Please forgive me, after Naruto ended I don't know what happened I lost the spark to write this story. But I couldn't let you guys down I had to get my drive back so I continued where I left off during the war in the Anime, jammed to some NaruMusic and my excitement grew my spark returned and now I present to you Ch 24 with the promise the Ch 25 will be complete by Wed Night/Thur Morning at the latest Im working on it as hard as I can right now. The Complete Konoha Crush Arc will end this week so please enjoy.

Here is one GIANT SHOUTOUT to you all thank you for the continued Reviews, Favs and Follows there is a bit more I want to say but I'll save that for the end of Chapter 25 for now enjoy.

Zero Hour the Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Begins

In the Stands

"What the hell is going on" Kiba

Sakura turned to him and whispered lowly "Duh baka it's the attack we have been preparing for the last month"

"Oh yeah" Kiba replied

"JIJI!" Naruto yelled seeing the smoke cover the Kage Area and prepared to jump off to help him but Kakashi already knowing his student too well grabbed his shoulder

"Leave it to me" an Anbu squad leader yelled out as he and his squad dashed over to where the Kages were

"Naruto relax the Anbu will protect the Hokage your place his here" Kakashi said trying to calm down his student. His heart was in the right place but they had to stick to the plan

Kage Area

"Kazekage-dono what is this" Hiruzen turned and asked his fellow Kage a feeling a dread slowly creeping up his stomach as the Kazekage just remain silent staring at him intently

"Hokage-dono" Raido the appointed guard for this event checked on the Hokage as he sensed the Anbu rapidly approaching while the smoke thickened

Competitors Area

"GAARA!" both Kankuro and Temari yelled jumping from their post and rushing to join their brother

Kage Area

Another squad of Anbu joins the first squad. This second squad's leader had a white cloak instead of the standard black.

"Squad 1 above, Squad 2 below protect the nobles" he commanded and as they left he turned around to see two figures come out of the smoke headed right for them holding kunai's, standing firm before them he reached into his sleeves drawing two kunai "YOU WILL NOT INTERFERE" and quickly cut them down to size

The other four members of his squad were about dive into the smoke when they heard someone scream in agony...they feared the worst.

The smoke cleared a little and they saw Raido was impaled with two kunai and watched as two more were thrown into him

Before he passed out he spoke "Hng Hokage-dono you must flee...escape now"

The Hokage stared at his guard praying he wasn't dead, when suddenly he felt something wrap around his neck. Looking out of the corner of his eye Hiruzen saw the Kazekage was holding a kunai to his neck. The Kazekage with Hiruzen in two then jumped up to the roof of the Kage Area.

Behind the Anbu team the four pieces of body that the Anbu cut apart began to stir until four single forms popped out and joined the Kages on the roof, each standing on a different corner.

One of the four who all wore Sound Ninja garb spoke "Ahh finally it's my time" he strangely had 6 arms

Another one with some kind of growth on his back spoke after him "We've all been waiting for this I was so frustrated stuck in that get up"

"You're all sweaty too, so gross" the only female of the four spoke up she had bright red hair

Lastly the large one spoke softly "Come guys we're all friends here right?"

'The Hokage looked at his surroundings 'Oto-nin...that only means'

"Raido..." One of the Anbu said worrying about his friend

The captain worried about his fellow shinobi as well got back into battle mode "Let's go, we have to back up Lord Hokage beware of traps"

"Yes Sir" they all agreed

The Kazekage aware that the Anbu are about to move yelled to his four guards "Do it"

The four Oto-nin performed hand signs and called out "Shishienjin (Ninja Art: Four Violet Flames Formation) summoning a giant violet barrier. One of the Anbu chasing after them touches the barrier and dies.

The others stop mid chase "Damn it a barrier, we have to figure out a way past it without dying...but how?"

Spectator Area

Kakashi and Gai and the rest of their comrades look to see the barrier that was put around the Hokage.

"They out witted the Anbu and they're supposed to be the best" Kakashi said clenching his fist

"Jiji" Naruto yelled out slipping past Kakashi and down the stairs but is stopped when a single Anbu dressed in a black cloak and appears

"What are you doing here the Hokage needs your help" Ino yelled out but soon stopped when some of the 'sleeping' civilians jump out of their clothes and reveal themselves as Oto-nin as they line up beside the solo Anbu

"What a pain" Kakashi stated

Gai nodded "An enemy parading around an Anbu Black Ops and it seems like he was the one casting the jutsu"

Naruto caught the scent "Wait a minute I know that scent it's you isn't...Kabuto" he growled

The other younger shinobi all chimed in "WHAT!"

