The air was thick with tension as the leader of the Exploding Corps stood before Sasuke, Kakashi, and Asuma, a sinister grin plastered across his face. "You didn't want to surrender that pink-haired brat," he taunted, his eyes glinting with malice. "So, I figured, why not just kill them all?"
As he spoke, his hand gestured to the chaos surrounding them. The remnants of his forces began to regroup, and a chilling laughter erupted from his throat.
"Your precious village will burn, and it'll be your fault!"
---
Chaos in the Hokage's Building
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's building, Hiruzen stood with Reina, Hyuk's parents, and several evacuated villagers, attempting to reassure them amidst the chaos. The tension was palpable, and anxiety gnawed at their hearts.
"We'll protect you," Hiruzen assured the gathered civilians, his voice steady despite the turmoil outside. "We've faced worse, and we will rise again."
But just as he finished speaking, a loud explosion reverberated through the building, shaking the very foundation. The windows shattered, sending shards of glass flying, and screams filled the air.
---
Outside the chaos, a lone figure rushed toward the Hokage's building, a look of determination etched on their face. It was a suicide bomber from the Exploding Corps, eyes locked onto their target.
"No! Stop!" shouted one of the chuunin as they rushed forward, but it was too late. The figure detonated, a blinding flash of light and a deafening roar engulfing the vicinity.
---
Back in the hokage's building, Hyuk stood frozen, eyes wide in horror as he witnessed the explosion. "Mom! Dad!" he shouted, rushing toward the chaos, but it was too late.
The force of the blast knocked him off his feet, and as he scrambled back up, he heard his father's voice cut through the cacophony. "Hyuk, stay back!" Kenji cried out, throwing himself in front of Hyuk and Reina just as debris rained down.
In an instant, Kenji shielded his family, taking the full brunt of the explosion. The impact sent Hyuk sprawling to the ground, his heart racing in terror.
"Dad!" Hyuk yelled, panic seizing him as he crawled toward the debris.
---
As the dust began to settle, the reality of the situation unfolded before Hyuk's eyes. The office was in ruins, flames licking at the remnants of furniture, and villagers lay scattered, some moaning in pain.
"No… No, no, no!" Hyuk choked out, tears streaming down his face as he pushed through the rubble. He reached his father, who lay motionless, blood pooling beneath him.
"Kenji!" Sayuri screamed, rushing to Hyuk's side.
"Dad, please! Get up!" Hyuk pleaded, shaking Kenji's body, but there was no response.