"I'll be the decoy!"
"Sarutobi!"
"Sarutobi, you..."
Torifu Akimichi and Mitokado Homura both looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in astonishment, seemingly unable to bear it, yet neither could say anything. Even if they wanted to serve as the decoy, they did not possess the strength. Among everyone present, only Shimura Danzō and Sarutobi Hiruzen were suited for the role—or rather, from the very beginning, there had only ever been one best candidate: Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Haha! I'm not boasting, but none of you here can compare to me. We're facing the Kinkaku Unit. You simply can't buy enough time. Alright, alright, stop arguing. Just make sure you get back to the village safely and keep protecting Konoha!"
After saying that, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood and took a deep breath, looking toward the Kinkaku Unit. Senju Tobirama, meanwhile, shook his head at Shimura Danzō, who stood there blankly, his pupils dilated and his mind utterly vacant, as motionless as a block of wood. It was not disappointment, but a sigh.
"From now on, everyone and Konoha will...!"
"Shut up! Stop showing off! I'm thinking of how to buy even more time. Don't even think about playing the hero in front of me! I should be the one serving as the decoy! My family has been loyal to Konoha for generations. Both my grandfather and my father died on the battlefield for Konoha's glory! I must possess that same resolve. That is the honor I, Shimura Danzō, should bear! For Konoha, I will spare nothing, even if it costs me my life!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been speaking as he cheerfully patted Shimura Danzō on the shoulder, but before he could finish, Danzō shoved him aside, shot to his feet, and roared at him. Then he knelt once more before Senju Tobirama.
"A ninja must possess