The arena was momentarily silent as the dust from the battle began to settle, leaving Naruto standing victorious over Neji. The crowd, initially stunned, slowly erupted into cheers. The skepticism that had filled the stadium before the match dissipated, replaced by admiration for the underdog who had defied the odds.

In the stands, Asuma Sarutobi leaned back in his seat, a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips. A proud smile played on his face as he observed Naruto's unwavering stance.

"Who would've thought? That knucklehead really pulled it off," he muttered, a blend of surprise and respect evident in his tone. Kurenai Yuhi, seated beside him, nodded in agreement.

"He showed more than just brute strength," she added thoughtfully. "There was strategy in his actions. We might just have the first chunin of this exam."

Sakura, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for her teammate. Naruto, the boy everyone had written off, had just proven himself to be a formidable opponent. Her gaze shifted to Hinata, who was practically glowing with pride.

Hinata's eyes, however, were focused solely on Neji. She noticed the subtle change in his expression, a mix of disbelief and something else a realization that perhaps his worldview was beginning to shift.

Ino, standing next to Sakura, was in disbelief. She had underestimated Naruto like so many others, but seeing him defeat Neji, a prodigy, left her speechless. The reality of the situation was slowly sinking in, Naruto wasn't just the class clown anymore. He was one of the potential runners up for becoming a chunin.

xxx

In another part of the stadium, Hanabi Hyuga watched the match with wide eyes, her young mind trying to process what she had just witnessed. Naruto Uzumaki, the boy she had always heard was a talentless, dead-last orphan, had just defeated Neji, the Hyuga clan's prodigy. "How did he do it?" she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else, her disbelief evident in her voice. The idea that someone like Naruto could possess such strength and skill was a concept she had never considered.

Beside her, Hiashi Hyuga's expression was composed, yet his mind was abuzz with thoughts. Watching Naruto stand victorious over Neji, Hiashi couldn't help but reflect on the chains of fate that had bound his nephew for so long. Those chains born of tradition, of duty, of an unforgiving past had weighed heavily on Neji, molding him into someone who believed that destiny was inescapable. But now, those very chains were being challenged, unraveled by the most unexpected of people.

Hiashi silently thanked Naruto, not just for the victory, but for what it represented. Naruto had done more than just win a battle he had shattered the illusion of fate's inevitability that had imprisoned Neji for so long. "The chains of fate," Hiashi mused, "are not unbreakable. They are forged by our beliefs, and they can be broken by our actions." The irony wasn't lost on him. Naruto, the one boy who seemed least bound by tradition or clan, had become the catalyst for Neji's change.

"He's more like his mother than he realizes," Hiashi reflected, recalling Kushina Uzumaki's fierce determination and her tendency to involve herself in others' lives, often without their permission but always with a clear purpose. It was a quality that had irked many, yet had ultimately earned her profound respect. Naruto, too, had this same knack for intervening in others' affairs. Yet, just like Kushina, his actions were driven by a deep sense of justice and an unwavering belief in the power to change one's destiny.

As the cheers from the stadium continued to echo, Hiashi made a decision. It was time to speak with Neji. The truth he had kept hidden for so long the truth about Neji's father needed to be revealed. Naruto's victory had shown Hiashi that change was possible, that the chains of fate could indeed be broken. He rose from his seat, his presence commanding attention from those around him, and began to make his way toward the medic room. Hanabi watched him go, still deep in thought.

xxx

In the shadows of the Kage booth, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, cast a glance toward the Kazekage, his old eyes narrowing slightly. He had sensed something off about his fellow Kage, but for now, his thoughts were focused on the match they had just witnessed. "Naruto Uzumaki," Sarutobi began, his voice tinged with pride, "he's come a long way. His strategy, his determination… they are commendable. He has shown the qualities of a true shinobi today."

Orochimaru, hidden beneath the guise of the Kazekage, allowed a thin smile to curl on his lips. His voice, altered to match the Kazekage's gruff tone, echoed Sarutobi's sentiment. "Indeed, Lord Hokage," he agreed, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling light. "Naruto Uzumaki has proven to be quite the prodigy. To have mastered the wind chakra nature in such a short span… it is impressive, to say the least."

As Sarutobi listened, his thoughts drifted to Rakuro, the shinobi he had entrusted with Naruto's training. Rakuro had always been a strict teacher, and it seemed that Naruto had absorbed his teachings well.

'As expected of Rakuro,' Sarutobi mused inwardly. 'I only hope that what I requested of him to train Naruto in, has borne fruit. '

Meanwhile, Orochimaru's mind churned with other thoughts. 'His mastery of wind style is indeed remarkable,' he thought. 'To think he accomplished that in just a month. Impressive… But then, it's no surprise, considering his lineage. The child of Minato and Kushina… their genes run strong in him.' A flicker of interest sparked within him. "I'll have to keep a close eye on him," Orochimaru resolved, his interest in Naruto growing.

Sarutobi broke the silence once more, his voice steady and filled with authority. "Naruto's display today was that of a true chunin. His combat skills, his strategy… he has shown that he is ready. He is our first chunin from this exam."

