The Invasion

The chaos in the stadium escalated further when two dozen more shinobi, clearly from the Sound and Sand, emerged from the panicked crowd. Their movements were sharp and calculated, indicating their coordination with the disguised ANBU and remaining infiltrators from the Sound.

In response, several Konoha shinobi surged into the fray, rallying to protect the remaining civilians and confront the invaders. Both sides squared off, the tension palpable in the air.

For a moment, silence reigned as the two forces stared each other down, weighing their options. Then, with a fiery shout, one of the Konoha shinobi roared, "KILL THEM ALL!"

The command ignited the battlefield like a spark to dry kindling.

One of the defenders remarked dryly, "I really hate it when they get like this."

"Speak for yourself—that's music to my ears," quipped another with a dangerous grin before leaping forward to engage the enemy.

Within seconds, the two sides clashed with explosive force. The battle unfolded in the stands, above the unconscious bodies of spectators, and along the crumbling stone corridors of the arena. The Konoha defenders fought with precision, mindful of the civilians still trapped amid the chaos. They had to balance their offensive techniques with careful restraint, ensuring no errant strikes harmed those they sought to protect.

Despite the complications, the Konoha shinobi proved to be formidable adversaries. One defender deflected a volley of shuriken with a deft swing of their katana, ensuring none found their mark among the unconscious civilians. In the same fluid motion, they closed the distance to the attacker, slashing cleanly across their midsection and dispatching them with precision.

Nearby, another shinobi noticed an enemy preparing to stab a wounded Konoha chūnin who lay helpless on the ground. Without hesitation, they launched a chain of chakra that impaled the would-be assailant before they could strike. Pulling the chain back, they used the enemy's body as a weapon, swinging it into another approaching opponent and knocking them aside.

"Thank you!" the chūnin called out before diving back into the fray.

But the respite was brief. Three more Sound shinobi surrounded the Konoha defender, their intent clear. Unfazed, the defender gripped their katana tightly, preparing for the next wave. The enemy behind them moved first, aiming a kunai at their back. But with lightning reflexes, they performed a backward stab, the blade finding its target with lethal accuracy.

The remaining two attackers surged forward, but the defender met them head-on. A flurry of high-speed slashes left both opponents collapsing to the ground within seconds. Blood stained the floor as the defender scanned the battlefield. "Who's next?" they muttered before darting off in search of new adversaries.

Elsewhere in the arena, Asuma battled fiercely against both Sound and Sand shinobi. After eliminating a Sand shinobi with a well-placed strike, he evaded a kunai slash from a Sound ninja, leaping onto the railing for better positioning. With a rapid sequence of hand seals, he unleashed a burst of fire, incinerating his opponent instantly.

As he landed, another enemy—a Sand kunoichi—descended from above, aiming a kunai at his back. Before Asuma could react, the incoming blade was deflected by another kunai, followed by a second projectile striking the kunoichi squarely in the chest. She fell lifelessly to the ground.

Turning, Asuma saw Kurenai, a smirk on her face as she drew another kunai.

"Looks like I owe you one," Asuma called out, grinning.

"Anytime," Kurenai replied, her tone light but focused. Together, they moved to confront the next wave of attackers.

At another end of the arena, Yamato faced off against a group of Sand shinobi. He dispatched three quickly, only to have a fourth sneak up behind him. Before the attacker could strike, a volley of senbon needles embedded themselves in the shinobi's back, rendering him unconscious.

"Watch your back, Yamato!" a voice called out.

Yamato turned to see Shizune standing nearby, her wrist-mounted senbon launcher at the ready. He nodded in acknowledgment but barely had time to thank her before manic laughter echoed across the battlefield. Both turned toward the sound, spotting a shinobi from Konoha who was cutting down enemies with ruthless efficiency.

Dodging a hail of kunai, the shinobi launched several serpentine strikes using an advanced technique. The snakes coiled around their targets, paralyzing and incapacitating them within moments.

Nearby, other defenders waged their own battles. Gai joined Kakashi, using his superior taijutsu to neutralize several Sound shinobi. Together, the two fought back-to-back, their movements seamless.

"Good to see you, Gai," Kakashi remarked as they fended off the attackers.

"You too, my friend," Gai replied, delivering a crushing kick to an enemy. "I've sent my students to assist with the evacuation efforts. They'll help protect the children and civilians."

"Good call," Kakashi said, parrying a strike.

But Gai's expression darkened. "Kakashi, I'm worried about the Hokage. What if he—"

"The Hokage can handle himself," Kakashi interrupted firmly. "He's not alone, and our focus needs to be here. Trust him."

Reluctantly, Gai nodded, though his concern lingered.

As the fighting intensified, the defenders began to turn the tide. Coordinated strikes and teamwork allowed them to repel the waves of invaders. Still, the battle was far from over. Explosions from distant parts of the village signaled the presence of massive summons—likely the giant serpents that had begun their assault on Konoha's walls.

The infiltrators in the stadium seemed to sense the shift in momentum. Some attempted to regroup and retreat, but the Konoha shinobi gave them no quarter. Yamato, alongside Shizune, continued to clear paths through the enemy forces, their movements efficient and deadly.

Above the fray, the violet barrier surrounding the rooftop confrontation pulsed ominously. Though none could see within, the barrier's presence cast an oppressive shadow over the battlefield. The defenders knew the outcome of that battle would determine the village's fate.

Down below, the once-pristine arena was now a warzone. Rubble and bodies littered the stands and field, blood staining the ground. Civilians who had managed to escape the initial attack were ushered to safety by teachers and shinobi, while the unconscious were carefully carried away by medics. The remaining fighters pushed forward, their resolve unwavering.

Near the corridor leading out of the arena, a group of Sound shinobi attempted to regroup. Their movements were precise, but the Konoha defenders were relentless. They cut through the enemy lines, determined to protect their home at all costs.

On the Rooftop

A sinister chuckle echoed through the air. Orochimaru, standing amidst the swirling violet barrier, regarded the trio before him with a mocking smile. "Kukuku... How delightful," he drawled, his voice carrying an edge of malice. "I must say, today is truly remarkable. How many years has it been since we stood like this, facing one another?"

"Not long enough!" came the sharp reply. The speaker's voice was filled with contempt, eyes burning with anger.

"Spare us the theatrics, Orochimaru," another snapped. "You've never been one for sentimentality. Cut to the chase."

Orochimaru's grin widened as he casually twirled the kunai in his hand. "Ah, how true," he admitted with mock sincerity. Then, without warning, he stabbed the blade into his other palm. Blood trickled from the self-inflicted wound, but his expression betrayed no pain. Instead, he seemed almost amused by the gasps that rippled through his opponents.

Before anyone could react, Orochimaru darted back, retreating from the older man he had initially cornered. The Hokage wasted no time, leaping to join the others, forming a united front against their once-comrade-turned-enemy.

"What is your goal, Orochimaru?" the Hokage asked, his voice calm but laced with steel. "I know you too well to believe this is about simple revenge. You've never been so straightforward."

Orochimaru chuckled again, the sound low and menacing. "Ah, sensei, how astute of you." He paused, his serpent-like eyes gleaming with an unsettling light. "If I were to articulate my goal... I suppose I would say I simply enjoy watching things move. They become dreadfully dull when they stagnate."

"What nonsense are you spouting now?" one of the others demanded, irritation evident in their tone. Orochimaru had always reveled in cryptic and circuitous answers, much to their frustration.

"Impatience was always one of your flaws," Orochimaru mocked, his voice dripping with false fondness. He spread his arms in a theatrical gesture. "Very well, since you insist, I'll spell it out for you. I intend to destroy Konoha."

The declaration was met with silence, heavy and oppressive.

Orochimaru let the weight of his words hang for a moment before continuing, "I want to watch what happens after its destruction. The chaos, the despair, the struggles to rebuild—or perhaps the birth of something entirely new. That is what fascinates me."

His words drew scornful expressions from his opponents, the idea of annihilating an entire village for such a hollow reason igniting their fury. "You mean to say you'd destroy countless lives for your own amusement?" one of them demanded, disgust evident in their voice.

Orochimaru's smirk widened, his features contorting into something almost inhuman. "Amusement, curiosity... call it what you will. The why doesn't matter. The result is all that interests me."

The tension between them crackled like lightning in a storm. Orochimaru's serpentine eyes darted from one face to the next, gauging their reactions. His predatory demeanor sent a chill through the air, a grim reminder of the threat he posed.

"You're sick," one of them hissed.

Orochimaru feigned a hurt expression, placing a hand over his chest. "Sick? Such cruel words. And here I thought we were all friends once."

"You lost the right to call us that long ago," the Hokage said firmly. His voice was resolute, but a flicker of sorrow lingered in his eyes. Orochimaru's betrayal had cut deeply, not just as a threat to the village but as a personal wound.

"Such a pity," Orochimaru murmured, his tone devoid of genuine regret. "But no matter. Friendship is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things."

One of the others stepped forward, their hand tightening around their weapon. "Enough of this pointless banter. If you're so eager to destroy the village, you'll have to get through us first."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Ah, now we're getting to the good part," he said, his voice a silken whisper. "Let us see if you've grown complacent in your old age, sensei. And you two—let's find out if you're truly worthy of the legacy you so desperately cling to."

With that, the battle erupted. Orochimaru lunged forward with a speed that seemed unnatural, his movements fluid and serpentine. His kunai slashed through the air, aimed directly at the Hokage. But the older man was ready, parrying the strike with a deft maneuver and countering with a burst of wind chakra that forced Orochimaru to retreat.

"Still sharp, I see," Orochimaru remarked, his tone mocking. "But let's see how you handle this."

He weaved a series of hand seals at blinding speed, summoning a torrent of serpents that surged toward his opponents. The snakes hissed and snapped, their fangs glistening with venom.

One of the trio countered with a blazing fire jutsu, incinerating the serpents before they could strike. "You'll have to do better than that," they taunted.

Orochimaru's grin never wavered. "Oh, I intend to."

The battle continued, each strike and counterstrike executed with deadly precision. The rooftop became a blur of motion, a deadly dance of jutsu and steel. The violet barrier crackled around them, isolating their conflict from the chaos below.

Despite their unity, Orochimaru's cunning and adaptability made him a formidable opponent. He moved with the grace of a predator, exploiting every opening with ruthless efficiency. His strikes were precise, his jutsu devastating.

But his opponents were not without their own strengths. The Hokage's decades of experience and tactical brilliance allowed him to anticipate Orochimaru's moves, while the others provided relentless pressure, forcing the snake-like shinobi to remain on the defensive.

"You've improved," Orochimaru admitted as he deflected a coordinated attack. "But you're still clinging to your outdated ideals. The Will of Fire, loyalty, love—they're all meaningless in the face of true power."

"Power without purpose is hollow," the Hokage retorted.

Orochimaru laughed, the sound cold and hollow. "Purpose? I have all the purpose I need. It's you who lacks the resolve to see things through to the end."

The clash reached a fever pitch, the rooftop trembling under the force of their battle. Orochimaru's serpents coiled and struck, only to be met with barriers and counterattacks. His opponents pressed their advantage, refusing to give him any opportunity to regain the upper hand.

But Orochimaru was nothing if not resourceful. With a sudden burst of speed, he created a diversion, forcing the others to split their focus. "You can't protect your precious village forever," he taunted. "Sooner or later, it will fall. And when it does, I will be there to watch."

"We'll stop you," one of his opponents vowed, their voice steady despite the strain of battle.

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with malevolent delight. "Then by all means," he said, spreading his arms. "Try."

In the Finalist Box

The stillness of the room was unnerving, with the unsettling silence punctuated only by faint echoes of chaos from the arena below. Naruto, his mind racing, scanned the room and quickly noticed something odd. Kankuro and Temari had vanished without a trace, leaving him uneasy about their sudden disappearance. Shaking off the unease, his gaze landed on Shikamaru, who was sprawled out on the floor, seemingly under the lingering effects of the genjutsu.

Naruto crouched next to Shikamaru and frowned. "Shikamaru," he called firmly. No response.

Growing frustrated, Naruto placed two fingers on Shikamaru's forehead, weaving the necessary hand seals for Genjutsu: Kai. A pulse of chakra shot through the young Nara, but Shikamaru remained limp. Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion. He had executed the technique perfectly, yet Shikamaru refused to wake.

"Don't tell me..." Naruto thought, leaning closer to inspect Shikamaru's face. That's when he saw it—a subtle twitch in Shikamaru's eyelid. Naruto's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening with irritation.

"He wouldn't dare," Naruto thought, a large tick forming on his forehead. Standing abruptly, he crossed his arms and said Shikamaru's name slowly and deliberately. "Shi-ka-mar-u…"

Still, no response.

"WAKE UP!" Naruto roared, punctuating his shout with a hard kick to Shikamaru's backside.

"OW!" Shikamaru yelped, jolting upright and clutching his sore rear. "Naruto, what the hell was that for?!"

"You know exactly what that was for!" Naruto snapped, his hands on his hips. "You weren't under the genjutsu—you were faking it!"

Shikamaru groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Geez, Naruto, do you always have to be such a pain? I didn't want to get involved. Let the others handle it."

Naruto's eyes flashed with anger. "You lazy jerk! You think you can just sit this one out while the village is under attack? We have a duty to protect it, Shikamaru! This is our home!"

"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered under his breath, casting a sidelong glance at Naruto. "Where's Shino? He's probably more eager to help than I am."

Naruto shook his head. "Shino was gone. Probably chasing after Temari and Kankuro."

Shikamaru sighed dramatically, clearly unenthused by the prospect of jumping into the fray.

Naruto clenched his fists, rolling his shoulders to loosen up. Then he turned to Shikamaru with renewed determination. "Alright, let's find the others and help them fight. No excuses."

"Do we really have to?" Shikamaru groaned, dragging his feet as he stood.

"Yes," Naruto replied curtly, giving Shikamaru a look that brooked no argument.

Shikamaru muttered something under his breath, but he followed Naruto toward the stands.

As they navigated the stairwell leading toward the battlefield, Shikamaru couldn't resist grumbling. "This is such a drag. Why do I always get stuck with the bossy blondes? First Ino, and now you."

Naruto shot him a withering glance. "Keep complaining, and I'll kick you again."

Shikamaru sighed in defeat, muttering, "Troublesome blondes," as they continued toward the chaos below. Despite his protests, he fell into step beside Naruto, ready—or at least resigned—to face whatever challenges awaited them.

In the Stands

The chaos in the stadium was palpable, as Konoha shinobi fought tooth and nail against the invading forces of Oto and Suna. Among the defenders, Kakashi and Gai worked in tandem to hold the line, taking down wave after wave of enemy shinobi. The air crackled with the sound of jutsu and the clash of steel, punctuated by cries of pain and defiance.

Kakashi dispatched another Oto-nin with a precise strike, his Sharingan darting across the battlefield to assess the situation. Amid the clamor, a panicked voice cut through the noise.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

He turned sharply to see Hinata waving urgently. "Gaara and his team have left the arena, and Sayuri went after them alone!"

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. This isn't good. Sayuri doesn't know what she's up against. Gaara isn't someone she can defeat by herself.

The copy ninja quickly made his way toward Hinata, sparing a glance at the surrounding chaos. "Hinata, listen carefully. I need you to go to the academy. Iruka and the other teachers are protecting the students there, along with Gai's team. They could use your help."

Hinata hesitated but nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "H-Hai, Kakashi-sensei." Without another word, she darted off toward the academy, her resolve firm despite the turmoil around her.

Once Hinata was gone, Kakashi turned his attention to the battlefield, his mind racing. He needed to gather a team to back up Sayuri. Sending too many would attract attention, but sending too few could leave her vulnerable.

With quick deliberation, he summoned Pakkun, his trusty ninken. The small, pug-faced dog appeared in a puff of smoke. "What's the situation, Kakashi?"

"Pakkun, I need you to track Sayuri and Gaara's team. I'll send backup to assist, but you need to guide them."

Pakkun nodded. "Understood."

Kakashi glanced at the scattered genin who were slowly recovering from the earlier genjutsu. He spotted Ino among the unconscious. Moving swiftly, he released her from the illusion with a practiced hand. The Yamanaka heiress stirred, blinking groggily as she sat up.

"Ino, listen to me. I need you to regroup with Naruto and Shikamaru. I've already sent Hinata to safety."

Ino's expression shifted from confusion to determination. "Understood, Kakashi-sensei. What's the plan?"

"You're going after Sayuri," Kakashi explained. "She followed Gaara, and she'll need backup. But keep your team small—anything larger than four will draw attention."

"But how will we find her?" Ino asked, glancing nervously at the chaos around them.

"Pakkun will guide you," Kakashi replied, gesturing to the small dog. "Trust him."

Ino nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'll find Naruto and Shikamaru right away."

Without wasting another moment, she moved through the stands, dodging skirmishes and fallen debris. She found Naruto and Shikamaru near the far end, huddled behind a makeshift barrier.

"Naruto! Shikamaru!" she called out, waving them over.

Naruto turned, his expression lighting up with recognition. "Ino! What's going on?"

Ino quickly relayed Kakashi's orders. Shikamaru groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is such a drag. Why do I have to deal with something like this?"

Naruto, however, clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination. "We can't waste any time. Sayuri's in trouble, and Gaara is dangerous. We have to go now."

Pakkun barked sharply. "Let's move. I'll lead the way, but stay close. This place is crawling with enemies."

The group followed Pakkun through the chaotic battlefield, keeping low to avoid drawing attention. The sound of battle raged around them, and every so often, they had to duck behind cover to avoid stray projectiles or rogue jutsu.

"Are we sure this dog knows where he's going?" Shikamaru muttered, earning a sharp glare from Pakkun.

"I can hear you, you know," the ninken retorted. "And yes, I know exactly where we're going. So unless you want to be found by enemy shinobi, keep moving."

Naruto grinned despite the tension. "Trust him, Shikamaru. Pakkun's got this."

As they pressed on, a stray kunai whizzed toward Ino. Before she could react, Naruto leaped in front of her, deflecting the weapon with a quick swipe of his kunai.

"Thanks, Naruto," Ino said breathlessly.

"Stay alert," he replied. "We can't afford any mistakes."

The group moved with increasing urgency, their destination clear. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched. From a shadowed vantage point, a disguised shinobi observed their movements, relaying information to his comrades.

"That boy," the spy muttered. "He's the one Orochimaru-sama wants. We need to intercept them before they reach Gaara."

Several Oto-nin gathered, nodding grimly as they set off in pursuit.

Meanwhile, the Konoha genin continued their trek, oblivious to the impending danger. They finally reached an exit point, and Naruto didn't hesitate to use his enhanced strength to break through the wall, creating a clear path.

"Let's go!" he shouted, leading the way.

The group exited the stands, moving quickly toward their objective. Pakkun sniffed the air, his ears twitching. "We're getting close. But be careful—Gaara isn't the only threat out here."

Naruto nodded, his grip tightening on his kunai. "We'll be ready."

Despite the tension, Shikamaru couldn't help but mumble under his breath. "Troublesome blondes. First Ino, now Naruto…"

Naruto smirked. "I heard that."

As they moved further into the battlefield, they failed to notice the shadowy figures trailing them. The Oto-nin, led by their disguised commander, waited for the right moment to strike.

"This boy," the commander said quietly. "He's crucial to Orochimaru-sama's plan. We cannot let him interfere with Gaara's transformation."

The Oto-nin fanned out, preparing for an ambush.

Back with the Konoha genin, Pakkun suddenly stopped, his nose twitching. "We've got company," he warned.

Naruto and the others tensed, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The sound of footsteps echoed faintly, growing louder with each passing second.

"Stay together," Naruto said firmly. "We can handle this."

As the enemy shinobi emerged from the shadows, the Konoha genin prepared for the fight of their lives. Though outnumbered, their determination burned brightly. The fate of their village—and their friend—depended on it.

