Sarutobi Hiruzen braced himself as Orochimaru grinned maniacally, the Kusanagi sword gleaming in his hand.
"Die, Sarutobi-sensei!" Orochimaru hissed, lunging forward.
Blood sprayed through the air as Enma, Hiruzen's summoned companion, shifted into his humanoid form, gripping the blade in both hands to stop its deadly arc.
"Are you just going to stand there and let him finish you off, Sarutobi?" Enma growled, glaring at the Hokage. "You're the Hokage, for crying out loud! That title's not just a decoration!"
Hiruzen winced at the rebuke. Enma's words cut deeper than any blade, echoing Gojo's own scornful reminder: As the Third Hokage, you bear the weight of the entire village's future. Show Orochimaru no mercy, or everyone will pay for it.
This was the result of his past hesitation, of sparing Orochimaru despite the darkness he had seen. Images of Konoha's young shinobi—Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke—and his own students flashed through his mind. What am I doing?
Enma's unwavering presence sharpened his resolve. I am the Third Hokage. He recalled Minato's final words: Bearing the name of Hokage, I must win.
Reinvigorated, Hiruzen straightened, his eyes narrowing with fierce determination. "Enma, hold him still. I'm sealing the First and Second Hokage first!"
Enma smirked knowingly and tightened his grip on Orochimaru's blade. "Now that's the Sarutobi I remember."
Orochimaru sneered, unfazed. "Sensei, you really think you can do much in your condition? You're old—your power's rusted away."
A dry laugh escaped Enma. "Funny. All you're doing is helping me hold you in place, you slippery snake."
Hiruzen's hands blurred through a series of seals as Shadow Clones formed around the First and Second Hokage. Regret clouded his gaze as he looked upon their faces. "Thank you for your sacrifices," he murmured, sorrow thick in his voice.
"Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld!" Thick, sinking mud trapped the First Hokage's legs. For a fleeting moment, his dulled eyes seemed to soften, accepting his fate.
The Second Hokage, encased by rising rock pillars, gave a faint nod, acknowledging his former student's resolve.
"I'm sorry," Hiruzen said, steeling himself. "I must seal your souls—for the village."
Clasping his hands together, Hiruzen summoned the Shinigami itself. The ghastly figure loomed above, its presence a grim promise of finality.
"Ghoul Seal," he whispered, shivering under the weight of his decision. A vision of Minato appeared in his mind, his words resonating: To protect the village…
Orochimaru's sneer faltered as the Shinigami's spectral form materialized, its blade piercing through Hiruzen's abdomen, binding their souls.
"Curse you, Sarutobi!" Orochimaru snarled, struggling to break free, but Enma's grip held firm.
"For every life you threatened, every heart you crushed—today is the day you pay, Orochimaru!" Hiruzen roared, locking eyes with his former pupil as he drew on every ounce of his strength to complete the seal.
Orochimaru's defiance flickered into fear. "Sensei," he hissed, voice trembling, "if you're so eager to die, go alone!"
Outside the barrier, Gojo leaned back with a dango stick in hand, his usual air of indifference tinged with faint admiration. "Well, would you look at that? For an old guy, the Third Hokage's got some fire in him," he muttered.
His gaze lingered on the Shinigami's spectral blade and Hiruzen's grim resolve. Letting out a low whistle, Gojo remarked, "Reaper's Death Seal, huh? That's no joke…even I'd think twice. Guess the old man might just pull it off."
As Hiruzen pulled harder, Orochimaru thrashed wildly, his soul slipping from his body. The Shinigami's blade hovered closer, promising an inescapable reckoning.
"Old monkey," Orochimaru spat, his voice trembling with desperation, "you should have stayed down!"