The Grand Shinobi Cinema, a marvel of modern architecture nestled discreetly within the outskirts of Konohagakure, hummed with an unusual energy. Today was not a day for historical documentaries or educational films on chakra theory. A special, highly anticipated screening had been arranged, its content shrouded in mystery, only hinted at as a "trans-dimensional cultural exchange" by the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade.
The massive auditorium, usually reserved for diplomatic events or major village announcements, was packed. Every seat, from the plush, front-row recliners to the tiered benches at the back, held a shinobi of renown. Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, sat beside his brother Tobirama, both reanimated, yet fully present and intrigued. Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, floated slightly above his seat, arms crossed. Gaara, the Kazekage, sat solemnly beside Kankurō and Temari. Mei Terumī, the Mizukage, shared a row with a surprisingly lucid Killer B and the other Jinchuriki – Yugito Nii, Rōshi, Han, Fū, Utakata, and Yagura (the reanimated version, thankfully free of Obito's influence for now).
In the rows behind them sat Konoha's finest: Tsunade, Kakashi Hatake, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Shibi Aburame, and Chōza Akimichi forming a formidable line of leadership. Might Guy and Rock Lee sat together, radiating excitement, while Kurenai Yūhi, Asuma Sarutobi, and Ebisu chatted quietly. Ibiki Morino and Anko Mitarashi exchanged dark jests. Naruto Uzumaki, flanked by Sakura Haruno, Sasuke (who was not on the character list, so I'll omit him), Hinata Hyūga, Neji Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka (with Akamaru dozing at his feet), Shino Aburame, Chōji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Sai, and Tenten, practically vibrated with anticipation. Even the ever-observant Yamato, the stoic Yūgao Uzuki, the no-nonsense Tsume Inuzuka, and veterans like Genma Shiranui, Aoba Yamashiro, and Iruka Umino were present. Kushina Uzumaki, a special guest, sat with Shizune, her boisterous energy barely contained.
The lights dimmed, a hush falling over the vast room. The Shinobi Cinema logo, a soaring hawk over a stylized Konoha leaf, faded, replaced by static. Then, a strange, futuristic cityscape, bathed in neon and holographic advertisements, shimmered into view. A narrator's voice, calm and detached, explained a phenomenon: "Sword Art Online. A virtual reality MMORPG. Ten thousand players, trapped within its digital confines. Death in the game means death in the real world."
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "A genjutsu of this scale... or something far more alarming."
The film progressed, showing the initial panic, the realization of their predicament. Survival of the fittest. Then, the screen focused on a chilling development: player killers. Not rogue individuals, but a organized guild, known by a blood-red emblem: a grinning skull. The "Laughing Coffin."
A collective shudder ran through the room as the camera zoomed in on a figure. A young man with unruly green hair, once seemingly meek, now wore a terrifyingly serene smile. His eyes, once bright, gleamed with a cold, unsettling intelligence. His movements were fluid, precise, as he used enhanced strength, a terrifying 'One For All' power, to brutally shatter an opponent's defense, his fists becoming instruments of destruction.
"Izuku Midoriya," the narrator calmly stated, "the leader of Laughing Coffin. A master strategist, a ruthless combatant, and a man who finds grim satisfaction in absolute power."
Naruto bolted upright. "What?! That's... that's not right! He's supposed to be a hero!" Hinata's hands flew to her mouth, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Sakura stared, horrified, at the casual brutality on screen.
Next, a figure erupted onto the screen, a whirlwind of explosions. Katsuki Bakugo, his spiky blond hair and volatile temper amplified to a terrifying degree. His explosions weren't for defense or propulsion; they were for pure, unadulterated annihilation. He cackled, a chilling sound, as he blew apart an opponent, the sheer destructive force leaving nothing but scorched earth.
