Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 279 The Konoha Crush Plan Begins (The End)

Hiruzen Sarutobi's body trembled uncontrollably, not only from the side effects of using forbidden techniques, but also from the deep-seated fear he felt for the enemy before him. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he was seeing. The overwhelming power displayed by Kanan Hyuga filled him with despair and helplessness.

Every movement and attack of Hyuga Kanan was filled with power and majesty, as if he were the ruler of this land. Hiruzen Sarutobi felt unprecedented pressure, even more so than any opponent he had ever faced. He couldn't help but think of Hashirama Senju, who was once hailed as the "God of Shinobi," but at this moment he realized that even that legendary figure could hardly compare to Hyuga Kanan now.

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, "What kind of monster is this? How can it possess such terrifying strength? Are we really going to be defeated here?" A hint of despair flickered in his eyes; he knew this battle might be his end.

It was only then that Hiruzen Sarutobi truly realized that Kanan Hyuga genuinely had no interest in power, and didn't even care about the entire Hidden Leaf Village. He recalled his own past arrogance, assuming everyone was as power-hungry as he was. However, reality had given him a resounding slap in the face. Kanan Hyuga's indifference and apathy filled him with immense disappointment and helplessness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi began to reflect on his actions, realizing that his mistake lay in constantly provoking and provokeing Kana Hyuga, causing the latter to develop a dislike for him and his companions from Konoha. He was filled with regret and deep self-reproach, but it seemed that everything was beyond redemption.

Seeing the situation before him, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that even if he wanted to apologize or make peace, it would be futile. Hyuga Kanan's mind was made up; he would not give the Sarutobi clan any more chances. Hiruzen could only silently bear the consequences, his heart filled with regret and despair.

Orochimaru, who had been captured, finally returned to normal after the Shinigami was forced back by Hyuga Kanan. He immediately broke free from Hiruzen Sarutobi's control and stood quietly to the side, watching. His eyes revealed complex emotions, a mixture of helplessness towards the current situation and nostalgia and reflection on the past.

Orochimaru silently watched Hiruzen Sarutobi, a profound and indescribable sorrow welling up within him. He couldn't fathom when his once revered teacher had become so old and frail. He recalled the days when Hiruzen Sarutobi taught them, so full of vigor, wisdom, and strength. He remembered how Hiruzen Sarutobi was always resolute and courageous in the face of enemies, never backing down; how he always stepped forward and fought bravely when Konoha was threatened.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was hailed as a "Hero of the Ninja Village," a title earned not only for his immense strength but also for his exceptional leadership and selfless dedication. He led Konoha in repelling invasions from other ninja villages time and again, steadfastly upholding the village's dignity and interests.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi now appeared so old and frail. The relentless passage of time was etched on his face, and his body was no longer as robust as before. From the former leader of Konoha, he had become an obstacle to the village's future development, a selfish and self-serving cancer that harmed the village solely for his own power. Orochimaru couldn't help but lament the ruthlessness of time; it had not only stolen people's youth and vitality, but also altered many people's beautiful dreams, leaving only memories and regrets.

Now that Hiruzen Sarutobi had used his forbidden technique, he had very little strength left. He didn't need Orochimaru to kill him anymore, because he knew his time was running out. He sat there quietly, awaiting the end of his life.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru and Kanan Hyuga before him, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He silently felt his life force draining away, yet a sense of relief welled up within him. For so many years, he had carried immense pressure, and now he could finally let it go.

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind raced back through the years. He remembered the days when he fought alongside his comrades in his youth, and the battles that had once filled him with passion. However, as time passed, everything changed.

It's unclear when exactly, but Hiruzen Sarutobi completely forgot the dying words and entrustment of his teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. He became embroiled in power struggles and political intrigues, gradually losing himself. Konoha Village, under his leadership, gradually declined, losing its former glory.

Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that he might not be a suitable leader. He had been too focused on his own power and consolidating his position, neglecting the future development of Konoha. He gradually lost his spirit of dedication, suppressing rising stars in the village for his own power and status, leading to the deaths or expulsion of the village's top fighters, resulting in the current situation. And now, he could no longer undo it.

In his final moments, Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with immense regret. He wished he could go back in time and change his choices. But it was all too late; he could only leave this world with this regret.

