Hiruzen Sarutobi vs. Shukaku

Tianyi looked at the Third Hokage in the distance. Upon hearing those words, the Third Hokage's presence in Tianyi's eyes seemed at least six feet tall.

The sudden arrival of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was like a shot of adrenaline.

It instantly surged into the hearts of every Leaf Village ninja!

The morale that had wavered at the appearance of Shukaku's complete form changed the moment they saw that familiar figure standing before the Earth-Style Wall.

In an instant, it became boiling fighting spirit and absolute confidence!

"It's the Hokage-sama!!"

"The Third Hokage came himself!!"

"Reinforcements! More of our people are behind them!"

Dust billowed in the distance as several hundred elite Leaf Village reinforcements rapidly approached, their banners clear and their momentum overwhelming!

On the Hidden Sand Village side, Chiyo and Ebizo's expressions instantly turned extremely grim.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi... he actually came himself!" Chiyo cried out, her eyes filled with shock and gravity.

The Hokage taking the field personally meant that Leaf Village had raised the importance it placed on this war to the highest level.

It also brought unpredictable variables.

Ebizo quickly moved closer and lowered his voice anxiously.

"Big Sister, the situation is bad. The Hokage is here, and Leaf Village's reinforcements have arrived.

Shukaku has already emerged... should we retreat first and make long-term plans?"

"No!" Chiyo rejected the suggestion, staring fixedly at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was confronting Shukaku in the distance.

"If we retreat now, Shukaku will inevitably be captured by Leaf Village! If we lose the One-Tail, Hidden Sand Village will be doomed beyond recovery!

We must hold Hiruzen Sarutobi back and create an opportunity for Shukaku. At the same time..."

A trace of resolve flashed through her eyes. "Immediately notify the village at the highest priority and report to the Kazekage!

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