Chapter 10: 10. Regret?
**A/N:** I'm not going to show the entire fight between Hiruzen and Orochimaru. I'll be wrapping up the Chunin Exams plot in this chapter. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, I'd like your opinions on how the story should proceed. For example, should Naruto refuse the Sasuke retrieval mission, given his indifference toward Sasuke from the start? Even Goku had more screen time than Sakura. Also, how should I handle Tsunade and Naruto's relationship? I'm leaning toward a sibling-like bond or maybe a grandmother-grandson dynamic.
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**Third Person POV:**
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was locked in a fierce battle against Orochimaru and the reincarnated First and Second Hokage. Anyone with decent eyesight could tell that Hiruzen was struggling, his age clearly showing in his movements.
**Hiruzen POV:**
"I keep trying to get close to Orochimaru, but it's futile. He's too cautious and keeps his distance. At the same time, facing Sensei and Lord First, even at just 40% of their original strength, is no easy feat."
"I'm losing hope as the battle drags on. Worry and fear creep into my heart as I think about Konoha's future."
"Then, I see Naruto fighting on the battlefield, single-handedly turning the tide in our favor. For the first time in a long while, I smile—a genuine smile. I can now rest in peace, knowing that Konoha still has someone it can rely upon. Konoha still has a Namikaze."
"But if I'm going to die, I'll make sure I take my mistake down with me. Letting Orochimaru go in the past was my failure, and now I must pay for it. It's my responsibility."
"I'll use the Reaper Death Seal. I'll free Sensei and Lord First and do my best to take Orochimaru with me."
"As the fight continues, my eyes remain locked on the three of them, searching for the right opportunity. And there it is—Sensei is charging his Flying Thunder God, and Lord First is creating wood clones. I rush toward them at kage-level speed, weaving hand signs for the Reaper Death Seal."
"As I touch them, their bodies begin to dissolve, the process visible to the naked eye. Orochimaru doesn't even realize what's happening until I'm standing directly in front of him. I grab him tightly, refusing to let go."
**Orochimaru POV:**
"As I saw the previous Hokages dissolving, I froze in shock. Before I could react, Sensei grabbed me with both hands. A chill ran down my spine as I quickly stabbed him with my Kusanagi, but he didn't let go. He smiled weakly and muttered, 'It's farewell, Orochimaru.'"
"I didn't understand his words until I felt an icy chill in my soul. Panic consumed me as I struggled with all my strength, but it was useless. Sensei's bitter smile remained as he said, 'It's a pity I can't take you with me to the afterlife, but I will ensure that your most precious thing—your ninjutsu—is taken away.'"
"With that, I felt my connection to my techniques being ripped apart. I screamed in despair as Sensei's body collapsed lifelessly in front of me. Realizing the situation, I quickly retreated."
**Kakashi POV:**
"We watched as the enemy forces began to retreat, but none of us gave chase. Instead, we silently paid our respects to Hokage-sama and his sacrifice."
"The situation was already dire. As the barrier disappeared, I saw Naruto rushing toward Hokage-sama's body. His face was blank, but I knew better. Hokage-sama was the first person Naruto could truly call family—the only one who treated him like his own child. I pushed my thoughts aside and stared blankly at the sky."
**Third Person POV:**
Some cried. Others laughed out of madness. Many simply stared blankly. The invasion had dealt a significant blow to Konoha's infrastructure and the morale of its shinobi.
The greatest loss, however, was their Hokage. His sacrifice made everyone realize just how much the presence of the smiling old man had meant to the village.
**Naruto POV:**
"As I stared at his lifeless body, I couldn't stop the few tears threatening to fall. I couldn't afford to look weak, not now, with the entire village watching me."
"I wondered what they would think of me if they ever realized I could have stopped it all. Would they still see me as a hero if they knew I had let this happen?"
"As my mind spiraled into darker thoughts, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Jiraiya. He seemed to understand what I was thinking and said, 'It's a bitter truth, but life is like this. We can't save everyone. Sensei wouldn't have wanted you to blame yourself.'"
"Those words were all I needed to regain my composure."
**Third Person POV:**
The village held a funeral for the Third Hokage and all the shinobi who had sacrificed their lives. After the mourning period, Konoha began its reconstruction efforts.
Unlike the original timeline, Naruto created 2,000 shadow clones to assist with the repairs. With this overwhelming workforce, Konoha recovered completely in less than three days.
Now, we see our protagonist leaving Konoha with Jiraiya. But that's a story for another time.
**Peace.**
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