village. Explosions erupted in all directions, the screams of civilians echoing through the night sky.
In Konoha's western sector, Gaara lost control and unleashed his Tailed Beast power.
In the original timeline, Gaara's transformation happened outside the village—but this time, it was happening inside.
It made sense. Orochimaru had moved the "Konoha Crush Plan" forward by an entire day. Some events were already diverging from the story Shigeo remembered.
Under the glittering night sky, cries of pain resounded throughout Konoha.
Still sitting on the rooftop, Shigeo finally spoke.
"Third Hokage, how about this? I save you, and you use that as the third favor?"
It was getting late, and he wanted to wrap things up and return to Nanmo Village.
"Not yet," the Third said weakly, gasping for breath. "It's not time for me to ask you for that favor."
That agreement between them—Konoha's secret trump card—had to be preserved.
"Wherever the leaves dance, fire burns. The fire will light the village, and from that light, new leaves will sprout."
He would protect Konoha, and so would his trump card.
Though the Edo Tensei (Reanimation) versions of the First and Second Hokage were weaker than in life, fighting them was still immensely taxing.
Orochimaru had chosen a one-on-one duel, and Hiruzen would see it through to the end.
As for the Sand and Sound shinobi ravaging the village, he trusted Konoha's ninja to handle them.
And as for Shigeo—this living weapon—he would not be used unless there was absolutely no other choice.
Hearing this, Shigeo gave a cold chuckle and remained seated, continuing to watch the chaos unfold.
At that very moment, a deafening explosion shook the air.
Naruto Uzumaki had already summoned from Mount Myōboku—the mighty toad Gamabunta now stood within Konoha itself.
"What's going on?! Fighting inside the village? Have you all lost your minds?!" the toad bellowed.
"No choice!" Naruto shouted back. "Can you help me lead it out of the village?"
Seeing Gaara half-transformed into the One-Tail, Naruto's expression softened with pity.
Was this what he himself looked like when he lost control of the Nine-Tails? He didn't even want to imagine it.
Across the village, Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, and several jōnin and chūnin fought to protect civilians while battling the invading Sand and Sound ninja.
But the One-Tail Shukaku was a serious problem.
If it fought within the village, even if they managed to subdue it, the losses would be immeasurable.
"Alright! Let's drag it out of here!" Gamabunta roared.
He charged at Gaara, striking as he retreated, slowly luring the half-transformed beast toward the village outskirts.
Watching from his high perch, Shigeo couldn't help but feel impressed by Konoha's coordinated response.
Even a genin like Naruto understood the importance of protecting the village.
It was no wonder Konoha had the strongest unity among the Five Great Nations.
Just as the One-Tail reached the village gate, a sharp, piercing melody filled the air—the eerie sound of a biwa.
It was like an army of a thousand horses charging from every direction at once.
Then came the pounding of drums—each strike stabbing into the eardrums, shaking the soul, making one's head throb in agony.
The Akatsuki had made their move.
The two masked figures were no longer atop the Hokage Rock.
Had they come to assist Orochimaru? Or simply to take advantage of the chaos?
Shigeo wasn't sure—but he suspected their goal was the Tailed Beasts.
All combat across the village froze.
Even the reanimated First and Second Hokage inside the Four Violet Flames Formation stopped mid-fight, looking curiously toward the strange sounds.
That music pierced straight into the mind.
Orochimaru frowned deeply, glancing outside with clear irritation.
Judging by his expression, he hadn't known the Akatsuki were coming.
"How surprising, isn't it, Orochimaru? We're here."
The two masked figures suddenly leapt up from the ground onto the rooftop, standing before him. Their tones were eerie—neither masculine nor feminine.
Their grotesque yaksha masks hid their faces completely. Behind the hollow eyeholes, identical black eyes stared out coldly.
Still seated at the edge of the roof, Shigeo's brow furrowed.
"The Evil Spirits Duo? You two?" Orochimaru hissed, recognition flashing across his face.
He turned briefly toward the Third Hokage. No matter what happened, he was determined to kill his former teacher today.
Did his sensei truly believe he was wrong? That seeking immortality was a sin?
If he succeeded, the benefits to Konoha would be immeasurable.
He should have been the Fourth Hokage—but look at him now.
Memories surged through his mind, tears glistening at the corners of his eyes.
"Sensei… even away from Konoha, I can still achieve greatness. Today, I'll prove it to you!"
With that, he charged again at Hiruzen.
Meanwhile, the two yaksha-masked figures turned toward Shigeo.
Their voices merged in eerie unison. "You… are the one who carries all Nine Tailed Beasts inside you?"
"Yes."
Shigeo raised an eyebrow slightly. He had never seen these Akatsuki members before.
"Yes. Yes. Yes!" the one holding the drumsticks grew excited, turning to his companion as if making a suggestion.
The other immediately shook his head. "No. Our mission is the One-Tail, not him."
"But he holds all Nine! If we capture him, we'll be promoted to leaders ourselves!"
"No. The mission is the One-Tail!"
Their argument began—low, rasping, filled with cold tension.
Even hearing their voices made the hearts of nearby shinobi twist with unease.
(End of Chapter)
[50 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[10 Reviews = 5 Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/Zukooo]