The Departure of the Hokage Throughout the Ages

"I will," Boruto said, nodding to the Hokage throughout the ages.

It was a promise he had made to all the Hokage.

At that moment, the light of Impure World Reincarnation began to shine.

The bodies of the Hokage throughout the ages started to fade away.

"Goodbye," Hashirama said with a hearty laugh.

"We're counting on you to take care of the Leaf."

"Wait..." Naruto tried to call out to them.

"Is there something else?"

Tobirama looked puzzled.

"Thank you, you guys," Naruto said, offering them his sincere gratitude.

"If it weren't for you, the Leaf might have..."

"Don't say foolish things, Nine-Tails brat," Tobirama interrupted him.

"This is what we Hokage are supposed to do."

"As Hokage,"

"protecting the village is our duty."

"Even in death."

The light grew brighter and brighter.

The Hokage throughout the ages vanished completely.

All that remained was the empty Underground Space.

"Let's go," Sasuke said.

"It's time to head back."

The group left the Underground Space.

By the time they returned to the surface, dawn had broken.

Konoha was still being rebuilt.

People were busy everywhere.

"Hokage-sama!"

An Anbu ninja rushed over.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Naruto said.

"How's the village?"

"We've finished counting the casualties."

The Anbu ninja handed him a report.

"Thirty-two dead."

"One hundred and fifty-seven seriously injured."

"Over four hundred with minor injuries."

Naruto took the report.

His hand trembled.

"Thirty-two lives..."

"It's all because of me."

"It's not your fault," Sasuke said.

"It's the Otsutsuki's fault."

"But I'm the Hokage," Naruto said.

"If I can't protect the villagers..."

"then I've failed in my duty."

He bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry."

"Hokage-sama..."

The Anbu ninja panicked.

"Please don't do that."

"Everyone knows you did everything you could."

"No one blames you."

"That's right."

The villagers nearby gathered around