Chapter 7 hope you enjoy!

Sasuke rushed forward, testing Gaara's defense with a fast jab. As expected, the sand moved almost instantaneously to block his attack while Gaara stood stoically, his arms crossed.

"Your sand is fast, but let's see if it can keep up," Sasuke muttered, vanishing in a blur. He reappeared behind Gaara and attacked from multiple directions, each blow aimed at a vulnerable spot. But no matter how fast Sasuke moved, the sand effortlessly kept pace, forming a barrier around Gaara.

The Uchiha clicked his tongue in frustration as he flipped backward to gain distance.

Naruto leaned against the railing, watching intently. "So, you trained him on speed, huh? You're hoping he can break through Gaara's defense with pure speed?" he asked Kakashi, who stood beside him with his usual nonchalant demeanor.

"Speed is part of it," Kakashi admitted, not taking his eye off the fight. "But that's not all I taught him."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What else are you hiding, Kakashi?"

Kakashi smiled under his mask, giving nothing away.

Kiba groaned. "Man, Sasuke's fast, but that sand is ridiculous. It's like Gaara doesn't even have to move to fight!"

Choji nodded, munching on chips. "How do you even fight something like that? The sand just blocks everything."

Ino smirked. "Sasuke-Kun's not going to let that stop him. He's one of the strongest genin for a reason."

Sakura, watching nervously, muttered, "But Gaara's sand is relentless... Even with Sasuke-Kun's speed, he hasn't landed a hit yet."

Sayuri tilted her head thoughtfully. "If Sasuke wants to win, he'll need to find a way to slow Gaara's sand down. Speed alone isn't enough against an automatic defense like that."

Lee frowned, clenching his fists. "That's true. When I fought Gaara, I couldn't even touch him until I dropped my weights and went all out. But Sasuke doesn't have that level of speed."

Tenten glanced at Lee. "But Sasuke has something else you didn't his Sharingan. Maybe it'll help him find a way past Gaara's defense."

In the arena, Sasuke's Sharingan spun as he analyzed Gaara's movements. He suddenly stopped darting around and began weaving through hand signs.

"Water Style: Water Wave!" Sasuke shouted, sending a torrent of water crashing toward Gaara.

The water soaked the sand, making it heavier and slower to move. Sasuke smirked as he capitalized on the moment, doubling his speed and attacking again. This time, his fist broke through the sluggish sand and connected with Gaara's stomach, sending the Suna genin flying.

Kiba whistled loudly. "Whoa! Did you see that? He actually got through!"

Choji paused mid-bite. "That water slowed down Gaara's sand... That was smart."

Naruto smirked. "So you taught him Water Style too, huh? Good call. That sand's a pain in the ass when it's dry."

Kakashi nodded. "Slowing it down was the best way to level the playing field. I couldn't push Sasuke's speed to Lee's level in just a month, so we had to get creative."

Sayuri glanced at Kakashi. "But Water Style isn't Sasuke's affinity, right? That means it takes more chakra to use."

Sakura, ever the bookworm, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's smart, but it'll drain him faster. He probably only has a couple of shots with that jutsu before he's out of chakra."

Lee frowned. "Slowing the sand is only a temporary solution. If Sasuke doesn't end this quickly, Gaara's defense will recover, and he'll be back to square one."

Across the arena, the Jonin sensei observed the match closely.

Asuma let out a low whistle. "Not bad. Teaching Sasuke Water Style was a smart move. It's not something you see often from the Uchiha clan."

Kurenai nodded. "But it's a double-edged sword. That kind of jutsu takes more chakra when it's not your natural affinity. Sasuke's going to burn out if this fight drags on."

Guy crossed his arms. "Gaara is more dangerous than Sasuke realizes. His sand isn't just a defense. It's a weapon. If Sasuke can't keep up, this fight could turn deadly."

Asuma sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Kakashi's got a lot riding on Sasuke's ability to finish this quickly. Slowing Gaara's sand is a smart strategy, but it's not sustainable."

In the Kage box, Hiruzen frowned deeply as he observed the fight. "Gaara is losing control. If this continues, it could end in disaster."

The Kazekage smirked beneath his veil. "Indeed, but it's fascinating. The Uchiha boy is quite skilled. That Water Style jutsu was unexpected."

Hiruzen's gaze didn't waver. "Sasuke's resourcefulness is impressive, but Gaara's ability to counter so effortlessly is concerning. The balance of this fight could tip at any moment."

'Show me more of your abilities, Sasuke-Kun,' Orochimaru thought with a smirk.

Gaara slowly stood, a maniacal grin forming on his face. "Not bad, Uchiha. But it won't matter. Mother shall have your blood!" he shouted, sending a wave of sand surging toward Sasuke.