Orochimaru, still wearing the Kazekage's mask, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Hokage-dono, it is well-deserved," he said smoothly, though his mind was already shifting to another matter. "And what of Neji Hyuga?" he asked, his tone curious but probing.

Sarutobi's expression turned thoughtful. "Neji possesses excellent combat skills, there is no doubt. His control over the Byakugan and the Gentle Fist technique is exemplary. However, he failed to demonstrate the strategic thinking that is required of a chunin. A strong shinobi, yes, but strategy is as vital as strength."

Orochimaru nodded once more, his smile hidden beneath the Kazekage's veil. "I see," he replied. "Strength alone is not enough… even for a Hyuga."

xxx

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any more troublesome, Naruto," were the first words Naruto heard as he stepped into the waiting box.

"You haven't seen anything yet, Shikamaru. Just wait for my next match," Naruto replied with a smirk.

'Still, I had to rely on his chakra at the end to pull through. I've still got a long way to go,' Naruto thought, clenching his fist in frustration over not being able to defeat Neji with his own strength.

"Has Sasuke shown up yet? His match is next, and he'll be disqualified if he doesn't arrive on time," Naruto asked Shikamaru.

Shikamaru shook his head. "I don't know. He hasn't arrived yet."

Suddenly, an announcement from Genma caught their attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the combatant for this round has still not arrived. Therefore, his match will be postponed, and we will move on to the next round."

"What? Postponed? What the hell is that emo doing? I bet it's all Kakashi-sensei's fault. That guy is always late," Naruto muttered angrily.

"What a drag... This means my match has been moved up," Shikamaru nervously muttered to himself.

"Will Aburame Shino and Kankuro please make their way to the arena!" Genma announced to the stadium.

'Shit, this was not part of the plan! Where the hell is that Uchiha at? The signal was supposed to start at his match! I can't reveal any of my tricks to the enemy,' Kankuro thought, anxiety creeping into his mind.

"I… Forfeit!" Kankuro announced, leaving everyone slightly shocked.

"What!?" Naruto and Shikamaru shouted simultaneously, while Shino, though equally surprised, kept his reaction contained.

'What is he up to?' Shino wondered, echoing the confusion Genma also felt over the sudden resignation.

'Is this what the old man meant yesterday? I guess I should keep my guard up,' Naruto thought, his expression hardening as he remembered the conversation with Hiruzen.

This didn't go unnoticed by Shikamaru. "Looks like you know something, Naruto," he observed, causing Naruto to flinch and drawing an inquisitive look from Shino.

"All I can say is try to preserve as much chakra as you can after your match," Naruto advised, earning an analytical gaze from Shino and a piercing look from Shikamaru, as if trying to decipher his words.

Meanwhile, Temari scoffed as she drew her fan and jumped down into the ring. Unlike her brother, she wasn't worried about her secrets being seen by the enemy. But she knew that she had to buy time before the invasion began, so she took it upon herself to distract them.

"I see someone who is eager. Very well, Nara Shikamaru! Please make your way down to the arena!" Genma shouted as Shikamaru cursed under his breath.

'Damn it, why is she so eager!? This is a total drag. I don't even care about being promoted. Maybe I should just forfeit—I never even wanted to be here in the first place,' he thought, his inner monologue abruptly interrupted as he felt a hand shove him forward.

"Show her what you've got, Shikamaru!" Naruto shouted, accidentally shoving the Nara over the edge. Shikamaru landed roughly on the ground, his legs bent over his head as he glared back up at Naruto.

"...Damn it, Naruto…" he groaned, while Naruto grinned mischievously from above.

xxx

"I can't believe that lazy bum sometimes, I swear when I see him I'm going to give him hell for forfeiting when he had the match in the bag" Ino said angrily to both choji and Sakura.

Hinata couldn't help but giggle softly at seeing Ino reaction to Shikamaru.

This drew everyone attention towards Hinata, "You guys are like sibling Inothe big older sister who scolds them both."

"wow Hinata you've really changed. I love how you grew your hair out. You came out your shell, aww I'm so proud" Ino said grasping Hinata in a hug.

Hinata smiled back as she returned the hug. Ino stepped away and seemed glanced her up and down.

"Still wearing those bulky clothes I see. We'll get you out of those yet. Maybe into something a little more revealing. Something that shows off the shoulders. Naruto would love it" Ino teased with a wink.

"Ino," Hinata pleaded as a new blush formed on her face.

There it was. Ino chuckled as she saw more of the Hinata that she used to know. She was happy Hinata had made some major steps forward, but she couldn't help poking the buttons she knew would always work.

"That's enough Ino pig, I'm worried about Sasuke he hasn't arrived yet and they postponed his fight later and they'e going to start his match now." Sakura

"Attention," Genma announced, "We will give Sasuke Uchiha a total of five minutes to arrive. If he doesn't then he will be disqualified."

'Sasuke what are you doing, you're going to be disqualified.'

xxx

"The five minutes have passed," Genma announced, "Sasuke Uchiha is disqual—" Genma was abruptly interrupted by a sudden whirlwind next to him.