Kabuto said nothing and only smirked beneath his mask.

Sealed off Kage Area

While they discovered who was behind the mask, the Hokage was dealing with his own unmasking.

"Maybe old age makes you blind to the truth...Sarutobi-sensei"

Hiruzen's eyes widened with realization 'It's you...'

In the Village

Meanwhile, Suna shinobi have summoned a giant three headed snake and it breaks through the wall. Then invading Oto and Suna ninja infiltrate Konoha, and battles begin breaking out across the village.

Arena

Takeru kneeling trying to regain his chakra stared at the barrier 'so it's begun…damn it I'm no use to anyone right now, I'm spent after just trying to survive against him'

"Gaara calm down" he heard Temari say and turned back to see a still bleeding Gaara trying to slink towards him

"I...must...kill him...hng..." Kankuro and Temari try to stop him "out...of my...way"

Baki steps between his students and Takeru, he then orders Kankurō and Temari to carry Gaara from the village so that he can recover. Takeru prepares to pursue them, despite his current status but Genma appears and stops him.

"Takeru they Chunin exam ends here for you, you and your friends have all shown chunin level skills...I know your parents and Godfather would be proud rest for now I'll handle this" Genma told the boy behind him

Sealed off Kage Area

The two 'Kages' were having another conversation

"I've defeated you...old man" the Kazekage sneered

Hiruzen smirked "Nothing is decided until the very end...I taught you that years ago didn't I...Orochimaru"

The Kazekage reached up and pulled his face off revealing the Hebi-nin.

"I knew or at least or at least thought this day would eventually arrive however...you won't defeat me that easily" Sarutobi turned his head to his former student

Orochimaru smirked "Kukuku I told you...you should have chosen the 5th Hokage before now, because right here right now you are going to die"

Academy

While thinking about how Naruto and the others are doing during the exam Iruka looks up to see the smoke cloud coming from the Arena. Knowing what that meant, he and the other teachers calmly led all the students to the underground bunker.

Elsewhere Ibiki received a report stating that the invasion had started, he then gives his orders.

Spectators Area

"We've been careless and now even Hokage-sama is..." Gai looked to check the status of their leader when his keen eye sight saw something terrifying "...Kakashi look over there"

The copy ninja turned to see it "Orochimaru" he had a serious look on his face reminded of when the Hebi-nin tried to take Sasuke during the sealing. 'So Anko's guess was right on the money...this will get ugly...but we're prepared"

Sasuke looked to see the man who is after his body holding to Hokage captive "Damn it so this was his plan, that Hebi bastard"

One of the Oto-nin disliked this boy speaking ill about his master and went to attack him.

Sakura saw this "Sasuke-kun lookout"

Sasuke turned ready to take down the fool who attacked him when Kakashi appeared in front of him slashing and knocking the enemy away. Turning back to his student "Yes Sasuke-kun..." he chuckled "...we will trim the enemies number down to size...you 3 have your mission"

Naruto turned to Hinata and then looked at Sasuke and Kakashi "Hai sensei"

The other Konoha shinobi in the stands begin fending off the invading forces. Ino and Sakura fight back to back showing off their increased taijutsu skills. Kiba and Akamaru uses the man beast clone technique, while Choji expands his hand and claps several Oto-nin unlucky enough to get caught in his grasp. Team 7 helps fend off a few Oto-Nins, while Kakashi and Gai meet up back to back as well.

"I worried about Hokage-sama" Gai ponders blocking and knocking an enemy back

Kakashi ducks and kicks another Oto-nin back "Remember Gai he's no pushover...he is the Hokage he can handle it"

"Right" Gai agreed as the two switch sides and the green clad ninja punches an Oto-nin into a wall.

"So fast..." the Oto-nin coughed out

Gai smirked "Not just fast...but powerful" showing his strength and punching the Oto-nin clear through the Arena wall creating an opening

"Naruto take your team and go now" Kakashi orders

Blocking and kicking an Oto-nin back Naruto sees the opening "Right..." he sniffed the air finally catching on to Gaara's scent "...got it Hinata, Sasuke move out"

"Hai" they both said meeting up with him at the exit and all leaping into the forest

Sakura who blocks and Oto-nin's kick while Ino kicks him away looks at the gaping hole 'Be careful Sasuke-kun'

In the Forest

Just a little ways beyond the arena Naruto orders Team 7 to stop on the ground floor. Hinata pulls out at sealing scroll and releases it revealing her Bow and a quiver of arrows.