The Uchiha flipped backward, dodging the attack with ease. His Sharingan predicted the tendrils' movements, allowing him to evade with ease.

Sasuke's hand crackled with electricity as the sound of a thousand birds filled the arena. "Chidori!" he yelled, launching himself toward Gaara in a blur of speed.

Gaara's sand rose to defend him, forming a dense barrier. Sasuke yelled, thrusting the Chidori forward with all his strength. The lightning blade pierced through the sand, slamming into Gaara's shoulder.

"Blood... MY BLOOD!" Gaara shrieked, his eyes wide with madness.

Sasuke leaped back as sand erupted around Gaara, forming a massive sphere. The Uchiha stared warily at the ball of sand, his breathing heavy.

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Kakashi, you taught him that jutsu?"

Sakura's eyes were wide with awe. "That lightning... it's so powerful."

Sayuri nodded thoughtfully. "But look at Sasuke—he's exhausted. That attack took a lot out of him."

Kiba frowned. "If he can't use that move again, how's he supposed to win?"

Ino, biting her lip nervously, muttered, "Sasuke-kun can do it. He's stronger than this."

With the jonin, Guy looked at the jutsu in surprise

Guy frowned deeply. "The Chidori... It's an assassination jutsu. Teaching it to a genin is risky."

Asuma shook his head. "Kakashi's taking a big gamble with Sasuke. That kind of power in the wrong hands..."

Kurenai sighed. "Sasuke's strong, but does he have the discipline to use that kind of jutsu? That's the real question."

Sasuke stared warily at the sand just as feathers started falling around the arena. 'Genjutsu?' he thought with surprise, quickly dispelling it after a few moments. An explosion from the Kage box was seen, and several Oto and Suna nin started attacking the arena.

"What the hell?!" Sasuke yelled as Genma appeared beside him.

"We are getting attacked. Go up the stands and help your fellow genin protect the civilians and fight off our attackers." Genma explained the situation. Sasuke nodded reluctantly as he went up the stands.

With the Genin

Naruto and Sayuri nodded to each other and started weaving through hand signs as a group of Suna shinobi attacked them.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Naruto announced

"Wind Style: Wind Dragon!" Sayuri announced

The two wind attacks combined, enhancing its range and damage, blowing away the group. The rest of the genin stared in surprise while Kakashi fended off multiple Oto nin.

"Don't just stand there, move! Protect the civilians!" Kakashi ordered blocking an attack.

"Hai!" the rest of the genin said as they rushed off to the other stands.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he saw Gaara get picked up by his siblings and rushed out of the Arena.

"Naruto, Sayuri, you go deal with Gaara. I can handle this," Kakashi ordered. The duo nodded, following Gaara and his siblings just as Sasuke appeared.

"Kakashi-Sensei!" Kakashi looked at him as he stabbed another Oto nin in the neck, killing the man.

"Sasuke, keep close to me. Right now, we are in the middle of a lead by Orochimaru, and it seems Suna has betrayed us. Stay focused!" Kakashi ordered, blocking a jab. Sasuke nodded as he deflected a sword with a Kunai and stood back to back with Kakashi.

Up in the Kage box, Hiruzen glared at the Kazekage as they stood face to face.

"What is the meaning of this Kazekage-dono?" He asked. The Kazekage chuckled.

"Can't even recognize your student, can't you, Sensei?" The Kazekage said, ripping off his robes and revealing Orochimaru Hiruzen's glare intensified.

"I have been expecting you to attack us, but to think that Suna will ally themselves with you." He muttered as Orochimaru chuckled.

"No need to dwell on that, Sensei. When this day is over, Konoha will fall." The Snake Sannin said with a grin as the two disappeared and reappeared on top of the Arena. Hiruzen's Anbu guard tried to follow them but was stopped by a barrier that formed as four oto shinobi appeared, blocking them and leaving the Hokage and Orochimaru alone inside.

Hiruzen sighed, "It's time I rectify my mistake." He tore off his robes and revealed his armor. He then went through hand signs. "Summoning Jutsu!" he announced as smoke appeared.

"I guess it's time then, Hiruzen?" a voice said as the smoke cleared, revealing Enma Hiruzen nodded.

"Yes, old friend, it is time." He answered. Enma nodded, transforming into a staff. Hiruzen picked it up and swung it around before taking a stance.

"Come, Orochimaru!" He yelled as he and Orochimaru rushed toward each other and started exchanging blows.

With Naruto and Sayuri

The duo followed the sand siblings out of Konoha's walls.

"What are they planning?" Sayuri asked Naruto, who frowned.