As the whirlwind died down, Kakashi and Sasuke appeared. Sasuke was now wearing a black version of his usual attire, while Kakashi stood casually with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his ever-present book.

"Hey there," Kakashi greeted nonchalantly, "I hope we're not too late."

"You're just in time," Genma replied, relieved.

"Hey, Sasuke!" Naruto's voice rang out from the balcony, a wide grin on his face. "Nice to see you made it!"

Sasuke smirked, his eyes locking with Naruto's. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world," he responded confidently. "Did you win your match?"

"Of course!" Naruto beamed, "You better win yours so I can kick your ass later."

Sasuke smirked again before turning his attention to Gaara, who stood silently, his expression unreadable. Without a word, Gaara leaped down into the arena, ready for the match.

Sasuke's gaze hardened as he studied his opponent. Kakashi had helped him increase his speed and master Lee's taijutsu style. The Jonin had even taught him a special move that would give him an edge against the sand ninja. Combined with the power of his Sharingan, Sasuke was confident that victory was within his grasp.

"Are you two ready?" Genma asked, receiving determined nods from both Genin. "Okay then, begin!"

With the Sharingan flaring to life, Sasuke dashed towards Gaara at a blinding speed. Gaara remained still, calmly summoning his sand to defend. Anticipating this, Sasuke feigned a punch, forcing Gaara to shield himself with the sand. A smirk crossed Sasuke's face as he vanished from sight, his speed outpacing Gaara's sand defenses. He reappeared behind Gaara, his movements a blur.

Gaara reacted quickly, sending his sand to strike at Sasuke, but the Uchiha's Sharingan easily predicted the attack. Sasuke dodged to the right and delivered a powerful punch to Gaara's jaw, sending him flying through the air before crashing to the ground with a painful thud. Gaara stood up, glaring at Sasuke with a cold, murderous intent.

"What's wrong? Is that all you've got?" Sasuke taunted, his smirk growing wider. "You're no match for me."

"I'll kill you," Gaara hissed, his voice dripping with malice.

"We'll see about that," Sasuke replied coolly, launching himself at Gaara once more.

Gaara attempted to counter with his sand, but Sasuke was too fast, his speed rivaling that of Lee's. Dodging the sand effortlessly, Sasuke circled around Gaara, then charged directly at him. Gaara's eyes widened in shock as Sasuke's foot connected with his jaw again, sending him crashing to the ground a second time.

"I have to finish this now," Sasuke muttered between breaths, his stamina beginning to wane. The immense speed he was using required him to enhance his leg muscles with chakra continuously, limiting him to taijutsu while in this state.

As Gaara's sand enveloped him, forming a protective dome, Sasuke threw a barrage of kunai, only to watch them bounce off the impenetrable barrier. The sand's density had turned it into something as tough as steel. Realizing that a direct assault was futile, Sasuke knew it was time to use the new jutsu Kakashi had taught him.

Sasuke sprinted up the arena's wall, gathering chakra into his left hand. He glanced down at Gaara and noticed what appeared to be an eye forming on top of the sand dome. He didn't know what Gaara was planning, but instinct told him it had to be something powerful—and dangerous. He couldn't afford to let Gaara finish whatever he was doing.

As the sound of chirping birds filled the air, Sasuke smirked. The match would be over soon.

xxx

"Don't tell me you taught him that jutsu!" Gai exclaimed in shock as he turned his gaze to the masked jonin standing next to him. Kakashi had met with them after dropping Sasuke off in the fight area.

"That's the reason why I wanted him as my student," Kakashi said, "He's much like me apart from the sharingan."

"But to teach him that move!" Gai said with a frown.

"He knows the restrictions of that move, he can handle it," Kakashi said with an eye-smile.

xxx

"It's ready," Sasuke thought with a smirk, feeling the power of his jutsu surging through his hand.

With a determined yell, Sasuke sprinted toward Gaara, his attack aimed directly at the sand dome. He was confident—his technique would pierce through the sand, no question. As sand shot out of the dome to intercept him, the Sharingan in Sasuke's eyes tracked every movement. He deftly leaned to the left, dodging an incoming spear of sand, then spun to the right to avoid a massive wave of it. The sand retracted back toward Gaara, but Sasuke knew it would take a few seconds before it could strike again, more than enough time for him to finish the fight.

"Chidori!" Sasuke yelled, driving the lightning-infused hand straight through the dome of sand.

'What is this?' Gaara thought from within the dome, his hand clutching his left shoulder as an unfamiliar sensation coursed through him. 'What is this feeling, Mother? It feels wet and hot…what is it?'

A single droplet fell to the ground, and Gaara's eyes widened in realization. "It's blood," he whispered, a mix of shock and horror in his voice. "Blood! MY BLOOD!"

Gaara's scream echoed throughout the arena, sending a chill through the crowd and even unnerving a few seasoned ninja. The once impenetrable dome of sand crumbled away, revealing Gaara clutching his head in agony. Sasuke, despite his confidence, noticed something unsettling in Gaara's eyes—a wild, desperate look that told him this battle was far from over. But even so, Sasuke was determined—he would win this match.