On the Rooftop

The chaos across the village mirrored the intensity of the rooftop confrontation, where Orochimaru stood against his former teacher and teammates. A sinister smile curled across the snake-like man's lips as he surveyed his opponents.

"Kukukuku... To think I have the chance to fight you all again. It feels just like old times," Orochimaru said, his tone mocking, unfazed by being outnumbered three to one.

The Hokage stood firm, his gaze unwavering. Nearby, Jiraiya clenched his fists, analyzing the situation. If we can eliminate one of Orochimaru's subordinates maintaining the barrier, we can get Sensei out of here and dismantle this trap. Then we can finish this. But his fleeting hope vanished as the barrier suddenly expanded, shielding Orochimaru's guards from any interference.

Jiraiya's frustration simmered. Guess it's not going to be that simple.

Orochimaru's voice cut through his thoughts. "Before we begin, let me offer a compliment," he said, his tone laced with mockery.

"A compliment? From you?" Jiraiya asked skeptically, his irritation evident.

"Indeed," Orochimaru replied, his smile widening. "It's rare for me to find such promise among Konoha's youth, and yet… there's something remarkable about that girl Sayuri. Her power is intriguing, wouldn't you say?"

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, and the Hokage's jaw tightened. Orochimaru had always delighted in psychological warfare, and it was clear he was trying to unnerve them.

"Though, it's a shame," Orochimaru continued, feigning regret. "She reminds me of another young prodigy who thought the world of you, Sensei. But, like most who burn too brightly, their flames are extinguished far too soon."

The Hokage's knuckles whitened as he gripped his staff tighter. Before Jiraiya could utter a retort, the tension snapped.

"YOU BASTARD!" the Hokage roared as he launched a volley of roof tiles toward Orochimaru using the Kawara Shuriken technique. The tiles whizzed through the air, their sharp edges gleaming, but Orochimaru leaped nimbly to evade them. As he soared upward, his tongue transformed into a snake, lunging at the Hokage with venomous fangs.

The attack struck true—or so it seemed. A split second later, the Hokage's form dissolved into mud, revealing a Doton: Kage Bunshin in his place.

From above, Jiraiya descended, landing a solid punch to the back of Orochimaru's head. The snake-like shinobi twisted mid-air, flipping gracefully to land on his feet, but his triumph was short-lived. The Hokage transformed the rooftop beneath him into a river of mud using Doton: Doryū Taiga, causing Orochimaru to stagger.

Seizing the moment, Jiraiya surged forward. "Let's finish this!" he yelled, his voice echoing across the rooftop.

But Orochimaru was always a step ahead. His form crumbled into mud—a second Doton: Kage Bunshin. The real Orochimaru emerged behind Jiraiya, his hand darting toward the Gama Sennin's neck. Jiraiya twisted just in time, narrowly dodging the strike.

"Predictable," Orochimaru drawled, his voice dripping with disdain.

The Hokage took advantage of the distraction, weaving a series of hand seals. "Doton: Doryūdan!" he called, summoning a dragon-like figure from the mud river. Its jaws opened, launching a barrage of mud bullets toward Orochimaru.

"Not enough, Sensei!" Orochimaru sneered as he dodged the projectiles, only to realize too late that the Hokage wasn't finished.

"Katon: Karyūdan!" the Hokage added, exhaling a stream of fire that ignited the mud bullets into blazing projectiles. The inferno engulfed Orochimaru, his cries echoing briefly before silence fell.

The ANBU observing from a distance murmured, "It's over. Not even Orochimaru could survive that."

Jiraiya shook his head, his instincts screaming otherwise. "Don't buy into that act. He's not dead."

Sure enough, a low chuckle reverberated across the rooftop. From the scorched tiles, Orochimaru emerged unscathed, his body slithering unnaturally. "Kukukuku... You're all so predictable. Did you really think such tricks would work on me?"

The Hokage glared at him, his expression hardening. "Your arrogance will be your downfall, Orochimaru. We've trained together; we know your tricks."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with malice. "Perhaps, but you've underestimated me if you think the three of you can finish me so easily."

"Then let's stop holding back," Jiraiya said, his stance shifting. "It's time to end this."

"Agreed," the Hokage added, throwing off his ceremonial robes to reveal his battle gear.

Orochimaru tilted his head, amusement playing on his features. "Finally taking me seriously, Sensei? Good. Let's make this entertaining."

The Hokage's staff extended, its end glowing with chakra. "I taught you everything you know, Orochimaru. But you've forgotten one thing—experience trumps arrogance."

The two sides clashed with devastating intensity. Jiraiya summoned a stream of oil, igniting it with a flame jutsu that forced Orochimaru to leap backward. The Hokage followed up with a powerful swing of his staff, the impact sending shockwaves across the rooftop. Orochimaru dodged with inhuman flexibility, retaliating with a swarm of snakes that lunged toward his opponents.

"Not so fast!" Jiraiya yelled, summoning a large toad shield to block the attack. The snakes recoiled, their fangs scraping uselessly against the shield's surface.

The Hokage took the opportunity to close the distance, landing a swift strike to Orochimaru's side. The blow forced him to stumble, but his recovery was immediate. "You've improved, Sensei," Orochimaru admitted, a hint of mockery in his tone. "But not enough."

He weaved hand seals faster than the eye could follow. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" he called, summoning a massive serpent onto the rooftop. Its scales gleamed in the flickering light, and its eyes glowed with predatory intent.

Jiraiya's jaw tightened. "So that's how you want to play it?" He countered with his own summoning, calling forth a massive toad that towered over the serpent. The two beasts collided, their roars shaking the air as they grappled for dominance.

The Hokage didn't waste the distraction, darting toward Orochimaru with his staff poised for a decisive strike. Orochimaru smirked, his tongue extending to deflect the blow. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying, as the battle reached a fever pitch.

"Is this all you have, Sensei?" Orochimaru taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

The Hokage's expression didn't waver. "You've forgotten what it means to fight for something greater than yourself, Orochimaru. That will be your undoing."

The battle raged on, neither side yielding. The rooftop shook under the weight of their jutsu, and the village below burned as chaos consumed it. But despite the odds, the Hokage, Jiraiya, and their allies stood resolute, determined to end Orochimaru's reign of terror once and for all.

The air around Naruto crackled with tension as he crouched behind the shattered remains of a stone column, the chaos of battle swirling around him. His sharp cerulean eyes scanned the battlefield, assessing the waves of Suna and Oto shinobi closing in. Each enemy seemed more ferocious than the last, yet none were a true threat—not yet.

But it wasn't the battle in front of him that occupied his mind. It was the storm brewing within.

A faint glow flickered in the edges of his vision. In his mindscape, two spectral figures—Ichiro and Hikari—hovered near him. Their forms shimmered, composed of raw chakra, and their gazes were filled with both love and resolve.

"Naruto," Ichiro's deep voice resonated within his consciousness. "You're holding back. You can end this now. Use the Kyuubi chakra. Unleash it and show them your strength."

Hikari stepped closer, her voice softer but no less firm. "These enemies are beneath you, yes. But they are ruthless, unpredictable. A single mistake could cost lives. Your power is meant to protect, my son. Don't let fear of exposure hinder you."

Naruto gritted his teeth, fists clenching. The burning chakra of the Kyuubi stirred deep within him, eager to be set free. It surged like a tidal wave, promising overwhelming power and swift victory. He knew how devastating it could be—how it would turn the tide of the battle in an instant.

But that was the problem.

"I don't need it," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the distant sounds of clashing steel and exploding jutsu. "Not for this."

Ichiro's brow furrowed. "You're being prideful. The Kyuubi's chakra isn't about flaunting strength; it's about survival. Secrecy has its place, but not when it puts you or your allies at risk."

Naruto shook his head, his jaw tightening. "It's not pride. It's strategy." His mind flashed to Jiraiya's warnings, Kakashi's sharp observations, and the Hokage's quiet understanding. They knew the truth about his heritage, about his unique abilities. But no one else did. And that was how he wanted it.

"If I show them everything now," Naruto continued, "I lose my advantage. People will prepare for it, expect it. I'm not going to throw away that edge just because these shinobi think they can invade my village."

Hikari's gaze softened, though her concern didn't waver. "Naruto, we understand your caution. But power unused is power wasted. Holding back too much can cost more than revealing your hand."

Ichiro nodded. "You are an Otsutsuki, born with strength far beyond theirs. Do not fear what others will think of you. Fear what will happen if you don't act when you need to."

The words struck a chord, but Naruto remained hesitant. He looked down at his hands, watching faint trails of golden chakra flicker across his fingers before receding. The Kyuubi's power pulsed within him, begging to be released, yet he suppressed it.

"I don't need it," he repeated firmly. "Not here. Not now."

Hikari sighed, her expression tinged with both pride and frustration. "Then you must ensure your decision does not lead to regret. You carry our legacy, Naruto."

The glow of his parents' chakra began to fade, their forms dissolving like mist. Ichiro's parting words lingered. "The path you choose is yours, but remember this: true strength lies in knowing when to unleash your power—and when to hold it back."

Naruto exhaled sharply as the connection broke. The battlefield's chaos rushed back to him, sharper and louder than before. The weight of his decision settled heavily on his shoulders.

He stood, the flicker of golden chakra dissipating entirely. His mind was made up. The enemies before him didn't warrant the full force of his power. He'd fight them with the skills he'd honed, the strength he'd earned. The Kyuubi chakra would remain his secret weapon—for now.

Naruto tightened his grip on his katana, his eyes blazing with determination. "They'll see enough to know they messed with the wrong village. But not everything. Not yet."

And with that, he stepped back into the fray, his movements swift and decisive. The battle was far from over, but Naruto fought with the confidence of someone who knew he held the trump card—and the discipline not to play it until the time was right.

The rooftop trembled under the oppressive force of chakra radiating from the three combatants. The sheer magnitude of energy released made it difficult for anyone nearby to breathe. Even the hardened shinobi standing just beyond the violet barrier felt the weight pressing down on them.

Ibiki Morino, watching the fight unfold from a safe distance, narrowed his eyes. "What in the world is happening up there? That level of chakra… it's suffocating."

One of the Hokage's personal guards, gripping his kunai tightly, nodded grimly. "It's beyond anything we've seen. Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama, and… Orochimaru. This clash isn't something we can interfere with."

Ibiki's expression darkened further. "Still, we need to be prepared. If the barrier falls and Orochimaru gains the upper hand, we'll have to intervene, no matter what."

The other shinobi glanced at Ibiki, hesitation flickering across his face. "And if Orochimaru succeeds in summoning whatever he's planning?"

Ibiki's voice dropped, firm with resolve. "Then we hold the line. No matter the cost."

Inside the barrier, Orochimaru's sadistic smirk widened as he faced his former teacher and teammate. "Kukukuku… to think we'd come together like this again. Truly, it's a moment to savor."

Jiraiya's fists clenched, his expression hard. "Drop the act, Orochimaru. You were never one for sentimentality."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Ah, but this reunion is so… nostalgic. Surely you feel it too, Sarutobi-sensei."

The Hokage's voice was cold. "Enough, Orochimaru. Whatever you're planning, it ends here."

With a flick of his wrist, Sarutobi hurled a kunai toward Orochimaru. Mid-flight, the weapon multiplied into dozens, then hundreds of shuriken, as he activated the Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.

Jiraiya wasted no time, weaving hand seals to unleash a torrent of fire. "Ryūka no Jutsu!" he shouted, igniting the shuriken into blazing projectiles that streaked toward Orochimaru like a fiery storm.

Unfazed, Orochimaru smirked and completed his own set of hand seals. "Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei!"

As the ground before him shifted, Sarutobi's heart sank. "That jutsu…"

Jiraiya's eyes widened in alarm. "No… he wouldn't dare!"

Orochimaru's voice rang out triumphantly. "First!"

A coffin began to rise from the ground, blocking the flaming shuriken as they struck its surface. The impact sent fiery sparks flying, but the coffin remained intact.

"He's using the coffins as shields," Sarutobi realized grimly, his mind racing.

Orochimaru smirked. "Second!"

A second coffin emerged alongside the first, reinforcing his defense against the onslaught of attacks.

"Damn you, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya growled, frustration evident in his voice.

As the second coffin rose, Orochimaru began summoning the third. "Third!"

But before it could fully surface, Sarutobi's ally sprang into action. With incredible speed and precision, they slammed their fist down onto the emerging coffin, forcing it back into the earth before it could open.

"Oh, the third one failed," Orochimaru mused, feigning disappointment. "How unfortunate… but ultimately irrelevant."

Sarutobi exhaled in relief but remained tense. "Good work," he muttered. "But we're far from safe."

Jiraiya nodded, his gaze fixed on the first two coffins. "He's already summoned enough to turn this battle into a nightmare."

Orochimaru's grin widened as the first two coffin doors creaked open. "I've chosen these two especially for this reunion. A little gift, Sarutobi-sensei. I think you'll appreciate the sentiment."

When the doors fell open, the figures inside stepped out, their movements deliberate and unsettling. Sarutobi's breath hitched as he recognized the resurrected forms.

"No…"

Standing before them were two of Konoha's most legendary figures—the First and Second Hokage.

Ibiki, watching from outside the barrier, muttered in disbelief. "That can't be… It's impossible."

Another guard stared wide-eyed. "The Shodai and Nidaime Hokage… How?"

Inside the barrier, Jiraiya's fists tightened, his knuckles white. "Orochimaru… you've gone too far this time."

Sarutobi's voice was tinged with sorrow. "You've desecrated their souls, Orochimaru. Do you truly have no limits?"

"Kukukuku," Orochimaru chuckled. "Limits? Sensei, you insult me. I've surpassed those long ago. Now, I get to see how far I've truly come—against the very legends who built this village."

The Shodai Hokage's deep voice cut through the tension. "It's been a long time, Saru."

The Nidaime added, "You've aged, Sarutobi. And so has Konoha, I see."

Sarutobi's heart twisted at the sound of their voices. "Forgive me, my lords. I never expected to face you like this."

The Shodai turned his gaze to Sarutobi's companions. "And you must be Jiraiya. It seems you've become quite the warrior since I last saw you."

Jiraiya gave a slow nod, his expression grim. "This isn't how I wanted to meet you, Shodai-sama."

The Nidaime's piercing gaze swept over the battlefield before settling on Orochimaru. "To think you've mastered my jutsu to such an extent… and abused it so thoroughly. I must admit, I'm impressed. But I cannot forgive this."

Orochimaru merely smirked. "Impressing you was always the goal, Tobirama-sama."

The resurrected Hokage exchanged solemn glances before the Shodai addressed Sarutobi directly. "We have no choice but to fight you. Prepare yourself."

Sarutobi nodded, his resolve hardening. "I understand. Let's end this quickly—for their sake and ours."

And with that, the clash between past and present began.

Naruto froze mid-step, a chill running down his spine as an overwhelming wave of chakra rippled through the battlefield. His senses, honed through years of intense training, screamed at him. This was no ordinary chakra. It was ancient, powerful, and almost suffocating in its presence, like the very roots of the earth had come alive. The sheer weight of it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He staggered slightly, clutching his chest as his own chakra instinctively flared in response, an unconscious defense mechanism against the oppressive force. "What... what is this?" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos surrounding him. He closed his eyes, focusing, trying to pinpoint the source, but all he could discern was that it emanated from the rooftop where the barrier still pulsed ominously.

For a brief moment, Naruto's mind raced. He had never felt anything like it before. The intensity was beyond even the Nine-Tails' chakra, and yet it was... different. It carried a distinct aura of command and authority, a weight that demanded reverence and respect. Could it be the Hokage? But no, this chakra was unfamiliar yet eerily reminiscent of the village itself, like the very essence of Konoha. His thoughts flickered to the legends of the First and Second Hokage. But that was impossible. They were long dead—weren't they? Doubt gnawed at him, and for a moment, he considered rushing toward the source to uncover the truth. But as he opened his eyes, the glint of steel in his peripheral vision pulled him back to the present.

The Oto shinobi lunged at him with a feral cry, their blades arcing toward him in coordinated strikes. Snapping back into focus, Naruto sidestepped the first attack with fluid precision, his katana already in hand. "No time to get distracted," he muttered, his voice steeled with determination. His blade clashed against theirs, the sound of metal ringing sharply above the distant explosions. With a swift spin, he parried another strike and delivered a punishing blow to the nearest enemy, sending them sprawling. The others hesitated, unnerved by the ferocity of his counter. "Whatever's going on up there," Naruto thought grimly, "can wait. First, I deal with the enemies in front of me." With that, he launched himself back into the fray, his movements a blur of lethal precision.

Amid the tension on the rooftop, Orochimaru watched his resurrected pawns with sadistic amusement. The weight of their chakra was overwhelming, a suffocating pressure that seemed to warp the very air around them. Even the most seasoned shinobi outside the barrier felt the crushing aura emanating from the rooftop. Orochimaru, unbothered by the oppressive atmosphere, approached the two reanimated Hokage with two kunai in his hands, each bearing seals designed to cement his control over them.

"As much as I enjoy this little reunion," Orochimaru drawled, his voice laced with venomous glee, "it's time we focused on the matter at hand." He plunged the kunai into the back of their heads without hesitation.

Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, glanced toward the chaos engulfing the village below. The sounds of clashing metal and explosive jutsu carried upward, punctuated by the guttural roars of giant serpents laying waste to Konoha's buildings. His expression darkened with sorrow. "Even after all these years, war continues to plague this land," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret.

"Surely you jest," Orochimaru mocked. "War is the reason your names are revered. You thrived in it, excelled at it. It's only fitting for you to witness its continuation."

The First Hokage's sadness was palpable, but the Second Hokage, Tobirama, remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he registered the seals now binding them. Orochimaru's cruel smirk widened. "What's wrong? I thought you'd relish this opportunity to be useful again."

"You defile the dead without honor," the Hokage said angrily, his voice resonating with fury. "You disgrace their memory."

Orochimaru laughed. "Honor is a luxury for the weak. Now, my dear Hokage, I have a task for you." He turned to the two resurrected figures. "Dispose of my former sensei and his companion."

Hashirama's gaze shifted toward the aged Hokage and his ally. "Prepare yourselves," he said grimly.

Tobirama added, his voice cold, "We will not hold back."

The two reanimated Hokage moved with fluid precision, their mastery of battle evident in every step. Their attacks came in unrelenting waves, kunai flying through the air while they closed the distance with remarkable speed. The aged Hokage and Jiraiya evaded deftly, countering with equally precise movements. They held their ground, but the coordinated assault of the brothers was a testament to their legendary status.

The rooftop became a blur of taijutsu, each combatant moving with calculated ferocity. Hashirama and Tobirama's synchronicity made them formidable opponents, their attacks complementing each other seamlessly. Despite this, the aged Hokage and Jiraiya managed to hold their own, their teamwork honed over decades of experience. Each clash of fists and strikes of kunai echoed with power, sending tremors through the rooftop.

After an intense exchange, Jiraiya managed to block one of Tobirama's strikes while the Hokage seized the opportunity to restrain Hashirama. With perfect timing, they forced the brothers back, giving themselves a momentary reprieve. Hashirama flipped mid-air, landing gracefully alongside his brother.

"This won't be an easy battle," Hashirama acknowledged, his voice calm but resolute.

Tobirama nodded. "It seems their years haven't dulled their skill."

The Hokage didn't hesitate. Forming rapid hand seals, he called out, "Katon: Karyū Endan!" A massive dragon-shaped flame roared toward the reanimated Hokage. Jiraiya followed up with a stream of toad oil, intensifying the fire to an unbearable heat. The inferno engulfed the rooftop, its fiery glow illuminating the night sky.

Tobirama reacted instantly. "Suiton: Suijinheki!" A torrent of water erupted from his mouth, creating a barrier that met the blazing attack head-on. Steam hissed and rose as fire and water clashed in a battle of elemental dominance. Despite the overwhelming intensity of the flames, Tobirama's water wall held firm, forcing the combined attack to a standstill.