"Kit, that redhead is planning on releasing Shukaku. You better stop it if you don't want to fight a Biju." Kurama informed the blonde, whose eyes widened.

'You're telling me just now? God damn it, Kurama.' He said to his partner. Shaking his head, he turned to Sayuri.

"Listen, Gaara is a Jinchuriki, and he's planning on releasing his Biju. We have to stop him before it happens," Naruto explained to the girl, and her eyes widened.

"We need to deal with them quickly, then." She said, and Naruto nodded as they doubled their speed.

"What's wrong Gaara?" Temari asked her youngest brother, a wary look on her face as Gaara gripped his head in pain. Sand gathered around Gaara, forming a large claw in his right arm and a tail. She gasped as she and Kankuro were suddenly hit by his new appendage, launching them away from the Suna Jinchuriki. They could only watch as Gaara started his transformation, fear gripping them in place.

"HAHAHAHA BLOOD MOTHER SHALL GET SOME BLOOD!" Gaara yelled as he laughed maniacally.

"He's starting his transformation…" Naruto muttered as they cautiously approached the Jinchuriki.

"I will have to use Infinity. Get ready, Sayuri. This guy will be difficult to fight." Naruto said, taking off his blindfold, revealing his eyes as they glowed faintly. The girl nodded as Gaara turned his attention towards them, a crazed look in his eyes.

With Hiruzen

Hiruzen deflected a jab from Orochimaru's Kusanagi blade, pivoting smoothly to counter with a heavy strike from his staff. Orochimaru leaped back, smirking as he began weaving through a rapid series of hand signs.

"Fire Style: Grand Fireball!" Orochimaru roared, exhaling a massive orb of flames that hurtled toward the elderly Hokage.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. With a quick hand sign, he slammed his palm to the roof beneath him. "Earth Style: Earth Wall!" The ground rumbled as a thick wall of stone rose before him, blocking the flames.

Orochimaru's grin widened. "Time to meet some old friends, Sensei," he sneered, clapping his hands together as he activated his next move.

"Summoning: Reanimation Jutsu!" he declared with a smirk. The roof beneath their feet began to quake as three large coffins slowly rose from the tiles. Each coffin bore a single kanji: "Shodaime," "Nidaime," and "Yondaime."

Hiruzen's eyes widened in horror. "No…!" he muttered, panic creeping into his voice. Without hesitation, he extended Enma, his staff, and swung it with immense force. The blow shattered the coffin marked "Yondaime" just as it was about to open, destroying it.

But the other two coffins rose fully, their lids falling to the ground with a thud. From within emerged two figures Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage, and his younger brother, Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage.

Hiruzen felt his heart sink. "Hashirama-Sama… Tobirama-sensei..." he whispered. Hashirama stepped forward, a bit confused.

"Huh? Where am I…? Sarutobi, is that you?" he asked as he looked around.

Tobirama's sharp eyes immediately locked onto Orochimaru, his expression cold and analytical. "This technique… it's the Reanimation Jutsu," he said, his voice laced with anger. "You must be the one responsible for summoning us. Who are you?"

Orochimaru's grin widened, his golden eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, forgive me, Second Hokage. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Orochimaru, the one who perfected your forbidden jutsu."

Tobirama's frown deepened, and his voice turned icy. "You dare desecrate the dead with my creation? This is an unforgivable insult."

Hiruzen clenched his teeth, his grip on Enma tightening. "Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sensei… I'm sorry we must meet this way," he said, his voice breaking slightly. "My student has desecrated your souls with this forbidden jutsu. He intends to use you to kill me and destroy Konoha."

The two brothers frowned in unison. Hashirama's face darkened, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a grim expression. "This is unforgivable," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

Before either of them could say more, Orochimaru stepped forward, placing a seal on the back of their necks. Their eyes dimmed, turning dull and lifeless as the binding seals took hold.

"That's enough talking," Orochimaru hissed gleefully, his serpentine voice dripping with malice. "Kill him."

At his command, the two legendary shinobi moved with terrifying speed. Hashirama darted forward first, his hands weaving through a series of signs.

"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!" Massive wooden roots erupted from the rooftop, twisting and writhing as they surged toward Hiruzen. The old Hokage leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the deadly roots as they tore through the tiles where he had been standing moments before.

But Tobirama was already waiting for him mid-air, his hands glowing with water chakra. "Water Style: Water Severing Wave!" A high-pressure jet of water shot toward Hiruzen, slicing through the air like a blade.

"Enma!" Hiruzen called, and the staff expanded once more, spinning rapidly in his hands as he used it to deflect the water jet. The force of the attack sent him hurtling backward, but he landed gracefully, his eyes darting between the two reanimated Hokage.

