Regretting his past failure to stop Orochimaru, Hiruzen prepares the Dead Demon Consuming Seal , a forbidden technique developed by the Fourth Hokage that requires the user’s life as a sacrifice.

Watch the intense moment Hiruzen Sarutobi prepares his final stand against Orochimaru's forbidden techniques:

Orochimaru reveals the true purpose of his research: Immortality . He peels away his face to show the stolen body of a girl, explaining his Living Corpse Reincarnation technique. He openly admits his goal is to take Sasuke’s body next.

This episode is a pivotal moment in the Konoha Crush Arc , focusing on the high-stakes battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru.

Sasuke finally catches up to Gaara, but Temari stalls him to allow Kankurō and a wounded Gaara to escape. Meanwhile, in the village, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, continues his desperate struggle against his former student, Orochimaru.