The stalemate didn't last. With a surge of chakra, Tobirama increased the volume of water, overpowering the flames and extinguishing them in a cloud of steam. The sheer power of his jutsu left those observing outside the barrier in awe.

"Unbelievable," one of the Hokage's guards muttered, the weight of Tobirama's power not lost on them.

Before the steam could clear, Tobirama formed another seal. "Suiton: Suishōha!" A massive spiraling vortex of water materialized, exploding outward in a giant wave that surged toward the Hokage and Jiraiya. The rooftop trembled under the weight of the attack, the water threatening to sweep everything away.

As the colossal wave of water surged toward them, Jiraiya's eyes widened in alarm. "Damn it!" he thought, gritting his teeth. The sheer scale of the attack left little room for error.

"Jiraiya, stay back!" the Hokage barked, forming a series of rapid hand seals. Without hesitation, he slammed his palms onto the rooftop. "Doton: Doryūheki!" A torrent of mud erupted from his mouth, solidifying into a towering earth wall that intercepted the wave. The wall groaned under the pressure of the water but held firm, shielding the three shinobi from the attack.

"Well played, sensei!" Jiraiya called, but his relief was short-lived. The water began to circle around the wall, guided by the Nidaime Hokage's expert control. In mere moments, the earth wall was surrounded, trapping them in an encroaching pool.

"Up top!" the Hokage ordered. The three shinobi leapt to the top of the wall, narrowly avoiding the encroaching waters. As the surface settled below, they prepared for the next assault. But before they could regroup, the Shodai Hokage blurred into motion, his speed catching them off guard.

"Here he comes!" Jiraiya shouted. Fire erupted from his mouth in rapid bursts as he tried to drive the Shodai back. The Hokage followed suit, unleashing a coordinated stream of flames. Their attacks illuminated the rooftop, the heat shimmering in the air.

But the Shodai moved with unparalleled agility, weaving through the fire with precision. As he approached, he deflected incoming debris—a large fragment of the earth wall hurled by Jiraiya—without breaking stride. In one fluid motion, he delivered a powerful kick to Jiraiya, sending the Toad Sage hurtling backward into the remnants of the wall.

"Fast... too fast," Jiraiya groaned, pulling himself to his feet. But before he could steady himself, the Shodai was already engaging the Hokage. The elder shinobi launched a swift punch, but the Shodai sidestepped with ease, splashing water into his opponent's face to obscure his vision.

The Hokage staggered, but before the Shodai could capitalize, he was intercepted by a sudden strike from Jiraiya, who had recovered in time to rejoin the fray. The blow forced the Shodai to retreat momentarily, but his composure remained unshaken.

Suddenly, the air shifted. A low rumble vibrated through the rooftop. The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Where's the Nidaime?" he muttered, scanning the area. Before anyone could react, a shadow moved beneath the water. The Nidaime emerged, his hand gripping the Hokage's leg and dragging him under.

"Sensei!" Jiraiya lunged toward the water, but his path was blocked by the Shodai, who delivered a sharp kick to his midsection, sending him sprawling. The Hokage struggled beneath the surface, grappling with the Nidaime's iron grip. The water churned violently as the two wrestled for dominance.

"Stay focused!" the Hokage barked as he broke free, resurfacing with a gasp. He climbed onto the earth wall once more, signaling Jiraiya to regroup. The Shodai pursued them relentlessly, his movements a blur as he closed the distance.

"Jiraiya, together!" the Hokage commanded. The two launched a coordinated attack, fire and oil combining into an intense inferno that surged toward the Shodai. The flames roared, their heat scorching the air.

"Suiton: Suijinheki!" the Nidaime's voice rang out. From beneath the rooftop, a massive water barrier rose to counter the attack. The collision of fire and water created a thunderous hiss, steam enveloping the battlefield. For a moment, visibility was lost.

"Did we—?" Jiraiya began, but his words were cut off as the ground beneath them trembled. The steam dissipated, revealing the Shodai channeling chakra into the rooftop tiles.

Branches erupted from the surface, snaking upward with alarming speed. The Hokage recognized the technique instantly. "Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan…" he murmured, his voice heavy with dread. The rooftop transformed into a dense forest of trees, their growth relentless and overwhelming.

"Move!" Jiraiya shouted, but the trees quickly ensnared them, their roots wrapping around their limbs with unyielding strength. The Hokage and Jiraiya struggled against their bindings, but the sheer force of the Shodai's chakra rendered escape nearly impossible.

"This isn't good," the Hokage muttered, his voice strained as he fought against the constricting roots. He flexed his arms, summoning every ounce of his strength. "I won't go down like this."

"Neither will I," Jiraiya grunted, his efforts equally futile. "We need a plan, and fast."

Orochimaru's voice cut through the tension, dripping with mockery. "Kukukuku... It seems the mighty legends of Konoha are now nothing more than prisoners of their own history." He strode confidently toward his ensnared foes, his grin widening with each step.

The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "We're not finished yet." He reached toward a nearby branch, summoning a burst of chakra into his palm. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" he roared. A cloud of smoke erupted before him, revealing the towering figure of Monkey King Enma.

"Enma!" the Hokage called, his voice resolute. "Break us free!"

"As you command," Enma replied, his expression fierce as he transformed into the Adamantine Staff, smashing through the bindings with a single powerful swing.

Freed from the trees, the Hokage and Jiraiya landed back on the rooftop, their resolve unwavering. "We're not out of this yet," the Hokage said, tightening his grip on the staff.

As the clash continued atop the stadium's roof, Orochimaru's mocking laughter rang out, his serpentine voice cutting through the cacophony of battle. "Looks like something troublesome has emerged," he muttered, feigning annoyance. His gaze lingered on the Sandaime Hokage, who now wielded his summoned companion, Enma, in the form of the indomitable Kongōnyoi.

Jiraiya smirked despite the tension. "It's been a long time since I've seen that old monkey," he muttered to himself. "Looks like the old man's not playing around anymore. Good. We'll need that."

Enma growled low, his expression as fierce as the diamond staff he had become. His sharp gaze fixed on Orochimaru. "I knew this day would come. I warned you, Sarutobi—letting this snake live was a mistake you should have corrected years ago."

Sarutobi, standing firm despite his advancing age, tightened his grip on the staff. "I intend to correct that mistake now, Enma. We end this today."

But Orochimaru's smirk widened, a cruel, venomous grin that showed just how deeply he enjoyed their futile resolve. "You think that monkey and your waning strength will save you? You're deluded, old man. This ends with your death, just as it always should have."

"Don't be so sure of that," Sarutobi snapped, a fire igniting in his weary eyes. "I've yet to show you what this old body is still capable of."

Before another word could be exchanged, Orochimaru gestured sharply, commanding the two reanimated Hokage. "Shodai, Nidaime—destroy them."

The First and Second Hokage sprang into action, their coordinated movements like poetry in battle. The Shodai rushed Sarutobi, while the Nidaime moved to flank him. Enma roared, extending the Kongōnyoi to block both attacks, its diamond-hard surface deflecting their strikes.

"Jiraiya!" the Sandaime called sharply, his voice filled with urgency. "I'll handle Orochimaru. Hold these two back!"

The Toad Sage leaped forward without hesitation, his Rasengan forming with a sharp whirring sound. "Got it, Sensei!" He darted toward the Shodai, intercepting his powerful strike and countering with his spiraling sphere of chakra. The impact sent the Shodai skidding backward, buying Sarutobi precious seconds.

The Nidaime, however, remained relentless. He summoned a wave of water from the air around him, directing it toward Jiraiya and the Hokage in a crashing spiral. "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!"

Enma swung his staff with incredible force, splitting the wave in two. "I can't block everything for you, Sarutobi!" the Monkey King barked.

Sarutobi only nodded, his movements fluid as he countered Orochimaru's sudden advance. The rogue shinobi's famed Kusanagi no Tsurugi gleamed in the light as he slashed at the Sandaime, forcing him to parry with the Kongōnyoi. Sparks flew as the two weapons clashed, the force of each strike resonating across the rooftop.

"You're slipping, Sarutobi," Orochimaru taunted. "That staff may be diamond, but even it can't keep up with the Kusanagi."

"Don't underestimate me!" the Sandaime snarled, twisting Enma in his grip and striking at Orochimaru's midsection. Orochimaru dodged, but only narrowly. Enma extended suddenly, catching him off guard and slamming into his ribs with brutal force. The snake-like shinobi staggered back, coughing.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya struggled to keep both reanimated Hokages at bay. The Shodai's attacks were swift and deliberate, while the Nidaime's mastery over water-style jutsu created relentless pressure. Jiraiya leapt into the air to dodge a torrent of water only to be met by the Shodai, who swung at him with devastating force. He barely blocked the blow, wincing at the impact. "These guys don't tire… this is bad," he muttered.

Enma, sensing the shift in momentum, growled again. "Sarutobi! If you want to win, you need to aim for Orochimaru. He's the one controlling them!"

Easier said than done. Orochimaru used the reanimated Hokages as shields, keeping himself out of reach. Every time Sarutobi closed the distance, another wave of attacks forced him back.

Then, the Shodai's voice cut through the chaos. "You'll need more than brute force to defeat us, Saru," he said. His tone was almost regretful. "You should know that better than anyone."

"Indeed," the Nidaime added, his expression cold as he summoned another crashing wave of water. "Even in death, we remain unbeatable."

"Maybe so," Sarutobi replied, his voice steady. "But I've faced the impossible before and survived. I'll find a way."

The battle raged on, each clash of steel and chakra shaking the rooftop. Jiraiya landed another Rasengan on the Shodai, sending him tumbling into the trees below. But the Konoha founder rose again moments later, his body regenerating from the damage as if nothing had happened.

"This isn't working!" Jiraiya called, frustration creeping into his voice. "We can't keep this up forever, Sensei!"

"We don't have to," Sarutobi replied, his eyes narrowing. He thrust Enma forward again, forcing Orochimaru to block with the Kusanagi. As their weapons locked, Sarutobi pushed forward with all his strength. "You've underestimated me for the last time, Orochimaru!"

But before the Sandaime could deliver a finishing blow, "Orochimaru" melted into mud, revealing that it was yet another Earth Clone. The real Orochimaru emerged from the shadows behind him, striking with a vicious slash of the Kusanagi. Sarutobi barely dodged, the blade grazing his shoulder.

"Still so predictable, Sensei," Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with venom. He raised the Kusanagi for another strike, but Enma sprang into action, his staff form elongating to intercept the attack.

"You'll have to do better than that, Orochimaru!" the Monkey King snarled, his arms emerging from the staff to grab Orochimaru by the throat. "This ends now!"

Orochimaru choked, his hands clawing at Enma's iron grip. But before the Monkey King could finish him, Orochimaru's body dissolved into another muddy clone, slipping through his grasp.

The rogue shinobi reappeared several meters away, his lips curling into a malicious grin. "You'll have to try harder than that, old man," he taunted. "This is far from over."

Sarutobi readied himself again, ignoring the burning in his lungs and the weight of his years. He glanced at Jiraiya, who was holding his ground against the reanimated Hokages. "Jiraiya, can you manage them?"

"For now," Jiraiya replied, though his tone betrayed his exhaustion.

"Good. Then I'll handle Orochimaru myself." Sarutobi gripped Enma tightly, his resolve unwavering despite the odds.

Across the battlefield, Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Kukuku… Even after all these years, you cling to the same futile hope. You truly are a relic of the past, Sensei."

Sarutobi's eyes burned with determination. "Relic or not, I'll see to it that your twisted ambitions end here, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's grin widened. "We'll see about that."

And with that, he reached up to his face, gripping it with both hands. With a sickening rip, he tore the flesh away like a mask, revealing a chillingly feminine visage beneath.

As Orochimaru's laughter echoed across the barrier, the tension in the air thickened. His unnerving smile widened, enjoying the reactions of those around him. The ANBU Commander, stationed just beyond the barrier, furrowed his brow in confusion. "What in the world…?" he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to process the transformation he'd just witnessed.

One of the Hokage's guards, standing nearby, mirrored his disbelief. "What's going on? Who is that?"

The Hokage himself remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the figure before him, the face now twisted into something unrecognizable. Jiraiya's face darkened, his suspicions confirmed as he clenched his fists tightly. "So he's done it," the Toad Sage thought grimly. "He's actually completed that monstrous jutsu."

The Hokage's voice broke through the oppressive silence. "Who are you?!" he demanded, his tone laced with confusion and anger. "What kind of abomination stands before me?"

"It's Orochimaru," Jiraiya answered coldly, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.

"But how?" the Hokage asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and fury. "Orochimaru, what have you done?"

"Kukuku…" Orochimaru's laugh sent a chill down everyone's spine. "Oh, Sensei, surely you must have guessed by now. This is the culmination of years of effort—my perfect immortality. I've transcended humanity itself."

"You're a monster, not a man!" the Hokage roared, his anger surging. "This is beyond anything I imagined you were capable of, Orochimaru. You've forsaken all that is natural and pure."

Jiraiya, his expression grim, spoke again. "I suspected he'd completed this technique, but I hoped I was wrong. I didn't tell you before, Sensei, because I knew how much it would pain you to know the truth."

The rogue shinobi's grin only widened at their fury. "Oh, you wound me, Sensei," he mocked. "I've simply evolved beyond the limits of humanity. Why would I want to remain something so… fragile and temporary?"

"You've always been twisted, Orochimaru, but this—this is depravity even for you," Jiraiya spat, his anger barely contained.

"Kukuku, flattery will get you nowhere, Jiraiya. My work is far from over. But let me make one thing clear." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with malice as he turned to the Hokage. "Your precious Naruto Uzumaki—oh, excuse me, Naruto Ōtsutsuki—was always part of my plans. Did you really think I wouldn't uncover the truth about him?"

The Hokage's eyes widened in shock, but Jiraiya's were filled with a grim acknowledgment. "You know," Jiraiya muttered, his voice low. "You always did have a knack for uncovering secrets that were best left buried."

Orochimaru's smirk deepened. "It wasn't difficult. His unique chakra, his abilities—it was obvious to someone like me. And now, I have even more reason to claim him. Imagine, a perfect vessel imbued with the legacy of the Ōtsutsuki Clan. Combined with Sayuri's bloodline, I will become unstoppable."

"You'll never touch him," the Hokage declared, stepping forward with Enma in hand. "I will protect Naruto with my life."

"Touching, Sensei," Orochimaru sneered, "but futile. My subordinates are already tracking him and Sayuri as we speak. And with the chaos I've unleashed, there's nothing you can do to stop me."

"You're wrong," Jiraiya growled. "Naruto isn't someone you can just take. He's stronger than you think, and you'll find that out soon enough."

"Oh, Jiraiya, you misunderstand. I'm not underestimating him—I want his strength. I will take it for myself, as I have with everything else," Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "And then I will rise beyond even the gods."

"You disgust me," the Hokage said, his voice trembling with fury. "To use forbidden jutsu to prolong your own miserable existence, to manipulate and destroy lives for your own gain—this is why you were unfit to inherit the mantle of Hokage."

"Ah, but look where your so-called judgment has brought us, Sensei," Orochimaru countered mockingly. "If you had killed me when you had the chance, none of this would have happened."

"And I regret that more than anything," the Hokage admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. "But I will not let you take anything more from us. Not today."

"Such lofty ideals, Sensei," Orochimaru sneered. "But ideals won't save you." He gestured toward the reanimated Hokages at his side. "Hashirama, Tobirama, it's time to finish this."

The two fallen leaders stepped forward, their expressions grim as they obeyed Orochimaru's command. "This immortality technique is vile," Hashirama remarked, his voice low and filled with disgust.

"It defiles the natural order," Tobirama agreed, his tone sharp.

Their words, however, did nothing to deter Orochimaru. He only chuckled darkly. "Enough talk. Destroy them."

With that, the Shodai Hokage slammed his hands to the ground, summoning a massive forest of trees that surged toward the three Konoha shinobi. The Hokage and Jiraiya leapt into action, working together to evade the onslaught. Sarutobi used Enma to shatter approaching branches, while Jiraiya unleashed fire jutsu to burn a path through the growing foliage.

But the trees were relentless, their growth seemingly endless. They wrapped around the battlefield, cutting off visibility and forcing the two defenders to retreat. "This technique is devastating," Jiraiya muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "It's no wonder he was feared as the greatest shinobi of his time."

As the battle raged on, Orochimaru's voice cut through the chaos. "It's pointless to resist," he taunted. "You're only delaying the inevitable."

"We'll see about that!" Jiraiya shouted back, his determination unwavering. He formed a Rasengan in his palm, charging toward the Shodai with everything he had.

The Hokage followed close behind, gripping Enma tightly. "Enma, we end this now!"

"Yes, Sarutobi," the Monkey King growled. "Let's make this quick."

The battle intensified, the stakes higher than ever as the defenders of Konoha fought to protect their village—and the future—from Orochimaru's monstrous ambitions.

-In the Village-

As the rooftop battle raged, the chaos in the village grew, with explosions echoing and cries of battle reverberating through the streets. Naruto and his group moved cautiously through the winding alleys, doing their best to avoid the clashes between Konoha forces and the invading shinobi of Suna and Oto. Smoke filled the air, mixing with the acrid stench of burning wood and stone, making the atmosphere almost suffocating.

"Why do we even have to go through all this trouble?" Shikamaru muttered, his usual irritated tone more pronounced than ever. "I don't even like Sayuri."

"Shut up, Shikamaru!" Ino snapped, her voice filled with exasperation as she glared at the lazy Nara. "Sayuri is one of us! She needs our help, and we're going whether you like it or not."

"She's right," Naruto added firmly, glancing back at Shikamaru as they turned a corner to avoid a group of Konoha shinobi locked in combat with Oto-nins. "Sayuri and I might not get along all the time, but she's still a comrade. We don't leave comrades behind."

"Fine, fine," Shikamaru sighed, though his tone made it clear he didn't relish the task. "But if we're doing this, let's at least not get caught."

"Agreed," Pakkun said, sniffing the air and signaling for the group to stop. "There's heavy fighting nearby. Stick to the shadows and keep quiet."

They slipped through a narrow alleyway, doing their best to stay unnoticed. However, their progress was abruptly halted when they reached the end of the passage and found a masked figure flanked by two Oto-nins blocking their path. Turning to retreat, they saw three more Oto-nins appear behind them, with another four perched ominously on the rooftops.

"We're surrounded," Naruto muttered, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Leaning toward Shikamaru, he whispered, "Do you have any smoke bombs?"

"A couple," Shikamaru replied, already understanding Naruto's train of thought, "but we're boxed in. There's nowhere to run."

"Trust me," Naruto said quietly. "Just have them ready."

Before Shikamaru could question him further, the masked figure at the end of the alley stepped forward. His voice, slightly muffled but unnervingly familiar, echoed through the confined space. "Naruto Uzumaki, surrender peacefully, and your companions will remain unharmed."

Naruto stepped forward, his arms behind his back as he met the masked figure's gaze. "Let me guess—you're working for Orochimaru, aren't you?"

The name sent a chill through Ino and Shikamaru, though Naruto's tone remained calm. "Orochimaru?" Ino whispered in disbelief. "The same Orochimaru who's supposed to be a Sannin?"

"Yeah, that Orochimaru," Naruto confirmed. "He's the leader of Otogakure. We ran into him in the Forest of Death. He killed Sakura."

The masked figure cut through their whispered exchange. "Yes, we serve Orochimaru-sama. Surrender now, and no harm will come to your friends. But resist, and I cannot guarantee their safety."

Naruto's expression darkened. "Yeah, something tells me you'll kill them anyway, whether I go with you or not."

"Then you leave us no choice," the masked figure said coldly, signaling his men to prepare for battle.

Naruto's voice rose suddenly. "NOW!" he shouted, signaling Shikamaru to act. Without hesitation, Shikamaru threw a handful of smoke bombs, filling the alley with a thick cloud. Taking advantage of the cover, Naruto slammed his fist into the wall beside him, creating an escape route through the adjacent building.

