Restorer
"Character Talking"
"Character Thinking"
"Demon or Summon"
"Jutsu"
"xxxXXXxxx" Scene Change.
Chapter 11
Over at the first gate of the village of Konoha, Kotaru Hisame crossed his arms, his stern gaze fixed on the forest ahead. "The weak will be the first to die. If our clan falters here, we deserve no mercy. Discipline and strength—that is the only way forward."
Daisuke Mugenjo smirked, leaning lazily against the wall, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Tch, stop with the lecture, old man. We've got this. Let them come—I'll crush every last one of them myself."
Kotaru's eyes narrowed. "Overconfidence is a fool's strength, Daisuke. Control it, or you'll be the first to fall."
"And yet I'm still here, aren't I?" Daisuke shot back, his smirk widening.
The enemy shinobi charged toward the first gate, their numbers overwhelming. Kotaru Hisame moved first, stepping forward with deliberate precision. His sharp eyes swept over the battlefield as he gave a single, firm command. The shinobi of Konoha instantly began launching projectiles—kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags—toward the advancing forces of Suna and Otogakure.
Kotaru observed the damage caused by the barrage, noting that while many enemies fell, the rest pressed on relentlessly. He muttered under his breath, "We're going to have to do this the old way."
Dressed in rugged yet dignified dark blue armor adorned with frost-like patterns, Kotaru unsheathed the katana at his hip. Its blade glinted coldly as he began to cut down any enemy shinobi who managed to reach the walls, his strikes efficient and precise. His calm, disciplined demeanor didn't waver, even as the chaos around him intensified.
From the corner of his eye, Kotaru caught sight of Daisuke Mugenjo. Golden stones circled around Daisuke's body, shimmering faintly before falling to the ground one by one. A confident smile played across Daisuke's face as, with a burst of speed, he vanished from sight. The only sign of his movement was the rush of wind past Kotaru as Daisuke headed straight for the forest.
Kotaru's sharp gaze followed him, and his eyes widened as he spotted the source of the disturbance. A massive, three-headed snake was emerging from the forest, its enormous body crashing through the trees as it advanced on the wall. "Don't tell me that idiot plans to take on that beast by himself," Kotaru murmured, a note of irritation in his voice. But there was no time to waste. With a single fluid motion, he charged forward as well.
Daisuke, dressed in rugged shinobi armor with loose fabric for mobility and his arms bearing scars from countless battles, charged directly at the massive snake. His dark red and brown outfit blended with the blood-stained battlefield as he faced the towering beast. Taking a deep breath, he drew back his fist and unleashed a devastating punch into the snake's throat. The force of the blow pushed the serpent back several meters, but it was not enough to bring it down.
Landing back on the ground, Daisuke glanced up just in time to see Kotaru's form flying past him with a katana in hand. The older shinobi slashed cleanly at the throat of one of the snake's three heads, leaving a deep gash that caused it to rear back in pain.
xxxXXXxxx
Jiraiya was on one knee atop Gamabunta, breathing heavily as he steadied himself. Rising slowly, he cast his eyes toward the massive, three-headed snake whose final head now lay severed alongside its enormous body. The beast collapsed with a thunderous crash, its threat neutralized. Standing before him was Sora Tanshoku, his ever-present smile as calm as if he had merely gone for a stroll.
"Thank you, Lord Sora Tanshoku," Jiraiya said, his tone filled with genuine gratitude. "It seems I owe you my life."
Sora's serene smile didn't waver. "Come now, Sannin, you know as well as I do that that snake would never have reached you."
Without waiting for a response, Sora turned, his hands forming a series of swift hand seals. Suddenly, twelve shinobi, all dressed in black from head to toe with their faces concealed by masks, floated into the air from the shadows around the battlefield. Jiraiya blinked in surprise as he realized these were not ordinary shinobi—their movements were fluid and unnatural, as if gravity itself held no sway over them.
To Jiraiya's astonishment, Sora himself joined them, his body lifting effortlessly off the ground as though he had taken flight. The thirteen Tanshoku shinobi hovered together in the air, their presence exuding an almost otherworldly menace.
"Wind Step," Sora said softly, his voice carrying an air of command.
In an instant, all thirteen figures shot forward at incredible speed, becoming blurs of motion. The enemy shinobi of Otogakure and Sunagakure barely had time to react as the Tanshoku Clan descended upon them.
The masked shinobi moved with inhuman precision and coordination, their attacks a seamless blend of speed and devastating power. One masked warrior appeared behind a group of enemy shinobi, dispatching them with wind-laced strikes so fast that they seemed to collapse before realizing they'd been attacked. Another floated high above the battlefield before hurling down a volley of wind-infused kunai that created localized whirlwinds, scattering the enemy ranks in disarray.