"Even in death, their abilities are this sharp," Hiruzen muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"Struggling already, Sensei?" Orochimaru mocked from the sidelines, his grin never wavering. "Come now, this is only the beginning. I want to see the legendary Professor at his best before I take everything from you."

Hiruzen gritted his teeth and readied himself as Hashirama and Tobirama charged again, their attacks relentless.

With Kakashi and Sasuke

The sensei and student stood back to back, surrounded by a relentless wave of Suna shinobi.

Kakashi parried a kunai with his own. Ducking under a stray shuriken aimed for his head, he swept the leg of his opponent, sending the shinobi sprawling to the ground. Without hesitation, Kakashi plunged his kunai into the downed enemy's head, ending the fight instantly.

Sensing danger from behind, Kakashi rolled to the side just as another shinobi slashed at where he had been standing. Rising to his feet, he met the new opponent in a fierce taijutsu exchange. Fists and feet collided in a series of blindingly fast strikes and counters, neither combatant giving an inch.

Nearby, Sasuke was panting heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead as he dispatched another opponent. He landed a kick to his attacker's ribs, sending the man stumbling to the side. His Sharingan flared as he noticed a stray kunai embedded in the ground. Snatching it up in one smooth motion, Sasuke spun and plunged the weapon into the gut of a charging shinobi.

"Get out of my way!" Sasuke growled, following up with a roundhouse kick that sent the wounded man crashing into a nearby wall.

"There's no end to these guys!" Sasuke shouted, frustration creeping into his voice as he sidestepped a sword strike aimed at his chest.

Kakashi, not missing a beat, countered a shinobi's lunge by twisting to the side and driving his own kunai into the attacker's back. "I know," he replied calmly, though his voice was tinged with strain. His hand began to spark with lightning as he channeled chakra into his signature move. "But we're slowly turning the tide."

Kakashi drove his Chidori into the chest of another enemy, the sound of crackling electricity echoing briefly before the shinobi collapsed lifelessly.

Sasuke scowled, narrowly avoiding a swing of a sword. 'Tch, whatever. At least I'm getting something useful out of this.' His Sharingan spun rapidly, observing and memorizing every move made by his opponents. A glint in his eyes revealed his excitement as he copied a Wind Style: Gale Palm jutsu performed by one of the Suna shinobi.

"Pathetic," he muttered under his breath, activating the jutsu he had just copied to blast an attacker backward. He smirked. 'With every fight, I get closer to my goal.'

Elsewhere, near the Academy

The Konoha Genin stood firm in front of the Academy gates, forming a defensive line with several chunin instructors and a handful of Anbu. Behind them, the frightened faces of civilians and young students peeked out from the building's relative safety.

"Where the hell is Naruto and Sayuri?" Kiba growled, spinning in midair alongside Akamaru. "Fang Over Fang!" The attack tore through an Oto shinobi, sending him crashing into the ground in a crumpled heap.

"I don't know," Shikamaru replied lazily, though his eyes remained sharp as he parried a sword strike with his kunai. With a swift kick to his opponent's chest, he sent the man stumbling back. "But wherever they are, they're probably stirring up more trouble."

Hinata ducked under a kunai slash before thrusting her palm into her attacker's chest, sending him skidding backward. "I-I just hope they're okay," she said softly, her eyes filled with worry even as she maintained her stance.

"Focus on the fight, kids!" Asuma barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. His trench knives flashed as he sliced through a Suna shinobi.

"Hai!" the Genin answered in unison, their resolve hardening as they pushed forward to defend their village.

Somewhere else within the village

The chaos of the invasion echoed through Konoha. Civilians scrambled for safety, protected by squads of chunin and genin, as enemy shinobi clashed with Konoha forces. Amidst the chaos, enormous snake summons rampaged, their massive bodies crashing through walls and buildings.

Jiraiya leaped onto a nearby rooftop, surveying the chaos below with a grim expression. His eyes locked onto one of the massive snakes coiled around a crumbling section of Konoha's outer wall. as it prepared to strike at a group of retreating civilians.

"Enough of this," Jiraiya muttered, biting his thumb and running through a series of hand signs. Slamming his hand onto the rooftop, he shouted, "Summoning Jutsu!"

A massive puff of smoke erupted, clearing to reveal Gamahiro, the dual-sword-wielding toad. The giant amphibian adjusted the massive blades on his back and glanced down at Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya, what kind of mess have you dragged me into this time?" Gamahiro asked in a gruff voice.

Jiraiya pointed toward the snake, which had turned its attention to them. "Just a little house cleaning. That overgrown worm is in the way."

Gamahiro unsheathed one of his blades. "You got it."

