Hiruzen Sarutobi Dies in Battle

The words had barely left his lips.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shot forward!

The Adamantine Staff swept through the air with a sharp whistle. It struck a Demon Hound mid-pounce, sending its hill-sized body flying sideways!

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"

He formed Hand Seals with both hands at once. Two great dragons, one of fire and one of earth, roared from his palms!

Without slowing, he charged into the front of the Allied Forces' lines.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"

"Wind Release: Pressure Sphere!"

"Lightning Release: Thunderclap Wave!"

Five natures, five techniques, wove together into a tide of destruction beneath the rain!

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Professor of Ninjutsu.

Once, he had been the only man in Konoha to master all five Chakra Nature Transformations and command over a thousand jutsu.

In that moment, the old man seized the legendary title of "Strongest Hokage in History" and made it his own again!

Five releases fired in succession, tearing a breach through the Six Paths of Pain's encirclement!

The Earth Dragon Bullet struck the Asura Path head-on. Its mechanical body exploded, half of it blasted to pieces before it flew backward into a heap of rubble.

For the first time, Deva Path Pain took a step back.

The Allied Forces ninja saw it clearly.

That figure who had hovered above them like a god or a ghost had been forced back one step by the Third Hokage!

"Lord Third!!"

"Lord Hokage's still standing! We haven't lost yet!"

"Follow him! Follow Lord Third!"

The silent Allied Forces jolted awake as though doused with cold water.

Some picked up fallen Kunai. Some formed Hand Seals again. Others hauled themselves out of the rain-soaked ground with a roar, surging toward the six figures like a tide.

Hope.

That golden staff