When confronted with death, the essence of the will of fire and the principles of ninja ethics appeared to be utterly meaningless.
For those individuals who chose to flee, Uchiha Naraku was not particularly concerned. Had he been more radical, he might have taken their lives for added rewards.
Fortunately, those individuals did not push him.
With these ninjas dealt with, only Sarutobi Hiruzen and a few others remained.
Victory was within reach.
Hiruzen appeared on the verge of collapse.
This old man has held the position of Hokage for many years.
Naraku had not witnessed this elderly man truly putting himself on the line.
He had consistently stayed back, leading the troops and directing the battlefield, issuing commands as needed. Occasionally, he would join the fight during critical moments to uplift the troops' spirits.
Now it was his moment to exhibit his will of fire.
A Tailed Beast Bomb could not be unleashed at such a short distance. Nevertheless, the immense power of the Nine Tails' sizeable form was fearsome.
With a terrifying roar, the Nine Tails' massive claw descended upon Hiruzen.
His staff expanded rapidly to counter the attack.
Even in his aged physique, he could respond to swift strikes, and as Konoha's Hokage and a 'ninjutsu professor,' he possessed considerable experience.
Especially in the realms of taijutsu and ninjutsu.
However, when it came to his stamina, that wasn't necessarily true.
Naraku exclaimed, "As expected from Hokage-sama. Lord Hokage, allow me to show you my will of fire!"
Hiruzen retaliated with renewed vigor.
Perched atop the Nine Tails, Uchiha Naraku initiated an illusion.
However, the illusion targeting Hiruzen was quickly dispelled by the monkey king.
Naraku glanced to the side and stated, "Uchiha Fugaku, do not waste time and unleash your full potential."
Upon hearing Naraku, Uchiha Fugaku commanded his Susanoo to rise to its second stage.
The offensive and defensive capabilities of the Susanoo were enhanced. Uchiha Fugaku was now capable of overpowering everything in a commanding fashion.
Hiruzen unleashed an attack.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bomb."
Even in the face of Sarutobi Hiruzen's Fire Style, Uchiha Fugaku did not evade but advanced, swinging his Susanoo's fist towards him.
Hiruzen defended using his stick, but after enduring several strikes, he could no longer hold on and was sent crashing back into the Hokage building behind him.
Hiruzen coughed out a mouthful of blood.
"Lord Hokage."
Witnessing the Hokage being attacked, the surrounding individuals grew anxious.
"I'm fine. For Konoha, even if I perish, I will take you down with me."
Sarutobi Hiruzen rose with a somber expression. At that moment, he was no longer the amiable figure he usually portrayed.
As things stood, the Uchiha were the ones he despised the most. Aside from them, there was also Shimura Danzō, who had yet to make an appearance, and those ninjas who had betrayed him and fled at the last moment.
After being Hokage for such an extensive period, caring for Konoha, and promoting the will of fire, in the end, everyone preferred to witness his demise.
There was no help arriving.
Believing that something might have occurred with the Sarutobi clan, he could only seek vengeance against the Uchiha.
'The Will of Fire, right? No one has the courage to teach me about the Will of Fire!'
'My determination alone represents the will of fire!'