Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that his era had ended.
Even then, he had already felt that he was truly old. (Chapter 58)
Looking at Uchiha Minamoto's far-too-young face, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly recalled many things from years ago.
Back then, he had still been a young jonin brimming with spirit.
His teacher, Tobirama Senju, had just died in battle, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had taken command in a crisis, becoming Konoha's Third Hokage.
Back then, he had been just like Uchiha Minamoto was now.
Young, powerful, and carrying everyone's hopes.
And yet.
Time passed, and the years cut like knives.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had grown old.
Shimura Danzō had died.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had also been sent to the Konoha Military Police Force Prison by Uchiha Minamoto himself.
The quartet that had once stood atop Konoha's pyramid of power.
The so-called "Konoha F4."
Now, only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained, standing alone before them.
In the world of ninja, strength reigned supreme in the end.
Hashirama Senju had become the First Hokage because he had defeated every enemy in direct combat, including Madara Uchiha, until they submitted;
Hiruzen Sarutobi's teacher, Tobirama Senju, had become the Second Hokage because he, too, had been strong enough.
And his student's student, Minato Namikaze, had become the Fourth Hokage because his strength had surpassed that of the Sannin;
As for him, Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had become the Third Hokage because, in that era, his strength had earned everyone's recognition.
But what about now?
Hiruzen Sarutobi had grown old.
Whether in strength or spirit.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had become a mere shadow of his former self.
Though Hiruzen Sarutobi did not want to admit it, deep down, he knew better than anyone.
Konoha had reached where it was today not because of him, Hiruzen Sarutobi, but because of Uchiha Minamoto.