Inside the Four Violet Flames Formation, the air froze.
Naruto's final icy question struck like an invisible sledgehammer, shattering the last pillar holding up Hiruzen Sarutobi's spiritual world.
"Is this... the fruit borne by the 'Will of Fire' you spent your life protecting?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's body swayed violently.
The ground beneath his feet seemed to spin. His lips trembled, and hoarse, incoherent sounds escaped his throat, yet he could not think of a single word to refute him.
Because it was all true.
The light in his eyes died completely, replaced by profound confusion—by utter doubt in his entire life.
He seemed to see White Fang's despairing face, Danzo's triumphant grin in the shadows, and the blood moon over the Uchiha District that night.
Scene after scene stood as ironclad proof of his incompetence.
Naruto did not care how dejected the old man became. If Hiruzen Sarutobi was not left ashamed and remorseful, how could Naruto propose settling accounts with Danzo after the battle?
"Heh... hehehehe..."
Orochimaru let out a hiss of extreme delight.
He extended his long tongue and slowly, greedily licked his lips. His golden snake eyes brimmed with the intoxicated appreciation of someone admiring a work of art.
Nothing pleased him more than witnessing the collapse of his "benevolent" teacher's convictions with his own eyes.
Just then, a cold, tyrannical chakra pulse carrying unquestionable authority suddenly spread out.
Tobirama Senju frowned deeply.
He could not tolerate anyone desecrating the village that he and his brother had founded with their lives and blood right before his eyes.
"Brat."
His voice was hard as iron, every word bearing tangible pressure as it bore down on Naruto.
"No matter what problems the village has, it is not for some wet-behind-the-ears junior like you to arrogantly pass judgment on!"
Naruto did