"Deva Path":
-Victor Gonzalez
-Linh Q Tra
*
"Animal Path":
-Umar Jawed
*
"Human Path":
-Joseph Stan
*
"Outer Path":
-Ken Kaza
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In the lush forest, with the last gleam of sunset, the figures of the departing Rock ninjas can be seen. Meanwhile, Sōsuke stands on a thick tree trunk, glancing at the direction of the Leaf Village for the last time, expressionless, then disappears from the spot.
In the Leaf Village, a somber atmosphere envelops the entire village. The Rock ninja attack caused significant damage to the Leaf. Dozens of Leaf ninjas lost their lives in repelling the Rock ninja invasion, each a valuable asset to the village. Despite the Rock ninjas not achieving their goal of destroying the Leaf, the preparations for their "Earth Spirit's Wrath" jutsu had nearly been completed. The preliminary tremors alone had destroyed nearly half of the Leaf Village's structures. Fortunately, the civilians were evacuated quickly and were not harmed.
At the northwest corner of the Leaf Village, amidst a scene of chaos, Danzo lies injured on the ground, his clothing soaked in blood, his right arm grotesquely twisted, indicating severe injury. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, is also wounded, a sharp stone blade embedded in his right leg, bleeding profusely. He doesn't seem too concerned about his injuries, instead looking towards the distance with a sigh.
Suddenly, a large figure lands on the ground with a thud, causing the earth to tremble. "Hiruzen, the medical ninja have arrived. You and Danzo should rest and heal now. It's time for me to return from summoning," says Enma, having suddenly appeared. Accompanied by several Leaf medical ninjas, they rush to attend to Hiruzen and Danzo.
Hiruzen looks at Enma and asks if his injuries can be healed. Enma, looking at his left shoulder where his arm has been cleanly severed, responds with a lack of sadness, "Don't worry, Hiruzen. It's just an arm. As long as my Adamantine staff is with me, I can still fight alongside you!"
Grateful yet guilty, Hiruzen nods, appreciating Enma's resolve. With a puff of smoke, Enma disappears.
A hoarse voice then speaks up, "How long has it been since you were this battered, Hiruzen?" It's Danzo, now awake, lying on the ground being treated by a medical ninja. Despite the severity of his injuries, Danzo comments on the escape of the Tsuchikage, lamenting his inability to stop him. He questions why Danzo took a hit meant for him, given their fraught relationship. Danzo cryptically responds, suggesting an instinctual action to protect Hiruzen, reflecting on the years he watched Hiruzen lead the Leaf Village.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, couldn't help but show a bitter smile and said, "It's pretty bad... As the Third Hokage, I haven't been able to achieve the greatness of the First Hokage or my teacher. It seems like under my leadership, the village has been stagnating."
Danzo's gaze flickered complexly as he sarcastically replied, "Yeah... You've done far worse than I imagined..."
"Even... I wonder if I would have done better if the teacher had chosen me as the Hokage instead..."
With a self-deprecating smile, Danzo continued, "But it seems... that wouldn't be the case..."
His gaze turned complex as he looked at Hiruzen and said in a slightly heavy voice, "Teacher... didn't make a mistake in his choice. You are more suited to be the Hokage than I am, Hiruzen."
"And I... maybe it was my only choice to remain in the shadows, to protect the light that is you for the Leaf, which is the most suitable role for me..."
Danzo looked down at his useless right arm and spoke in a hoarse voice.
Hiruzen appeared to want to say something, but Danzo stopped him, saying calmly, "We don't have much time left, Hiruzen! The village has suffered greatly, and as the Hokage, you need to quickly bring hope to the villagers."
"Through this incident, we have also gained much experience. The strength of the Foundation is too weak to deal with sudden attacks like those from the Rock ninjas."
"Next, I will focus on enhancing the overall strength of the Foundation, ensuring it can perfectly handle any crisis that may occur in the village!"
Danzo analyzed firmly, his gaze intense.
Hearing his words, Hiruzen's gaze became more solemn, "I understand, Danzo. As you said... besides the Anbu, the unity within the rest of the clans in the village is too low..."
"As the Hokage, I give you the authority! Strengthen and integrate the overall capabilities of the Foundation as soon as possible. When necessary, do not hesitate to recruit talents from various ninja clans!"
With a sharp glint in his eyes, Hiruzen spoke decisively.
Danzo nodded solemnly in agreement.