As Sasuke prepared for his next move, he suddenly noticed feathers drifting through the air, causing him to falter for a moment.'What is this?'he wondered, his senses alert.

"Is this genjutsu?"Sasuke muttered under his breath."Kai!"he commanded, dispelling the illusion.

Gaara, meanwhile, was clutching his head in pain, his mind overwhelmed by the screams of his "mother" berating him for failing to kill the Uchiha. Her voice was a relentless torrent in his mind, driving him closer to the edge. Gaara tried to reason with her, but the only way to silence her was to fulfill her demand—to kill Sasuke.

"Calm down, Gaara!"Baki shouted as he appeared beside his student, his voice urgent."You have to follow the mission!"

"Nobody will leave this spot,"Genma said, his voice firm as he moved into a defensive stance.

"Damn,"Baki growled under his breath."Gaara, I want you to retreat. I'll handle this."

"Sasuke,"Genma called out, his expression serious."You need to drive Gaara out of the village. I have a feeling they intend to use him for something big."

"What about my match?"Sasuke asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

"The exams are canceled,"Genma answered decisively."Your village needs you now. Go!"

Sasuke scowled but nodded in understanding."Hey, Gaara!"he shouted, drawing the sand ninja's attention."Let's finish our match somewhere else."

Gaara hissed, his eyes narrowing as he watched Sasuke begin to leave the arena. He couldn't leave. His "mother" demanded the Uchiha's blood, and he would deliver. If he killed Sasuke, his mother would stop hurting him. His existence would be validated by the Uchiha's death.

"Get back here!"Gaara roared as he charged after Sasuke, the promise of bloodshed driving him forward.

xxx

Flashback:

"Naruto, I have a mission for you." Hiruzen said, his tone unusually grave. Naruto immediately noticed the seriousness in the Hokage's eyes, and any thoughts of joking around vanished.

"What's up, old man?" Naruto asked, trying to keep his voice casual, but there was a hint of concern in his tone.

Hiruzen took a deep breath before speaking, his voice steady but cold. "Tomorrow, the village will face an invasion. The Sand and Sound are planning to attack."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "An invasion? Are you serious?" He wanted to ask if this was some kind of cruel joke, but the look in Hiruzen's eyes told him otherwise. The Hokage wasn't joking, this was real.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Naruto nodded, trying to process the gravity of the situation.

"I've got two missions for you," Hiruzen continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "When the invasion begins, I want you to create two thousand shadow clones and scatter them throughout the village. Your mission is to eliminate every enemy ninja you encounter." There was a cold, merciless edge to Hiruzen's voice that sent a shiver down Naruto's spine.

"This village is our home, our sanctuary. Those who dare threaten it are enemies of our people, our children, our future. When the time comes, I expect you to unleash everything you have. Show them no mercy. Let them feel the full weight of our wrath."

"But…," Naruto began, his voice faltering. "I mean, I'm good, but they'll all be chunin or jounin. My clones won't be able to take them out."

"I know, Naruto," Hiruzen acknowledged, his tone softening slightly. "That's why, when you perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu, you need to infuse the Nine-Tails' chakra into it."

Naruto blinked, trying to wrap his mind around the task. "Okay… so what's the second mission?"

Hiruzen's expression grew even more serious. "You must take Gaara far away from the village and defeat him."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat. "What?! Are you crazy? That guy will kill me!"

"Don't underestimate yourself," Hiruzen replied firmly. "You're the only one who can take him out. Sasuke is strong, and I have a good idea of what Kakashi has been teaching him, but it won't be enough. Only you can defeat Gaara."

Naruto clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him. "Okay, say I do all that. After using that much chakra, how am I supposed to go after Gaara? I'll be out of chakra!"

Hiruzen reached into his robe and tossed a small pill to Naruto. "Here, catch."

Naruto caught it, inspecting it curiously. "What's this?"

"It's a chakra pill," Hiruzen explained.

"Like the one Akamaru took that made him all big and red?" Naruto asked, his curiosity piqued.

Hiruzen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Remind me to make you study more. This chakra pill is different. It will restore your chakra, but this particular pill was made by the Akimichi clan under my orders specifically for you. After you perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu, make sure to take it."

Naruto looked at the pill thoughtfully before a new concern popped into his mind. "Wait, what about the memory transfer? When all those clones disperse, their memories will come back to me, thousands of memories at once! How am I supposed to deal with that?"

Hiruzen chuckled softly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Oh, who would've thought the dumb brat figured out how the Shadow Clone Jutsu works?"

Naruto shot him a glare. "Watch it, old man, or I'll kick your ass."

Hiruzen laughed, a deep, hearty sound that momentarily lightened the tension. "I've prepared something for that, too." He pulled out a small tag and handed it to Naruto. "This special tag will block the memory transfer. You won't receive the memories until you fall asleep or rendered unconscious."

'One thing I didn't mention,' Hiruzen thought, deciding to keep it to himself to avoid adding more stress on Naruto, 'is the immense pain he'll feel when all those memories come flooding back.'