Sora himself moved like a shadow through the chaos, appearing and disappearing with terrifying efficiency. One moment, he was slashing through a line of Sunagakure shinobi with a blade that seemed to materialize from the wind itself. The next, he was performing precise hand seals, unleashing concentrated blasts of wind that cut through enemy defenses like paper.
The battlefield was a whirlwind of destruction. The masked Tanshoku shinobi used their Wind Step ability to disorient and overwhelm their enemies, striking at such speed that it seemed as though the very air was attacking them. Entire squads were scattered or eliminated before they could mount any significant counterattack.
Jiraiya stood atop Gamabunta, watching in awe. The sheer dominance and speed of the Tanshoku Clan was unlike anything he had ever seen. *So this is how the Tanshoku Clan does battle…* he thought, his respect for the enigmatic clan growing as he observed their fluid and terrifyingly effective assault.
xxxXXXxxx
Naruto and Sasuke ran swiftly across the rooftops of Konoha, the chaos of the invasion filling the air with distant sounds of combat and explosions. As they moved, Sasuke broke the silence. "So, how did you know about the invasion?" he asked, his voice sharp yet curious.
Naruto didn't turn to look at him, his eyes fixed ahead. "I was there when the Hokage captured and interrogated a traitor—a spy for Orochimaru."
Sasuke's brow furrowed. "A traitor? Who was it?"
Naruto hesitated for a moment before answering. "It was... Kabuto. The same Kabuto who helped us during the Chunin Exams."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly in shock. "He was a traitor?" he said, almost stammering.
"Yeah, he was. But he won't be for much longer. Kakashi-sensei is dealing with him as we speak," Naruto replied, his tone calm but focused.
"Kakashi-sensei? You mean he's in the stands?" Sasuke asked, his voice tinged with worry. "Sakura's there too…"
Naruto turned his head slightly, narrowing his eyes. He didn't respond immediately, but when he did, his voice carried a hint of reassurance. "Both Kakashi and Might Guy are there. There's no reason to worry."
Before Sasuke could say more, a kunai flew through the air, heading straight for Naruto. He dodged at the last second, growling slightly as his eyes scanned for the attacker. His gaze landed on a nearby rooftop where five figures stood. They were dressed in grey vests, their faces concealed by masks—the distinctive masks of the ANBU Black Ops of Konoha.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? We're on your side!" Sasuke shouted at them, anger and confusion clear in his voice.
The ANBU in the middle raised his hand, pointing toward the kunai embedded in the wall behind Naruto. Without saying a word, the group vanished as swiftly as they had appeared.
Naruto walked over to the kunai, pulling it free and noticing a letter attached. Opening it, he read the cryptic message:
"Two flowers taken. The red vine fades without the breeze. Bow to the shadow, or the garden wilts."*
Naruto stared at the letter for a moment, his eyes narrowing. He clenched the paper tightly in his fist, crushing it before letting the fragments fall to the ground.
"What's going on?" Sasuke asked, his voice demanding an answer.
Naruto didn't respond, his expression unreadable. "Let's go," he said finally, his tone curt, before surging forward with even greater speed than before. Sasuke hesitated briefly but followed closely behind.
The battle atop the rooftop of the arena raged with an intensity that shook the very air. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood firm, his years of experience evident in his every movement. Across from him, Orochimaru, the prodigal student turned traitor, wore a smirk that belied the malice coursing through him.
"Still standing, Sensei?" Orochimaru taunted, his voice a venomous purr. "You've aged... but I suppose the 'Professor' of Konoha wouldn't fall so easily."
Hiruzen's expression was resolute, his eyes sharp as ever. "Orochimaru, this madness has to end. You've betrayed everything you once stood for. You've betrayed the village, your comrades… and me."
"Ah, yes," Orochimaru sneered. "The ever-persistent disappointment in your eyes, Sensei. But I outgrew your ideals long ago. Power, ambition—these are what the world truly respects. And soon, Konoha will kneel before me."
Hiruzen didn't flinch. Instead, he moved through a series of rapid hand seals. "Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He hurled a single shuriken, which multiplied midair into dozens, all aimed at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru weaved his own hand seals in response. "Summoning Jutsu: Triple Rashomon!" Three colossal gates erupted from the ground, each one absorbing the barrage of shuriken.
