344. The End

After both sides chose to stake everything they had, the battle instantly became intense.

Brilliant sparks continuously erupted between them as two powerful forces clashed and collided.

A dazzling array of taijutsu techniques emerged one after another, as these two former comrades, who once knew each other best, launched a frenzied assault on one another!

Unfortunately, time had left an indelible mark on Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The ravages of time had taken their toll, and his physical strength could no longer sustain such a prolonged and fierce battle.

On the other hand, Danzō, after numerous confrontations with the Third Raikage, had refined both his taijutsu and swordsmanship to a masterful level.

Not only that, but his strength and physique had also been greatly enhanced.

In terms of combat ability alone, it was impossible to tell that he was of the same generation as Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Hiruzen had never seen anyone like Danzō, who seemed to grow stronger the older he got...

Thus, after Danzō unleashed his true power, Hiruzen was swiftly and mercilessly sent flying with a single slash.

Both man and staff crashed heavily to the ground.

"Hiruzen, you've grown old."

"Your clouded eyes can no longer lead Konoha forward," Danzō stated bluntly.

Immediately after, he activated his Susanoo once more, the white samurai giant stepping forward toward his opponent.

Hiruzen could only smile wryly in response.
"Perhaps, but this old bones still has some fight left in him."

He released the summoning contract with Enma, and as he stood up, he gathered all the remaining chakra within his body.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"

Once again, Hiruzen summoned four shadow clones.

Facing the so-called absolute defense of the Susanoo, this was the only move that could give him a glimmer of hope.

A terrifying power brewed within Hiruzen's body, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

As his opponent, Danzō naturally felt this overwhelming pressure.

To show his respect, he too unleashed a surge of astonishing chakra.

The Susanoo surrounding him quickly solidified, its thick Tengu armor encasing him completely!

"Come, Hiruzen, let me witness your final dance!"

Danzō stood within the Susanoo, his voice ringing out clearly.

Hearing this, a defiant expression appeared on Hiruzen's face.

The turbulent airflow blew his hair back, making him look like a wild and unrestrained youth.


"Then try this move of mine, Danzō!"
Hiruzen let out a roar, as if venting all the pent-up frustration of the past years.

In the next moment, five surging streams of chakra erupted simultaneously!

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!"
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
"Lightning Release: Lightning Dragon Bullet!"
"Wind Release: Wind Dragon Bullet!"

"Combined Ninjutsu: Five Dragon Bullet Technique!"

In an instant, five dragons of different elemental attributes roared forth from Hiruzen and his clones.

With astonishing momentum, they charged toward Danzō, claws bared and fangs exposed!

This was Hiruzen's strongest attack, the pinnacle of his ninjutsu mastery!

Feeling the surging airflow rushing toward him, Danzō's face showed no trace of worry or fear—only excitement and defiance.

The Susanoo giant slowly raised its blade in sync with his movements...

A dazzling light erupted in Danzō's eyes as his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan revealed its true power.

Divine Severance!

The seemingly cumbersome Susanoo moved in the blink of an eye, faster than anyone could perceive, and swung its blade.

The blade's light spread like a tiny ripple, a nearly imperceptible thread slicing through the oncoming dragons.

Just as the five dragons were about to reach the Susanoo, they suddenly opened their mouths, as if letting out a roar of unwillingness.

In the next moment, their bodies were cleanly bisected along that white line!

Under Hiruzen's disbelieving gaze, the dragons disintegrated into a chaotic storm of elements, ultimately dissipating helplessly into the air.

The man shrouded within the Susanoo remained unscathed.
Only the turbulent airflow slightly ruffled his hair...

Seeing this, a profound sense of helplessness welled up in Hiruzen's heart.

He was completely outmatched.

Not only that, but an incredibly wild thought even crossed his mind—

If his teacher had passed the position of Hokage to Danzō back then, would it have been the right choice?

If Danzō knew of this thought, he would undoubtedly burst out laughing.

Of course, giving the Hokage position to him would have been fine, but if it had been given to the original Danzō, that would have been a different story.

After all, the original Danzō was infamous for being a genius harvester and the destroyer of the Uchiha clan.

If he had become Hokage back then, it wouldn't have taken a year for the White Fang of the Leaf, the Sannin, and the entire Uchiha clan to join Tobirama in the Pure Land.

Of course, the latter would have been quite pleased to see the Uchiha clan in such a state.

But regardless, this battle was essentially decided.

As Danzō dispersed the Susanoo around him, the fight officially came to an end.

Hiruzen let out a deep sigh, filled with complex emotions.

On one hand, there was regret over their defeat.

On the other, there was a sense of relief.

After all, he had done his best.

The future of Konoha was no longer something he could decide.

Thinking this, Hiruzen couldn't help but show a bitter smile.


Who would have thought that after decades of diligent service as Hokage, he would end up in such a state?

As he watched Danzō slowly approach, a certain resolve suddenly appeared in his eyes.

"If you've chosen a new path, then walk it well."

"Don't disappoint me, Danzō."

Hiruzen's voice was so soft that only he could hear it.

After saying this, a relieved smile appeared on his face.

In the next moment, he swiftly pulled out a kunai and stabbed it toward his own chest with all his might!

Seeing this, Danzō's eyes narrowed, and a precise slash sent the kunai flying from Hiruzen's hand!

"If you think your death will earn my leniency toward Koharu and Homura, or toward Asuma, then there's no need."

"To me, your value alive far exceeds your value dead."

"If you truly wish to atone and ensure Asuma's survival, then burn yourself to light the way for Konoha's future."

Danzō's tone was calm.

Just as Hiruzen had never considered killing Danzō, Danzō had no intention of killing him either.

After all, despite his age, Hiruzen was still a Kage-level shinobi and an important asset to Konoha.

Not to mention, he possessed a vast knowledge of ninjutsu systems.

It would be a waste for him to die just like that.

It was better to use Asuma as a means to keep him in check and make good use of his remaining strength.

Danzō's words left Hiruzen stunned.

To be honest, he had indeed wanted to end it all.

But after hearing Danzō's words, that thought quickly wavered.

If he were to die, what would become of Asuma's future? What would become of Konoha's future?

In the end, he dropped the half-broken kunai in his hand and asked in a hoarse voice:

"How do you plan to deal with Koharu and Homura?"

Danzō did not answer this question.

If Hiruzen could still be excused and allowed to contribute in his remaining years, then Koharu and Homura were nothing but pure foolishness and malice!

Or rather, describing them as both foolish and malicious would be more accurate.

After all, the letters the Daimyō had sent them were completely within Danzō's control.


It was precisely because of this that Danzō knew just how sinister their intentions were...

If he had been killed by the Guardian Ninja as they had planned, the first thing these two old fools would have done was use their positions as elders to sideline Minato.


Then, with the Daimyō's backing, they would have seized power in Konoha and returned to the pinnacle of authority!


For such people, Danzō had no intention of showing any mercy.

Thus, in response to Hiruzen's question, Danzō simply turned and walked away in silence.

This action alone made Hiruzen realize the fate that awaited them.