The snake lunged toward them, its jaws wide open, fangs glistening. Gamahiro met its attack head-on, slashing with one of his blades and cutting deeply into the creature's side. The snake hissed in pain, recoiling and lashing out with its tail, attempting to swat the toad away. Gamahiro leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the strike, and brought his other blade down in a powerful arc, slicing through the snake's tail.

"Gotcha!" Gamahiro bellowed as the snake thrashed in agony.

Jiraiya smirked, leaping down from the rooftop to land beside his summon. "Keep them off the civilians. I'll take care of the shinobi directing these things."

Gamahiro gave a short nod, turning his attention to another snake that was slithering through the rubble toward a group of chunin. "On it!"

Meanwhile, Jiraiya dashed toward a group of enemy shinobi on a nearby rooftop. They were frantically weaving hand signs to summon reinforcements, clearly in control of the snakes.

"Not on my watch," Jiraiya growled, jumping into the fray. He slammed his foot down onto one of the shinobi's heads, knocking them out cold, before grabbing another by the collar and throwing him into a wall. The remaining enemy shinobi tried to retaliate, launching a series of kunai at him, but Jiraiya countered with a quick Fire Style: Flame Bombs, forcing them to scatter.

"Looks like your pet snakes are about to lose their leash," Jiraiya taunted, dispatching the last of the enemy shinobi with a swift kick.

Back on the battlefield, Gamahiro slammed one of his swords into the ground, pinning a snake in place as it thrashed helplessly. The toad turned his head, calling out to Jiraiya. "Another one down! Got any more surprises for me, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya landed back on the rooftop with a satisfied grin. "Just keep doing what you're doing. I've got some cleanup to handle elsewhere."

As Gamahiro dealt with the remaining snakes, the tide of the invasion in that area began to turn. Konoha forces rallied, their morale bolstered by Jiraiya's presence and his powerful summon.

With Naruto and Sayuri

"This is getting really annoying!" Sayuri yelled, leaping back to dodge another wave of sand. Landing lightly on a tree branch, she weaved through a series of hand signs.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullets!" she shouted, sending a rapid barrage of compressed air projectiles toward Gaara. The attacks hammered into Gaara's enhanced sand-covered arm, forcing him to shield himself.

Naruto seized the opening. "Ao!" he shouted, forming the gravitational orb and sending it flying toward Gaara. The orb pulled debris, rocks, and chunks of sand toward it, restricting Gaara's movements as the sand encased him in a swirling mass.

Naruto smirked. "This should keep him down for a while!"

But Gaara's crazed grin widened. "You think this will stop me? Mother demands your blood!"

The sand encasing him began to violently swirl and erupt, forcing Ao to lose its grip.

In place of Gaara was Shukaku's massive form.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Guess we're stepping this up." He raised his hand, his fingers crackling with energy.

"Maximum Output: Aka!" Naruto announced, forming the fiery red orb at the tip of his finger and hurling it directly at Gaara.

The orb hit its mark, erupting in a massive explosion that shook the clearing. When the smoke cleared, half of Shukaku's head had been blown clean off, leaving Gaara exposed on what remained of the tanuki's crumbling form. The burns across his body showed just how devastating the attack had been.

Gaara's unconscious body slumped forward, hanging from the remnants of Shukaku's head.

Naruto clicked his tongue in frustration. "Still alive, huh? I'll give him credit—he's tough."

But before Naruto or Sayuri could capitalize on Gaara's vulnerable state, the sand began to writhe and reform.

"HAHAHAHA, I'M FREE! I'M FINALLY FREE!" Shukaku roared, his full form towering over the battlefield.

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Damn it. Gaara's out cold—that means Shukaku's fully in control."

The massive tanuki turned its gaze to Naruto, its eyes filled with bloodlust. "I'LL START WITH KILLING YOU, BRAT!"

Shukaku inhaled deeply, releasing a barrage of wind bullets. Naruto smirked as they collided harmlessly against Infinity.

"How!? I hit you! How are you still standing!?" Shukaku bellowed in confusion.

Naruto shrugged casually. "Guess I'm just built different."

Before Shukaku could react, Sayuri's voice rang out. "Wind Style: Air Slash Barrage!" The blades of wind slammed into Shukaku's torso, briefly knocking him off balance. She followed it up with multiple kunai laced with explosive tags, detonating them.

"Annoying brat!" Shukaku roared, swinging a massive claw of sand toward Sayuri. She dove into the trees for cover as the massive limb smashed into her previous position.

Naruto grinned, using the distraction to his advantage. "Time to take him down a notch."

He formed three Aka in quick succession, launching them one after another at Shukaku's legs.