"Go, go!" Pakkun barked as the group scrambled through the opening, emerging onto an abandoned street littered with debris and the bodies of fallen shinobi.

They ran for several blocks before stopping at a fork in the road. "Which way now?" Ino asked, her voice strained from the exertion.

"This way," Pakkun said, sniffing the air and pointing to the left. "We're close, but we need to hurry."

"You guys go ahead," Naruto said suddenly, stepping back. "I'll go the other way."

"What?!" Ino cried, spinning to face him. "No way! We need to stick together."

"They're after me," Naruto said firmly. "I'll lead them away while you go after Sayuri. She's going to need all the help she can get if she's facing Gaara."

"No way!" Ino protested. "I'm not leaving you to handle this alone."

"Ino, listen," Naruto said, his voice steady. "They won't kill me—they want me alive. You can help Sayuri more than I can right now. Go!"

"He's right," Pakkun interjected. "We can't risk the whole group. Let him draw them away."

Ino opened her mouth to argue, but Shikamaru placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let him do it. It's the only logical choice."

Reluctantly, Ino nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "Be careful, Naruto."

"I will," he promised. "Now go!"

As the group disappeared down the left path, Naruto turned and ran in the opposite direction, drawing the attention of the Oto-nins above. "There he is!" one of them shouted, pointing at the blond boy as he darted through the streets.

"Wait!" the masked figure ordered, stopping the others. "He's trying to lead us away. You four, go after the others. I'll deal with him."

The Oto-nins hesitated but ultimately obeyed, splitting off to pursue the rest of Naruto's group while the masked figure followed Naruto alone.

Naruto glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the lone figure tailing him. "Great," he muttered under his breath. "This just keeps getting better."

He skidded to a halt in the middle of an empty street, turning to face his pursuer. "You wanted me, right? Well, here I am."

The masked figure landed a few meters away, his movements fluid and precise. "Impressive," he said. "You've grown stronger since the Forest of Death. Orochimaru-sama will be pleased."

Naruto clenched his fists, his mind racing as he prepared for the fight ahead. "I don't care what Orochimaru wants," he said. "You're not taking me anywhere."

The masked figure chuckled darkly. "Oh, Naruto-kun, you don't have a choice in the matter."

"You won't escape me," the masked ANBU declared, his voice calm yet laced with menace, as his hands began weaving through a series of intricate seals.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. Those hand seals… that's Iryō Ninjutsu. Recognizing the sequence, he realized the ANBU was preparing Chakura no Mesu (Chakra Scalpels), a technique requiring exceptional precision. The telltale glow of blue chakra enveloped the masked man's hands as he completed the technique, confirming Naruto's suspicions.

Before Naruto could react, the ANBU disappeared into the ground, leaving behind only a hole where he had stood. "Moguragakure no Jutsu (Hiding Like a Mole Technique)," Naruto thought grimly. His eyes darted around, scanning for any sign of movement.

Trusting his instincts, Naruto leaped into the air just as the ground beneath him erupted, the masked ANBU emerging with a deadly strike aimed at his legs. Narrowly avoiding the attack, Naruto landed and immediately countered. Using his enhanced strength, he drove his fist down, aiming to crush the ANBU in one blow. But the masked man was too fast, sidestepping with inhuman agility.

Naruto wasted no time, rushing forward to deliver a powerful kick. However, the ANBU ducked under the attack, allowing Naruto's momentum to carry him forward, smashing into the wall behind. Dust and debris rained down as Naruto emerged from the new hole, his expression fierce. "You're quick," he admitted, glaring at the masked figure.

The ANBU didn't respond, instead vanishing in a blur and reappearing behind Naruto. Before the blond could react, the man pressed precise strikes to Naruto's right arm and thigh, his chakra scalpels cutting through muscle fibers with surgical precision. Then, just as Naruto swung around to counter, the ANBU jumped back out of range.

Naruto fell to one knee, clutching his arm as he grimaced. "What did you do to me?" he demanded, though he already had an idea.

The ANBU tilted his head slightly, his voice calm as he explained. "I've severed key muscle fibers in your bicep and thigh. It won't kill you, but it should slow you down enough to neutralize your advantage in strength." He paused, almost mockingly. "You're trained in Iryō Ninjutsu yourself, aren't you? You should understand how lethal chakra scalpels can be. With a single strike, I could sever an artery or stop your heart."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Then why don't you just do it?"

"Because," the ANBU said, as though speaking to a child, "my orders are to capture you alive. Killing you would be counterproductive, though I admit it's tempting. Save us both the trouble and surrender now. Spare yourself the pain."

Naruto smirked, despite the ache in his limbs. "If you think I'll just roll over and give up, you don't know me at all."

The ANBU sighed, almost as though disappointed. "I figured as much." Without warning, he lunged forward, his chakra scalpels glowing once more.

Naruto barely had time to react, raising his arms to block as the ANBU struck with rapid, precise movements. Each strike carried deadly intent, forcing Naruto to stay on the defensive. Sparks of blue chakra clashed against Naruto's forearms as he deflected a blow aimed at his chest. When the ANBU thrust forward again, Naruto ducked and swung his leg in a sweeping kick.

The ANBU leaped into the air to evade, twisting midair and bringing his hand down toward Naruto's chest. The strike connected, and Naruto staggered backward, clutching his ribs as pain radiated through his body. "Damn it…" he thought, struggling to catch his breath. "He hit my intercostal muscles… can't breathe right."

The masked ANBU stood over him, his voice calm but mocking. "I could kill you with another strike," he said. "But that would upset Orochimaru-sama. Still, you'll be lucky to move properly after this."

Naruto gritted his teeth, glaring up at the man through the haze of pain. "This guy's no ordinary medic," he thought. "He's faster and more precise than anyone I've fought before."

The ANBU deactivated his chakra scalpels, stepping back slightly as he regarded Naruto. "It's over," he said. "Stop struggling and—"

He never finished the sentence. Summoning every ounce of strength, Naruto surged forward, his left fist glowing with chakra-enhanced power. Before the ANBU could react, Naruto drove his fist into his stomach with devastating force. The impact sent the masked man hurtling backward, crashing through a nearby stone wall with a thunderous roar.

Naruto stood, breathing heavily, as the dust settled. His right arm still hung limp, and his thigh throbbed in pain, but his resolve burned brighter than ever. "You don't get to decide when this ends," he said, his voice low and full of determination.

"Ugh!" Kabuto groaned as he crashed through the stone wall, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. His body tumbled into the remains of what appeared to be a storage room, the impact leaving cracks across the walls and floor. Pushing himself up, Kabuto spat out more blood and frowned. "I underestimated him… again. Despite all he's been through today, he still has this much strength left. It shouldn't be possible," he muttered, his thoughts racing. "But then again, he's no ordinary ninja. I can't afford to toy with him anymore. It would be so much easier if I could just kill him outright... but Orochimaru-sama's orders were clear, and I dare not disobey."

Meanwhile, outside the ruined building, Naruto dropped to one knee, clutching his chest as he panted heavily. Pain shot through his body, a grim reminder of Kabuto's earlier precision strikes. "Damn it…" he hissed under his breath. "That was close. If he hadn't gotten cocky, I'd be down for good. But I can't waste time—I need to heal and get back to Shikamaru and the others. They might need me."

Steeling himself, Naruto felt his regenerative healing factor restore him. Just as Naruto regained the sensation in his arm, he noticed movement in the hole Kabuto had created during his crash. His eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"No way…" Naruto muttered, straightening slightly despite the pain. "He's already back on his feet?"

Sure enough, Kabuto stepped through the debris. His movements were slightly stiff, but his arrogant smirk remained firmly in place. Without his mask, his face was fully visible, his piercing glasses reflecting the dim light. "You're persistent, Naruto-kun," Kabuto greeted, his tone as mocking as ever.

Naruto's lips curled into a scowl. "Kabuto," he growled, venom lacing his voice.

"It seems we meet again," Kabuto said smugly, brushing some dust off his sleeve.

"Still following Orochimaru like a lapdog, I see," Naruto shot back, his fists clenching.

Kabuto chuckled. "You've always had such a way with words, Naruto-kun. Tell me, how much of a fight do you think you can put up in your current state?"

Ignoring the taunt, Naruto's sharp gaze assessed Kabuto. "That hit should've put you down for longer. How are you standing already?" he asked.

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, the smirk never leaving his face. "You're not the only gifted ninja here. I have my own talents, as you're well aware. One of them is a little technique I like to call In'yu Shōmetsu (Yin Healing Wound Destruction). By anticipating where an enemy will strike, I focus chakra into the targeted area and begin the cellular regeneration process before the damage occurs. As long as I have chakra, I can heal nearly any injury."

Naruto's jaw tightened. Great. Just what I needed—someone with an endless repair kit for a body. Even if I beat him, it's going to be a hassle holding back at the same time.

Realizing he couldn't afford to waste time, Naruto launched several poison-tipped senbon at Kabuto. The older ninja sidestepped them effortlessly, his smirk deepening. "That won't work on me, Naruto-kun."

But Kabuto's confidence wavered as the ground erupted with smoke bombs. Thick plumes of gas spread rapidly, the potent mixture designed to incapacitate even the most resilient shinobi. "Smart move," Kabuto muttered, leaping back instinctively. "This gas... if I inhale even a little, it'll be problematic."

Naruto's heart raced as the smoke concealed him. "Got him," he thought. But just as he prepared his next move, he felt a sharp grip on his legs. His eyes widened as Kabuto's hands emerged from the ground beneath him. "Damn it! Moguragakure no Jutsu again?"

Thinking fast, Naruto slammed his chakra-infused fist into the ground. The force shattered the stone and sent debris flying, creating a massive crater around him. Kabuto emerged unscathed a few feet away, dusting himself off as though nothing had happened.

"My, my. That was a bit close," Kabuto remarked, his smirk as infuriating as ever.

"Let's see you dodge this!" Naruto roared, his hands flying through a sequence of seals. "Mokuton: Mōkushōku (Wood Release: Wooden Tentacles)!"

Wooden tendrils burst from the ground, twisting and spiraling toward Kabuto with terrifying speed. Kabuto jumped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack. Perched on one of the larger tendrils, he glanced down at Naruto. "Is that all?" he mocked.

Naruto, however, was already racing up the wooden structure, his speed catching Kabuto off guard. Closing the distance, Naruto landed a solid punch square on Kabuto's jaw, sending him flying off the wooden platform. But the satisfying sound of the hit was short-lived as Kabuto's body reverted into a wooden log mid-air.

"A substitution…" Naruto muttered, scanning the ground below. His eyes locked onto Kabuto, who stood smirking once again.

"Impressive effort, Naruto-kun, but you'll have to do better than that," Kabuto taunted.

Snarling, Naruto formed a series of hand signs and fired several sharp wooden spikes from his hands. Kabuto's chakra scalpels came alive, slicing through the projectiles with ease. "You'll have to try harder," Kabuto said, his tone dripping with condescension.

Naruto leapt down, landing with a thud. His frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but he forced himself to remain calm. "He's good," Naruto admitted to himself. "Too good. But I can't let him win."

Kabuto narrowed his eyes, his smirk fading slightly as he observed Naruto beginning to gather chakra. "It seems you've been holding back this whole time, Naruto-kun," he said, his voice calm but tinged with caution. "What's the matter? Finally deciding to take this fight seriously?"

Naruto didn't respond. His focus was absolute, and his eyes glinted with an intensity that made even Kabuto hesitate. Slowly, the air around Naruto began to distort, waves of chakra radiating from his body like heat from a flame. The ground beneath him cracked as he clenched his fists, his body thrumming with raw energy.

"Fine," Kabuto muttered, shifting into a combat stance. "If you're done playing games, I'll make sure this ends here."

Without warning, Kabuto surged forward, his speed blurring as he closed the gap between them. However, just as he was about to land a strike with his glowing chakra scalpels, Naruto vanished, leaving behind nothing but a flicker of afterimage.

Kabuto's instincts screamed at him, and he twisted just in time to avoid a devastating punch aimed at his head. The sheer force of Naruto's attack blasted a crater into the ground where Kabuto had been standing. Before he could recover, Naruto was on him again, this time unleashing a flurry of strikes that Kabuto struggled to deflect.

"Faster than before…" Kabuto thought, his arms aching from the effort of blocking Naruto's enhanced blows. "Much faster."

Naruto didn't let up. His movements were relentless, each strike carrying the weight of his enhanced strength. Kabuto dodged to the side, attempting to create distance, but Naruto anticipated his movements. In an instant, Naruto closed the gap and landed a solid kick to Kabuto's midsection, sending the Oto spy flying through the air and crashing into a nearby wall.

The wall crumbled under the force, and Kabuto groaned as he pushed himself out of the debris. He clutched his side, his breathing uneven. "He's stronger than I anticipated," Kabuto admitted, wiping blood from his mouth. "Looks like I can't afford to hold back anymore."

Naruto stepped forward, his chakra flaring again. "What's the matter, Kabuto? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of genius. Is this all you've got?" His voice was calm but carried an edge of determination.

Kabuto smirked despite the pain. "Arrogant as ever, Naruto-kun. Let's see how long that confidence lasts."

Performing a series of hand seals, Kabuto slammed his palms into the ground. "Earth Style: Hidden Mole Technique!" he shouted before sinking into the earth. Naruto tensed, his senses heightened, and leapt into the air just as Kabuto emerged from below, chakra scalpels poised to strike.

"Predictable," Naruto muttered, flipping in mid-air and landing behind Kabuto. Before Kabuto could react, Naruto grabbed him by the arm and hurled him across the battlefield. Kabuto hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop several meters away.

Kabuto groaned as he stood, but his composure remained intact. "Impressive, Naruto-kun. You've improved. But it'll take more than brute strength to defeat me."

Naruto didn't reply. Instead, he raised his hands, forming a sequence of seals with blinding speed. "Wood Release: Great Forest Barrage!" he called out, slamming his hands onto the ground. Massive wooden tendrils erupted around Kabuto, twisting and snaking toward him like living creatures.

Kabuto darted between the tendrils, using his chakra scalpels to slice through them. However, the sheer number of tendrils overwhelmed him, forcing him to retreat further and further. "So this is the infamous Mokuton," Kabuto muttered, his eyes narrowing. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you, Naruto-kun?"

"That's just the beginning," Naruto replied, his voice cold. He launched himself at Kabuto with incredible speed, his fist glowing with chakra. Kabuto barely managed to block, but the impact sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground.

"Not bad," Kabuto admitted, his breathing labored. "But let's see how you handle this."

Performing another sequence of hand seals, Kabuto summoned a wave of kunai from his storage scrolls, each one glowing faintly with chakra. The kunai shot toward Naruto like bullets, but Naruto didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his hand and summoned a wall of wooden spikes that intercepted the projectiles mid-flight.

Kabuto used the distraction to close the distance, aiming a precise strike at Naruto's chest. But Naruto twisted at the last second, grabbing Kabuto's arm and using his momentum to throw him into the ground. The impact shook the battlefield, and Kabuto let out a grunt of pain as he tried to recover.

"You're good at running," Naruto said, his voice steady. "But you're not getting away this time."

With a swift movement, Naruto formed another set of seals. "Wind Release: Gale Palm!" he called out, sending a powerful gust of wind toward Kabuto. The force knocked Kabuto off his feet, sending him tumbling through the air.

As Kabuto landed, he grimaced, his body battered from the relentless assault. "I didn't expect you to push me this far," he admitted, his tone losing some of its smugness. "But don't think for a second that you've won."

Naruto didn't reply. He simply raised his hand, a Rasengan forming in his palm. The swirling sphere of chakra glowed with intense energy, its hum filling the air. Without hesitation, Naruto charged forward, his speed leaving a trail of dust in his wake.

Kabuto's eyes widened as Naruto closed the distance, the Rasengan aimed directly at him. In a desperate move, Kabuto used his chakra scalpels to deflect the attack, but the force of the Rasengan sent him flying once again, this time smashing through multiple walls before coming to a stop.

As the dust settled, Naruto stood tall, his breathing heavy but controlled. "This ends here, Kabuto," he declared, his Rasengan still glowing in his hand.

Kabuto staggered to his feet, his body trembling from the damage he had sustained. Despite his injuries, he managed a weak smirk. "You're strong, Naruto-kun. Stronger than I expected. But this isn't over. Orochimaru-sama will not be pleased if I fail here."

Naruto didn't give him a chance to recover. He charged again, his movements a blur as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

The intensity of the battle was escalating, but Naruto's resolve remained steadfast. As he squared off against Kabuto, a sudden disturbance caught their attention. Emerging from the shadows of a nearby alley was a group of Suna shinobi, led by none other than Baki. A dozen well-trained jonin fanned out behind him, their eyes scanning the battlefield.

Baki's cold gaze fell on Naruto. He had noticed the blonde leaving the stadium earlier and deduced his target was Sayuri and Gaara. Knowing he couldn't allow Naruto to interfere with Gaara's transformation, Baki had gathered his best shinobi to stop the Uzumaki heir in his tracks.

"Kabuto," Baki growled as he approached. "What's taking so long? You're wasting time toying with him. Deal with the boy before he can interfere with Gaara."

Kabuto glanced at Baki with a thin smile. "Ah, Baki-san. Perfect timing. I was just about to take care of Naruto-kun here, but as you can see, he's been... more troublesome than expected. Perhaps you and your men can expedite things?"

Naruto scowled, his sharp senses already anticipating the incoming confrontation. "Out of the frying pan and into the fire," he muttered, shifting his stance to prepare for the inevitable assault.

Baki's frustration was evident as Kabuto added, "Remember, Baki-san, Orochimaru-sama wants Naruto-kun alive. You'd do well to remember that." The thinly veiled warning made Baki's jaw tighten. He was a seasoned shinobi, accustomed to commanding respect, and he didn't appreciate orders from an outsider—especially one as young as Kabuto. Still, Baki knew the mission came first.

"Understood," Baki replied curtly, signaling his men. The Suna shinobi moved in unison, their hands flicking to unleash a storm of kunai aimed at Naruto.

Naruto barely flinched as the hail of weapons descended. Before the projectiles could strike, a massive wooden dome erupted from the ground around him, shielding him from harm. The kunai clattered harmlessly against the wooden surface before several sharp spikes shot outward, forcing Kabuto and the Suna shinobi to leap back.

As the wooden dome receded into the earth, Naruto stepped forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Kabuto and Baki. He raised an eyebrow as a familiar figure emerged from the shadows behind him.

"Yamato-sensei?" Naruto said, surprised but relieved to see his instructor. "What are you doing here?"

Yamato approached calmly, his expression steady. "When I saw you and the others leave, I noticed several Oto and Suna shinobi tailing you. I decided to follow in case you needed backup."

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms. "Not that I needed help, but thanks. These guys are persistent."

Yamato's attention shifted to the enemy. His sharp eyes assessed the situation, taking note of Baki's presence. "Naruto, I'll handle the reinforcements. Focus on Kabuto. Don't let him get away."

Naruto nodded, his confidence unshaken. "Got it."

Kabuto's eyes narrowed as he observed Yamato. "Interesting. Another Mokuton user? I wasn't aware there were others besides Naruto-kun."

Yamato didn't dignify the comment with a response. Instead, he raised his hand, and more wooden spikes erupted from the ground, forcing Kabuto and the Suna shinobi to scatter.

"Don't let him intimidate you!" Baki barked, regaining control of his men. "We outnumber them. Press the attack!"

The Suna shinobi charged, but Yamato's command of Mokuton kept them at bay. Wooden barriers sprang up to block their advances, and sharp tendrils lashed out, forcing them into defensive positions. Meanwhile, Naruto turned his full attention to Kabuto.

Kabuto smiled thinly, his chakra scalpels flaring to life. "It seems you're in good hands, Naruto-kun. But let's see if your teacher can keep the others busy long enough for me to finish what I started."

Naruto didn't waste time responding. Instead, he closed the gap between them in a flash, his speed catching Kabuto off guard. A powerful punch aimed at Kabuto's chest forced the Oto spy to twist away, but the shockwave from Naruto's strike cracked the ground beneath them.