Naruto's eyes widened as he took the tag. "So as long as I don't pass out after defeating Gaara, I'll be fine?"

"Exactly," Hiruzen confirmed with a nod.

Flashback End:

'So, this is the start of the invasion,' Naruto thought, his expression hardening as he surveyed the chaos unfolding around him. 'Looks like Sasuke is already leading Gaara away, so he's done part of my job for me. Now, it's time for me to carry out my part of the mission.'

Without hesitation, Naruto leaped down toward the main arena.

"Wait, Naruto! Where are you going?!" Shikamaru shouted after him, concern evident in his voice.

'Damn it,' Shikamaru grumbled internally, realizing the situation he was in. 'I should've just pretended to be caught by that genjutsu. What a drag…' With a resigned sigh, he followed Naruto, jumping down into the arena.

"Come on, Fox, lend me some chakra," Naruto muttered to himself, his voice low and determined.

In response, an ominous orange chakra began to swirl around him, its presence undeniable. The chakra was powerful and eye-catching, radiating intense energy in waves that seemed to ripple through the air. It was as if the very atmosphere around Naruto had shifted, becoming charged with the raw, untamed force of the Nine-Tails.

The spectacle immediately drew everyone's attention to the center of the arena. All the active shinobi turned their focus to Naruto, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension. Even Orochimaru and Hiruzen paused in their own battle, momentarily captivated by the overwhelming display of power emanating from the young ninja.

xxx

"Kukuku... the Jinchuriki is quite impressive. I suppose my assumptions about him were wrong. He truly is worthy of his parentage," Orochimaru chuckled, his voice laced with a sinister amusement.

Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh in sadness as he took in the scene around him. The barrier—the Four Violet Flames Formation—stood tall, trapping him inside with Orochimaru, clearly designed to isolate and eliminate him. His ANBU surrounded the barrier, futilely attempting to break through. Four young shinobi stood at the corners, maintaining the shield that kept everyone out.

"So you've finally decided to come home," Sarutobi said, his voice calm but laced with sorrow. "But I doubt this is about vengeance for being denied the Hokage's seat. You were never the kind of man to act on such emotions. You have no goals, no reason to seek revenge."

Orochimaru simply shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hmm... maybe. Or perhaps I do have a goal after all. I do enjoy watching things in motion. This peace—it's made the world so dreadfully dull. Like a windmill that's stopped moving, it isn't worth watching. But when the wind finally picks up, it can be entertaining."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with malevolent excitement as he continued. "For me, the wind that will set the windmill spinning again... is the destruction of the Hidden Leaf."

Hiruzen's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as Orochimaru's words sank in. "So that's your true intention… It's a good thing you have this barrier around us. It will make it easier for me to kill you without any interference," Hiruzen said, flexing his chakra. The pressure rippled across the rooftop floor, a sign of the immense power he still held.

'Strange,' Hiruzen thought, 'he knows my strength well. As skilled as Orochimaru is, I can feel he hasn't reached my level yet. His chakra isn't as refined. He must have something in store for me. I'll have to remain on guard.'

Orochimaru's smirk never wavered. "Perhaps. Normally, I would agree. But don't think I'm unaware of your condition, sensei... the fact that you're dying."

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock. 'How? Only four people know—the head of the medical corps, Homura, Koharu, and... Danzo.'

"I don't think I need to tell you who shared that little secret," Orochimaru said with a sly grin.

'Danzo… if I survive this, I will deal with you permanently,' Hiruzen thought, anger burning in his chest.

"At first, I was angry at the quality of our security," Hiruzen said bitterly, his mind flashing back to the breach of Konoha's defenses. "But now I see the truth. Danzo was responsible for allowing the Sand and Sound ninjas to invade."

Orochimaru's eyes glittered in amusement, but Hiruzen continued with steel in his voice. "But don't get too cocky, Orochimaru. We will deal with the invading forces."

In his mind, Hiruzen briefly thought of Naruto and the resolute determination in his eyes when he accepted the mission to protect the village. Despite the chaos, hope still lingered.

As the barrier shimmered around them, isolating the rooftop from the chaos of the invasion below, Hiruzen and Orochimaru faced off. The wind howled as Orochimaru's grin widened, but Hiruzen's expression remained focused. The tension between the two former master and student was palpable.

"Come, sensei," Orochimaru said with a twisted smirk. "Let's see if the old man still has some fight left."

In a blink, Hiruzen was gone. He reappeared in front of Orochimaru, launching a quick barrage of hand seals.

Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet!

A massive dragon-shaped head of stone erupted from the ground beneath them, spewing a hailstorm of hardened mud and rocks at Orochimaru. With a flick of his wrist, Orochimaru parried the projectiles with a slithering wave of snakes. But before he could react, Hiruzen had already finished another set of hand seals.

Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!

A roaring jet of fire shot out from Hiruzen's mouth, merging with the earth dragon's mud and stone. The combination attack transformed the mud into molten lava, surging toward Orochimaru with terrifying speed. Orochimaru barely had time to leap away, his smile faltering as he realized how effortlessly Hiruzen had chained the techniques together.