While she did this Naruto performs the Summoning Technique hand seals. Slamming it on the ground a cloud of smoke appears and then 3 horse sized foxes each with 5 tails pops now prepared Naruto, Sasuke and Hinata each get on a fox and take off after Gaara.

Competitor Area

Moments after the fighting started.

"It has begun and we have our roles to play" Shino turned to Shikamaru

The lazy genius was acting like he was asleep on the ground

A tick mark appeared on Shino's head "I know that you are not asleep, if you do not get up...I will send my beetles to eat your chakra." he said in a slow creepy tone

"Alright alright, I'm up geez Shino...this is so troublesome" Shikamaru got up

Shino nodded and shunshined away to his mission, while Shikamaru walked to his.

Sealed off Kage Area

After exchanging more pleasantries Orochimaru revealed his so called motives, and released his hold on the Hokage and the two stared off.

"I never thought I would face you in battle again" Orochimaru sneered

The Anbu waited helplessly outside of the barrier, hoping that the Hokage would take out at least one of the Oto-nin inside with him. The 6 armed man, sensing the fight about to start ordered all four make barriers behind them as well.

"So it would seem I won't be getting out of this so easily" Hiruzen scoffed seeing the barriers go up

"Of course it won't be easy...I know you it would be a big bother if someone came in to help you and got in your way wouldn't it" the Hebi replied

Hiruzen simply smirked and dashed off forward so did his enemy. "Kawara Shuriken (Ninja Art: Tile Shuriken)"

And with that...the epic battle begins

Elsewhere

9 Oto-nin prepare to follow Team 7. As they stood atop the stadium having gotten info cards from Kabuto, their captain gave the order and they jumped into the forest after them. One of them spotted tracks on the ground and halted his team to investigate. Suddenly they all stopped moving.

"What the hell is this I can't move" one of the Oto-nin cried out

"Yea that tends to happen when I catch you with my Shadow"

They heard a voice say and Shikamaru turned around to face them and the 8 of them did the same due to the shadows controlling them.

"What we were caught by this brat" the Captain said

Shikamaru smirked "It's troublesome but I can't have you going after my friends"

"Foolish boy you're going to die here…Gento now" the Oto Captain ordered…but nothing happened

Suddenly a figure dropped down behind Shikamaru.

"You did well Shikamaru…now if you don't mind dropping the Shadow…wouldn't wanna make it too easy for me" the figure called out

Shikamaru smirked "Hai Asuma-sensei"

The genin released his jutsu and the screams of pain began.

Further in the Forest

Temari, Kankurō, and Gaara notice that there are more people chasing them.

"I don't like this…there are at least 7 chakra signatures following us at a high speeds" Temari pointed out

"Damn it…when they catch up to us I'll slow them down, just get Gaara out of here" Kankuro replied as they stopped and he handed his little brother off to his sister and they took off once more.

Sealed off Kage Area

Orochimaru begins his battle with The Third Hokage. They both display powerful techniques in what the observing Anbu describes as a "Kage-level battle". Early in the battle Hiruzen tossed a shuriken and preformed the Multi Shadow Shuriken technique, Orochimaru weaves his hand signs.

"KUCHIYOSE: EDO TENSEI (SUMMONING JUTSU: REANIMATION)"

The coffins rising from the ground blocked the Hokages on coming attack. Hiruzen was horrifyied by what his former student was about to do.

"I must stop the third one at any cost" he said weaving counter seals to prevent the 3rd coffin from rising

As the final coffin sunk back into the abyss Orochimaru stood behind the first two 'So the 3rd one failed did it…well no matter

As the coffins opened to reveal the First Hokage and Second Hokage, Hiruzen was saddened. The risen Hokage apologize to their former student as Orochimaru prepares them for combat.

"I never thought I would have to face my brethren in battle…curse you Orochimaru"

In the Forest

As Team 7 discussed what they will do once they catch up to them. Kurama contacts Naruto.

'KIT I KNOW YOU ARE FOCUSED ON THE MISSION AT HAND BUT I HAVE A QUESTION'

'What's up Kurama-sensei?'

'WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO AGAINST THE ONE TAIL BOY'

'I…I don't actually know…at first after he hurt bushy brow really bad all I wanted to do was kill him…but that day in the hospital when Gaara tried to kill Lee and revealed his past. I realized that we have similar pasts, only…he chose to remain in the darkness of solitude. I've been wondering since that day…if I didn't have Oji and Oba-san…or Takeru…or Jiji Hokage…or Iruka-sensei…or Kakashi-sensei…or Sasuke…or Hinata-chan…or the others…I could have ended up…just like him'

Kurama sighed knowing what this boy and by proxy all other Jinchūriki had or have to go through 'HMMM…NOW THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PAST YOU SHARED AND WHAT DRIVES HIM TO DO WHAT HE DOES…I ASK AGAIN WHAT WILL YOU DO…NARUTO?'

Naruto outside of his mind scape looked at Sasuke, then to his girlfriend. 'I think…what I would like to do…is save him…but I will do whatever it takes to protect them NO MATTER WHAT!'

Kurama closed his eyes and smirked 'FOOLISH BOY I KNEW THAT WOULD BE YOUR ANWSER' he then cut the connection

Naruto and his squad pushed on towards their mission.

Sealed off Kage Area

The Hokage battle royal rages on while the Hebi-nin stands and watches. All three Hokage exchange varying elemental attacks, ranging from the 2nd Hokage's Suiton: Suishōha (Water Style: Water Shockwave) to the 1st Hokage's Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan (Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence) the display was amazing. The wood grew from out of the roof and completely incased the inside of the giant barrier.

Realizing he's outnumbered, the Third summons Enma to help him in battle, who transforms into a large staff to give the Third a weapon. To counter Orochimaru summons his Kusanagi Sword, with Enma in hand, the Third tries to attack Orochimaru though he is again repelled by the other two Hokages. Using his failure as an opportunity, the Third plants explosive tags on the two Hokages, taking away each of their legs. The legs, however, regenerate, showing the Third that conventional attacks are useless.

'Damn…curse that Orochimaru …Naruto-kun…Konohamaru-kun…I am sorry but there is no other way'

Out of options, Hiruzen prepares to use the only jutsu he knows that will work, though Orochimaru first decides to show him something. Removing the mask he had been wearing, Orochimaru reveals his "true" face, that of a young woman, whose body Orochimaru had stolen and begun to occupy.

"It…it can't be you've mastered even that forbidden jutsu you're no longer human…you're a demon

Orochimaru been cackling wildly, recognizing this as his failed student's success in finally achieving a path to immortality, the search for which he had been expelled from Konoha for, Hiruzen begins to understand why Orochimaru has come to Konoha: to take the body of Sasuke Uchiha.

In the briefest of moments Hashirama the 1st clapped his hand together as more wood sprang forth from the ground, Sarutobi grabbed Enma and created a cage protecting him

"What's wrong with you, this isn't like you" Enma asked his friend

Panting Hiruzen answers "I'm…sorry"

Hiruzen remained silent thinking about the past and how all of these could have been avoided…if he had simply killed his corrupt student. Determined to rectify his mistake of allowing Orochimaru to escape years earlier, the Third stills his resolve.

"Now I'll correct my mistake and bury you once and for all" Hiruzen yelled out grasping Enma and dispelling the cage as he prepared for his final move. "It's time to end this!"

"Whatever you are planning you are two late Sarutobi-sensei, its over Konoha will fall"

"You forgetting that Konohagakure no Sato is my home and as Hokage I am entrusted with my homes protection, I am head of the house the central pillar he who seeks to destroy my home must first destroy me and I warn you...IT WILL NOT BE EASY!" Hiruzen

He creates two shadow clones, and all of the Thirds prepare to use Dead Demon Consuming Seal, a technique the Third claims Orochimaru, despite his extensive knowledge of jutsus, has never seen before. Tobirama cast a genjutsu that covered the area in darkness as the demon called forth by the seal, only able to be seen by the Third, readies itself the Third is forced to endure the other two Hokages' blows, weakening his old body even more.

In the Forest

Kankuro breaks off to stall them so that Temari and Gaara can escape.

"Finally caught up to you" Naruto said as the foxes all stopped. Team 7 finally manages to catch up to their prey.

The Suna Siblings turned around to face their pursuers and were surprised to see Naruto, Sasuke and Hinata riding large 5 tailed foxes.

"This is the end of the line for you" Sasuke stated

Kankuro looked to his sister and nodded. "Temari go now" he yelled as he tossed several poison bombs at Team 7 causing them to scatter. After they regroup and Sasuke offers to deal with him but Shino appears and tells them to go ahead.