“The second Hokage’s last mission”

"We're surrounded."

"The number of enemies is twenty. Judging by their tracking skills, they appear to be elite troops under the command of the Gold and Silver Brothers of the Hidden Cloud Village."

In the Land of Fire, amidst the forest, a man in blue armor stood calmly, showing no panic on his cold face.

The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, brought his fingers together and touched the grass. It only took him a few seconds to sense the presence of the enemies behind them.

By his side, six Konoha shinobi surrounded him, each with a different expression.

"Originally, the Hidden Cloud Village had formed an alliance with Konoha, but the Gold and Silver Brothers betrayed the Second Raikage and killed him. After that, they launched a fierce ambush on us. If it weren't for your Flying Thunder God Technique, none of us would have escaped," said Mitokado Homura in a low voice.

"The Gold and Silver Brothers are incredibly powerful. We're only seven, and they have twenty elites. If this goes on… we have no chance," he added.

Before he could finish, Utatane Koharu interrupted him:

"How can you say such pessimistic things? The enemies still don't know our exact location. We can use that to our advantage and surprise them. We can still escape if we strike precisely."

"Impossible!"

Akimichi Torifu said solemnly: "In this situation, someone must act as bait to distract the Gold and Silver Brothers. Without that, it will be impossible to break the encirclement. But… this also means certain death for whoever does it."

Everyone fell silent, fully aware of what this decision entailed.

"Bait? Who will be the bait?" muttered Shimura Danzō, as his knees trembled slightly, showing his inner turmoil.

"Why can't I say it? Am I afraid of death? My father and grandfather died on the battlefield for Konoha, and I should be prepared to do the same. But if I die now… I'll never become Hokage. Hiruzen? What are you thinking? Are you hesitating too?"

"I'll be the bait!"

Before Danzō could finish his thoughts, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward with firm determination, showing his willingness to sacrifice himself.

Shimura Danzō: "What?!"

Akimichi Torifu: "Sarutobi…"

Mitokado Homura: "Hiruzen, you…"

Utatane Koharu: "As expected of you, my friend."

Everyone looked at him with both surprise and understanding. They knew of Hiruzen's strong sense of responsibility and his courage, even in the face of death.

Hiruzen's determination dispelled the fear in Danzō's heart, who stopped trembling and looked at him with frustration. Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder.

"From now on, we're all counting on you, Danzō."

"Shut up!" shouted Danzō angrily. "I was about to offer myself as bait! Do you think you're the only one capable of making a sacrifice? I'm a Konoha shinobi too, and I'm no coward, monkey!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him, confused.

Senju Tobirama, who had been observing everything, spoke calmly:

"Danzō, you and Sarutobi always compete over everything, but when the village is in danger, you must put aside your differences. If you don't unite, Konoha will fall. Sacrifice is a difficult decision, but it's necessary."

"I will be the bait."

"No, Lord Tobirama! You are the Second Hokage. You can't sacrifice yourself!" protested Danzō.

Tobirama shook his head:

"We all must be prepared to sacrifice our lives for Konoha. My duty is to protect the village, even at the cost of my life."

After saying this, Tobirama turned to Hiruzen:

"Sarutobi, protect those who believe in you and cultivate the next generation to inherit the Will of Fire."

"From this moment on… you are the Hokage."

Hiruzen was stunned. Danzō, filled with jealousy, lowered his head, unable to hide his frustration.

After giving his orders, Tobirama walked away, ready to face the Gold and Silver Brothers and buy time for the others to escape.

Homura and Koharu began planning the breakout strategy.

"Koharu, Homura… I won't join the breakout," said a young man with black hair and determined eyes. It was Uchiha Shisui.

"What are you saying?" asked Koharu in surprise.

"I'm going to save Lord Tobirama," Shisui replied calmly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen grabbed his shoulder. "Shisui, you can't! Even Tobirama is willing to sacrifice himself for us. If you go, you'll only die."

"I know, but I can't abandon him," said Shisui.

"If you go alone, it's too dangerous," insisted Hiruzen.

"I know," Shisui replied. "That's why I need help. Danzō, will you come with me?"

Danzō: "ಥ_ಥ What?!