"Still as quick as ever, I see," Orochimaru said, landing a short distance away.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "You underestimate me, Orochimaru. Age has not dulled my mastery."

Without warning, Hiruzen performed another set of rapid hand seals—his fingers blurring so fast that even an elite Jonin would have struggled to follow.

Water Style: Water Severing Wave!

A high-pressure blade of water shot from Hiruzen's mouth, slicing through the air. Orochimaru dodged, but Hiruzen was relentless. He flicked his wrist again— Wind Style: Great Breakthrough — and a vicious gust of wind enhanced the speed and force of the water attack, making it unavoidable.

The blade of water struck Orochimaru, tearing through his shoulder. The snake ninja gritted his teeth in pain, his eyes narrowing at Hiruzen's sheer mastery of elemental techniques.

'He's fast,' Orochimaru thought, watching the old man with an uneasy respect.

Hiruzen was already moving, not wasting a second. His feet propelled him toward Orochimaru in a flash, engaging him in close-quarters combat with a vicious flurry of taijutsu strikes. Punches and kicks, fast and precise, kept Orochimaru on the defensive. Hiruzen's movements were swift, his attacks landing with crushing force.

Orochimaru snarled, parrying one of Hiruzen's strikes and lashing out with his own serpentine hand. But even as he struck, Hiruzen was one step ahead, countering with a brutal palm strike to Orochimaru's chest. The impact sent Orochimaru skidding back, gasping in shock.

Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with a cold fire. "This is the power of the Third Hokage. Don't forget, Orochimaru. You may have sought immortality, but this is the power of a hokage. The power to protect our precious people"

Orochimaru wiped blood from his lips, chuckling darkly. "Kukuku… so powerful. You've always been powerful, sensei. But I wonder... how much longer can you keep this up?"

Hiruzen said nothing, summoning his partner in combat with a single hand seal. A puff of smoke appeared next to him, and from it emergedEnma, the Monkey King, standing tall and imposing.

"Hiruzen, you're looking grim," Enma said, already shifting into his adamantine staff form. "It's been a while since we've fought together like this."

Hiruzen grabbed the staff with a steady hand. "We're just getting started."

The old Hokage pressed forward again, wielding the adamantine staff with the ease and expertise of a master. With Enma in hand, Hiruzen unleashed a series of powerful strikes, the staff transforming in length and thickness with every swing. Orochimaru barely managed to avoid the crushing blows, each one landing with enough force to shatter stone.

But then, with a wicked grin, Orochimaru leapt back, performing his own hand seals. "I must admit, sensei… you've forced me into a corner. I never expected you to be this strong at your age."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. He could feel Orochimaru's chakra building.

"But…" Orochimaru hissed, his voice filled with venomous glee, "...let's see how well you fare against yourown comrades!"

Orochimaru slammed his hand to the ground, and in a swirl of dark energy, three coffins began to rise. Hiruzen's heart sank.

"Edo Tensei…!" he whispered.

The three coffins rose slowly from the earth, the names of their occupants etched onto the wood. As they opened, Hiruzen's eyes widened in horror. Before him stood the First Hokage, the Second Hokage.

But the third coffin suddenly stopped, as if an unseen force had yanked it back into the earth.

"Hmm…" Orochimaru mused, his snake-like eyes narrowing. "I see… so the third was no good after all. Perhaps the jutsu is still imperfect… or there is something else preventing me from accessing the Fourth Hokage's soul."

A sinister smile crept across his face as his gaze shifted to the two remaining coffins, their lids creaking open. "No matter," he continued, his voice dripping with dark glee.

"These two will be more than enough..." Hiruzen froze, his heart aching at the sight. For a brief moment, they didn't look like soulless puppets controlled by Orochimaru's vile jutsu, they looked like the men he once knew.

"W-what...?" Hiruzen whispered, his voice trembling.

Orochimaru's laughter echoed through the rooftop, cold and mocking. "Ku ku ku... What's wrong, sensei? Are you surprised?"

Hiruzen grasped Enma tightly as the First and Second Hokage stood before him. The weight of his staff felt heavier now, the burden of what he was about to do more crushing than ever. He knew what must be done, but that didn't make it any easier.

Hashirama, the man who had founded the village, and Tobirama, the architect of Konoha's systems, were both legendary figures. In life, they were untouchable—unstoppable. Now, twisted into instruments of Orochimaru's cruelty, they were forced to fight a battle they never would have chosen.

"Forgive me..." Hiruzen whispered again, his voice barely audible.

With a flash, Tobirama lunged first, his speed enhanced by Orochimaru's control. Hiruzen barely had time to react, raising Enma in defense as the Second Hokage brought down a water-infused blade of chakra, crashing against the staff. The force was immense, but Hiruzen, despite his age, held firm. The clang of their weapons echoed across the rooftop, the deadly sound a bitter reminder of the stakes.

