Teacher, I Understand

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly as scenes from the past surfaced in his mind.

That day, they had escorted the Second to sign an alliance treaty with the Raikage.

But they had been ambushed and pursued by the brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku of Kumogakure.

They had fought with all their might to break through the encirclement, but Kinkaku and Ginkaku's jōnin forces had still driven them into a forest.

The six of them—the six disciples of the Second—crouched on the ground, panting as they took a brief moment to catch their breath.

It was then that the Second had chosen to stay behind alone, both to protect them and to safeguard the village's future. He had passed the title of Third Hokage to Hiruzen.

Perhaps he hadn't been a very capable Hokage, nor could he be called an outstanding one.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen was grateful.

Grateful that, in the end, he had made the same choice as his former teacher.

He had chosen to stay behind. As for the village's future...

He had entrusted it to Tsunade before setting out.

With Ye Ning's help and the support of the Daimyo Mansion, Tsunade would surely become an excellent Hokage, wouldn't she?

In his mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to see his teacher smiling at him.

"Teacher, I understand."

Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured softly.

Only now did Sarutobi Hiruzen finally understand how his teacher had felt that day when he chose to stay behind.

Perhaps it was just the same as he felt now?

"Damn it, the Konoha Ninja all got away!"

"It doesn't matter. As long as the Third Hokage hasn't escaped, tonight won't be a failure."

"How touching! He let all his subordinates escape, while he chose to stay behind."

"Tch, I thought Konoha's shinobi were all tough as nails. Turns out they're