Before the dust settled, Orochimaru raised his hand, his smile widening. "But you didn't think I came unprepared for you, did you, Sensei?" His hands moved into a familiar sequence of seals, and Hiruzen's eyes widened as he recognized them.
"Orochimaru, don't you dare—!"
"Summoning Jutsu: Reanimation!" Orochimaru slammed his hands to the ground, and two coffins rose from the earth, their surfaces bearing the kanji for "First" and "Second."
The lids creaked open, revealing Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju, their expressions lifeless yet tinged with a faint flicker of awareness.
"No... not this," Hiruzen muttered, pain flashing across his face. "To defile their souls like this, Orochimaru? How could you?"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Sensei. It's just another tool—a means to an end. Now, why don't you show your predecessors how far you've fallen?"
The reanimated Hokage moved forward, their bodies jerking unnaturally as Orochimaru's control compelled them into action.
A memory surged in Orochimaru's mind as he watched Hiruzen prepare to face his attack. He saw himself as a young boy, dirty and ragged, sitting in an alley. Rain poured relentlessly, soaking his thin frame. He had been abandoned, forgotten—a shadow in a village that had no use for orphans.
"Are you hungry?" a warm voice asked.
The boy looked up to see Hiruzen Sarutobi, his kind eyes looking down at him, offering a small rice ball.
The boy hesitated but reached out, snatching the food and devouring it with desperation.
"You shouldn't be alone," Hiruzen said softly, kneeling. "From now on, you'll have a home with me. No one should live like this."
The boy's world had changed in that moment. Hiruzen took him in, raised him, taught him—treated him like his own son. But that warmth had been replaced over the years with disappointment, scorn, and expectations the boy had grown to resent.
Hiruzen's resolve hardened. He leaped into action, meeting the reanimated Hokage head-on. Hashirama summoned a forest with a wave of his hand, roots and branches tearing through the rooftop. Hiruzen countered with Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bomb, incinerating the advancing foliage, only to find Tobirama weaving water-based jutsu to douse the flames.
Hiruzen's staff, wielded with precision and power, clashed with the raw strength of Hashirama's wood constructs. At the same time, he dodged Tobirama's Water Severing Wave, a blade-like torrent that sliced through stone and steel alike.
"You were always the best of us, Sensei," Orochimaru mocked from the sidelines. "But even you can't fight the combined power of the First and Second Hokage forever."
"Perhaps not," Hiruzen replied, his voice steady. "But I can stop you."
Hiruzen summoned Enma, the Monkey King, who transformed into a staff. The staff extended, striking Tobirama with such force that it disrupted Orochimaru's control momentarily. Hiruzen used the opening to launch a flurry of attacks on Orochimaru himself, forcing his former student to retreat.
Orochimaru countered with his Kusanagi blade, its deadly edge clashing with Hiruzen's staff in a flurry of sparks. "Still holding back, Sensei?" Orochimaru taunted. "You'll have to do better than that."
As the fight reached its crescendo, the rooftop was a battlefield of fire, water, and earth. The sheer destruction mirrored the turmoil between master and student.
Finally, Hiruzen and Orochimaru stood facing each other amidst the devastation, both breathing heavily. With a burst of speed, they charged simultaneously, their weapons aimed at each other. The sound of metal piercing flesh echoed as both froze, staring at one another.
xxxXXXxxx
Just outside the first gate of the village, Lord Kotaru Hisame and Daisuke Mugenjo faced the massive two-headed snake, its remaining heads thrashing wildly as it attempted to crush the shinobi before it. Daisuke grinned widely, his confidence never faltering.
"Well, old man," he began, his tone dripping with mockery, "shall we each take a head of this beast and then head back to the walls to crush the rest of the enemy forces?" His smile widened. "That is, of course, if you're up to the task. If not, I have no problem handling both."
Kotaru said nothing, his icy gaze fixed on the writhing beast. His hand rested on the hilt of his katana, his focus unwavering.
"If you didn't notice," Kotaru finally said, his tone cold, "I was the one who cut off its head in the first place."
"Of course," Daisuke replied, his grin never fading. "Allow me to finish what you started then. Ishi no Kyōmei."
Kotaru watched closely as massive amounts of chakra began to gather around Daisuke. His sharp eyes traced the source—stones scattered across the battlefield began glowing faintly, releasing energy that flowed toward Daisuke, enveloping him like a swirling aura. *He's drawing energy from the stones themselves* Kotaru realized.
In a burst of speed, Daisuke vanished, reappearing high above the snake's remaining heads. With incredible force, he descended, his punch crashing into the throat of the beast with enough power to shake the ground. But he didn't stop there.
