The enormous slug sage descended upon Konoha, splitting her body into countless smaller parts that spread throughout the village, doing everything she could to protect some of its people.
Though she had failed to stop the catastrophe that destroyed the village, she had at least preserved Konoha's last embers, ensuring its legacy would not be completely extinguished.
Just as deathly silence settled over the world, with dust still filling the sky and everyone sinking into despair!
Vmmm-!
A surge of chakra suddenly rose from the center of the ruins!
Countless clouds of smoke billowed and burst apart!
Several enormous toads landed firmly, standing tall in the center of Konoha's ruins!
And the brightest, most striking figure slowly came into view.
Markings around his eyes, an aura both composed and restrained, yet overwhelmingly commanding.
His former childishness and restlessness had faded, his entire presence transformed.
He had returned with his training complete!
Sage Mode-Naruto Uzumaki made his triumphant return!
At that moment, it was as though dawn had broken anew over the deathly silent ruins of Konoha!
Beyond the Sky Screen, the subdued, heavyhearted Shinobi World instantly erupted!
"He's here, he's here!! He's finally here!!"
"Sage Naruto has arrived!! I knew it! Our savior is here!"
"Everything before this was crushing me. The entire village was leveled! I thought it was all over!"
"Senjutsu chakra! His whole presence is different! He's more than just a little stronger than before!"
"Now let's see how Naruto saves Konoha!"
"This is incredible! Now that's the coolest entrance in the Shinobi World! Returning in their darkest hour to turn the tide!"
Inside the Hokage Office, the three who had worn such grim expressions instantly relaxed somewhat.
Jiraiya watched the mature, composed Naruto on the Sky Screen, using Perfect Sage Mode, and nodded in satisfaction, his