Konoha - Seventeen Years

The shinobi world trembled, locked in a brutal crescendo as the villages clashed in an unprecedented ninja war.

The Second Mizukage and Second Tsuchikage had perished, claiming each other in their final moments.

Meanwhile, the Cloud Shinobi had just forged a rare alliance with Konoha.

But as Second Hokage Senju Tobirama and Second Raikage Ai sealed the pact with tense yet resolute hands, a disaster erupted from the shadows.

Out of nowhere, the notorious Gold and Silver Brothers—Ginkaku and Kinkaku—charged forward, flanked by a battalion of Cloud Shinobi.

The air was suddenly heavy with the malevolent chakra of the Nine Tails, stirring to life with a savage sentience, its hate-filled gaze zeroing in on the Konoha shinobi.

Before anyone could react, the Nine Tails tore through the ranks, felling the Second Raikage in a single, brutal strike.

Tobirama's heart sank as he felt his chakra wane; he was gravely injured. He ordered an immediate retreat, leading the Konoha elite, hearts pounding, back towards the village.

Among the retreating shinobi was a young Sarutobi Hiruzen. As he sprinted alongside his Hokage, thoughts swirled in his mind, words only he could understand. Seventeen years… Finally, things are unfolding along the timeline.

Of course, none around him had any inkling of the true meaning behind Hiruzen's murmurs.

Because unlike them, Hiruzen remembered a life outside of this world. Once a mere office worker in another realm, he had somehow been reborn here as Sarutobi Hiruzen—the very man who would become Konoha's Third Hokage, destined to steer the village through countless trials.

It wasn't just a fluke of fate that brought him here. He had been given a "Golden Finger"—a gift known as the "Essence of Blank."

This power allowed him to transcend any normal limits, to master any discipline, to Mold his body and abilities to suit his will.

So from a young age, he'd dedicated himself to training, gathering allies, quietly laying plans and contingencies, knowing well the storms that awaited Konoha.

The moment is now, Hiruzen thought, stealing a glance at the Second Hokage.

Tobirama, powerful beyond words, had nonetheless been left weakened from the Nine Tails' assault. Hiruzen had served as Tobirama's loyal guard, shielded by the Second's fearsome strength, yet also preparing for his own future.

But there was one other who coveted this path: Shimura Danzo, Hiruzen's friend and fiercest rival.

Though others like Homura and Koharu were present, Hiruzen knew they could never compete with him and Danzo for the title of Hokage.

Only one would emerge as Tobirama's successor. And now, at last, is the choice that will seal my fate.

He barely had a moment to steel himself as the group sensed the vicious chakra closing in on them. Kinkaku and Ginkaku, wielding the Six Paths tools and the Nine Tails' chakra, were relentless.

Hiruzen cursed internally as the realization dawned—Raikage Ai had barely lasted a few minutes before succumbing to the Gold and Silver Brothers' wrath. And now, they were close behind, eager to finish the kill.

Senju Tobirama skidded to a halt, his piercing gaze locking onto the younger shinobi. His eyes burned with a determination that left no room for argument.

"Tobirama-sama?" Hiruzen asked, pulse racing. His own face was hardened, but he knew Tobirama's decision as if by instinct.

"Listen carefully," Tobirama spoke, his voice resolute. "The ones chasing us… are Ginkaku and Kinkaku. They wield not only Six Paths tools but the chakra of the Nine Tails itself."

Mitokado Homura's face paled with dread. "Then… should we… shouldn't we keep running?!"

Tobirama's face tightened, his expression immovable. The grim resolve in his eyes spoke of an iron will, a single choice that was now inevitable.

Danzo and Hiruzen exchanged glances, each recognizing Tobirama's intent. To protect us… he will stay behind!

In an instant, a surge of energy exploded from Hiruzen. Drawing his bo staff, he held it aloft, wind whipping around him. "Second Hokage-sama, go! I'll act as the decoy!"

His determination was palpable, a fierce resolve etched across his face. For a moment, everyone was captivated by Hiruzen's raw courage.

Even Danzo found himself stunned. Hiruzen… Just one step… just one step ahead!

Tobirama gave Hiruzen a final look, pride shimmering in his gaze. "Hiruzen… From today forward, you will be Konoha's Third Hokage. No one will oppose it."

With that, he unsheathed his Golden Thunder Sword, his aura intensifying to a peak Kage-level power. He strode forward, every inch the stalwart protector, his final words echoing in Hiruzen's ears.

"Once I'm done here… the future of Konoha is yours to carry, Hiruzen."

Hiruzen watched Tobirama's form grow distant, silhouetted against the sky like a pillar of unbreakable will. At that moment, he understood the weight of the legacy entrusted to him—one that would mark his life forever.