Daisuke unleashed a relentless flurry of blows, each hit landing with a resounding crack that echoed across the battlefield. The beast screeched and writhed under the pressure, unable to counter the ferocity of his attacks. Finally, with one final devastating punch, the snake's second head exploded, blood and gore spraying across the battlefield.
Daisuke landed with a smirk, his arms still glowing faintly from the gathered chakra. "One down," he said, turning to Kotaru. "Try to keep up."
Kotaru's expression remained unchanged, but his aura shifted as he began channeling his own chakra. "Shimo no Hōshutsu," he said quietly, unsheathing his katana. A cold mist surrounded him, frost forming on the blade as it gleamed with lethal intent.
With a sudden burst of movement, Kotaru flew forward, moving so fast that he seemed to blur. He slashed at the final head of the snake, his katana carving deep gashes into its throat. The wounds began freezing instantly, the frost spreading rapidly until the entire head was encased in thick ice.
Kotaru didn't stop. With a series of precise, fluid strikes, he shattered the frozen head into a hundred pieces, the fragments scattering across the ground. The massive body of the snake fell limp, its colossal form finally defeated.
Kotaru sheathed his blade, the frost dissipating from the air around him. He turned toward Daisuke, his face as stoic as ever.
"Shall we head back to the walls now?" Kotaru asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
Daisuke laughed. "Lead the way, old man. But don't slow me down."
As Kotaru and Daisuke began their return to the walls of Konoha, a deep rumbling sound reached their ears. They paused, exchanging brief glances of alarm before turning to see the massive corpse of the snake they had just slain trembling violently.
To their shock, the remaining body of the beast burst apart in an explosion of gore, and hundreds of smaller snakes spilled out, slithering rapidly toward them in a writhing tide of scaled terror.
"Damn it!" Kotaru muttered, unsheathing his katana once more, the blade gleaming with frost. He prepared to counter, his stance firm.
Daisuke's usual grin was gone, replaced with a look of determined focus. "What is this? A final trick from Orochimaru?" he growled, golden energy beginning to gather around him again.
Before either of them could act, something unexpected happened. The charge of the smaller snakes slowed. At first, it was slight, but soon the frenzied movement of the swarm seemed to crawl to a near stop.
"What…?" Daisuke muttered, his stance relaxing slightly in confusion.
Kotaru's sharp eyes darted around, searching for an explanation. He turned abruptly, sensing a presence behind them, and his eyes widened.
There stood a man with a lean, muscular build and a strong jawline. His dark, short hair complemented the regal samurai-inspired armor he wore—dark blue with polished silver accents adorned with intricate wind patterns. A lightweight, dark cape flowed behind him as if carried by an unseen breeze.
"Lord Raiko Kazehara," Kotaru said, addressing the figure directly. "Is this your doing?"
Raiko's stoic expression didn't waver. He said nothing at first, his sharp gaze fixed on the halted snakes. Then, in a calm and measured tone, he replied, "I suggest you move quickly. The snakes behind you are about to be obliterated."
Kotaru and Daisuke exchanged wary glances but didn't hesitate. They leaped away from the swarm, landing at a safe distance just as a massive beam of crimson light descended from the heavens. The light struck the mass of snakes with devastating precision, disintegrating them completely. The battlefield was left silent, the ground scorched and barren where the creatures had been.
"And that," Raiko said, his tone unchanging, "is the last of them. Let us return. The enemy has been vanquished." He began walking toward the village without sparing the others another glance.
Daisuke, irritated by Raiko's composed demeanor, called out after him, "In case you haven't noticed, there are still enemies at the walls." His voice was sharp, the usual smugness replaced with uncharacteristic seriousness.
Raiko didn't break stride, nor did he turn. "It was of them I was speaking,".
xxxXXXxxx
Naruto and Sasuke scaled the walls swiftly, their movements fluid despite the urgency in their steps. Reaching the top, they were met with the sight of Jiraiya standing motionless, gazing out into the battlefield below. Gamabunta, who had been summoned earlier, was nowhere to be seen.
"Jiraiya-sensei, what happened? Did you take care of the enemy already?" Naruto asked, his voice respectful yet tinged with confusion.
"Sensei?" Sasuke repeated, his tone betraying surprise.
Naruto glanced at him briefly. "Yes, this is Jiraiya, one of my sensei," he explained before turning back to the Toad Sage.
Jiraiya finally spoke, his tone calm but deliberate. "No, I didn't take care of the enemy, Naruto. *They* did." He pointed toward a group of shinobi standing in formation a short distance away. Twelve masked figures, all dressed in black, stood silently, exuding an aura of calm precision. In front of them was another figure, distinct from the others.
