Konoha.
To conceal the Black-Clad Organization from the people and prevent panic and unrest after the exposure of such a mysterious organization,
therefore,
Hiruzen Sarutobi was prepared to seal away the news of his recovery.
At the same time, he would hold his own funeral and then move behind the scenes.
"Bringing people back to life and extending their lifespans.
Every single one of those things is both terrifying and alluring..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out the window and sighed slowly.
"We are both angels and devils, because we have to reverse the flow of fate, resurrect the dead, and overturn destiny...
This organization.
What exactly is it trying to do?
A Hokage holding his own funeral—I'm probably the first, aren't I?"
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help laughing at himself.
Before noon arrived,
news of Hiruzen Sarutobi's death was announced.
The villagers of Konoha were not surprised by the news.
Itachi Uchiha, who had not gone far from Konoha, was not surprised either.
"Itachi.
You're saying the Third Hokage isn't dead!?"
Kisame stared blankly at Itachi.
Not long ago, they had received intelligence
saying that the Third Hokage had been given a new lease on life by the Black-Clad Organization.
Yet the next moment, Konoha had issued an obituary.
This made Kisame somewhat doubtful of the intelligence's authenticity.
But Itachi did not doubt the intelligence.
Nor was he surprised.
"But they've already started preparing the funeral!"
"They want to conceal the existence of the Black-Clad Organization."
Itachi slowly stood up.
He felt that no one understood the Hokage better than he did.
Everything the Hokage did was for the stability of the village.
No matter who had to be sacrificed, the village's peace had to be ensured!
The village's stability had to be ensured!
"Let's go. We're