Kabuto retaliated swiftly, slashing at Naruto with his chakra scalpels. Naruto ducked and countered with a spinning kick that grazed Kabuto's shoulder, sending him stumbling back. The two exchanged a rapid series of blows, their movements almost too fast to follow. Kabuto's precise strikes clashed with Naruto's overwhelming strength, creating a dangerous equilibrium.

As they fought, Kabuto's smirk widened. "You've improved, Naruto-kun. But you're still predictable."

Naruto's expression remained calm. "Then why are you struggling to keep up?"

Kabuto's eyes glinted, and he suddenly leapt back, forming hand seals. "Let's see how you handle this," he said, slamming his hands onto the ground. "Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld!"

The ground beneath Naruto turned to sludge, threatening to drag him under. Naruto reacted instantly, channeling chakra to his feet to stay above the surface. At the same time, he performed his own hand seals. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

A powerful gust of wind swept through the battlefield, scattering the swamp and forcing Kabuto to shield his face from flying debris. Taking advantage of the opening, Naruto surged forward, his fist glowing with chakra as he aimed for Kabuto's midsection.

Kabuto narrowly avoided the strike but couldn't escape the follow-up. Naruto's second punch connected, sending Kabuto skidding across the ground. The Oto spy coughed, his hand clutching his ribs as he struggled to regain his footing.

"This is getting annoying," Kabuto muttered, glaring at Naruto. "You're far more troublesome than I expected."

"Then you'd better give up now," Naruto replied, his voice steady. "You're not getting past me."

Before Kabuto could respond, a sudden explosion of wood from Yamato's side of the battlefield drew both their attention. Yamato had constructed a massive wooden barrier to trap several Suna shinobi, but Baki was already dismantling it with wind-based attacks. The veteran Suna jonin's experience was evident in his precision, and Yamato was forced to adjust his tactics.

Naruto refocused on Kabuto, his resolve hardening. "This ends now," he said, forming a Rasengan in his hand. The swirling orb of chakra crackled with energy, its glow illuminating the battlefield.

Kabuto's eyes widened, but he quickly regained his composure. "So, you're serious after all," he said, raising his chakra scalpels. "Let's see if you can back it up."

The two charged at each other, their attacks colliding in a burst of light and energy. The resulting shockwave tore through the battlefield, forcing everyone nearby to shield themselves. When the dust settled, Naruto stood firm, his Rasengan dissipating in his hand. Kabuto was on one knee, breathing heavily, but still alive.

The fight was far from over.

As the chaos in the stands intensified, Kakashi and the other Jonin-sensei fought tirelessly to repel the invading shinobi. The air was filled with the clash of weapons and the shouts of shinobi locked in battle, but the Konoha forces held their ground with determination.

Kakashi and Gai found themselves back-to-back, their movements synchronized as they defended against waves of Oto and Suna shinobi. Years of training and fighting together had forged an unspoken understanding between the two, and they moved with precision, covering each other's blind spots effortlessly.

Gai delivered a powerful spinning kick, sending an Oto-nin crashing into the stands. "Kakashi, we need to push them back further before they overwhelm the civilians still trying to escape!" he shouted, his tone unusually serious.

"I'm aware," Kakashi replied calmly, raising his headband to reveal his Sharingan. "We'll thin their numbers and regroup. Stick close."

From the corner of his eye, Gai spotted another group of shinobi converging on their position. "Heads up, more incoming!" he warned.

Kakashi's Sharingan glinted as he assessed the situation. "Let's move. Take the left flank, I'll cover the right."

Without hesitation, the two Jonin sprang into action, cutting through the enemy ranks with a combination of speed and strategy. Gai's relentless taijutsu and Kakashi's precise strikes created an opening for the remaining Konoha shinobi to regroup and counterattack.

"Keep up the pressure!" Kakashi called to the nearby Chunin assisting in the defense. The battle was far from over, but their unity gave them the upper hand—for now.

The chaos of the battle raged on as Kabuto and Baki regrouped with the remaining Suna Shinobi. The sight of Naruto's Mokuton powers had already unsettled Baki, but now another individual wielding the same ability—Yamato—was fighting alongside him, escalating Baki's frustration.

"Another Mokuton user?" Baki growled, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed Yamato. "How is this possible? Are they related?"

"No, not in the conventional sense," Kabuto interjected with a sly smirk.

Baki turned toward Kabuto, his irritation evident. "What are you talking about?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, a glint of malice in his eyes as he explained, "Orochimaru-sama once conducted an experiment while he was still part of Konoha. He abducted sixty newborns to test whether the DNA of the First Hokage could be grafted onto others to replicate his Mokuton abilities. However, the experiment was deemed a failure. Orochimaru-sama was forced to flee Konoha before he could observe the results, believing all the subjects had perished."

Kabuto's smirk deepened as he gestured toward Yamato. "It seems Orochimaru-sama was mistaken. At least one of those infants survived—and now, we have the pleasure of meeting him."

Yamato's expression darkened at the revelation, but he maintained his composure. Naruto, on the other hand, clenched his fists, his glare fixed on Kabuto. "You're disgusting," he spat, his voice filled with fury.

Baki scowled, repulsed by what he had heard. Even a seasoned veteran like him found Orochimaru's methods abhorrent. "Orochimaru's sins run deeper than we could have imagined," he muttered.

"Naruto," Yamato said firmly, breaking the tension. "You need to go now. Find Gaara and ensure he doesn't lose control. If his Bijuu is released, the damage will be catastrophic."

"But what about you, sensei?" Naruto asked, concern etched across his face.

"I'll hold them off," Yamato replied confidently. "I'll make sure they don't follow you."

Naruto hesitated, glancing at the enemy forces. "I can't leave you to handle this alone—"

Before Naruto could finish, four masked ANBU operatives landed beside Yamato in perfect unison. One of them, clad in a bear mask, stepped forward. "We're here to assist," the operative announced, his tone authoritative.

Yamato nodded at the reinforcements. "With their help, I'll be fine. Your priority is stopping Gaara. Go now, Naruto!"

Still reluctant, Naruto took a step back. "Sensei, promise me you'll be okay," he said, his voice low but resolute.

Yamato smiled faintly, his voice calm yet firm. "I promise. Trust me, Naruto. Now go."

Naruto gave one last look at his sensei before nodding. "Be careful," he said, and with that, he turned and bolted, heading toward Gaara's location.

The moment Naruto disappeared from view, Kabuto sprang into action, racing toward the retreating blonde. Yamato immediately intercepted him, erecting a wall of wooden spikes from the ground. Kabuto maneuvered skillfully, slicing through the spikes with his Chakra Scalpels, but his progress was halted when one of the ANBU operatives launched a volley of kunai in his direction, forcing him to retreat.

"You're not going anywhere," Yamato said coldly, stepping forward alongside the ANBU. "Your fight is with us now."

Kabuto smirked, clearly unfazed. "How noble. You're willing to risk your life to protect your student. But it won't make a difference. You're all going to die here."

Yamato remained calm, motioning for the ANBU to spread out and engage. The four operatives moved in unison, attacking the surrounding Suna Shinobi while Yamato squared off against Kabuto.

Baki, meanwhile, barked orders to his remaining forces. "Take down the ANBU and assist Kabuto! We can't let that boy interfere with Gaara!"

The battlefield erupted into chaos once more. Yamato engaged Kabuto in a fierce exchange, his wooden constructs clashing with the medic's precise strikes. Despite Kabuto's agility and expertise, Yamato's control over Mokuton allowed him to maintain the upper hand, forcing Kabuto onto the defensive.

"Impressive," Kabuto admitted, deflecting a wooden spike aimed at his chest. "I see why Orochimaru-sama would be interested in you."

Yamato didn't reply, his focus entirely on the fight. His movements were calculated and precise, each attack aimed at keeping Kabuto away from Naruto's path.

Nearby, the ANBU operatives worked in perfect synchronization, cutting down the advancing Suna forces with efficiency. One operative wielded a pair of blades, their strikes swift and lethal, while another used explosive tags to create controlled chaos, disrupting the enemy's formation.

Despite their skill, the Suna shinobi fought valiantly, their determination to complete their mission driving them forward. Baki himself joined the fray, his wind-based jutsu wreaking havoc on the battlefield. He aimed a powerful gust at Yamato, attempting to create an opening for Kabuto, but Yamato countered with a wooden barrier that absorbed the attack.

"You won't get past me," Yamato declared, reinforcing the barrier and sending another wave of wooden spikes toward Baki.

Kabuto took advantage of the distraction, circling around and targeting one of the ANBU operatives. However, before he could strike, another operative intercepted him, forcing him into a close-quarters exchange.

"You're persistent," Kabuto said, dodging a swift kick and countering with a strike of his own. The ANBU blocked it skillfully, their movements fluid and precise.

Yamato glanced at the scene, his mind racing. "Kabuto's too skilled to take down quickly. We'll have to outlast him and force him to retreat," he thought.

As the battle continued, Kabuto's frustration grew. He hadn't anticipated this level of resistance, and time was slipping away. Every second spent here was another second Naruto gained on his way to Gaara.

"You're making a mistake," Kabuto said, addressing Yamato as he dodged another attack. "Once Gaara transforms, your village will be in ruins. Do you really think that boy can stop him?"

Yamato's eyes narrowed. "Naruto won't fail. He's stronger than you realize."

Kabuto smirked, his tone mocking. "We'll see about that."

With a burst of chakra, Kabuto launched himself at Yamato, his Chakra Scalpels glowing brightly. Yamato met him head-on, their attacks colliding in a fierce display of power and skill.

The fight raged on, the outcome uncertain. But one thing was clear: neither side would back down without a fight.

-With Naruto-

After leaving Kabuto to Yamato and the ANBU reinforcements, Naruto raced across the battle-torn rooftops of Konoha. His thoughts were focused on locating his friends, Sayuri and the others, before they could encounter Gaara.

As he leaped from one damaged structure to another, the blond shinobi willed the Kyuubi chakra to repair the lingering damage from his earlier encounter with Kabuto. The strain was minimal, but he knew he couldn't afford to waste too much time. Every second counted.

Once over the village wall, Naruto paused, scanning the area for tracks or signs of movement. Despite his sharp instincts, he couldn't find any evidence that might indicate the direction the others had gone. Frustrated, he realized he would need assistance.

Naruto bit his thumb, drawing a thin line of blood, and quickly formed a series of hand seals. Pressing his hand to the ground, he shouted, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" The ground beneath him rippled with energy, and a cloud of white smoke erupted, obscuring his view.

When the smoke cleared, a small, sleek, silver-furred fox with piercing violet eyes stood before him. The fox yawned lazily, stretching its limbs.

"Ah, Naruto. It's been a while," the fox greeted, its tone casual and mildly annoyed.

"Hey, Tenko, sorry for the sudden call," Naruto replied quickly, skipping pleasantries. "I need your help. It's urgent."

Tenko tilted his head, his sharp ears twitching. "Urgent? I assumed you finally called me to relax and enjoy a proper hunt or perhaps to share some food."

"Sorry, no time for that," Naruto said, brushing off the fox's complaint. "My friends are chasing after someone dangerous, and a bunch of enemy shinobi is chasing them. I need to find them fast."

The fox sat down and began grooming one of its paws, clearly unbothered. "You humans always seem to be in trouble. What's in it for me?"

Naruto sighed, exasperated. "I'll owe you, okay? I'll summon you more often, bring you some fresh fish or even that expensive smoked salmon you like."

Tenko's ears perked up at the mention of smoked salmon. "Tempting. Very tempting. Fine, I'll help. But if you're lying about the salmon, I'll make you regret it."

"Deal," Naruto replied, relieved. "Now, can you pick up their trail?"

Tenko sniffed the air, his keen sense of smell kicking in immediately. He moved in a small circle, his nose close to the ground, and then raised his head. "Got it. A large group passed through here not long ago, heading west. The scent is fresh."

"Perfect!" Naruto said, crouching down and gesturing for the fox to climb on. "Hop on my shoulder. You'll need to guide me if the trail changes."

Tenko leaped gracefully onto Naruto's shoulder, settling into a secure position. "Let's move then. If we're lucky, we'll catch up before things get too messy."

With the fox perched securely on his shoulder, Naruto took off in the direction Tenko had indicated. The wind rushed past him as he pushed his speed to the limit, determined to reach his friends in time.

-With Sayuri and the Others-

Sayuri had been sprinting through the dense Konoha forest, her Sharingan blazing as she tracked the movements of the Suna siblings ahead. Her determination to stop them from escaping with Gaara burned fiercely. She was closing the distance, her pursuit relentless, as Temari and Kankuro struggled under the burden of carrying their injured brother.

Eventually, Sayuri caught up, her speed allowing her to intercept them. Temari, clearly exhausted, chose to stay behind and hold Sayuri off to buy time for Kankuro to carry Gaara further. However, Temari, weakened from her earlier battles, found herself outmatched against the Uchiha. Sayuri's precision and strength overwhelmed the Suna kunoichi, forcing her to retreat.

As Temari staggered back, Kankuro reappeared, abandoning his escape to aid his sister. He urged Temari to take Gaara and tend to his injuries, promising to hold Sayuri back. Just as the confrontation seemed inevitable, Shino emerged from the shadows, his calm presence a stark contrast to the chaos.

"Go after Gaara and Temari," Shino instructed Sayuri, stepping between her and Kankuro. "I'll handle him."

Sayuri hesitated for only a moment, nodding in silent agreement before darting past Kankuro and continuing her pursuit. With her Sharingan scanning ahead, it wasn't long before she closed the gap between herself and Temari. The elder Suna sibling had stopped, exhausted and desperate, but Sayuri was focused only on Gaara, who stirred weakly in Temari's grasp.

Suddenly, Gaara began to convulse, clutching at his head as if in agony. His screams echoed through the forest, halting both Sayuri and Temari in their tracks. The sound was inhuman, filled with a growing, monstrous rage. Sayuri watched in shock as Gaara's body began to shift and mutate.

His transformation was horrifying. The right side of Gaara's body morphed into a grotesque, demonic form—his arm now a massive claw, his skin resembling coarse sand, and his face twisted with malevolence. The chakra emanating from him was suffocating, and it sent shivers down Sayuri's spine.

Recovering quickly from her initial shock, Sayuri activated her Sharingan fully, preparing to face the transformed Gaara. She leaped toward him, kunai in hand, but Gaara swatted her attack away with ease, his demonic arm moving faster than she could anticipate.

The battle began in earnest. Sayuri darted between trees, throwing kunai and shuriken with precision, but Gaara's monstrous arm blocked every attack effortlessly. His counterattacks were brutal, forcing Sayuri to remain constantly on the defensive.

Gritting her teeth, Sayuri formed the seals for her Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique), unleashing a massive fireball directly at Gaara. The flames engulfed him momentarily, but when the fire dissipated, Gaara stood unscathed, his sand-like skin having absorbed the attack.

"He's not human anymore," Sayuri thought, her heart pounding as she evaded another swipe from Gaara's claw.

In a desperate move, Sayuri channeled her chakra into a powerful Chidori, the crackling energy illuminating the forest. She dashed toward Gaara, her arm outstretched, aiming for his chest. The attack landed, piercing Gaara's right arm and forcing it to revert to its human form.

For a moment, it seemed as though the tide had turned. But then, before Sayuri could follow up, Gaara's left arm began to mutate, transforming into the same monstrous appendage as the right. He roared in fury, swinging the new claw at Sayuri with devastating force.

Sayuri leaped backward to avoid the attack, but the effort left her drained. The prolonged use of the Sharingan and her repeated use of the Chidori had sapped most of her chakra. She stumbled onto a tree branch, struggling to catch her breath.

Gaara, sensing her exhaustion, grinned maniacally and launched himself at her, his claw poised to strike. Sayuri raised her kunai weakly, knowing it wouldn't be enough to stop the attack.

Before the blow could land, a blur of yellow streaked through the air, intercepting Gaara mid-strike. The Suna jinchūriki was sent hurtling into a nearby tree, the force of the impact shaking the forest. Sayuri's eyes widened in shock as her rescuer landed gracefully in front of her.

"Looks like I made it just in time," Naruto said, his voice calm but tinged with steel. He turned to glance at Sayuri, his katana glinting faintly in the light. "You okay?"

"N-N-Naruto!?" stammered Sayuri, struggling to focus her vision on the blond who had appeared before her.

Naruto spared her a quick glance, taking in her weakened state. Her Sharingan flickered faintly, a sign of her depleted chakra. His gaze shifted briefly to the pinned figure of Gaara, whose transformation was advancing further, and then to the damage surrounding them.

"Sayuri, can you still move?" Naruto asked, his voice sharp but concerned.

"I think so," Sayuri grunted, using the last reserves of her energy to push herself up. Her body trembled from the exertion, and her breathing was labored.

"Good. I need you to free yourself completely and then get somewhere safe. If you're nearby, you might get caught in the crossfire when I deal with Gaara."

Sayuri's expression hardened, glaring at Naruto despite her exhaustion. "Are you insane?! That guy's not normal. You can't handle him alone—not in the state you're in!"

Naruto shot her a lopsided grin, his confidence unshaken. "Don't worry about me. Just trust me on this. Focus on getting yourself out of harm's way."

Before she could argue further, Naruto motioned for the fox to scurry beside her. "Look after Sayuri for me," he said softly to the fox.

The small fox tilted its head, then sighed. "Fine, but you owe me. Again."

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto muttered, waving as he jumped onto a nearby tree branch. His movements were fluid, calculated, ensuring that Gaara's attention was drawn to him.

The red-haired jinchūriki grinned maniacally as Naruto moved into his field of vision. His partially transformed form loomed, the sand covering his body solidifying into monstrous claws and an elongated tail.

"You've finally come, Naruto," Gaara hissed, his voice distorted. "I knew you wouldn't stay away. The Uchiha was amusing for a while, but now I can face you—the real prize!"

Naruto unsheathed his katana with deliberate precision, leveling it at Gaara. "You've hurt my friends, and I can't let that slide. Get ready, Gaara, because this ends now."

Gaara's laughter echoed through the forest, a mix of hysteria and bloodlust. "Yes! Show me! Show me the rage, the strength that comes from protecting those you care for! Let's see how strong your bonds make you!"

Naruto's eyes narrowed. His grip on the katana tightened, and with a burst of chakra-enhanced speed, he launched himself at Gaara.

Naruto's first strike came faster than Gaara could react, his fist connecting with Gaara's face in a thunderous blow that sent the jinchūriki flying. Gaara's monstrous arm shot out to stabilize him mid-air, but Naruto appeared beside him in an instant, delivering a spinning kick that hurled Gaara into a nearby tree with a deafening crash.

Temari, hiding a short distance away, gasped in disbelief. "What speed! He's overwhelming Gaara!"

Naruto pressed his advantage, appearing behind Gaara before he could recover and delivering another crushing blow to his back. The force of the attack sent Gaara smashing through multiple trees before slamming into the ground.

"Get up!" Naruto roared, standing on a high branch as he glared down at Gaara. "This isn't over yet. You're going to pay for what you've done!"

Gaara staggered to his feet, his sand-covered form slowly reforming. His glare bore into Naruto as he raised his monstrous claw. "You're strong… but not strong enough."

With a guttural roar, Gaara opened his mouth and unleashed a massive blast of wind and sand. Naruto reacted instantly, unsheathing his katana and channeling his wind chakra through the blade.

"Surasshu-fū (Wind Slash)!" Naruto called, slashing through Gaara's attack and dispersing it effortlessly. The wind-charged blade continued its trajectory toward Gaara, forcing him to leap to safety.

Gaara retaliated, extending his sand-arm to grab Naruto. But Naruto sidestepped the attack with ease, seizing the sand-arm with both hands. With a display of superhuman strength, he swung Gaara around like a ragdoll, smashing him into the ground repeatedly before flinging him into another tree.