The man wore a long, dark robe embroidered with subtle wave-like designs. His average build and composed demeanor contrasted with his sharp, calculating eyes. His white hair was slicked back, though a few strands fell across his forehead, and his lips curved into a constant, knowing smile, making his expressions almost unreadable.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied him. "You must be Sora Tanshoku, if I am not mistaken," he said with measured curiosity.
The man's smile deepened. "Had I not known who I am and the way you're eyeing me, Lord Namikaze, I might assume you mistook me for an enemy."
Naruto allowed a small smile in return. "You weren't at the stadium, yet you already know of my heritage. News sure travels fast, doesn't it?"
"Words are like the wind," another voice cut in, one of the masked shinobi stepping forward. The figure removed their mask, revealing a young woman with long, shimmering white hair, styled with two elegant braids framing her youthful face. Her icy blue eyes were as piercing as they were mesmerizing.
"They scatter quickly," she finished, her voice carrying an air of grace and calm.
Sasuke, ever blunt, turned toward her with a pointed look. "And who are you?"
The woman turned her gaze to him briefly, then back to Naruto. "My name is Tanshoku Mai, daughter and heiress of Lord Sora Tanshoku," she said smoothly, though her focus remained fixed on Naruto.
Naruto gave her a slight nod, then addressed Jiraiya. "I suppose everything here went according to plan?"
"Yes," Jiraiya answered simply. "Everything went well."
Naruto's expression turned serious. "And what of the other gates?" he asked, his voice firm.
For a moment, no one responded. The silence hung heavy until Sasuke broke it. "Shall we go take a look then?" he suggested, his tone bordering on impatient.
"There is no need for that," a voice called from behind them.
The group turned around, their attention drawn to the voice that had spoken. Before them stood a striking woman with an elegant yet serene presence. Her shoulder-length, wavy auburn hair was adorned with small, flower-shaped hairpins that glinted softly in the light. Her bright green eyes radiated calm intelligence. She wore a sleeveless pastel pink tunic accented with delicate gold floral embroidery, shimmering faintly with her movements. Over her tunic, she donned a pale lavender cloak fastened with a silver brooch shaped like a firefly. Her white, fitted pants were detailed with golden thread along the seams, and her soft, ankle-high sandals were laced neatly around her calves. A charm bracelet adorned her wrist, its tiny firefly charms catching the light as she moved.
"And who are you?" Sasuke asked bluntly, his eyes narrowing.
"Now, now, Sasuke," Mai interjected with a sly smile, her tone mildly scolding. "You should be more respectful. This is Mika Hotarubi, sister of Suzume Hotarubi and heiress to the Hotarubi Clan." Her gaze shifted to the woman. "Mika," she added with a polite nod.
Naruto's attention remained on Mika. "You say there's no need to go to the other gates. Why?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
Mika smiled faintly and raised her hands, closing them into a circle. Within the circle, a faint glow began to form, small at first but growing rapidly. A sudden burst of light surrounded the group, enveloping them completely in a dome of pure white. Naruto turned his head, looking around, but no matter where he directed his gaze—up, down, left, or right—there was only an endless expanse of white.
The light began to shift, moving at an incredible speed before settling into a clear image. It was the second gate of the village. There, Shikaku Nara stood atop the walls, his sharp eyes scanning the forest below. Inoichi Yamanaka and Chōza Akimichi could be seen returning inside the gates, their movements steady but deliberate.
The image shifted again, the light reforming into another scene. This time, it was the first gate. Three figures stood atop the walls: Raiko Kazehara stood triumphantly on the body of a slain enemy, his composure unshaken. Daisuke Mugenjo leaned casually against a wall, his signature smirk as sharp as ever. Kotaru Hisame stood meditatively in the middle of the battlefield, his katana resting at his side, the icy air around him still. As the scene played out, Naruto caught a subtle motion from Raiko, his gaze shifting upward briefly as if he were aware they were watching, but he said nothing.
The light dissipated suddenly, leaving the group standing just as they had been moments before.
"So, all the enemies have been defeated," Sasuke concluded, folding his arms.
Naruto, however, turned toward the direction of the Chunin Exams arena. His eyes narrowed. "Not quite. The main enemy is still standing."
"Yeah? Well, then let's go end him," Sora Tanshoku said with a smirk. Without another word, he began floating, his body moving swiftly toward the arena. The rest of his clan followed suit, their movements precise and synchronized as they disappeared into the distance.
