Kakashi cursed silently as he observed the chaos unfolding in Konoha. Danzo's refusal to aid in the defense was expected, but it still infuriated him. He knew Danzo's motives all too well. The Nine-Tails' attack was a perfect opportunity for Danzo to weaken the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, hoping he might even perish in the battle.
"Damn that old bastard!" Kakashi muttered under his breath. The other Root members had withdrawn, but Kakashi wasn't about to abandon his village, his teacher, and those he cared about. His heart clenched as he saw the Nine-Tails breaking through the village's defenses.
"Rin and Kurenai are heading to the battlefield too!" he realized, his concern for them propelling him forward.
As he sped towards the battle, a massive surge of chakra descended upon the battlefield. A figure appeared before the Nine-Tails, exuding an aura so powerful that the beast halted its advance.
"The Third Hokage…" Kakashi gasped, recognizing the formidable presence of Hiruzen Sarutobi. The sight of the Third wielding the Enma Staff with such ferocity was a stark contrast to the older, more frail version Kakashi knew from the future.
"Nine-Tails, leave Konoha, or face the consequences!" Hiruzen's voice boomed, his stance unwavering as he confronted the gigantic beast.
"It's the Third Hokage!"
"We're saved! The Third is here!"
"Now we can stop the Nine-Tails!"
The arrival of Hiruzen reignited hope among the Konoha ninjas. His presence alone bolstered their morale, giving them the strength to continue the fight.
The Nine-Tails, sensing the formidable power of the Third Hokage, let out a defiant roar. Despite hesitation, it lunged at Hiruzen, its massive paw swiping through the air with blinding speed.
"How can this be? The Nine-Tails is being controlled!" Hiruzen's sharp eyes caught the telltale of manipulation in the beast's gaze. The realization that someone could control the Nine-Tails, a feat only the legendary Uchiha Madara had accomplished, sent a chill down his spine.
"Enma Staff, expand!" Hiruzen commanded. The staff grew exponentially, becoming a massive weapon he wielded with both hands.
Boom!
The clash was monumental. The Nine-Tails' paw met the giant staff, the impact sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Though Hiruzen managed to deflect the blow, the sheer force pushed him back.
With a fierce determination, Hiruzen swung the enlarged staff at the beast. Recognizing the danger, the Nine-Tails leaped back, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow.
"Earth Style: Earth Flow River!" Hiruzen's hands moved in a blur, forming seals. The ground beneath the Nine-Tails transformed into a flowing river of mud, trapping the beast's legs and halting its advance.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bombs!" Hiruzen continued, launching a massive dragon-shaped fire attack that spiraled around the extended staff.
"Take this!" With a mighty roar, Hiruzen swung the flaming staff horizontally, aiming to sweep the beast off its feet. Unable to escape, the Nine-Tails was struck full force, its massive body sent tumbling.
"Roar!" The beast howled in pain, its body crashing into the ground and leaving a deep crater. The sight of the mighty Nine-Tails brought low by their Hokage filled the Konoha ninjas with renewed hope.
Kakashi arrived just in time to witness the spectacle, amazed by the Third Hokage's power. The man was indeed worthy of his title.
But the Nine-Tails were far from defeated. With an enraged roar, it rose again, its eyes blazing with fury. It charged at Hiruzen with reckless abandon.
Kakashi tightened his grip on the Justice Blade, ready to join the fray. "This is going to be tougher than I thought," he muttered, steeling himself for the battle ahead. The fate of Konoha rested on their shoulders.