"Hmph," Enma snorted, listening to Hiruzen's confident reply. "You're pathetic, Sarutobi. Don't you think it's a little too late for that now?"
"Enough talk, Enma! Transform into the Adamantine Staff!"
"Fine! I will Transform!"
The Monkey King's body shifted and changed, instantly becoming a golden staff that flew into Hiruzen's waiting hands.
"Lord Hokage, we are here to help you!" Several of the village's most renowned Jonin appeared at Hiruzen's side.
Hiruzen nodded, asking in a low voice, "What is the situation in the village?"
Kakashi Hatake replied, "The forces from the Sand and Sound have been mostly suppressed. We currently have the advantage."
"As you predicted," Asuma Sarutobi added, "the remnants of the Uchiha clan have arrived. Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya have intercepted them outside the village. With those two there, there shouldn't be any problems."
As soon as he finished speaking, Izumo Kamizuki, a Chunin, suddenly appeared before Hiruzen, his body covered in wounds. "This is bad, Lord Hokage!" he said in a panic. "A large number of Uchiha have flooded into the village! They've already killed several of our Chunin and Anbu squads!"
"What?" Kurenai Yuhi pointed toward the outer wall, her voice full of surprise. "How is that possible? Aren't Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya fighting them right now?"
Outside the wall, the towering figures of Gamabunta and Katsuyu were still locked in combat, a sight that everyone could see clearly. With the strength of the two Sannin, how could so many of the enemy have slipped through the net?
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen sighed deeply. "It seems I have underestimated the Uchiha clan. It was my mistake. I should have sent more people to support Jiraiya and Tsunade."
"Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, Might Guy. The four of you, take the remaining Chunin and deal with the Uchiha who are in the village."
"Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, Aoba Yamashiro. You are all members of Minato's former guard. Go and assist him now."
Hearing Hiruzen's orders, Asuma grew anxious. "How can you do this? That would leave you with no one to protect you!"
Hiruzen smiled. "How could that be? Don't I still have Enma?"
Kurenai immediately knelt on one knee. "Lord Hokage, please allow Asuma and me to stay and assist you! This is not a sign of distrust in your abilities, but they are two former Hokage, and they possess immortal bodies. It would be far too difficult for you to handle them alone!"
As she was speaking, the surroundings were suddenly plunged into darkness.
"Strange, why did it get so dark?"
"This is…!"
As the other shinobi panicked, Hiruzen warned them sharply, "Do not panic! This is the First Hokage's genjutsu, Bringer-of-Darkness Technique! Enma, if you please!"
"Understood!" The eyes on the Adamantine Staff opened wide. After scanning the darkness, it locked onto a position not far away and instantly extended, punching a large hole through Hashirama Senju, who was in the middle of casting the jutsu. The next moment, light returned to the rooftop.
"The illusion has been broken!"
"As expected of Lord Enma!"
"Alright!" Hiruzen took a step forward, assuming a fighting stance. He turned and shouted, "Time waits for no one! Every second of hesitation will result in more casualties! Hurry and do as I have instructed!"
"This is my order as the Hokage! There will be no disobedience!" Hiruzen's tone was firm, his resolute eyes indicating that he had already made up his mind to sacrifice himself.
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