After the terrifying battle between Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama concluded, the projection screens hovering above the Ninja World vanished once more, as if they had never been there.
Although the screens were gone, everyone knew that someday, they would likely reappear, revealing more scenes from the future or the past.
...
Konoha Village,
The final words Lord First Hokage spoke as he struck down Uchiha Madara still echoed in the minds of countless people: No matter who it was, anyone who dared to oppose the village would not be spared.
No one doubted the weight of that declaration. After all, even someone as powerful as Uchiha Madara was cut down when he crossed Hashirama's bottom line.
Of course, the method – stabbing a friend in the back – lingered as well...
Ōnoki standing with his hands behind his back, looking up thoughtfully and said: "I never expected Hashirama would go that far for the village! Willing to use a sneak attack and potentially tarnish his reputation by killing his closest friend."
Sarutobi Hiruzen : "Lord Hashirama's love for Konoha was beyond anyone's imagination. His Will of Fire has been passed down through generations. That is why Konoha has always remained the number one shinobi village."
Fourth Raikage hearing this, slightly irritated retorted: "Sarutobi Hiruzen, I wouldn't argue about Konoha being number one when the First, Second, or Fourth Hokage were around. But under your leadership? Don't make me laugh. Your village seems pretty weak right now to be making such bold claims."
Ōnoki: "The Raikage's words are blunt, but he has a point. Iwagakure is definitely not weaker than Konoha currently!"
Terumi Mei hurriedly trying to mediate and said: "Now isn't the time for squabbling. After this viewing, we all have a renewed understanding of Uchiha Madara's terrifying strength. Without power comparable to Hashirama's, facing Madara would mean certain death!"
Fourth Raikage snorted and said: "Are you implying that none of us five Kage could defeat him?"
"There are only four Kage present!" Ōnoki reminding him.
Baki: "..." remains silent, representing Sunagakure alone here.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed , didn't refute the claims thinking that 'Times have certainly changed...'
Ōnoki proposing again: "Our priority now must be to capture Orochimaru at all costs! We have to stop him from potentially reanimating Uchiha Madara using Edo Tensei!"
Fourth Raikage: "I agree. Another major concern is the Akatsuki organization. Their activities across the ninja world are becoming increasingly brazen. And Ōnoki," addressing him directly "I need to call you out specifically. You've had the most dealings with Akatsuki in the past."
Ōnoki: "Let's not dwell on the past. From this point forward, we stand united! Baki," Ōnoki turning to the Suna representative "your village needs to select a new Kazekage as soon as possible. Governing without one will become problematic."
Baki nodded in agreement as he already had a candidate in mind.
...
After the discussions concluded, Sarutobi Hiruzen escorted the other leaders out of the village, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
Just then, Shiranui Genma and Yamashiro Aoba arrived at the village gates, carrying the gravely injured Hyūga Neji and Akimichi Chōji. They ran right into Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other Konoha officials.
"Neji!"
"Chōji!"
Hyūga Hiashi and Akimichi Chōza rushed forward, nervously assessing their nephew and sons' conditions respectively. The more they checked, the more horrified they became. Both boys were hovering near death.
Hyūga Neji, in particular, was covered in wounds. One injury had pierced clean through his left shoulder, narrowly missing his heart.
The gruesome sight made Tenten burst into tears. She ran to Neji's side, squatting down and taking his hand, unable to believe that the genius she admired could be hurt so badly.
"No! Neji, you can't die! I haven't even surpassed you yet!" Rock Lee, leaning on crutches, came over and desperately shook Neji's unresponsive body.
"Brother Neji!" Tears welled in Hinata's eyes, too distressed to keep looking at Neji's battered face.
And Chōji, beside him, wasn't faring much better. He had taken his clan's secret Three Colored Pills, and his body now showed signs of extreme depletion and exhaustion, like a squeezed-out sponge. His life force was fading rapidly.
"Chōji! You idiot! Why did you take the third pill?!" Ino couldn't help but cry out, blaming him even as she worried.
But Chōji was already unconscious, unable to answer. He had chosen to fight with everything he had, desperate to prove he wasn't a burden. He didn't regret his choice.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned deeply as he approached. He hadn't expected a mission led by Kakashi to end with such devastating casualties among the Genin.
"Quickly! Get them to the hospital's medical unit!" Sarutobi ordered sharply.
"Yes, sir!"
...
Two hours later
Asuma returned with Nara Shikamaru and Inuzuka Kiba. It was clear that while their injuries weren't fatal, both were deeply shaken and exhausted. Kiba had a nasty gash on his abdomen, and his face was bruised and swollen.
"Lord Third! Where are Neji and Chōji?" Shikamaru asked anxiously, his voice strained.
Sarutobi paused for a moment before replying solemnly:
"They're in the intensive care unit. You should go there too."
"Right!"
Shikamaru dragged his weary body towards the ICU.
But when he saw the state Neji and Chōji were in, it was like being struck by lightning. His legs gave out, and he collapsed straight onto the floor.
Their injuries... he felt responsible.
In that instant, overwhelming self-blame flooded Shikamaru's heart, and tears streamed down his face. All of this... it was his failure as team leader!!!
Nearby, Nara Shikaku watched his son break down. He didn't step forward to comfort him, choosing instead to silently light a cigarette. He wanted Shikamaru to grow from this. A true shinobi must learn to face even the harshest outcomes with strength.