The first orb struck its left leg, shattering it in an explosion of sand. The second and third orbs hit the right leg, obliterating it entirely.

Shukaku howled in rage, collapsing onto his knees as his lower body disintegrated into loose sand. "HOW DARE YOU!? I'LL CRUSH YOU!"

Naruto leapt back to Sayuri's side. "Nice work keeping him busy, but we're gonna need something bigger to finish this."

Sayuri nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "What's the plan?"

Naruto smirked. "We're summoning the big guy."

He closed his eyes, forming hand seals. "Summoning Jutsu!" A massive puff of smoke filled the clearing, revealing the towering form of Gamabunta.

The toad boss groaned. "What now, Jiraiya? Another one of your stupid—" He stopped, spotting Shukaku. "Oh, fantastic. A Biju. Just what I needed today."

"Sorry, Chief, but it's not Jiraiya—it's me, Uzumaki Naruto!"

Gamabunta squinted down at the blonde. "So you're the new summoner, huh? What the hell did you drag me into, kid?"

Naruto grinned sheepishly. "A fight with the One-Tail. Think you can handle it?"

Gamabunta sighed. "Fine. But you owe me a barrel of sake after this."

"You got it, Chief!" Naruto promised.

The fight resumed as Gamabunta clashed with Shukaku, dodging air bullets with surprising agility. He drew his massive tanto, slashing at the tanuki's torso. The blade carved deep, but Shukaku's sand body absorbed much of the impact.

"We'll need to wake the brat up to stop this," Gamabunta said.

"You know a Fire Jutsu, right?" he asked, and Naruto nodded. "Good on my mark. Launch it." He ordered

Naruto nodded. "Sayuri, I need you to back me up. Combine your wind jutsu with mine."

Sayuri grinned. "Got it!"

"Toad Oil Bullet!" Gamabunta announced, spitting a massive stream of oil toward Shukaku. "Now!"

Naruto and Sayuri worked in perfect sync, weaving hand signs simultaneously.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball!" Naruto shouted, launching a massive sphere of flames.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Sayuri yelled, amplifying the fireball's power.

The combined attack engulfed Shukaku, reducing his sand body to molten glass from the neck down.

"Now's our chance!" Gamabunta declared, grabbing Naruto and hurling him toward Gaara.

Naruto landed gracefully on Shukaku's head. With a burst of speed, he appeared in front of Gaara and delivered a headbutt.

"Wake up, you bastard!" Naruto yelled.

Gaara gasped, his eyes snapping open. "NOOO, I JUST GOT HERE!" Shukaku wailed as his form crumbled, dissolving into sand.

Gaara lay motionless on the ground, his sand armor shattered and crumbling away. His breathing was labored, and his crazed expression had softened into confusion and pain. Naruto and Sayuri stood over him.

Naruto crouched down. "Why are you like this?" he asked, his voice softer but still carrying an edge. "Why do you think killing everyone will make you strong?"

Gaara blinked up at him, his voice weak. "…Because that's all I've ever known. Strength is all that matters. My existence… It's meaningless without it."

Sayuri knelt beside Naruto, brushing her scarf aside. "That's not true, Gaara. Strength isn't about fear or power. It's about protecting what's important to you. Haven't you ever thought about that?"

Gaara's gaze flickered between the two of them, uncertainty clouding his pale green eyes. "Protect…? No one has ever… I was born to kill. To survive. There was no one to protect me."

Naruto sighed, sitting back slightly. "You know, I didn't live the same life as you, but I get it. I've seen what loneliness does to people. I know what it's like to feel like you don't belong anywhere. But you don't have to let that control you."

Gaara stared at Naruto, confusion and something unspoken reflected in his eyes. "You don't understand…"

"I don't need to understand everything," Naruto interrupted, his tone growing sharper. "But I can see what you're doing to yourself. You're using all that pain as an excuse to hurt people. You're letting it define you. You think it's strength, but it's not."

Sayuri added, her voice calm yet firm, "You think killing makes you stronger, but look where that's gotten you. People don't follow you because they care about you—they fear you. And fear… Fear isn't the same as respect."

Gaara clenched his fists weakly, his body trembling. "But… that's all I've ever had. Fear is all I've ever known."

Naruto leaned closer. "Then maybe it's time to try something different. You've got siblings who clearly care about you, even if you've never noticed it. You don't have to keep being the monster people think you are. You can choose to be something better."

At that moment, Temari and Kankuro rushed into the clearing, their faces pale with worry.

"Gaara!" Temari cried, kneeling beside her brother. Her eyes darted toward Naruto and Sayuri, her expression a mix of fear and suspicion.

Kankuro glared at Naruto. "What did you do to him!?"

