The Third Hokage's Death, Jiraiya Appears

Just as the One-Tail was sealed once more, the battle elsewhere gradually came to an end. The ground was covered in blood and corpses, including Konoha Anbu and invaders from Otogakure.

At this moment, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had also used the forbidden technique, Dead Demon Consuming Seal, sealing away the First and Second Hokage summoned through Impure World Reincarnation at the cost of his life.

Orochimaru's soul had been slashed by the Death God, and both his arms were completely crippled. He would never be able to use ninjutsu again.

In this fierce battle, both sides had suffered heavy losses. It could be said that neither side had won, especially the Third Hokage, who had paid with his life.

This heroic ninja who had ruled Konoha for decades had fallen forever, bringing his tumultuous life to an end.

Just then, Kakashi, Might Guy, and the other ninja arrived. When they saw Sarutobi Hiruzen lying on the ground, their hearts jolted. None of them had expected the longest-serving Hokage to perish like this.

Seeing more and more Konoha ninja arriving, Orochimaru knew he could not remain any longer. Feeling the numbness in his arms, he left with gritted teeth.

Though his strength had dropped drastically after his soul was damaged, escaping was not difficult for a Kage Level expert. With a leap, his body transformed into dozens of white snakes that slipped into the forest and vanished.

Just as everyone was about to pursue him, a massive figure wreathed in purple flames swooped over from not far away. It was the Amethyst Winged Lion King.

The Konoha ninja were startled and instinctively moved to attack, but Kakashi stopped them in time.

He looked up and saw a handsome youth standing on the Lion King's back. It was Chen Feng.

The Lion King flapped its wings and landed steadily on the ground. Its terrifying aura flattened a large stretch of trees and woodland, and the intense pressure made people's hearts tremble.

Chen Feng said, "Don't be nervous, everyone. I only came to take a look."

Hearing this, Kakashi looked up at the terrifying beast before him and asked, "May I ask what this is...?"

"The Amethyst Winged Lion King, the guardian spirit beast of my Dao Sect."

Chen Feng replied casually.

At those words, everyone's expressions shifted. To possess such a powerful spirit beast, this Dao School was likely even more terrifying than they had imagined.

Just then, a loud shout suddenly rang out. "Who dares cause trouble in Konoha? The Toad Sage has arrived!"

Immediately afterward, a gigantic red toad leaped high into the air and charged fiercely toward the Amethyst Winged Lion King.

The Lion King did not hold back. With a roar, the purple flames around its body surged outward, transforming into wave after wave of terrifying fire.

The giant toad rapidly spat out enormous water balls, which slammed directly into the waves of flame.

By all reason, water countered fire. Yet when the water balls encountered the purple flames, they evaporated instantly, completely unable to withstand the attack.

Seeing this, the white-haired middle-aged man atop the toad was slightly surprised. Then he formed hand seals with both hands. "Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet!"

A fierce Fire Release technique erupted, merging with the toad oil to create an even more powerful attack.

The flame bullet collided violently with the purple fire wave, and another terrifying burst of energy swept outward.

Just as he was about to continue fighting, Kakashi hurriedly stopped him. "Lord Jiraiya, please stop! He isn't our enemy!"

Jiraiya was slightly taken aback. "Wasn't he the one causing trouble in Konoha?"

Kakashi replied, "Orochimaru was the one who invaded the village. This is a friend of the Dao School. Earlier, this Lion King stopped the rampaging One-Tail."

Hearing this, Jiraiya understood that he had misunderstood. Scratching his head, he laughed. "Sorry, I didn't see clearly just now."

Chen Feng knew his personality and merely waved a hand, not dwelling on it.

Then Jiraiya saw the Third Hokage's already cold body on the ground. His heart lurched, and he immediately jumped down from the giant toad and rushed to his side.

Sensing that the familiar aura had long since vanished, he could not help clenching his fists and sighing. In the end, he had still arrived one step too late.

Seeing him fall silent, the many Konoha ninja lowered their heads in grief as well.

Seeing this, Chen Feng had no interest in mourning alongside the people of Konoha. After saying goodbye, he left and returned to his residence.

After he returned, the Amethyst Winged Lion King vanished immediately. According to the system's rules, a single summoning could only last for about half an hour.

Having already used one summoning, he only had two chances left. He had to use them carefully...

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. During this time, Konoha had been busy rebuilding the village. Orochimaru's invasion had caused considerable destruction and many casualties, all of which needed to be handled properly.

Besides that, there was another extremely important matter: selecting the next Hokage.

The death of the Third Hokage had not only cost Konoha a Kage Level expert, but also dealt a severe blow to public morale.

Only by choosing a new Hokage as quickly as possible could the village be stabilized...

Inside a heavily guarded office, three figures sat before a desk, discussing the plans ahead.

Konoha Village's administrative department was the institution that assisted the Hokage in managing Konoha's affairs.

While relaying information from the country and receiving the financial funding allocated to the village, it also reported the village's conditions to the daimyo.

Simply put, it was the bridge of communication between the Land of Fire and Konoha.

The highest-ranking officials of this department were the two elders who served as advisers to the Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

Besides the two of them, the third person in the room was Shimura Danzo, the leader of Root, who had always lurked in the shadows.

After Sarutobi Hiruzen's death, these three could be said to hold Konoha's real power.

At this moment, Danzo said expressionlessly, "No one could have anticipated what happened to Hiruzen. As his comrade for many years, I too regret his passing."

After that brief lament, he continued righteously, "The most urgent matter now is to choose the Fifth Hokage as soon as possible, so that a new Hokage may lead the village forward.

"In my opinion, in terms of seniority and ability, there is only one person in Konoha suited to bear this heavy responsibility."

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu smiled at him and nodded. "Indeed, we think so as well."

Seeing their agreement, the corners of Danzo's lips lifted slightly. I didn't expect these two old fools to be so sensible.

He then stood up and said with a smile, "Since neither of you objects, then the position of Hokage shall be held by..."

Just then, Mitokado Homura suddenly interrupted him, saying with a smile, "It shall be taken over by Jiraiya..."