"Tch," Jiraiya muttered, watching the clan vanish with admiration. "They really do have a useful jutsu, don't they? Let's hurry—we have to catch up to them!" He started running but was stopped by Naruto's voice.
"There's no need to run there, Sensei," Naruto said, his words halting Jiraiya mid-step.
"What do you mean?" Jiraiya asked, turning to Naruto.
Naruto smirked as he retrieved a massive scroll, unfurling it with practiced ease and placing it on the ground. "I left a scroll at the arena. We'll use it to reverse summon ourselves there. Place a hand on my shoulder."
Jiraiya and Sasuke exchanged glances before placing their hands on Naruto's shoulders. Naruto performed a quick hand seal, and with a puff of smoke, the three of them vanished.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya appeared in the waiting box of the Chunin Exams arena, their arrival marked by a puff of smoke. Naruto immediately spotted Temari and Kankuro, both at the point of exhaustion from the seal he had placed on them. Shino stood nearby, his expression betraying no emotion, giving Naruto a simple nod.
"I'll go help Kakashi-sensei up in the stands," said Sasuke before dashing off in the direction of the stands.
Naruto and Jiraiya exchanged glances before turning and making their way toward the rooftop.
It didn't take long before Naruto and Jiraiya found themselves at the edge of the barrier surrounding the aged Hokage and his adoptive son. Both their eyes widened at the scene inside.
Hiruzen and Orochimaru stood locked in a deadly draw, each with a weapon embedded deep into the other's chest. Blood trickled from both their lips, the gruesome sight underscored by the tension in the air. Slowly, they pulled their weapons back, revealing massive wounds on each of them.
"You old fool," Orochimaru sneered, his twisted smile widening despite the blood staining his teeth. "Do you really think this wound will be enough to kill me? Think again. I'll regenerate in no time." His voice dripped with cruel confidence. "You, on the other hand, won't survive that. You're as good as dead."
To his surprise, Hiruzen chuckled, his laughter deep and knowing.
"Do you think I came here unprepared, especially for a fight with you of all people?" Hiruzen's voice carried both pain and resolve.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, flicking back to his wound. Suddenly, his expression changed as he noticed a strange symbol spreading rapidly across his body from the injury.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?" Orochimaru roared, his voice filled with both anger and panic.
Hiruzen didn't answer immediately. Instead, he let his mind wander back to three weeks ago—a week after he had first learned about the invasion.
The scene shifted to the Namikaze mansion.
"What kind of favor do you need from me, old man?" Naruto asked, his tone curious but respectful.
Hiruzen looked at him seriously. "I need your strongest chakra-sealing tag."
Naruto raised an eyebrow before disappearing into the shelves. He returned moments later with a massive scroll, placing it in front of Hiruzen. "This is the one. It's designed to block chakra and disrupt internal functions. Use it carefully."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'll infuse it into my staff… with the permission of Monkey King Enma, of course."
Hiruzen's laugh broke the silence as he looked down at Orochimaru. "That seal instantly blocks your chakra and completely halts the functions of your organs. It's meant for the strongest opponents… and once I landed that hit on you, your fate was sealed."
Orochimaru's face twisted in disbelief, then fury. "Damn you. DAMN YOU! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY DAY—MY VICTORY!" He screamed, his voice reverberating inside the barrier.
But even as he roared, his body betrayed him. His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto his knees, his strength rapidly fading. Finally, he crumpled to the ground entirely, leaving his bodyguards, the Sound Four, staring in stunned silence inside the barrier.
Outside the barrier, both Naruto and Jiraiya wasted no time, attacking the glowing walls with everything they had. Their efforts caused cracks to appear, but it wasn't enough to fully break through. Their frustration was palpable until reinforcements arrived.
Sora Tanshoku and the rest of his clan floated down from above, their movements swift and precise. Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and Sasuke Uchiha followed shortly after, their expressions steeled for action. Naruto quickly scanned the area and saw that most of the village's forces were now assembling at the rooftop of the arena. The invasion had been successfully stopped, and Konoha's shinobi were regrouping to secure the area.
With the combined efforts of the newly arrived shinobi, including powerful jutsu from Sora's clan and coordinated attacks from Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Guy, the barrier finally shattered. As the translucent walls collapsed, a swarm of Konoha shinobi poured onto the rooftop, encircling both the fallen body of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Sound Four, who had been maintaining the barrier.
"What the hell do we do now, fatsos?" Tayuya screeched, panic evident in her voice as she glared at her teammates.
"Now we fight to the end!" Sakon declared, though his confidence seemed more forced than genuine.