Gaara groaned as he tried to rise, his demonic transformation struggling to maintain itself. His eyes burned with fury as he gathered sand around him for another attack.

"You think this is enough to stop me?" Gaara snarled, his voice reverberating. "I'll show you the true power of a jinchūriki!"

Naruto, unfazed, formed a hand seal. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Several clones appeared beside him, each brandishing a weapon. The clones surged toward Gaara, coordinating their attacks to keep him on the defensive.

Gaara roared in frustration, unleashing a blast of wind and sand that obliterated the clones. But as the dust settled, Naruto appeared behind him, his katana crackling with wind-enhanced chakra.

"Take this!" Naruto shouted, slashing downward. The blade severed Gaara's sand-tail, which dissolved into granules as it fell to the forest floor.

Gaara howled in pain but counterattacked with a swipe of his monstrous claw. Naruto blocked the strike with his katana, the clash sending shockwaves through the forest.

Their battle continued with unrelenting ferocity, each strike faster and stronger than the last. Naruto's wind-enhanced attacks clashed against Gaara's sand-based defenses in a spectacular display of power.

-Elsewhere in the Forest-

Sayuri watched the battle from her position, still recovering. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the ferocity of Naruto's attacks.

"He's… incredible," she admitted begrudgingly. Despite her earlier doubts, Naruto was holding his own against Gaara, even pushing the jinchūriki to his limits.

The fox summon beside her smirked. "He's full of surprises, isn't he? That's why he's my summoner."

Sayuri scowled. "He's reckless, is what he is."

"Reckless, maybe," the fox replied, "but he's winning."

-Back with Naruto and Gaara-

Naruto's relentless assault was beginning to wear Gaara down. His sand defenses were slower to respond, and his movements grew more erratic.

Realizing the opportunity, Naruto formed several hand seals. "Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Style: Wild Water Wave)!"

A torrent of water erupted from Naruto's mouth, drenching Gaara and his sand. The once-durable sand hardened and clumped, rendering it far less effective as a defense.

Gaara growled in frustration, struggling to reform his sand armor. "What have you done?!"

"Did you think I'd spend all my time training in one area?" Naruto taunted, landing a powerful blow to Gaara's chest that sent him crashing to the ground. "Your sand's strength comes from its dryness. Now that it's soaked, it's no better than mud."

Gaara struggled to rise, his body trembling. The realization of his disadvantage was evident in his eyes.

"This ends now!" Naruto declared, forming a series of rapid hand seals. "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet)!"

A massive water dragon surged forth, its roar echoing through the forest as it raced toward Gaara. The jinchūriki could only watch in horror as the attack engulfed him, slamming him into the ground with a deafening crash.

As the dust finally cleared, Gaara lay sprawled in the center of a massive crater, his monstrous form battered and his body unable to move. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his body trembled from the pain and numbness caused by Naruto's relentless assault.

"Gaara..." Temari thought anxiously, watching her brother's broken form. "How is this possible? How could someone, a kid no less, completely overwhelm Gaara even after he transformed? It's… unthinkable."

"Nice work, Naruto!" Gamakichi cheered from a distance, his small frame bouncing with excitement.

Sayuri, still catching her breath as she leaned against a tree, watched the scene unfold in stunned silence. Her body was weakened, her Sharingan flickering faintly as she struggled to process what she had just witnessed. "How… how does he keep managing to pull this off?" she muttered, disbelief etched into her voice.

Gaara, still conscious but barely holding onto his transformation, stared at Naruto with wide, pained eyes. His mind raced as he recalled the blonde's earlier words.

-Flashback-

"What is your goal?" Gaara had asked during their earlier confrontation.

"My goal?" Naruto had repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Why do you seek power?"

Naruto had fallen silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating the question, Hinata, Sayuri, Teuchi, Ayame & Iruka flashing through his mind. Then, with unyielding determination in his voice, he had replied, "I want to protect the people I care about. That's why I fight. That's why I need strength."

-End Flashback-

Gaara's eyes darkened at the memory. Protecting others… it was an idea that made his blood boil. His entire life had been a testament to the cruelty of humanity, to the loneliness and hatred that had shaped him. He had no one to care for, no one to protect. The only thing he had ever known was the pain of rejection.

"That fool…" Gaara thought bitterly. "He thinks strength comes from bonds? He doesn't know anything about hatred. He doesn't know the real source of power."

Naruto, meanwhile, motioned to one of his remaining clones, signaling it to deliver the finishing blow. The clone leapt into the air, its fist drawn back and ready to strike.

"There's no way… NO WAY I'LL LOSE TO SOMEONE LIKE YOU!" Gaara roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

In that moment, a massive surge of sand erupted from the ground, obliterating the clone mid-air and creating a powerful shockwave that forced everyone nearby to retreat. As the dust settled, Gaara's form began to morph, his transformation accelerating at an alarming rate.

When the smoke cleared, what stood before them was no longer recognizable as Gaara. His body had transformed into a massive beast, towering like a small mountain. Its monstrous shape loomed over the trees, its yellow eyes gleaming with unrestrained bloodlust.

Sayuri's breath hitched as she beheld the terrifying figure. "What… what is that?"

"It's… it's Shukaku," Temari whispered in horror from her hiding spot. "Gaara's released his full form…"

Naruto clenched his fists, frustration flashing across his face. "Damn it… I was too slow. I should've finished him off before it came to this."

Gaara, now fully consumed by Shukaku's power, let out an ear-splitting roar that sent shockwaves rippling through the forest. His tail whipped through the air, flattening nearby trees as sand rained down in torrents.

Naruto glanced toward Sayuri, his expression firm. "Sayuri! Get out of here! Take shelter as far away as you can. If you stay here, you'll only get caught in the crossfire."

"You can't be serious!" Sayuri shot back, forcing herself to her feet. "There's no way you can fight that thing alone!"

"This isn't a debate," Naruto snapped, his tone unyielding. "I'll handle this. You're in no condition to fight. Just go!"

Sayuri gritted her teeth, anger bubbling in her chest, but she knew she lacked the strength to argue. With a reluctant nod, she began to retreat, her pride stinging with every step.

Naruto turned his attention back to the towering beast that had once been Gaara. His jaw tightened as he formed a series of hand seals.

-Enter Naruto OST: Sannin Battle Theme-

Naruto bit his thumb and slammed his hand onto the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!"

A massive cloud of smoke erupted from the ground, obscuring the battlefield. For a moment, the forest fell silent, the only sound being the rustling of leaves from the lingering shockwave.

When the smoke cleared, a colossal toad now stood beside Naruto, its size rivaling Gaara's monstrous form. The toad's scarred, weathered face gave it a commanding presence, and the enormous blade strapped to its back glinted faintly in the sunlight.

"Gamabunta!" Naruto called, standing atop the toad's head.

The Toad Boss glanced upward, his expression exasperated. "Naruto, what trouble have you dragged me into this time?"

"No time to explain!" Naruto replied. "That thing in front of us is Gaara, and he's completely lost control. I need your help to stop him!"

Gamabunta let out a sigh, smoke trailing from his pipe. "You really know how to pick your battles, kid. Fine, but you'd better have a good plan for this."

"I do," Naruto said, determination burning in his eyes.

Gaara, or rather Shukaku, roared again, its massive claw slamming into the ground and sending debris flying toward them. Gamabunta leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.

"Hold on tight!" Gamabunta barked as he drew his blade and charged toward Shukaku.

The clash between the two titans shook the forest, their attacks sending shockwaves that flattened everything in their path. Shukaku's sand tendrils lashed out wildly, but Gamabunta countered with precise strikes from his blade, cutting through the sand with practiced ease.

Naruto clung to Gamabunta's head, his mind racing as he strategized. "We need to find a way to wake Gaara up. If we don't, Shukaku will destroy everything."

"I hope you've got a plan for that, kid," Gamabunta grunted, dodging another swipe from Shukaku's tail.

Naruto nodded. "Just get me close. I'll take care of the rest."

Gamabunta growled but complied, maneuvering through Shukaku's relentless attacks. As they neared the beast's head, Naruto formed a shadow clone and prepared his next move.

"Alright, Gaara," Naruto muttered. "This ends here!"

-End Naruto OST: Sannin Battle Theme-

"Naruto..." Sayuri thought, her expression a mixture of disbelief and awe. "How does he keep doing things like this?"

As she watched from a distance, standing amidst the wreckage of the battle, her gaze fixed on Naruto standing atop Gamabunta's massive head. The sheer scale of what he had accomplished made her feel a mix of emotions she couldn't entirely process.

For a moment, an image from a long-forgotten memory surfaced in her mind—an old painting she had once seen in the Uchiha Clan archives. It depicted the Yondaime Hokage atop the same colossal toad during the height of his legendary battles. The scene before her now felt like a mirror of that memory, but this time, it was Naruto.

The resemblance between Naruto and the Yondaime became startlingly apparent. The way he carried himself, his stance, even the determination in his eyes—it was uncanny. And then there was the coat. The simple but striking garment only added to the illusion, making it hard to believe the two weren't somehow connected by more than coincidence.

"Who... who is this guy really?" Sayuri thought, her hands trembling slightly.

In the shadows, hidden from view, Temari watched the unfolding confrontation with wide eyes. Her mind reeled, struggling to comprehend what she was seeing.

"Summoning that thing…" Temari thought, her anxiety rising. "Who is this kid? And how can he wield such power? He's fighting on par with Gaara's full form... it's unbelievable."

-In Konoha-

Amidst the chaos of the invasion, Yamato and a group of ANBU operatives faced a relentless wave of Oto and Suna forces wreaking havoc throughout the village. Explosions echoed through the air, and the streets were littered with debris from collapsed buildings.

Just as a squad of Konoha Shinobi found themselves cornered by a group of advancing enemy shinobi, Yamato sprang into action.

Forming a series of hand seals, he slammed his palms to the ground and called out, "Mokuton: Mokujōheki (Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall)!" Massive wooden barriers erupted from the ground, forming a protective dome around the Konoha squad and shielding them from a barrage of kunai and explosive tags.

The ANBU operatives accompanying Yamato quickly took advantage of the situation. They leapt over the wooden barrier and engaged the enemy forces with precision, using coordinated strikes to neutralize the attackers.

"Commander Yamato, they've regrouped!" one ANBU called out as another wave of Oto-nin advanced.

Yamato nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. "We'll hold them here. Push them back before they reach the civilian shelters."

Just as the next attack commenced, the ground trembled violently. In the distance, a giant three-headed serpent slithered through the village, crushing buildings and scattering Konoha defenders. Its sheer size and ferocity made it clear this was no ordinary summon.

Yamato's expression hardened. "ANBU, stay on the flanks and support the civilians. I'll deal with the serpent."

"Understood!" came the synchronized response, and the ANBU operatives dispersed, moving swiftly to redirect the flow of the battle and guide villagers to safety.

Yamato formed another series of hand seals. "Mokuton: Mokuryū no Jutsu (Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique)!" A massive wooden dragon erupted from the ground, coiling its way through the air and latching onto the giant serpent. The two colossal entities clashed, shaking the ground as the wooden dragon tightened its grip around the serpent's three heads.

The serpent hissed and writhed, its sheer strength straining the wooden construct. But Yamato maintained his focus, reinforcing the dragon with more chakra to keep the beast pinned.

As Yamato worked to restrain the serpent, one of the ANBU operatives landed beside him. "Commander, more Oto reinforcements are heading this way. They'll be here in moments."

Yamato grimaced. "We can't afford to lose ground here. Prepare for a counterattack, and don't let them breach this line."

The ANBU nodded and vanished in a blur, moving to rally their forces. Meanwhile, Yamato tightened his grip on the wooden serpent, driving sharpened wooden spikes into its scales to weaken its movements.

The serpent screeched in pain but refused to relent, thrashing violently. "Persistent thing," Yamato muttered, pouring more chakra into the technique. "You're not getting through me."

Just as Yamato appeared to be gaining the upper hand, an Oto-nin squad arrived, hurling explosive tags at the wooden dragon. The detonations disrupted the structure, forcing Yamato to release the technique and jump back to avoid the blast.

"ANBU, engage the reinforcements!" Yamato commanded, landing a few feet away. The operatives surged forward, meeting the Oto-nin head-on in a flurry of kunai and taijutsu.

Amidst the chaos, Yamato prepared another jutsu. "If the serpent won't retreat, I'll make it disappear." Forming a new sequence of seals, he called out, "Mokuton: Jukai Kōtan (Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence)!"

From the fractured ground, massive wooden roots and trees erupted, entangling the serpent's body and immobilizing it completely. The trees grew rapidly, forming a dense forest that surrounded the beast and rendered it powerless to move.

"That should hold it," Yamato muttered, though he kept his guard up in case the summon managed to escape.

One of the ANBU operatives reappeared beside him, blood staining their mask. "Commander, we've managed to neutralize most of the reinforcements, but there are still pockets of resistance. Shall we proceed?"

Yamato glanced at the restrained serpent, then at the ongoing skirmishes in the village. He nodded. "Yes, but prioritize the civilians. I'll stay here to ensure this summon doesn't cause any more destruction."

As the ANBU moved to execute his orders, Yamato's attention was drawn to a distant roar. In the horizon, a massive form loomed—Gaara's fully released Shukaku form, clashing with an equally enormous figure. Yamato narrowed his eyes as he recognized the towering silhouette of Gamabunta.

"Naruto..." Yamato murmured, his expression softening for just a moment. "So you're handling the real threat."

Shaking off his thoughts, Yamato refocused on the task at hand. "Let's finish this," he said, readying himself for whatever came next.

-With Naruto-

After summoning Gamabunta, Naruto stood tall on the Toad Boss's head, his expression resolute and his body brimming with energy. He had no intention of showing weakness in the face of Gaara's monstrous transformation. The massive sand-covered beast that Gaara had become loomed before him, its intimidating form towering like a living nightmare.

Gaara, now fully consumed by his inner demon, let out a crazed laugh that reverberated through the battlefield. "Yes… YES! You dare summon a creature to face me? Perfect! When I crush you, my existence will be undeniable!"

Naruto gritted his teeth, gripping Gamabunta's headband tightly for support as the giant toad began to shift. "This isn't just about me, Gaara," Naruto shouted. "You hurt my friends, and I won't let you get away with it!"

Gamabunta, initially disoriented, finally spoke up in his usual gruff tone. "Oi, kid! What did you drag me into this time?"

"Glad you're awake, Bunta," Naruto quipped, trying to maintain his confidence. "I need your help to take down this guy!"

The massive toad turned his attention to the monstrous form of Gaara, and his eyes narrowed. "Hmph. Shukaku, huh? That sand brat's gone full demon. You sure know how to pick your fights, kid."

Naruto nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "That's why I need you. We have to take him down before he destroys everything!"

Gamabunta scratched his chin with one of his enormous hands, clearly unimpressed. "You want me to take on that thing? Alone? You've got guts, but this isn't exactly my idea of a good time."

Naruto stomped his foot on the toad's head. "You promised to help me whenever I needed it, Bunta! This is me calling that favor in!"

"Yeah, yeah, I said I'd help you out, but I never agreed to fight a giant psycho raccoon!" Gamabunta shot back, annoyed. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to clean sand out of my skin after a fight like this?"

"Are you serious right now?!" Naruto yelled, his patience wearing thin. "You're worried about sand while Gaara's trying to destroy everything?"

The Toad Boss huffed, clearly unimpressed. "I don't work for free, kid. You'd better make this worth my while."

Naruto crossed his arms, glaring down at the massive toad. "I'll bring you all the sake you can drink after this is over. Deal?"

Gamabunta grinned, his enormous fangs glinting in the sunlight. "Now that's more like it. All right, kid, let's see what you've got planned."

From a nearby perch, Gamakichi suddenly appeared, hopping onto Gamabunta's head next to Naruto. "Hey, Naruto! Long time no see!"

"Gamakichi? What are you doing here?" Naruto asked, surprised.

"I figured you'd need some backup," the small orange toad replied, winking. "Don't worry, pops. I've got your back."

Gamabunta's eyes narrowed as he looked at his son. "You better not be here just to mess around, Gamakichi."

"Relax, Dad," Gamakichi replied nonchalantly. "Besides, that sand guy over there? He's been giving Naruto and me a hard time. He even tried to squash me!"

Hearing this, Gamabunta's demeanor changed instantly. He let out an angry croak, his nostrils flaring. "Nobody messes with my son! All right, kid, I'm in. Let's flatten this oversized sand pile!"

Naruto smirked. "That's the spirit, Bunta! Let's take him down!"

Gamabunta wasted no time leaping into action, his massive frame propelling forward with incredible speed. The ground shook violently as the Toad Boss closed the distance, his giant blade glinting in the sunlight. With a powerful swing, Gamabunta slashed at Gaara's sand-formed arm, severing it cleanly.

Gaara roared in fury, stumbling back as his sand arm disintegrated. The sheer force of Gamabunta's attack sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, causing debris to scatter everywhere.

"Nice one, Bunta!" Naruto cheered, gripping tightly to avoid being thrown off by the Toad Boss's movements.

"Don't celebrate just yet, brat!" Gamabunta warned, his eyes fixed on Gaara as the monstrous figure began to regenerate. "This guy's not going down that easily."

As if to prove Gamabunta's point, Gaara let out a guttural growl, and his severed arm reformed almost instantly. He retaliated by extending his other arm, attempting to crush Gamabunta in a massive sand grip.

Gamabunta dodged skillfully, his movements surprisingly agile for his size. "You weren't kidding, kid. This guy's a tough one."

Naruto clenched his fists, his mind racing. "We need to take him out before he fully recovers. Gamakichi, any ideas?"

The smaller toad tilted his head thoughtfully. "Well, Dad's got the strength, but that guy's sand is tough. Maybe you can find a way to slow him down?"

Naruto nodded, forming a plan. He quickly performed a series of hand seals. "I'll distract him. Gamabunta, go for his legs!"

"You got it, kid," Gamabunta replied, preparing his blade for another strike.

Naruto launched himself off Gamabunta's head, creating a series of shadow clones mid-air. The clones surrounded Gaara, attacking from multiple angles to divert his attention. Gaara roared in frustration, swiping at the clones with his massive arms.

Meanwhile, Gamabunta took advantage of the distraction, charging forward and slamming his blade into Gaara's legs. The sand construct cracked under the pressure, causing Gaara to lose balance momentarily.

"Now's our chance!" Naruto shouted, his clones converging on Gaara's exposed back. Together, they unleashed a barrage of attacks, each one aiming to destabilize the sand construct further.

Despite their efforts, Gaara's monstrous form refused to collapse entirely. His regeneration was relentless, and his attacks grew more erratic as his frustration mounted.

"This isn't working," Gamabunta grumbled, dodging another massive sand swipe. "We need something bigger, kid!"

Naruto's eyes narrowed as an idea formed in his mind. "All right, Bunta. Let's finish this together."

"Finally!" Gamabunta said, grinning. "What's the plan?"

Naruto leapt back onto the Toad Boss's head, forming more hand seals. "I'll weaken him with one final attack. You just need to hold him off for a few more seconds."

"Make it quick, brat," Gamabunta replied, gripping his blade tightly. "I'm not a fan of getting sand in my skin."

Naruto focused his chakra, pouring everything he had into the jutsu. As he finished the sequence, he shouted, "Fūton: Rasen Shuriken!"

The spinning, glowing disk of wind chakra formed in Naruto's hand, crackling with raw energy. He held it high, the intense light illuminating the battlefield.

"All right, Bunta. Get me close!" Naruto commanded.

Gamabunta nodded, leaping into the air and closing the distance between them and Gaara in one swift motion. As they approached, Naruto launched the Rasen Shuriken directly at Gaara's core.

The attack hit its mark, exploding in a blinding surge of wind and energy. The force of the attack sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, tearing through Gaara's sand construct and leaving a massive crater in its wake.

When the dust finally settled, Gaara lay unconscious in the remnants of his shattered form. Naruto stood atop Gamabunta's head, panting heavily but victorious.

