After losing the use of his arms to the Reaper Death Seal, Orochimaru immediately ordered a retreat.
His subordinates quickly withdrew, escorting him out of Konohagakure.
Konoha ninja pursued without hesitation.
A stream of fire surged forward—
Hiruzen Sarutobi's lingering will seemed to echo through the battlefield.
But Orochimaru raised a defense.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
With a heavy crash, the massive gates of Rashomon rose from the ground, blocking the attacks.
"Boom!!!"
A powerful strike shattered through the gates, but Orochimaru had already retreated beyond reach.
Chen Xing stood at a distance, watching calmly.
"…Too late," he muttered.
Even with Konoha's pursuit, Orochimaru escaped.
---
Not long after, the battlefield fell silent.
Konoha ninja gathered around the fallen body of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Grief spread through the village.
"The Hokage…"
No one could hide their sorrow.
---
The next day, the entire village remained in mourning.
The death of the Third Hokage marked a turning point. Though the invasion had been repelled, Konoha had suffered heavy losses.
Inside the Hokage's office, the elders gathered.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane spoke with serious expressions as they faced Jiraiya.
"The village needs a new Hokage," Homura said. "You are the most suitable candidate."
Jiraiya immediately shook his head.
"I'm not fit for that role."
Koharu frowned.
"If you refuse, Konoha will fall into instability."
Jiraiya sighed.
"There's someone better."
Their eyes sharpened.
"You mean…"
Jiraiya nodded.
"Tsunade. One of the Legendary Sannin. The granddaughter of the First Hokage. She has the strength and reputation to lead."
The elders exchanged glances.
"Then bring her back," Homura said.
Jiraiya smirked slightly.
"Leave it to me."
---
Just then, another issue surfaced.
"The Scroll of Seals… is missing."
Jiraiya's expression changed instantly.
"What?!"
Homura nodded grimly.
"The guards were killed. There are signs of battle, but no clear enemy."
Jiraiya frowned deeply.
"Orochimaru already knew the techniques inside. He has no reason to steal it now."
Koharu added,
"It may be another enemy… or someone acting alone."
Jiraiya fell silent, thinking.
"Whoever did this… they're dangerous."
---
The matter was kept secret to avoid panic.
Without evidence, suspicion remained uncertain.
Even Chen Xing was not directly implicated—especially since he had helped suppress Shukaku during the invasion.
---
Five days later, the funeral of the Third Hokage was held.
The entire village gathered in silence.
Smoke rose into the sky as one era came to an end.
---
After the funeral, Chen Xing prepared to leave.
The Chūnin Exams were over, and there was no reason to remain in Konoha.
As the village slowly began to recover, the next chapter of the ninja world was already beginning.