Naruto stood, brushing off some dirt from his pants. "Relax. I didn't kill him. Just knocked some sense into that thick skull of his."

Gaara's trembling hand reached up, grabbing Temari's wrist. His voice was barely above a whisper. "…I'm sorry."

Temari froze, her eyes wide in shock. "Gaara…"

Kankuro's jaw dropped. "Did he just… apologize?"

Sayuri smiled softly, standing beside Naruto. "Looks like he's starting to figure it out."

Naruto gave a small, cocky grin as he turned to leave, Sayuri following at his side. "Well, I guess even a guy like me can make a difference," he said, loud enough for Gaara to hear.

Gaara's gaze followed them, something unrecognizable flickering in his eyes. "Uzumaki… Naruto," he murmured, the words lingering on his lips like a revelation.

As Naruto and Sayuri disappeared into the trees, Temari and Kankuro exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and hope.

For the first time in his life, Gaara wondered if he could be something more than a monster—if he could find a purpose beyond fear and hatred.

With Hiruzen

The Old Hokage stood firm, his breathing heavy as he faced off against the two reanimated Hokage. Despite his age, his eyes burned with determination. Orochimaru's smirk widened as he relished his former teacher's struggle.

"It's futile, Sensei," Orochimaru taunted, "You're fighting against the greatest shinobi to ever live. Even you, the God of Shinobi, can't defeat the combined power of the First and Second Hokage."

The reanimated Hokages charged forward. Hashirama's hands moved in a blur, summoning massive wooden tendrils. "Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!" The ground trembled as massive roots erupted, surging toward Hiruzen.

Hiruzen leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the wooden tendrils that threatened to ensnare him.

Tobirama followed up with "Water Style: Water Severing Wave!" A sharp jet of water sliced through the air, aimed directly at Hiruzen. The Third Hokage spun Enma, deflecting the attack, though the force of the impact sent him sliding back.

The two reanimated Hokages pressed their assault, their techniques perfectly coordinated. Hashirama's wood constructs and Tobirama's water jutsu combined in a relentless barrage that left Hiruzen on the defensive. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Third Hokage fought valiantly, using every ounce of his skill and experience to hold his ground.

"You're just delaying the inevitable," Orochimaru sneered, summoning a massive snake to add to the chaos. The snake lunged at Hiruzen, its fangs bared, but the Third Hokage countered.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb!" Hiruzen roared, unleashing a stream of fire that engulfed the snake. The massive creature hissed in pain before collapsing into a smoldering heap.

Enma growled, his voice filled with urgency. "Hiruzen, we can't keep this up. You need to end this now!"

Hiruzen nodded grimly, his resolve hardening. "I know, Enma. There's no other choice."

Forming a series of seals, Hiruzen's chakra flared to life as he called upon one of the most forbidden techniques in the shinobi world. "Reaper Death Seal!"

A cold chill swept over the battlefield as the spectral form of the Shinigami appeared behind Hiruzen. Its eerie presence caused even Orochimaru's smirk to falter.

"So, you're resorting to that, Sensei?" Orochimaru hissed, his amusement replaced by unease. "How desperate you must be."

Hiruzen ignored him, his focus entirely on the task at hand. The Shinigami's spectral hand extended toward the reanimated Hokages, passing through their bodies and gripping their very souls. Hashirama and Tobirama froze mid-attack. Their movements halted as the Shinigami began to pull.

Orochimaru's grin returned, though it was more strained. "Do you really think you can seal them and still have the strength to deal with me, Sensei? You'll die before you can finish!"

Hiruzen grimaced, sweat dripping down his brow as he poured every ounce of his chakra into the technique. The Shinigami's hand tugged harder, and slowly, the souls of the First and Second Hokage were pulled from their reanimated bodies.

With one final effort, the Shinigami sealed the souls of Hashirama and Tobirama, their bodies crumbling to ash as they returned to the afterlife. Hiruzen stumbled, his body weakening under the strain of the technique.

"It's over, Orochimaru," Hiruzen said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion.

Orochimaru's smirk returned. "Not yet, Sensei. You've sealed the Hokages, but you're out of strength. You can't stop me now."

Hiruzen formed another seal, his hands trembling. "You're wrong, Orochimaru. I may not live to see it, but I can still protect my village."

The Shinigami's hand reached for Orochimaru, its spectral grip latching onto his arms. Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock as he felt his power slipping away. "What are you doing?!"

Hiruzen's voice was filled with resolve. "I can't take your life, but I can make sure you'll never harm anyone again."

The Shinigami pulled, and Orochimaru screamed as his arms were sealed, rendering them useless. The Sannin staggered back, clutching at his now-limp limbs. "No... NO! You old fool!"