"Looks like we did it," Naruto muttered, a faint smile on his face.

"Not bad, kid," Gamabunta said, smirking. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."

As the battlefield quieted, Naruto finally allowed himself a moment to breathe. But before he could fully relax, Gamakichi piped up. "Hey, Naruto! So, which girl are you going to impress with this story?"

Naruto groaned, rubbing his temples. "Can we please focus on the battle now and stay out of my personal life?"

Gamabunta chuckled, and Gamakichi grinned mischievously. Despite the chaos of the battle, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his unlikely allies.

Before anyone could react further, Gaara's distorted voice rang out, echoing across the battlefield.

"Impressive, Naruto! Truly impressive!" Gaara shouted with a manic edge, his tone both mocking and exhilarated.

From her hidden vantage point, Temari's heart sank. "This is bad," she muttered, retreating further into the trees. She knew exactly what was coming and didn't want to be anywhere close when it happened.

Atop the massive sand construct, Gaara's true form emerged, standing confidently on the head of his monstrous transformation. His crazed eyes locked onto Naruto as his lips curled into a sinister grin. "You've proven to be a far greater challenge than I ever anticipated, Naruto. For that, I'll show you the ultimate power of the Suna no Keshin—the Incarnation of Sand!"

"Naruto," Gamabunta rumbled from beneath the boy's feet, "watch yourself. That kid's preparing to unleash Shukaku's full power."

Naruto frowned, gripping Gamabunta's headband for balance. "What do you mean?"

"When the host of Shukaku remains awake, the beast's true power is restricted," the Toad Boss explained. "But if the host puts himself to sleep, the full power of Shukaku is unleashed. That's what he's doing now. Brace yourself."

Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "You're telling me he's willingly giving up control to that monster?!"

Before Gamabunta could answer, a deafening roar erupted from Gaara's sand form. "YES! I'M FINALLY FREE!" the monstrous voice bellowed, the unmistakable tone of Shukaku himself.

"So that's Shukaku," Naruto muttered, his jaw tightening as he surveyed the towering beast. Its wild movements and chaotic energy made it clear that it was relishing its newfound freedom.

Shukaku's beady eyes darted toward Naruto and Gamabunta. "Oh, this is perfect! Fresh prey! Let's see how long you last!" With that, the beast inhaled deeply before unleashing a powerful attack. "Fūton: Renkūdan!" A massive, high-speed air bullet shot toward them with devastating force.

"Hold on tight, kid!" Gamabunta shouted as he leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the destructive blast. The attack slammed into the ground below, leaving a deep crater in its wake.

"That thing's got no sense of restraint!" Naruto exclaimed, gripping tightly to avoid being thrown off the Toad Boss's head.

Gamabunta responded by forming a quick hand seal. "Suiton: Teppōdama!" he roared, launching a massive water bullet toward Shukaku. The two attacks collided mid-air in a thunderous explosion, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

The sheer force of the blast caused trees to snap and debris to scatter across the area. Sayuri, watching from a safer distance, shielded her face with her arm. "This… this isn't just a battle. It's a war zone," she muttered, trying to process the scale of the fight.

From his position, Naruto scanned the battlefield. "We need to keep this fight under control. If Shukaku keeps firing those attacks, we're going to level the entire forest!"

Gamabunta grunted in agreement. "Easier said than done, brat. That thing's got power to spare, and I'm not exactly built to handle an oversized sand tanuki."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Then we'll restrain him. If we can't overpower him, we'll contain him." Forming a rapid sequence of hand seals, he shouted, "Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu!" (Wood Style: Great Forest Technique).

Thick wooden branches erupted from the ground, surging toward Shukaku's massive form. The wooden tendrils wrapped around the beast's legs and arms, holding it in place and limiting its movements.

Shukaku roared in frustration, thrashing against the bindings. "What's this?! You think a few sticks can hold me?!"

As the sand beast struggled, Gamabunta took the opportunity to charge. Leaping forward with his blade drawn, he aimed for Shukaku's torso. But the beast wasn't completely immobilized. With a violent burst of chakra, it shattered the wooden restraints, swinging one massive arm to deflect Gamabunta's attack.

The Toad Boss staggered but quickly regained his footing. "You weren't kidding about this thing's strength," he muttered.

Naruto formed more hand seals, summoning additional wooden structures to restrain Shukaku. This time, the wood grew sharper, forming jagged spikes that threatened to pierce the beast's sand armor if it moved too violently.

"Keep it up, Naruto!" Gamabunta yelled, dodging another air bullet. "If we can pin him down long enough, we might stand a chance!"

Shukaku roared again, clearly enraged by Naruto's relentless efforts. The beast inhaled deeply, preparing another massive attack. "I'll crush you all! Fūton: Renkūdan!"

"Brace yourself!" Gamabunta shouted as he jumped back, narrowly avoiding the devastating blast. The explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the area, forcing Naruto to shield his face from the flying debris.

"This is getting out of hand," Naruto muttered, his mind racing for a solution. If they didn't end the battle soon, the collateral damage would be catastrophic.

"We need to wake up that brat controlling him!" Gamabunta suggested, slamming his blade into the ground to steady himself.

"How do we do that?" Naruto asked, glaring up at Shukaku's monstrous form.

"Get close enough and knock him out," the Toad Boss replied. "It's the only way to stop Shukaku!"

Naruto nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "Then let's do it. Keep him distracted, Bunta. I'll handle the rest."

Gamabunta grinned. "You've got guts, kid. Let's see if you've got the skill to back it up!"

Naruto focused his chakra, summoning additional wooden constructs to shield Gamabunta as the Toad Boss engaged Shukaku. With a mighty leap, Gamabunta slammed into the sand beast, grappling with it as Naruto prepared his next move.

"Mokuton: Jukai Kōtan!" (Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence) Naruto shouted, causing a dense forest of wooden roots and trees to sprout from the ground, wrapping tightly around Shukaku's limbs and body. The beast thrashed violently, but the wood held firm, limiting its range of motion.

"This is your chance, kid!" Gamabunta yelled, holding Shukaku in place with his immense strength.

Naruto didn't hesitate. Channeling all the chakra he could muster, he leaped from Gamabunta's head toward Gaara, who was perched atop Shukaku's forehead. As he descended, Naruto formed his signature Rasengan in his hand, the swirling ball of energy glowing brightly.

"This ends now!" Naruto roared, slamming the Rasengan directly into Gaara's chest. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and Gaara's body was flung backward, severing his connection to Shukaku.

The sand beast let out a guttural scream as it began to dissipate, its form collapsing into a pile of inert sand. Gaara tumbled to the ground, unconscious but alive.

Naruto landed nearby, panting heavily as he surveyed the aftermath. The battlefield was quiet, save for the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Gamabunta let out a deep sigh of relief. "Not bad, brat. Not bad at all."

Naruto managed a tired grin. "Told you we could do it."

Gamabunta chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get cocky, kid. You've still got a long way to go."

As the dust settled, Naruto's determined gaze locked onto Gaara as he resolved to bring this battle to an end. He dashed forward with all his remaining strength, intent on stopping the Suna shinobi before he could regain his strength. However, as he raced across the shifting sands of Shukaku's dissipating form, his feet suddenly sank deep into the terrain, immobilizing him.

Gaara, perched on the sand's head, stretched out his hand with a furious expression. "Sabaku Kyū!" he roared, commanding the surrounding sand to converge and trap Naruto.

Naruto struggled against the encroaching sand, his body locked in place as the grains began to envelop him. "Not good," he muttered under his breath, gritting his teeth in frustration.

Acting swiftly, Naruto formed a quick sequence of seals and summoned his chakra chains. Glowing golden chains burst from the ground around him, coiling tightly around the encroaching sand, halting its advance. The chains extended outward, striking toward Gaara's direction and wrapping around his monstrous sand form, attempting to pin it down.

"You think you can stop me with this?" Gaara bellowed, his voice dripping with disdain. He manipulated the sand beneath Naruto to rise and reform, attempting to break through the chains. Despite the intensity of Gaara's attack, Naruto's chakra chains held firm, buying him a crucial moment.

"Your resistance is futile!" Gaara shouted. "I will not lose! My existence will not be erased!"

Naruto growled, his resolve hardening. "I won't let you win, Gaara!" he yelled. "I fight to protect my friends, and that's something you'll never understand!"

Gathering the last reserves of his chakra, Naruto slammed his fists together, reinforcing his chains and pulling the monstrous sand body closer toward Gamabunta's position. With a roar of effort, he surged forward, breaking free of the sand holding him in place. His chakra chains flared brightly, holding Shukaku's massive form at bay as he launched himself toward Gaara.

Gaara's sand lashed out in desperation, but Naruto broke through the defenses with a supercharged punch. His fist connected directly with Gaara's face, sending him hurtling off Shukaku's crumbling head. The force of the blow caused cracks to ripple across the massive sand beast's form before it began to dissolve completely, collapsing into a harmless pile of sand.

From a distance, Sayuri watched in awe as the battle concluded. She shifted slightly on the branch where she stood, still recovering from her earlier injuries. "He actually did it," she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief.

As the remnants of Shukaku's form dissipated into the air, Gamabunta exhaled a deep sigh. "Well, kid, you've got guts. Reckless, infuriating guts, but guts nonetheless," the toad boss muttered to himself.

Naruto landed on the ground with a thud, exhaustion evident in his posture. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. He turned toward Gamabunta, giving the massive toad a tired smile. "Thanks for the assist, Gamabunta-san."

The toad snorted in amusement. "Don't thank me yet, brat. This isn't over. Keep your eyes sharp." With that, Gamabunta vanished in a puff of smoke, retreating back to Mount Myōboku.

Naruto didn't have time to catch his breath as his attention snapped toward Gaara. Following Gamabunta's advice, he sprinted toward the crater where the Suna jinchūriki had fallen. When he arrived, he found Gaara lying in the dirt, his body battered and bruised. Blood trickled from a cut on the side of his head, and his clothing was shredded, stained with dirt and dried blood.

As Naruto approached, he noticed the fear in Gaara's eyes. The once-mighty sand shinobi now trembled, his lips quivering as he struggled to speak. "S-Stay back," Gaara stammered, his voice cracking. "Don't come any closer!"

Naruto halted, observing Gaara's fragile state. For the first time, he saw not a monster, but a terrified boy who had been pushed to his limits. He raised his hands slightly, showing he meant no harm. "It's over, Gaara. There's no need to keep fighting."

But before Naruto could take another step, Temari and Kankuro appeared, positioning themselves protectively in front of their brother. Temari's fan was held high, and Kankuro's puppet was ready to strike.

"That's far enough," Temari said firmly, her expression a mix of determination and fear. "We won't let you lay another finger on him."

Naruto paused, his gaze shifting between the two siblings and their injured brother. He could see the desperation in their eyes, the unwavering loyalty they held for Gaara despite everything.

"You don't understand," Naruto said, his voice steady but strained. "I'm not here to hurt him. I just want to talk."

"Talk? After what you did to him?" Kankuro retorted, his tone laced with anger. "Gaara's never been this hurt before. What are you really after?"

Naruto opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, Sayuri emerged from the trees and landed beside him. Her tanto gleamed in her hand, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the scene.

"What are you doing here, Sayuri?" Naruto asked, glancing at her.

"I figured you could use some backup," she replied curtly. "Besides, I couldn't just sit back and watch."

Naruto frowned. "I told you to stay with the others. What about Ino and the rest?"

"They're safe," Sayuri replied. "Pakkun is watching over them."

Satisfied with her answer, Naruto turned his attention back to the siblings. "Look," he began, addressing Temari and Kankuro. "Gaara doesn't have to die here. None of you do. This can end without more bloodshed."

The two siblings exchanged uncertain glances but held their ground.

Suddenly, Naruto's chakra chains burst from the ground once more, snaking toward the Suna siblings. The golden chains wrapped tightly around their bodies, immobilizing them before they could react. Temari struggled against the restraints, her fan clattering to the ground, while Kankuro's puppet collapsed uselessly beside him.

"What's the meaning of this?!" Kankuro shouted, glaring at Naruto.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Naruto said firmly. "But I can't let you interfere, either."

With the siblings restrained, Naruto turned to Gaara, who was still lying helplessly in the crater. He walked forward cautiously, his steps deliberate as he approached the fallen jinchūriki. Gaara's wide eyes followed him, filled with fear and confusion.

When Naruto was only a few feet away, Sayuri stepped in front of him, her tanto drawn. She pointed the blade at Gaara's throat, her expression cold and unyielding.

"This ends now," she said, her voice devoid of emotion.

"No!" Naruto shouted, moving to stop her. "Sayuri, don't!"

Sayuri's gaze flicked toward Naruto, her grip on the blade unwavering. "He's a threat to the village, Naruto. He could have killed us all. Letting him live is a risk we can't afford."

"He's beaten," Naruto argued, stepping closer. "Killing him now would make us no better than those we fight against."

Sayuri stared at him for a long moment, her grip on the tanto tightening. The tension between them was palpable, the weight of the decision pressing down on both of them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sayuri lowered her blade and stepped back. "Very well," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll take them as prisoners."

Naruto nodded in gratitude, the relief evident on his face. He turned back to Gaara, kneeling beside him as he prepared to help the fallen shinobi. He summoned one of his fox summons to assist with transporting Gaara, his siblings, and the injured. A shimmering blue fox, large enough to carry several passengers, appeared in a flash of light. Its sleek fur glistened under the sunlight as it gazed at Naruto with an intelligent, knowing look.

"Think you can help us out?" Naruto asked, patting the fox's side.

The fox gave a nod, its tail swishing in agreement. It crouched low, allowing Naruto to load Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro onto its back. "Be careful with them," Naruto instructed as he secured Gaara, who was barely conscious but still managed to glare weakly at him.

While Naruto was finishing, Sayuri emerged from the shadows with an alert expression. "What's the plan, Naruto?" she asked, eyeing the fox warily.

"I'm sending them back to Konoha," Naruto replied. "They'll be held there until we figure out what to do next."

Sayuri hesitated but nodded, watching as Naruto turned to the fox again. "Go grab the others," Naruto said to the fox. It darted off swiftly, heading toward where Sayuri had left Sakura and Ino earlier. Within moments, the fox returned, carrying the unconscious forms of the two girls safely on its back. Naruto helped secure them alongside the Suna siblings.

As he was securing Gaara, the red-haired boy opened his eyes and spoke, his voice hoarse but filled with venom. "Do not think that sparing me will save you," he rasped. "One day, I will kill you for this humiliation. I will make you suffer tenfold and offer your blood to my mother."

Naruto paused for a moment, glancing at Gaara with a calm expression. "You can try," he replied simply.

Gaara didn't respond, his glare unwavering, even as the fox shifted slightly to ensure everyone was secure.

Sayuri stepped closer, observing the exchange. "You're really letting him live after that?" she asked, her tone measured but laced with curiosity.

"I am," Naruto said firmly, climbing onto the fox's back. He looked down at Sayuri. "This guy is more of a victim of neglect & . Whether he understands it now or not, sparing his life might change him for the better. If it doesn't, I'll handle it when the time comes."

Sayuri nodded slowly, though she didn't look entirely convinced. "And now?" she asked.

Naruto stretched briefly before settling on the fox's back. "Now I'm heading back to Konoha. The village is still dealing with those giant snakes, and I need to help. Stay here and keep an eye on Gaara and the others. Don't let them escape."

Sayuri frowned. "You're just going to take off again? You're injured, Naruto. This isn't smart."

"I'll be fine," Naruto replied with a small grin. "This isn't the first time I've had to push through. Besides, those snakes won't deal with themselves."

Before Sayuri could argue further, the fox started moving, its speed impressive for its size. Naruto glanced back one last time, giving a small wave. "Hold the fort here. I'll see you soon!"

Sayuri crossed her arms and sighed as she watched him disappear into the distance. "He's always running off," she muttered.

Pakkun, who had been observing the exchange quietly, padded over to Sayuri. "The kid doesn't like sitting still, does he?" the small dog commented dryly.

"Clearly not," Sayuri replied, her tone somewhere between irritation and admiration. She turned toward the fox that remained behind, keeping guard over Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, and the two injured girls. "Let's get everyone back to Konoha. We need to regroup before something else happens."

As the group prepared to move, Sayuri glanced one last time in the direction Naruto had gone, shaking her head. "Always charging ahead. But I'm not far behind."

With that, they began their cautious return to the village, determined to keep their prisoners secured and their comrades safe.

-With Naruto-

Naruto stood confidently atop one of his fox summons as it made its way through the ruins of Konoha's outer defenses. His gaze sharpened as the devastation of the battle became clearer—the enemy forces had breached the village walls and were now rampaging toward its heart, with the massive summoned snakes leading the charge.

Naruto spotted movement on the nearby wall. Two figures, masked and clad in ANBU armor, appeared suddenly. Startled but ready, Naruto instinctively prepared to defend himself and gave his fox a subtle command to stay alert.

"Hold," one of the ANBU said, raising his hand in a peaceful gesture. His mask resembled a badger. "We're allies, Naruto."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, keeping his guard up. "How do I know you're not just impostors? The last time I trusted someone wearing a mask, they almost killed me."

"Because they're with me," came a deep, familiar voice. A scarred man stepped out from the shadows, his presence immediately commanding.

Naruto blinked. "You're... the examiner from the first round. Morino Ibiki, right?"

"Good to see you're still alive, kid," Ibiki replied with a curt nod. "But what are you doing here? And why are you on that summon? We thought it might be Tsunade-sama at first."

Naruto hesitated briefly, then decided there was no time to withhold information. He quickly recounted Kakashi's orders, his battle with Gaara, and the events that had transpired afterward. He mentioned the giant fox summon helping him transport the injured and how he had come to the wall to help.

When Naruto finished, Ibiki and the ANBU exchanged glances, their surprise evident even behind their masks.

"Incredible," murmured the ANBU with the bird mask.

"He fought a jinchūriki and won, all while managing to summon a creature like that?" the badger-masked ANBU whispered in awe.

Ibiki scratched his scarred chin, looking at Naruto with a mix of disbelief and admiration. "You're full of surprises, kid. Honestly, if I didn't see it for myself, I'd think you were making it up."

Naruto shrugged. "Believe it or not, it's the truth. Now, what's the situation here?"

Ibiki's expression grew serious. "It's bad. The enemy's advance has pushed into the center of the village, and the giant snakes are tearing through anything in their way. Yamato is holding them off, but it's only a matter of time before they cause more devastation."

At the mention of his former teacher, Naruto's focus sharpened. "Yamato-sensei? He's here?"

Ibiki nodded. "He's doing everything he can to hold the line, but those snakes are too powerful to stop alone. That's why I'm asking for your help."

Naruto frowned. "What about the enemy shinobi? They've already reached the village center."

"We have a plan for them," Ibiki replied. "Konoha has an emergency protocol for invasions. Stage one focuses on eliminating infiltrators, but when that fails, we move to stage two—evacuating civilians to shelters and delaying the enemy. Once the civilians are secure, we launch stage three."

"What's stage three?" Naruto asked.

"All available shinobi counterattack to drive the enemy out of the village," the bird-masked ANBU explained. "And that stage should begin any minute now."

Naruto nodded in understanding. "Alright. I'll handle the snakes. If Yamato-sensei is holding them off, I can back him up."

Ibiki hesitated. "Are you sure about this? You're just a kid, Naruto."

Naruto smirked. "A kid who just fought a jinchūriki and won. I can handle it."

Ibiki gave him a reluctant nod. "Fine. But be careful. We'll deal with the enemy forces. You focus on stopping those snakes."

Without another word, Naruto guided his fox summon through the breach in the wall, heading toward the nearest giant snake. The fox moved swiftly and gracefully despite its size, weaving through the rubble.

As Naruto disappeared into the distance, the badger-masked ANBU turned to Ibiki. "Are you sure this is a good idea, sir? Sending someone so young into battle like this..."

