A creature resembling an enormous elephant with a long trunk was summoned. Its yellow skin, sharp beak and fangs, along with long nails on its limbs, demonstrate its extraordinary combat prowess.
The mythic dream-eating creature, the Dream Tapir, belongs to Shimura Danzō as his contracted summoned beast.
"Weng buzz~~"
The Dream Tapir emitted peculiar sounds and abruptly blew through its nose, creating strong gusts of wind.
Shimura Danzō commanded the Dream Tapir to engage the Nine Tails.
The Dream Tapir's size was comparable to that of the Nine Tails. Although its fighting strength is certainly not on the same level, it can still independently put up a resistance.
Danzo stated to those nearby, "Sarutobi, I will handle this guy for the time being, so you take care of Uchiha Fugaku and the other Uchiha."
Previously, Uchiha Fugaku had obstructed Sarutobi Hiruzen. Now, while the Nine Tails presented a challenge, sealing it is still achievable.
Hiruzen instructed those around him to launch an attack on the Nine Tails.
Shimura Danzō and his group were focused on Uchiha Naraku. Uchiha Itachi looked up and shot a frosty glance at Uchiha Naraku.
Ascend the Nine Tails alone and move straight towards Uchiha Naraku.
Even though the Nine Tails thrashed, it was unable to dislodge him. With others nearby, they continued climbing directly to the summit.
Uchiha Naraku had an unexpected reaction. His focus was not at all on Shimura Danzō, much less on the individual approaching him.
Disregarding those advancing towards him, the kunai in his grip flew one after another, aimed at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hiruzen sought openings to eliminate Uchiha Fugaku. Two Shadow Clones accompanied him with the Shinigami Seal, surrounding him in attempting to breach his Susanoo and seal his soul.
The abrupt kunai barrage startled him. Fortunately, the Monkey King intervened and blocked the assault for him.
Hiruzen scowled, not anticipating that Uchiha Naraku would dare to launch a sneak attack at this moment.
Just as he redirected his attention to the battle, an apparition silently emerged beside him.
Hiruzen heard a chilling laugh. "It is unwise to let your guard down, Hokage-sama."
"Whoosh. . . "
Suddenly, a blade enveloped in black flames appeared.
The blade was swung, and Hiruzen's head soared through the air, yet no blood escaped.
Because both his head and body ignited with black flames.
"Why am I floating? Is this the Fire of Amaterasu? Uchiha Naraku?"
"Kunai on the ground? Flying Thunder God Technique?"
With his head airborne, Hiruzen remained conscious for a brief moment.
"Hiruzen, ahhh," the monkey king cried out.
"Be quiet, monkey."
Uchiha Naraku's Amaterasu blade fiercely struck the golden cudgel.
Even the golden cudgel could not endure the Amaterasu flames.
"Ahhhhh." The anguish from the burning compelled the Monkey King to hastily cancel the Summoning.
"Poof."
As the monkey king vanished, Hiruzen's head plummeted to the ground.
"For Konoha. Konoha. . . " Hiruzen's head whispered. His eyes were vacant.
He did not foresee that he would face such a humiliating defeat.
"Konoha? Haha. For the will of fire, for Konoha, you'd better perish swiftly."
Hiruzen's breath slowly faded away. The Shadow Clones and Shinigami vanished along with it.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of Konoha and the Hokage to serve the longest, has passed away.
Naraku put his Amaterasu Blade back in its sheath and proceeded to utilize it once more as a support. Even though he has returned to his original state as if nothing occurred, the presence of Sarutobi Hiruzen here speaks volumes.