Hiruzen knelt on the crumbling rooftop, his breathing labored and shallow. The Shinigami loomed ominously behind him, its spectral form fading as its task was completed. Orochimaru stumbled back, clutching at his now useless arms and glaring at him with pure rage.

"You... old fool," Orochimaru hissed, his voice filled with venom. "You may have sealed my arms, but you've accomplished nothing! This village will still fall. You've merely delayed the inevitable."

Hiruzen smiled. "No... Orochimaru. You will never destroy... Konoha. The Will of Fire will burn brighter... long after you're gone."

Before Orochimaru could retort, a flash of movement caught his attention. Naruto and Sayuri landed on the rooftop, their eyes wide with horror as they took in the scene before them. Not far behind, Jiraiya arrived in a puff of smoke.

"Old man!" Naruto yelled, his voice cracking as he rushed to Hiruzen's side. Sayuri followed closely, her hands trembling as she knelt beside the dying Hokage.

"Sensei…" Jiraiya murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow as he stepped forward.

Hiruzen's weak smile widened slightly as his fading eyes met theirs. "Naruto... Sayuri... Jiraiya. You're here."

Naruto's hands balled into fists, tears welling in his eyes. "You idiot, why'd you do this alone!? We could've helped! You didn't have to—"

Hiruzen raised a trembling hand, cutting him off. "No, Naruto... This was my duty as Hokage. To protect the village… to ensure its future... That's something you'll... understand one day."

Sayuri wiped at her eyes, her voice shaky. "Hokage-sama... You didn't have to carry all of this by yourself. You've already done so much for this village."

Hiruzen turned his gaze to her, his smile softening. "You're a kind soul, Sayuri... I see that now. Continue to stand by Naruto. Together, you'll both grow into... the strength Konoha needs."

Jiraiya knelt beside his old master. "Sensei, why didn't you wait for me? I could've helped. We could've stopped him together."

Hiruzen shook his head weakly. "You're needed elsewhere, Jiraiya... I had to ensure the village's survival... at any cost."

Naruto turned, glaring at Orochimaru, who was slowly retreating toward the edge of the rooftop, supported by the Sound Four. "You bastard! I'm not letting you get away with this!"

Jiraiya placed a firm hand on Naruto's shoulder, stopping him. "Not now, kid. He's already lost. We need to focus on Sensei."

"But—" Naruto started, only for Hiruzen's voice to interrupt him.

"Let him go... His time will come," the Third Hokage rasped. "Naruto, listen to me. You've grown so much... I've watched you since you were a toddler, and I'm so proud of the young man you've become."

Naruto shook his head, his voice breaking. "Old man, don't say it like that! You're gonna be fine! We can find Tsunade, she can—"

"No," Hiruzen interrupted, his voice growing weaker. "My time is over... But yours is just beginning. Protect the village, Naruto. Carry the Will of Fire... and inspire others, as you've already begun to do."

Sayuri clenched her fists, tears streaming down her face. "Hokage-sama... you've done so much. We'll honor your legacy."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Jiraiya. "Jiraiya... guide them. Teach them... what they need to know."

Jiraiya nodded, his throat tight. "I will, sensei. You can count on me."

The Third Hokage's eyelids grew heavy, his hand falling limp as his final breath escaped. "Konoha... is in good hands…"

His body slumped forward, and the rooftop fell silent, the weight of his passing settling over the trio.

Naruto knelt frozen. His head bowed as tears dripped onto the cracked surface of the roof. Sayuri wiped her tears away, and a determined expression formed. Jiraiya placed a hand on each of their shoulders, his own sorrow evident in his eyes.

"He was proud of you," Jiraiya said quietly. "Both of you. Don't let his sacrifice be in vain."

From the edge of the roof, Orochimaru chuckled darkly, his voice filled with venom despite his defeat. "Enjoy your little victory... It changes nothing."

Naruto looked up, his eyes blazing with fury. "Next time, I'll finish what the old man started."

Orochimaru's smirk faltered slightly as the Sound Four whisked him away into the shadows, leaving the devastated rooftop behind.

Naruto stood, his fists clenched. "I'll protect the village, old man. I promise."

Sayuri stepped beside him, her gaze firm. "We both will. Together."

Jiraiya sighed, looking at the horizon where Orochimaru had disappeared. "We've got work to do."

The three stood in silence for a moment longer, the weight of Hiruzen's sacrifice heavy on their shoulders as they prepared to carry the torch he had passed on to them.

Chapter End

I just got back from our vacation. I could write three chapters, but two chapters are good enough, as I also want to enjoy the break. I hope you enjoyed it! Please tell me how you like it. Criticism is welcomed, as always. See you!