Could it be... that they had finally taken this path after all? Answering the pain the world had once inflicted on them with pain of their own?
On the streets of Konoha, terrified screams mingled with the roar of ninjutsu. Black smoke billowed, and flames reached for the sky. Countless Sand Ninja and Sound Ninja swept through like locusts, wantonly destroying what had once been a thriving home. The Konoha Ninja evacuating civilians fought as they retreated, building defensive lines with their own flesh and blood.
Inside the barrier, the Four Violet Flames Formation, the battle had reached a fever pitch.
Hiruzen Sarutobi panted heavily, sweat soaking his forehead and running down his aged cheeks. His Hokage Ceremonial Robe was already in tatters, exposing the combat uniform beneath, slashed by kunai. Facing him were two figures he knew better than anyone-and least wanted to face: the First and Second Hokage, desecrated by the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu.
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!" Second Hokage Tobirama Senju formed hand seals. A dragon's head churned up from the mire, opened its jaws, and spat a dense barrage of mud bullets.
"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!" First Hokage Hashirama Senju pressed his palms together. Countless enormous trees erupted from the ground, surging wildly toward Hiruzen Sarutobi to crush him.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!" Hiruzen Sarutobi desperately dodged while spewing a scorching dragon of flame, temporarily driving back the Wood Release assault. But the drain on his chakra left him dizzy.
Outside the barrier, Orochimaru stood on a rooftop, extending his long tongue to lick his lips. His golden, serpentine eyes brimmed with sickly fervor and delight. "Sensei, you've grown old. Look at you now. What a sorry sight."
Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored his mockery, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Orochimaru, you've