Hashirama moved next, wood-style vines sprouting from the ground, twisting toward Hiruzen like snakes. In the blink of an eye, Hiruzen formed three quick hand seals—Tiger, Snake, Ram.

Earth Style: Mud Wall

A massive barrier of earth rose from the ground, intercepting the wooden tendrils, but he didn't stop there. As the wood and mud clashed, Hiruzen's fingers blurred once more, weaving seals with impossible speed.

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Jutsu!" he roared, expelling a stream of searing flames from his mouth. The fire coiled like a living serpent, burning through the remaining wood and forcing Hashirama to retreat.

The battle became a whirlwind of devastating jutsu. Where a typical shinobi would struggle to cast one high-level technique, Hiruzen, despite his age, unleashed them in rapid succession. Each elemental mastery—fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning—flowed seamlessly from one to the next, with terrifying efficiency. His speed in casting these techniques was beyond what any shinobi should be capable of at his age. It was said that in his prime, Hiruzen's mastery of all elements was second to none—and now, even with his dwindling chakra, he fought like the legend he once was.

But it wasn't enough.

Tobirama summoned a surge of water, while Hashirama's Wood Release grew more relentless. Hiruzen struggled to keep up, his breath labored, his chakra fading with each jutsu he cast. His mind raced—he could handle one, maybe even two high-level shinobi, but these were Hokage-level opponents, and it was taking everything he had just to survive. In his prime, he could have taken on five Hokage-level opponents and still had chakra to spare.

With a guttural roar, Tobirama surged forward again, his eyes empty yet full of killing intent. This time, Hiruzen's defense faltered. The edge of Tobirama's blade sliced through his robe, drawing blood. Hiruzen stumbled back, his breathing ragged.

The rooftop exploded in a flurry of elements, each one commanded with terrifying precision as Hiruzen unleashed the full extent of his power. Wind howled and lightning crackled as he combined techniques from all five elemental affinities with the ease of a master. The ground trembled underfoot as fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning intertwined, creating a deadly storm of jutsu that pushed even Orochimaru to his limits.

With his chakra running dangerously low, Hiruzen knew he had to make each move count. He had already been wounded, his chest bleeding from the earlier strike, but the fire in his heart refused to extinguish. He couldn't afford to let his resolve falter—not now.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Hiruzen's voice boomed as he cast the jutsu. A massive gust of wind erupted from his position, tearing through the air like a hurricane, shredding the wooden tendrils of Hashirama's Wood Style and flinging both the First and Second Hokage back momentarily. The wind pushed even Orochimaru back, his cloak whipping around him as he dug his sword into the roof to maintain his footing.

Before anyone could react, Hiruzen followed up immediately, his hands forming seals at a blinding pace.

"Lightning Style: False Darkness"

A jagged bolt of lightning shot from Hiruzen's extended fingers, crackling through the air with blinding speed. The bolt sliced toward Tobirama, who reacted instantly, summoning a shield of water to absorb the strike. But Hiruzen's attack was relentless, the lightning branching out like a web, striking both Tobirama's water defense and Hashirama's wood simultaneously, sending sparks flying across the battlefield.

Hiruzen had already "killed" them several times, but they regenerated each time, their Edo Tensei bodies recovering from even the most lethal of blows. Each time Tobirama fell, his body would knit itself back together with unnatural speed. Hashirama's Wood Style attacks would regrow as if nothing had happened. And Orochimaru—damn him—kept using his cursed Living Corpse Reincarnation: Oral Rebirth technique, shedding his body and regenerating from the fatal wounds and deadly strikes that Hiruzen inflicted. No matter how many times Hiruzen struck them down, they kept coming back, relentless and undying.

"Water Style: Water Severing Wave!" Tobirama's voice rang out, his hands moving with expert precision. A high-pressure torrent of water shot toward Hiruzen like a razor-sharp blade, slicing through the air with deadly intent. Hiruzen barely managed to dodge, but the water sliced through the roof tiles, leaving deep gouges.

Hashirama followed up immediately, his Wood Style creating massive branches that twisted toward Hiruzen like a swarm of serpents. "Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!" he called, his voice devoid of emotion as the wood wrapped around Hiruzen, threatening to crush him.

"Enma, now!" Hiruzen shouted, and in a flash, Enma transformed into his staff form, expanding in size. The staff twisted and struck, shattering the wooden tendrils and freeing Hiruzen, who spun with lightning speed, slamming the staff into Tobirama's chest.

With a sickening crunch, the Second Hokage's body crumpled, but before Hiruzen could even catch his breath, the Edo Tensei's regenerative power kicked in. Tobirama's body slowly reformed, standing once again, completely unfazed by the damage.

Orochimaru's voice slithered into the air, dripping with condescension as he observed the scene. "You see, sensei? This is why I abandoned you and the village. The limitations of mortality, the weakness of the human body—it's pathetic. Why cling to an existence that will only fade away? Look at you, running out of chakra, gasping for breath. And no matter what you do, you can't kill us."

