343. A Battle for Ideals

"Koharu..."

Homura Mitokado, also trapped in the dense forest, watched the rising dust in the distance with growing anxiety.

After all, he and Koharu were in this together—their fates intertwined.

If something happened to Koharu, he wouldn't fare any better.

Moreover, among the three of them, he had the most conflicts with Danzo. If they failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Thus, even though the forest was fraught with danger, he had to reach Koharu as quickly as possible to provide support.

He knew that their only advantage now was their numbers.

If they were separated, neither he nor Koharu stood a chance against Danzo. Even Hiruzen likely wouldn't last long...

Realizing this, Homura hesitated no longer.


But just as he was about to move, the tree trunk in front of him twisted unnaturally.

Danzo's figure emerged from the wood, his entire body materializing before Homura.

"Homura, it seems you haven't learned enough from past events," Danzo said, his tone as arrogant as ever, even though this was just a clone.

Hearing this, Homura's expression darkened. "Danzo, do you really think a mere clone can stop me? Are you underestimating me?"

It was true that Homura's strength couldn't compare to Danzo, the so-called "God of War."

But did Danzo really think a single clone could hold him back?

Even if it was a Wood Clone, it was still too much of a stretch.

To his surprise, Danzo let out a cold laugh.

"Heh, my apologies..." His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan began to spin, and his voice grew icy.

"What I want isn't just to stop you, but to... eliminate you."

With that, a terrifying surge of chakra erupted from Danzo's body, the violent shockwave nearly uprooting the surrounding trees.

Homura stood frozen as a massive, half-formed Susanoo, over ten meters tall, materialized before him.

---

Far away, Hiruzen Sarutobi also sensed that things were taking a turn for the worse.

In order to deal with the wooden dragon and quickly support Koharu and Homura, he unleashed his ultimate technique.

Four identical clones joined him, each standing at a different position.

Together, they formed hand seals and opened their mouths, unleashing a barrage of elemental attacks at the charging wooden dragon.

Scorching flames, dazzling lightning, heavy boulders, surging water, and a violent storm of wind all converged on the wooden dragon, unleashing an astonishing explosion.

"Five Elements: Grand Collision Jutsu!"

With a deafening explosion, the wooden dragon was completely engulfed in blinding light.

After consuming a massive amount of chakra, Hiruzen's attack finally destroyed the dragon, reducing it to splinters.

"Impressive, as expected of the legendary Professor of Shinobi."

Danzo's voice rang out as he emerged from the cloud of debris and smoke.

Truth be told, Hiruzen's mastery of ninjutsu was unparalleled.

Not everyone could possess all five chakra natures and wield them with such finesse.

Even Kakuzu, after years of relentless training, could only combine up to four elements.

This demonstrated Hiruzen's exceptional talent in this area.

Without a bloodline limit, he had reached the pinnacle of pure ninjutsu mastery.

Of course, if one included taijutsu, perhaps only the Third Raikage could rival him.

Unfortunately, no matter how strong they were in their youth, time had taken its toll.

Years spent on administrative duties had greatly diminished Hiruzen's physical abilities.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so winded after just one Grand Collision Jutsu.

However, what troubled Hiruzen even more was the sight of two towering white Susanoo in the distance.

What did it mean for two to appear simultaneously? A shocking thought crossed Hiruzen's mind.

"Are the ones fighting Koharu and Homura... Wood Clones?"

Hiruzen stared intently at Danzo, trying to detect any hint of deception.

But to his disappointment, Danzo's expression remained unreadable, even when facing his once closest ally.

In response to Hiruzen's question, Danzo admitted frankly, "You're correct. Those are indeed my clones."

His tone was calm and sincere, but this very calmness and sincerity filled Hiruzen with a sense of despair.

In his long career as a shinobi, Hiruzen had rarely felt such despair.

The last time was during the First Great Ninja War, when he was still young and hadn't yet become Hokage.

Back then, he never imagined that one day he would be at odds with his old friend...

But regardless, this feeling was now undeniably present in Hiruzen's heart.

"To be honest, your strength has exceeded my expectations," Hiruzen admitted truthfully.

Using Susanoo with a clone was something even within the Uchiha clan's history, only Madara Uchiha had achieved.

Yet now, Danzo, an outsider, had accomplished the same feat.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Danzo said, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan glowing with a cold light.

"Hiruzen, the times have changed. The ninja world is about to enter a new era."

This time, Hiruzen didn't refute Danzo's declaration.

"Perhaps..." he said, as if finally letting go of something.

His gaze suddenly became resolute, and a rare sense of determination filled him.

"Regardless, if you want to reach that new world, you'll have to step over the remnants of the old era! Show me the future you envision for Konoha, Danzo!"

Hiruzen's aura surged with overwhelming power.

Even if it meant his own demise, he would glimpse the future through Danzo's blade—a future for Konoha.

This display of resolve made Danzo take notice. "Then let's see who is right, Hiruzen."

For the first time, Danzo no longer saw his old friend as a weak-willed coward, but as a true warrior fighting for his ideals.


Thus, he would give Hiruzen the respect he deserved by fighting with his full strength.

In the next moment, Danzo appeared before Hiruzen.

The tanto Hiruzen had gifted him gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

With unwavering resolve, Hiruzen tightened his grip on the Adamantine Staff and charged forward, ready to stake everything on this fateful battle!