The old Hokage sat peacefully, puffing on his pipe as he gazed out the window at the Leaf. His wrinkled face serene.

Suddenly, a sound caught his attention. Hiruzen’s demeanor instantly changed. His eyes narrowed and shoulders tensed, pipe forgotten.

"Who goes there?" he asked sharply, a hard edge creeping into his usually kind tone. When no response came, he made a swift series of hand signs, gathering chakra. "I will not ask again. Reveal yourself or suffer the consequences.”