New Power Joins the Fray
There was a time when Hiruzen Sarutobi's words also commanded a huge following.
However, even at the height of his power, he could not have reached the level he has now.
"Third Hokage, and Itachi too, it's been a long time!"
Shisui suddenly appeared beside the two of them, taking Naruto with him.
Before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Itachi could respond, a joyful shout rang out.
"Nine-Tails!"
It was Black Zetsu, upon discovering Naruto, Black Zetsu not contain his joy.
But before the joy could last long, Black Zetsu, who was controlling Nagato's body, frowned slightly.
Things are going so smoothly!
With Hiruzen Sarutobi and Itachi Uchiha, how could Konoha not Jinchūriki?
Why were they both brought to the battlefield?
When was the last time things went this smoothly? I think it was when we replaced the Iwagakure to cause trouble in Konoha.
A bad feeling rose in Black Zetsu's heart.
However, Black Zetsu immediately stopped being suspicious.
It has been confirmed from the Hidden Sand Village that Uchiha Yushu will not return for another year.
Furthermore, what difference would it make if Uchiha Yushu remained here, once the Six-Tails and Nine-Tails are obtained?
The long-cherished wish of a thousand years is about to be fulfilled, Black Zetsu convinced himself.
Sometimes, you can't always be cautious; when the time is right, you have to go all out!
Thinking back to how he wasted a year because of his caution, Black Zetsu has been reflecting on this period of time.
If I had mustered the courage to investigate Konoha when Uchiha Yushu and Rasa disappeared, instead of cowering in fear, my mother would have already broken free of her seal!
After a quick thought, Black Zetsu completely suppressed the slight unease lurking in his heart.
Looking at Black Zetsu's determined eyes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Itachi, and Shisui Naruto didn't reminisce or exchange any other words. After exchanging glances, they quickly joined the battle.
Itachi and Shisui went to Utakata's side, and two half-giants appeared on either side of the Six-Tails Saiken.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Naruto also arrived in front of Black Zetsu.
"Hey, Mr. Thick Eyebrows, I'm here to help you!"
Naruto shouted, looking at Guy, who was still fighting against thin air not far away.
"Hey kid, are you going to show off your youth too?"
Instead of making a move, Kaiten could only turn to Naruto and give him a hearty smile, his inner eyes flashing with bright starlight.
The teacher with thick eyebrows actually looks quite handsome.
Naruto, who has gone astray, now prioritizes fashion above all else.
"Smack!"
A loud striking sound rang out, and the once dashing Guy in Naruto's eyes now appeared distorted in various ways, with his nose, eyes, and mouth twisted.
His entire style became bizarre and grotesque.
Distracted and attacked, Naruto and began to focus on dealing with the Limbo Clone.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Naruto beside him and suddenly realized something.
But he immediately suppressed his emotions and spoke very quickly.
"Naruto, you should go back to Konoha, not come here. You are one of the enemy's targets."
Naruto remained noncommittal to these tired-of words, replying with a cheerful expression.
"Third Hokage, I'm not a child anymore. I'm a qualified ninja now!"
Ren did not tell Naruto about Hiruzen Sarutobi's misappropriation of the Fourth Hokage's estate, so Naruto still held Hiruzen Sarutobi in the respect he deserved.
Looking at Naruto's current state, Hiruzen Sarutobi inexplicably thought of Jiraiya in his youth.
The face that resembled Minato's made Hiruzen Sarutobi involuntarily think of the Fourth Hokage, whom he had once held in high regard.
Having been away from that position for several years, especially after participating in several battles within the Akatsuki, Hiruzen Sarutobi was now more inclined towards being a ninja.
Without further consideration of the pros and cons, Hiruzen Sarutobi made a decision in his heart.
Minato, I swear on my life that I will protect Naruto!
"Then I'll go first, Naruto, you play it by ear."
After saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi charged forward with the staff that the Enma had transformed into.
The next moment, Naruto looked at his grandfather, the Third Hokage, who was flying back, coughing up blood, and seemingly on the verge of death, with a solemn expression.
At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi, judging by his age, had already lived past the Konoha Crush Plan in the original story.
At his age, and unlike Danzo, he didn't have the Hashirama Cells transplanted, so while his fighting ability might not be strong, it certainly wouldn't last.
Ninjutsu is useless against Black Zetsu; only Taijutsu is the most reliable method.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, wielding a staff with impressive skill, was certainly no weaker than Tsunade in terms of Taijutsu, even if we disregard his overall strength. With Enma's assistance, he was undoubtedly on Tsunade.
However, not in his Impure World form, he had traveled for a day and a half with his old arms and legs worn out, and his strength was almost gone.
He collapsed to the ground in less than a second, which seems absurd, but considering that the old man is not only old but also has a bad back, it makes sense.
The pressure was applied to Naruto, and his golden, shimmering clothes instantly appeared on his body.
"Grandpa, don't worry, I will protect you!"
After saying that, Naruto also charged forward.
Naruto's body doesn't contain true energy; it's still chakra.
However, chakra is also divided into levels, and the spirit behind him that seemed to be about to revive indicates that Naruto has the authority in version 1.0.
Naruto's fighting ability is not as weak as Hiruzen Sarutobi's; he was able to hold his own against Black Zetsu.