Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 17: Sealing Technique: Reaper Death Seal

There is a saying that celebrating too early can lead to misfortune. This proves true once again.

Just as Orochimaru is about to finish his former master, Sarutobi Hiruzen, now bound by the trees, bites his thumb and slams his hand on a tree trunk.

"Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!"

"Come forth, Enma the Monkey King!"

With a *poof*, a large cloud of smoke appears. Hiruzen's long-time companion, Enma, a powerful monkey with an unbreakable body, materializes beside him. Orochimaru, caught off guard, mutters with a grimace, "What a troublesome fellow."

Enma surveys the scene and coldly addresses Orochimaru, "Orochimaru! So it's come to this."

Seeing Hiruzen tightly bound and unable to move, Enma recalls the warnings he gave long ago. He had advised Hiruzen that the exceptionally talented Orochimaru had a dark nature, but Hiruzen did not listen. Even after Orochimaru's human experiments were exposed, Hiruzen led the squad to capture him but hesitated at the last moment, allowing Orochimaru to escape.

Reflecting on these past mistakes, Enma solemnly declares, "This is pitiful, Hiruzen. It’s your fault for not stopping him when you had the chance."

Determined, Hiruzen responds, "This time, I'll put an end to him for good."

Enma sighs, "It’s already too late," but complies with Hiruzen's request to transform into the Adamantine Staff.

"Stop him!" Orochimaru orders. But it's too late.

Effortlessly, Enma sweeps away Hashirama and the others, transforming into the Adamantine Staff. With a single swing, he severs the tree binding Hiruzen.

"Excellent!" With newfound freedom, Hiruzen skillfully wields the staff and rushes towards Orochimaru with the Body Flicker Technique.

"Interesting," Orochimaru comments, pulling a Kusanagi blade from his mouth and meeting Hiruzen head-on. The old master and former student clash once more.

Despite his age, Hiruzen’s experience and the support of Enma put Orochimaru at a disadvantage. As Orochimaru struggles, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hagoromo Gengetsu join the fray. Hiruzen, seizing an opportunity, secretly attaches explosive tags to them during the skirmish.

However, the results are disappointing. After the explosions, the Reanimation jutsu bodies regenerate with paper fragments falling away. 

Seeing this, Hiruzen realizes the futility of the battle and decides on a final, desperate measure. "I must deal with the bound souls themselves. The only option left is to use the Fourth's technique."

He clasps his hands together, steeling himself for what must be done.

Booms and explosions rock the Four Violet Flames Formation as the battle reaches its climax. Outside, the Leaf Village faces its own challenges, with chaos ensuing among the inhabitants.

Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy, stationed at the Chūnin Exam site, are tasked with protecting the unconscious spectators from the invading Sand and Sound ninjas. Kakashi, ever vigilant, watches the barrier, keenly aware of the dangerous foes within.

Inside the barrier, Hiruzen's resolve solidifies. Orochimaru, sensing victory, jeers, but Hiruzen remains undeterred. He summons three Shadow Clones, confusing the observers outside the barrier.

Orochimaru taunts, "Are you in such a hurry to die, old man?"

Hiruzen’s determination doesn’t waver. As the true Hagoromo Gengetsu watches with keen interest, Hiruzen’s old companion Enma, now in staff form, senses something monumental.

"He's serious," Enma mutters with sorrow.

With his hands in a specific seal sequence, Hiruzen completes the preparation for the ultimate technique. An invisible figure, the Grim Reaper, appears behind him—visible only to him. Orochimaru, unaware, remains confident in his victory.

"Your efforts are futile. I've won, and the Leaf is finished!" Orochimaru declares, signaling Tobirama to cast the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique. Hiruzen finds himself engulfed in darkness, fending off relentless attacks from Hashirama and Hagoromo.

But even as he battles, Hiruzen’s thoughts are clear. He reflects on his role and responsibilities as the Third Hokage, ready to uphold the Will of Fire one last time.

Finally, Hiruzen clasps his hands together, determined to seal Orochimaru's fate. "I am the inheritor of the First and Second Hokage's will. I am the Third Hokage of the Leaf! No matter how you seek to harm the village, Orochimaru, I and the new Hokage who succeeds me will stand as its pillars, protecting our home."

He then concludes, "Sealing Technique: Reaper Death Seal!"

Hiruzen prepares to unleash the ultimate Leaf Village secret technique, bringing the climactic battle to its final act.

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