Hiruzen's breath came in ragged gasps, his body aching from the toll of battle. He had lost count of how many jutsu he had cast—Fire Style, Earth Style, Water Style, Wind Style, and Lightning Style —t hey had all been thrown at his former students, but it didn't matter. They couldn't be killed. He wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, his muscles screaming in protest as he readied himself for another round.

Orochimaru, still standing smugly off to the side, continued to mock him. "Look at you, sensei. You're out of chakra, relying on taijutsu like a desperate old man clinging to his last bit of strength. Once, you were the Professor—the man who knew all the jutsu in Konoha. But now, you're just… old."

Hiruzen winced at Orochimaru's words but stood tall, refusing to show weakness. He knew the truth—the years had taken their toll. Where once he could have easily kept up with both his former mentors, now his body was betraying him. His chakra was nearly gone, his movements slower, his reflexes dulled.

Hiruzen's grip tightened on Enma, his eyes narrowing. "Age hasn't dulled my resolve, Orochimaru," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"Resolve?" Orochimaru chuckled, his serpent-like eyes gleaming with malice. "Resolve is meaningless when faced with immortality. I told you—I seek eternal life because I refuse to end up like you. Weak. Dying. You had the chance to embrace me, to understand the truth I've uncovered. But instead, you chose to remain stuck in your old ways. Now look where it's gotten you."

Hiruzen's heart ached at the truth behind Orochimaru's words. His former student had chosen a dark and twisted path, but there was truth in his ambition. Age had indeed taken its toll. His strength, his speed—they weren't what they used to be. And yet, he refused to give in.

The First and Second Hokage moved again, their attacks synchronized with Orochimaru's command. Tobirama unleashed another wave of water, while Hashirama's wood-style tendrils grew more aggressive, entangling and threatening to strangle Hiruzen. In the midst of the chaos, Orochimaru pulled a sword from his throat—the Kusanagi. With terrifying speed, he dashed forward, his blade aimed at Hiruzen's heart.

Hiruzen barely managed to block with Enma, the clang of metal against the staff sending shockwaves through the air. But Orochimaru was relentless, his kenjutsu sharp and lethal. The two clashed, blade against staff, in a brutal exchange of blows. Hiruzen's arms shook with the effort, each strike pushing him closer to the edge.

With a final, brutal swing, Orochimaru managed to break Hiruzen's defense, slashing across his chest. Blood sprayed from the wound as Hiruzen staggered back, his vision blurring from the pain. The Hokage fell to one knee, clutching his chest as blood poured from the deep gash.

Orochimaru licked the blood off his sword, his eyes alight with sadistic glee. "Look at you, sensei. You're finished."

Hiruzen's body screamed in agony, but his mind remained focused. He had one final card to play, but he knew the cost.

Enma, still in his staff form, growled urgently. "Hiruzen, it's now or never. If you don't end this soon, you won't survive."

Hiruzen nodded, his gaze hardening with resolve. His eyes met Orochimaru's, burning with defiance. "Orochimaru… you've become a monster. But as long as I draw breath, I'll stop you. No matter the cost."

xxx

Earth Style: Mud Wall

Rank: B-Rank

Description: Creates a large, solid wall of mud or earth that can block incoming attacks. The wall can be enhanced with chakra, making it more durable.

Fire Style: Fire Dragon Jutsu

Rank: B-Rank

Description: A powerful stream of fire is expelled from the user's mouth, shaped like a dragon, capable of incinerating anything in its path.

Wind Style: Great Breakthrough

Rank: C-Rank

Description: The user releases a powerful gust of wind capable of leveling everything in its path. It can also amplify fire techniques when used in combination.

Lightning Style: False Darkness

Rank: B-Rank

Description: A concentrated bolt of lightning is shot from the user's fingers, capable of piercing enemies or defenses. The lightning can branch out to strike multiple targets.

Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma

Rank: A-Rank

Description: Hiruzen summons Enma, the Monkey King, a powerful companion who can transform into an indestructible staff. Enma can also revert to his natural form to fight alongside Hiruzen

Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation

Rank: S-Rank

Description: A forbidden technique that summons the dead back to life in a near-immortal state. Orochimaru used this to resurrect the First and Second Hokage, binding their wills to his control

Living Corpse Reincarnation: Oral Rebirth

Rank: S-Rank

Description: Orochimaru's advanced regeneration technique, where he sheds his body like a snake. By doing so, he effectively regenerates from fatal wounds, instantly healing himself by emerging from his mouth with a new body. This technique allows him to survive otherwise deadly attacks.

Water Style: Water Severing Wave

Rank: A-Rank

Description: A highly concentrated stream of water shot from the user's mouth with enough force to slice through solid objects.

Water Style: Water Wall

Rank: B-Rank

Description: A defensive water barrier that can block incoming attacks by surrounding the user in a wall of water.

Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence

Rank: S-Rank

Description: Hashirama's signature jutsu creates enormous trees and wooden tendrils that can envelop and crush enemies. It also allows the user to control the battlefield by creating obstacles.

Wood Style: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees

Rank: S-Rank

Description: A powerful wood-style technique that summons a forest of blooming trees that release sleep-inducing pollen to incapacitate enemies.