Enma, standing nearby, was furious at Hiruzen Sarutobi's current state. Regardless of whether Hiruzen was an outstanding Hokage of Konoha, their bond as comrades was incredibly deep. They had spent decades together, experiencing countless hardships and battles; they were arguably the closest of friends. But now, seeing Hiruzen about to die here filled Enma with both sorrow and anger at his perceived inadequacy.

"Damn it! Hiruzen Sarutobi..." Enma glared at Orochimaru with resentment and said, "If you had listened to me and killed Orochimaru, none of this would have happened today."

Enma recalled how, when Orochimaru defected, he had urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to kill Orochimaru completely to eliminate any future threat. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi, out of consideration for his master-disciple relationship, did not carry out the deed and instead let Orochimaru go. Now, it seemed that his decision back then was a grave mistake.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already on his last legs and unable to respond to Enma's words. His eyes had become dull and lifeless, as if the flame of his life was about to be extinguished.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you have to hold on!" Enma shouted anxiously.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's physical condition deteriorated further, and he could no longer hold on. Finally, he slowly closed his eyes and stopped breathing.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen!" Enma cried out in utter grief.

At this moment, Enma was filled with regret and self-blame. He felt he should have been more resolute in persuading Hiruzen Sarutobi to kill Orochimaru; perhaps that would have prevented this tragedy from happening.

However, it was all too late. Hiruzen Sarutobi's departure brought immense loss to Konoha Village and plunged Enma into deep sorrow.

Orochimaru looked at the dead Hiruzen Sarutobi, a smug smile on his face. He felt he had finally defeated his former teacher and proven his strength.

"Hmph, Sarutobi-sensei, Konoha Village will be reborn and rise again, it's just a pity you won't live to see it," Orochimaru said coldly.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi's death, a fierce battle has temporarily come to an end. Konoha Village, however, now faces new challenges and difficulties.

Orochimaru nodded to Hyuga Kanan, indicating he understood, then turned and signaled his subordinates to retreat. The Sound Ninja members on the outer perimeter weren't Orochimaru's direct subordinates; they were ninjas harboring hatred for Konoha, used by Orochimaru as cannon fodder to boost his own achievements. Therefore, these Sound Ninja members wouldn't obey Orochimaru's orders, nor would they care about the lives of other Sound Ninja members.

Orochimaru's true elite troops weren't present; only the four who had cast the barrier technique were there. These four had always been extremely obedient to Orochimaru's orders. They knew Orochimaru's methods and strength well, so they dared not disobey in the slightest. When Orochimaru announced the retreat, they reacted immediately. Two of them quickly dispelled the barrier, holding back the Konoha ninja outside, while the other two swiftly went to Orochimaru's side, awaiting his next instructions.

Orochimaru surveyed the devastated battlefield, a sense of accomplishment filling him. He knew his objective had been achieved; now, he simply waited for the opportune moment to orchestrate everything according to his plan. Without hesitation, he decisively issued the order to retreat. At his command, his four subordinates sprang into action, quickly gathering their equipment and following Orochimaru in his retreat. Their figures vanished into the buildings, leaving behind only wreckage.

Meanwhile, Konoha Village was thrown into chaos after being suddenly attacked by Sunagakure and Otogakure. The villagers were terrified and fled in all directions. Many houses were destroyed, flames soared, and smoke filled the air. However, despite being caught off guard at first, Konoha Village possessed a deep-rooted strength. After losing most of Hiruzen Sarutobi's loyal followers, the Konoha ninja clans finally regained their composure and began to organize an effective resistance. They utilized the terrain, set traps, and engaged in fierce battles with the enemy. Soon, these ninjas successfully kept the enemy at bay outside the true heart of the village and launched a counterattack.

Lacking both top-tier combat power and sufficient numbers, the ninjas of Sunagakure and Otogakure were gradually suppressed. As Konoha increased its strength, it quickly gained control of the battlefield.

The Anbu ninjas on Hiruzen Sarutobi's battlefield rushed over as soon as they saw the barrier disappear. However, Orochimaru and the others had already left, leaving only Hyuga Kanan standing not far away. He glanced at them indifferently, then ignored the arriving Konoha ninjas and turned to leave.