"Don't be fools!" Jirōbō retorted sharply, raising his hands in surrender. "There's no way we can make it out of this alive. Look at them! Jiraiya of the Sannin, Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi—" He gestured at the approaching reinforcements. "And even more are on their way! This is over!"
"What the hell are you doing, you fatso?!" Tayuya screamed, veins popping on her forehead. "WE CAN'T JUST GIVE UP! THEY'LL KILL US!"
Before she could rant further, Kakashi appeared behind her in an instant, his speed startling everyone. He tapped her on the back of the head, and she collapsed unconscious.
"Enough out of you," Kakashi said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The remaining three members of the Sound Four hesitated, their resolve crumbling. Realizing they had no chance, they slowly raised their hands in surrender.
"We surrender," they said in unison, their voices low and defeated.
Kakashi glanced at them, his face impassive. "Put them in chains," he ordered. Immediately, Konoha shinobi surrounded the group and shackled them with chakra-suppressing restraints.
While the Sound Four were being subdued, Asuma Sarutobi ignored them entirely. His focus was on his father, who lay motionless on the ground. Rushing to Hiruzen's side, tears formed at the corners of his eyes as he knelt beside him.
"Dad… say something!" Asuma pleaded, his voice breaking as he gently shook his father. "MEDICS! Bring some medics here, now! He needs treatment!" he shouted desperately, his words echoing over the rooftop.
Asuma continued shouting for medics but froze when he saw his father's hand move slightly.
"Asuma… listen to me," said Hiruzen, his voice steady and calm despite his condition.
"What is it, Father?" Asuma asked frantically, leaning closer.
"My time in this world is over," Hiruzen said softly. "Now, take out a paper and write down my last will."
The gathered shinobi fell silent, their attention turning to the dying Hokage. One of them handed Asuma a letter and pen. With trembling hands, Asuma prepared to write, his eyes locked on his father.
Hiruzen's voice carried through the solemn gathering. "As for the Sarutobi Clan, I leave you as head of the clan," he said, addressing Asuma. "And all its riches."
Hiruzen paused, his gaze softening. "To my grandson, Konohamaru, I leave the Monkey Summoning Contract."
He took a labored breath before continuing, his words resonating with finality. "As for my final and last will, I have decided to leave Naruto Namikaze-Uzumaki as Protector of the Village until a new Hokage has been chosen."
Gasps spread among the gathered shinobi as all eyes turned toward Naruto. He stood next to the Hokage, his face stoic, betraying no emotion at the title he had just been bestowed.
Hiruzen's gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke again, his tone filled with both hope and authority. "I want the people of the village to remain united and to continue carrying on the Will of Fire, just as they did during the time of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju… and during the time of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze."
Asuma dutifully recorded his father's every word, his hands shaking as the weight of the moment pressed down on him.
"And now," Hiruzen said, turning his gaze to Asuma, "I have a message for you, my son."
Asuma leaned closer, his throat tight with emotion.
"I know that you are angry," Hiruzen said, his voice tender yet firm. "But please, give your brother Orochimaru a burial here in the village. I do not wish for his body to be disgraced in the eyes of everyone."
The gathered shinobi were stunned into silence at the revelation. Asuma's eyes widened, but after a moment, his expression softened with understanding.
"I understand, Father," Asuma said quietly, his voice steady despite his grief. "I will."
Hiruzen gave him a faint, final smile before his eyes closed for the last time.
Rain began to pour down, drenching the gathered shinobi. It was as if the heavens themselves mourned the passing of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha.
xxxXXXxxx
It didn't take long for the next day to arrive. News of the Third Hokage's death had spread throughout Konoha, and a village-wide funeral had been announced to honor him. The streets were filled with people dressed in black, their somber faces reflecting the shared grief of the village.
At the funeral, Naruto stood at the forefront, addressing the gathered crowd as Protector of the Village. The stage was solemn, a large photograph of Hiruzen Sarutobi placed in the center, surrounded by flowers and incense.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Naruto began, his voice calm and steady as it carried over the gathered shinobi and civilians, "I thank all of you for making your way here today."
He paused briefly, his sharp blue eyes scanning the crowd.
"We will now begin the memorial service for the Third Hokage, who lost his life in this battle," he continued, his tone measured yet respectful, "as well as for the other victims of this battle—those who have fallen so that our village might survive."
With those words, Naruto stepped forward, the first to lay a single white flower at the photograph of the fallen Hokage. He bowed his head briefly before stepping aside, his face a mask of stoicism. One by one, others followed, forming a solemn line as they each laid flowers to pay their respects.
In the crowd, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, two of the village's elder advisors, stood off to the side, their expressions grim.
"What was Hiruzen thinking?" Koharu whispered under her breath, her sharp eyes fixed on Naruto.
"That old fool left a child in charge of the village," Homura replied in a low voice, his tone edged with disdain. "We need to act quickly and make sure he is removed as soon as possible."
Their gazes lingered on Naruto Namikaze, who stood at the head of the crowd, his demeanor unshaken despite the weight of the moment.
The ceremony lasted for hours, and by the time it ended, the entire crowd was soaked from the rain that had fallen steadily without pause. Once the formalities were over, Naruto quickly made his way back to the Namikaze Mansion.
Entering his home, he headed straight to his room, shedding his drenched clothes and taking a quick shower to rid himself of the cold. After changing into dry attire, he descended to the living room, only to be met with a surprising sight: Haku, Karin, and his own team—Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Sakura Haruno—all seated and waiting for him.
Seeing the confusion on Naruto's face, Kakashi spoke first. "Welcome back, Naruto. It's good to see you," he greeted warmly.
"Forgive me, I wasn't expecting you all to be here," Naruto replied, still caught off guard.
Sakura let out a small laugh. "There's no need to be so formal with us, Naruto. We're friends, after all."
Naruto managed a small smile. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just used to it now since I've been talking like this all day," he said, his tone lightening. He glanced toward Haku and Karin. "I see you've already met my friends, Haku and Karin."
"Yes, we met them yesterday at the stadium," Sakura confirmed.
"Well, that's good to hear," Naruto said. Then, rubbing his stomach, he added, "Is there anything to eat? I'm starving."
Haku nodded with a small smile. "Yes, there is. I'll go and set the table." She stood and left for the kitchen.
"Thank you," Naruto said before sitting on one of the sofas.
Kakashi's visible eye watched him closely. "So, you've been named Protector of the Village now," Kakashi stated.
"Yes," Naruto replied. "The Third Hokage decided that."
"So you already knew about it?" Sasuke asked, leaning forward slightly.
Naruto nodded. "Yes, I knew a month in advance. When I informed Lord Hokage that I had captured Kabuto and put him in interrogation, he came to me a week later with his plan. He told me he intended to kill Orochimaru and that he might not survive the fight. He prepared his will in case he couldn't announce it himself."
"You were the one who uncovered the invasion?" Sakura asked, disbelief in her tone.
"Not only did he know about the invasion," Karin interjected, "Naruto was one of the three who prepared the village's defenses for it."
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged shocked looks. "Who were the other two?" Sakura asked, her curiosity evident.
"The Hokage himself and Jiraiya of the Sannin. We worked together to organize the village's defenses," Naruto explained, a hint of pride in his voice.
"And you can say the plan worked to perfection," Kakashi added.
"Yeah, the plan worked perfectly," Naruto agreed. "We killed Orochimaru, captured his right-hand man Kabuto, subdued his bodyguards, and crushed his forces. We even managed to capture the Kazekage's own children."
Sasuke's expression grew serious. "What did you do with Orochimaru's body?"
Naruto's voice lowered slightly. "Asuma Sarutobi and I buried him in secret on land owned by the Sarutobi clan."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Gaara and his siblings were the children of the Kazekage?"
"Yes, they were," Naruto confirmed.
"Konoha has won a great victory, then," Sakura said, her tone filled with optimism.
At her words, Naruto fell silent, his expression growing colder.
Sakura noticed and hesitated. "Isn't that right, Naruto?" she asked cautiously, worry creeping into her voice.
Naruto finally spoke, his tone serious. "Yes, we are victorious. But we've lost our leader, and the vultures have already begun swarming me, trying to place their own in positions of power."
The room grew silent as everyone took in his words.
And that is it for this chapter and the Konoha Crush Arc if you have any questions make sure to ask them in the reviews, also at the end of the chapter i will now include small details about the world of this fanfiction here is the one for this chapter:
Daisuke Mugenjo is the clan head of the Mugenjo clan and a legendary shinobi his nickname is the Laughing Devil, he earned the nickname during a battle in the Valley of Hell in the Land of Hot water, he and Wicked Eye Fugaku battled their way across the land all the way up to the border of the Land of Lightning, essentially ending the Northwestern front before it could pose a significant threat to the village. Daisuke has a daughter named Kenta how is 15, despite the great fame and power of Daisuke Mugenjo the Mugenjo clan is still considered one of the lower clans of Konoha especially since they were the last Clan to join the village of Konoha during the 2 year of Tobirama Senju's reign as Hokage.