"I don't like it either," Ibiki admitted, his voice grim. "But right now, we don't have the luxury of holding back. That boy can do things most of us can't. We need every advantage we can get."

The bird-masked ANBU hesitated, then nodded. "Understood."

A loud birdlike cry echoed through the air, drawing the group's attention.

"That's the signal," Ibiki said, his tone brisk. "Get into position. It's time to launch the counterattack."

The ANBU vanished in a blur of movement, but Ibiki lingered for a moment, watching the trail Naruto had left behind. "Good luck, kid," he muttered. "And don't die. If you do, I'll be the one answering for it."

With that, Ibiki disappeared into the shadows, leaving the battlefield behind.

Naruto's fox summon came to a halt as they approached the writhing form of a massive snake that was smashing through Konoha's buildings. Its scales shimmered menacingly, and its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Naruto.

"So, you're the big problem," Naruto muttered. He leaped from the fox's back, landing on the ground in front of the snake. "Alright then. Let's see how tough you really are."

The snake hissed, lunging at Naruto with alarming speed. But Naruto was faster. Channeling chakra into his feet, he darted to the side, avoiding the strike. He formed a series of hand seals in a blur.

"Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu!" (Wood Release: Great Forest Technique) Naruto shouted. Thick wooden branches erupted from the ground, wrapping around the snake's body and pinning it in place. The creature thrashed wildly, its immense strength straining against the wooden restraints.

"Not so tough now, are you?" Naruto quipped, though he remained cautious.

Suddenly, the snake unleashed a burst of energy, shattering the wooden binds and whipping its tail toward Naruto. He barely managed to leap back in time, the ground where he had stood exploding into rubble.

"Alright, let's do this the hard way," Naruto muttered, forming another set of seals. "Mokuton: Jukai Kōtan!" (Wood Release: Nativity of a World of Trees) Massive trees sprouted from the ground, entangling the snake and creating a forest-like barrier around it.

The fox summon joined the fray, darting forward to bite down on the snake's tail. Together, Naruto and the fox forced the snake into submission, their combined efforts overwhelming the creature. With a final surge of chakra, Naruto drove his hand into the ground, sending another wave of wooden spikes to pierce through the snake's body.

The massive creature let out a final, guttural hiss before dissipating in a puff of smoke, returning to wherever it had been summoned from.

Naruto leaned against a nearby tree, breathing heavily but still determined. "One down," he muttered, glancing at the destruction around him. "Now to find the others."

His fox summon padded over, nudging him gently as if to encourage him to keep moving. Naruto gave the creature a tired but grateful smile. "Let's go."

As they moved swiftly through the shattered remains of Konoha, Naruto formed a single hand seal and summoned a dozen shadow clones. The clones instantly dispersed across the ruined district, their purpose clear.

"Master Naruto," the fox said, its deep voice tinged with surprise, "what are you planning to do?"

"I'm getting off here," Naruto replied as he prepared to leap down. "You focus on helping Yamato-sensei deal with those oversized snakes. I'll be more useful on the ground."

"With all due respect, Master Naruto, I think it would be safer if you stayed with me," the fox countered. "I can protect you better from up here."

Naruto shook his head, determination in his eyes. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. Besides, I'm worried about Yamato-sensei, and I need to check on how the others are holding up. They might need me."

The fox gave a resigned sigh. It knew better than to argue with Naruto when his mind was set. "Very well, but allow me to leave one of my smaller forms with you. This way, I can stay in contact, offer assistance, and even provide healing energy if you're injured."

Naruto nodded in agreement. A miniature version of the fox emerged and leapt gracefully onto his shoulder, settling into place. "Thanks. I'll keep it close."

With that, Naruto commanded his shadow clones to scatter, their objective clear. One group focused on assisting the villagers, guiding them to safer areas, while others moved toward key battle zones to offer reinforcements where they were most needed.

Naruto gave his fox summon a final glance. "Take care of those snakes, alright?"

The massive fox growled its assent. "Stay safe, Master Naruto."

Without another word, Naruto leapt off the fox's back, landing gracefully on the rubble-strewn ground below. He dashed into the heart of the village, ready to lend his strength to wherever it was needed most.

In the heart of Konoha, two squads of Oto and Suna shinobi sprinted through the war-torn streets, their mission clear as they aimed to push deeper into the village. Their rapid advance, however, was abruptly halted as a flurry of shuriken rained down from above. The unexpected attack struck one member of each squad, instantly incapacitating them, while the others hastily deflected the remaining projectiles with their kunai.

Startled, the shinobi looked up to see five masked ANBU operatives perched on a bridge overhead, weapons ready and poised for battle. At the forefront stood a purple-haired ANBU, her voice commanding as she spoke.
"This is where your invasion ends. You will not take another step into our village!"

Meanwhile, in another sector of the village, the head of the Hyūga Clan, Hiashi Hyūga, stood as an unyielding bulwark against over two dozen Suna shinobi. His mastery of the Gentle Fist (Jūken) art was on full display, as each enemy who dared approach him was swiftly incapacitated with precise and devastating strikes.

As the skirmish wore on, a group of five Suna shinobi attempted to overwhelm him through sheer numbers, charging at him from all sides. Hiashi, however, met their assault with a calm and practiced response. With a single, expertly placed palm strike, he sent three of them flying backward, leaving the remaining two to face him alone. They lunged at him from opposite directions, only to find themselves swiftly dispatched by his lightning-fast movements.

The remaining seventeen shinobi hesitated, forming a loose circle around Hiashi as they strategized their next move. The leader of the group, frustrated by their hesitation, barked out an order.
"What are you waiting for? He's just one man! Attack him together!"

Recognizing their intent, Hiashi decided to seize the initiative. Without a moment's hesitation, he began spinning rapidly, building momentum with incredible speed. His voice rang out as he unleashed his technique:
"Kaiten!"

A massive, rotating dome of chakra materialized around him, far larger and more destructive than anything his younger kin had ever demonstrated. The dome expanded outward with immense force, catching all seventeen shinobi in its path and sending them hurtling through the air.

When the dust settled, Hiashi stood calmly at the center of a newly formed crater, his Byakugan glowing with resolute intensity. Around him, the defeated Suna shinobi lay scattered across the ground, groaning in pain and unable to continue the fight.

"The Hyūga Clan stands as the strongest in Konoha," Hiashi declared firmly, his voice steady and unyielding. "You would do well to remember that."

In another sector of Konoha, the fathers of Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji fought side by side, using their respective clans' signature techniques to overwhelm a large group of Suna shinobi. Their perfected Ino-Shika-Cho formation proved devastating, taking down enemy after enemy with remarkable precision and teamwork.

Meanwhile, not far from their battle, the Inuzuka clan head, Inuzuka Tsume, led an attack against several Suna shinobi stationed on the rooftop of a large building. Alongside her daughter Hana and their loyal canine partners, they tore through the enemy ranks, their sharp coordination and feral combat style leaving no room for escape.

At the center of Konoha, Yamato and his team were engaged in a fierce battle with one of the giant serpents terrorizing the village. The wood-release user had just managed to bind the two-headed snake with his wooden tendrils, immobilizing it before delivering a fatal blow. The serpent let out a final hiss before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

However, no sooner had Yamato eliminated the snake than another massive serpent burst forth from the ground behind him. Its fanged maw opened wide, poised to swallow him whole.

"Yamato-taicho!" a Konoha shinobi shouted in alarm.

Yamato turned just in time to see the looming shadow of the snake descending upon him. Realizing he couldn't counter in time, he braced himself for the inevitable strike. But before the serpent could strike, a commanding voice rang out: "Storm Lash!"

In an instant, a streak of glowing energy shot through the air, striking the serpent squarely and coating it in a searing light. The beast roared in agony as it began to disintegrate, its body crumbling away before vanishing into nothingness.

Yamato blinked in surprise, the realization of his narrow escape sinking in. He turned toward the source of the attack and saw one of Naruto's fox summons, towering on a nearby rooftop, its sleek form radiating a commanding aura.

Quickly leaping across rooftops, Yamato landed beside the fox, his expression a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thanks for the save," Yamato said with a nod. "Looks like I owe you one."

The fox inclined its head gracefully. "It was my pleasure, Yamato-taicho. Naruto-dono sent me to assist in dealing with these serpents."

"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here? Where is Naruto? And what happened to the Suna jinchūriki?"

"The jinchūriki was subdued by Naruto-dono with the help of Gamabunta-san and me. He and his siblings have been captured. Afterward, Gamabunta-san returned to recuperate, and Naruto-dono has gone to assist in other parts of the village and check on the situation."

Yamato sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That kid doesn't know when to stop. He's going to run himself ragged." Shaking his head, Yamato resolved to lecture Naruto on his reckless tendencies once the battle ended.

The fox tilted its head. "Naruto-dono is resourceful, Yamato-taicho. Before leaving, he took one of my smaller forms with him, so I am in constant communication with him. I will ensure his safety to the best of my ability."

Though the news was somewhat reassuring, Yamato's concern didn't entirely abate. But for now, he had to focus on the task at hand.

As the last remaining snake summon slithered toward them, its massive fangs bared, Yamato turned to the fox. "Think you can help me take care of this one?"

The fox's lips curled in a sharp grin. "Of course. Naruto-dono requested I stay and assist until all the summons are eradicated."

With their plans aligned, Yamato and the fox summon faced the final serpent, ready to bring the battle to a decisive end.

Inside the stadium stands, Kakashi efficiently dealt with the last of the attacking Oto shinobi. He knocked one out with a sharp punch to the gut, disarmed him, and hurled the kunai into another fleeing enemy, striking him in the back of the neck and killing him instantly.

Not far away, Gai dispatched a Suna shinobi with a swift strike to the back of the head. When another challenger charged at him, Gai met him head-on, delivering a powerful kick to the stomach before spinning to knock out a nearby Oto-nin with an upward strike to the chin.

"That seems to be the last of them," Kurenai said, approaching Gai.

"It looks like it," Kakashi added as he joined them alongside Anko.

The four gathered to assess the situation when a familiar voice called out, "Kakashi-sensei! Everyone!"

The group turned to see Naruto running toward them, dirtied and slightly battered but still full of energy. A small fox summon perched on his shoulder, its sharp eyes scanning the area.

"Naruto, what are you doing here? I thought I sent you to stop Gaara," Kakashi said, his tone both stern and surprised.

"I did, and I beat him. We captured him along with his brother and sister," Naruto replied, drawing astonished looks from the group.

"Wait, you captured them?" Anko asked, raising an eyebrow. "You took on the Kazekage's kids, including a jinchūriki, and you're still standing? Impressive, brat. Though you're not making any new friends with the Hyuga after what you pulled earlier."

Naruto ignored the comment, focusing on Kurenai's next question.

"Where are they now?" she asked.

"I left them under Sayuri's watch. I came ahead to help," Naruto explained before motioning to the fox on his shoulder. "One of my foxes escorted me here."

The fox nodded, its tone calm and respectful as it spoke. "After Naruto-dono's battle with Sabaku no Gaara, I offered my assistance to bring him back and aid in the defense of the village."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Sabaku no Gaara… Did you say you fought his jinchūriki form?"

"Yeah," Naruto said. "It wasn't easy, but we managed to take him down."

The group's silence was heavy with awe as Naruto gave a quick rundown of his battle against Gaara and Shukaku. When he finished, even Gai couldn't contain his admiration.

"Truly, you embody the spirit of youth!" Gai exclaimed, his voice booming. His brilliant smile sparkled under the dim light, but his demeanor remained stiff. "Still, I must remind you, Naruto, your earlier actions toward Neji require reflection."

Naruto nodded respectfully, though he didn't have time for apologies right now. Instead, he turned to Kakashi. "What's the situation with Lord Third and Jiraiya-sensei?"

"They're still fighting Orochimaru inside the barrier," Kakashi said gravely. "From what we've gathered, he summoned the First and Second Hokages to fight alongside him."

Naruto clenched his fists, his teeth grinding in anger. "That snake... He has no respect for anyone, not even the dead."

Kakashi nodded grimly. "The barrier around them is strong. The ANBU have tried to break through but failed. No one has been able to get inside to help."

Naruto's mind raced, formulating a plan. "If no one can get in, I'll have to find another way."

Turning to the fox summon on his shoulder, he said, "I'll need your help again."

The fox nodded without hesitation. "I am at your service, Naruto-dono."

Without another word, Naruto darted off, heading toward the barrier.

"Naruto, wait!" Kakashi called after him, but the blonde vanished in a puff of smoke alongside his fox summon.

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That kid… He's going to get himself killed one day."

"He's headstrong, but he gets results," Anko said with a smirk. "You've got to admit, he's something else."

"Let's just hope he doesn't push himself too far," Kurenai added, concern etched into her face.

As the group looked out toward the chaos in the village, Kakashi silently prayed that Naruto's recklessness would hold off just long enough for them all to make it through this alive.

Inside the barrier, the battle against Orochimaru and the resurrected Hokages was growing increasingly dire. While the Third Hokage and Jiraiya managed to hold their ground, they were visibly struggling against their undead opponents. The revived Hokages felt no pain, did not tire, and had an infinite supply of chakra, granting them an overwhelming advantage.

The tide turned further against them when the First Hokage unleashed Kokuangyou no Jutsu (Bringer-of-Darkness Technique), shrouding the interior of the barrier in impenetrable darkness. Forced onto the defensive, Hiruzen and Jiraiya stood back to back, relying on their instincts and sharp senses to fend off attacks from the two relentless Hokages. After a tense exchange of blows in the darkness, Jiraiya managed to disrupt the genjutsu, using his expertise to free them from the oppressive void.

With their vision restored, the two Shinobi immediately launched a counterattack. Jiraiya and Hiruzen coordinated to isolate the Second Hokage, separating him from his brother. Hiruzen utilized Kongō Rōheki (Vajra Prison Wall) to restrain Tobirama in place, allowing Jiraiya time to prepare a sealing technique to end the Second Hokage's rampage.

However, Orochimaru quickly realized their strategy. With his signature serpentine speed, he intervened, summoning snakes to bind Hiruzen temporarily and using the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword) to destroy the restraints on the Second Hokage. Freed, Tobirama retaliated immediately, targeting Jiraiya with a devastating water-based jutsu.

As the battle raged, the strain began to show on Hiruzen. Decades older than his opponents, he was tiring quickly. Jiraiya was forced to stick close to his former sensei, protecting him while fending off relentless attacks from both Hokages.

"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique) cried Tobirama as he created a massive water dragon from the ambient moisture. The enormous beast surged toward them, its destructive force threatening to sweep everything in its path.

Jiraiya stepped forward and destroyed the dragon with a swift Hari Jizō (Needle Jizō), his hair extending and hardening into a protective shield. But before they could regain their footing, wooden tendrils erupted from the ground—Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan (Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence)—binding Jiraiya and leaving him vulnerable.

The First Hokage moved in to finish the job, but Hiruzen, summoning all his remaining strength, extended Enma in staff form to strike Hashirama's wooden tendrils, shattering them and freeing Jiraiya just in time.

"Sensei!" Jiraiya called out as Hiruzen stumbled back, his breathing labored.

"I'm fine," the older man replied, though his exhaustion was evident. "Focus on the fight."

Jiraiya knew they couldn't continue this battle much longer. Their opponents were relentless, and every exchange drained them further.

"Tobirama is using his water affinity to control the field, and Hashirama's wood release is keeping us pinned," Jiraiya muttered, his sharp mind analyzing the situation. "We need a way to turn the tide."

As if reading his thoughts, Orochimaru launched an attack from behind, attempting to impale Jiraiya with the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Hiruzen intercepted the strike with Enma, forcing Orochimaru back.

"Thank you, Sensei," Jiraiya said, panting slightly.

"You don't need to thank me… pant, pant… Just focus," Hiruzen replied, gripping Enma tightly.

Jiraiya glanced at his aging sensei and realized that time was running out. "Sensei, I'm going to need you to buy me some time."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "Jiraiya, you're not thinking of—"

"I have no choice. I'll need to go into Sage Mode."

Hiruzen nodded grimly. "Do it. I'll hold them off as long as I can."

Jiraiya retreated, beginning the complex process of gathering nature chakra for Sage Mode. As he did, Orochimaru, noticing his movement, smirked wickedly.

"Ah, Jiraiya-kun, you're attempting Sage Mode. How troublesome," Orochimaru hissed. "Hashirama, Tobirama—stop him!"

As soon as Orochimaru issued the command, the two reanimated Hokages split apart, moving to outflank Hiruzen and Jiraiya. Their attacks were calculated and relentless, exploiting every opening with precision.

Tobirama, the Second Hokage, was the first to strike. Raising his hand, he fired a barrage of high-speed water blasts directly at Jiraiya, who remained motionless, focusing intently as he gathered natural energy for Sage Mode.

Before the attacks could connect, Hiruzen intercepted. Swinging his staff, Enma, with practiced precision, he deflected each water blast, sending harmless sprays of water across the battlefield. In a swift counter, Hiruzen extended Enma and struck Tobirama square in the chest, sending the reanimated Hokage hurtling backward into the barrier. Flames from the barrier's energy briefly engulfed Tobirama's form before dissipating, leaving him undeterred but momentarily immobilized.

Meanwhile, Hashirama closed in on Jiraiya from another direction, his movements swift and deliberate. Hiruzen adjusted his stance to block both Hokages but knew the situation was growing increasingly dire.

Hashirama moved fluidly, leveraging his experience from countless battles to outmaneuver Hiruzen. Without warning, he activated Moku Bunshin no Jutsu (Wood Clone Technique), creating three identical copies of himself. The clones moved in tandem, surrounding Hiruzen and closing the distance rapidly.

The old Hokage swung Enma in wide arcs, knocking back one clone and breaking another apart with a devastating strike. But Hashirama's movements were relentless. As one clone fell, another surged forward, leaving Hiruzen no room to counter.

"You can't keep this up forever," Hashirama said in a voice devoid of malice but brimming with conviction. "It's over."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on Enma. "I will not falter! Not until this village is safe!"

Hashirama's original body lunged, delivering a powerful spinning kick aimed at Hiruzen's ribs. Enma extended, blocking the attack, but the force pushed Hiruzen back several paces. The clones took the opportunity to press their advantage, forcing Hiruzen to retreat further to protect Jiraiya.

At the same time, Jiraiya remained motionless, his breathing steady as he concentrated on gathering the natural energy necessary for Sage Mode.

"Sensei, just a little more time," Jiraiya muttered under his breath, ignoring the chaos unfolding around him.

Not far away, Orochimaru observed the battle with an amused smirk. Spotting an opening, he darted forward at incredible speed, aiming the Kusanagi no Tsurugi at Jiraiya's exposed back.

"Jiraiya, behind you!" Hiruzen shouted as he leaped into action.

The Third Hokage spun Enma and delivered a swift forward kick to Orochimaru's side, sending him tumbling across the battlefield. Orochimaru skidded to a halt and rose to his feet, unfazed.

"Still as meddlesome as ever, Sensei," Orochimaru hissed, pointing the blade at Hiruzen.

"You'll have to go through me if you want to reach him," Hiruzen replied, his voice firm despite the fatigue in his eyes.

The two adversaries clashed fiercely. Hiruzen's mastery of bojutsu kept Orochimaru at bay, while the rogue ninja's snake-like agility allowed him to evade several strikes. With each exchange, Orochimaru's strikes grew more venomous, and Hiruzen's movements slower.

Meanwhile, Tobirama recovered and rejoined the fight. Launching a massive Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Dragon Bullet Technique), he aimed at Jiraiya once more.

"Not so fast!" Hiruzen shouted, summoning a wall of earth to intercept the attack. The water dragon collided with the earth, resulting in a tremendous explosion of mud and debris.

The distraction allowed Hashirama and his clones to close in on Jiraiya again. Seeing the danger, Hiruzen leaped forward, intercepting one of Hashirama's clones mid-strike and smashing it with Enma.

"You won't touch him!" Hiruzen declared, his voice resolute.

Hashirama's real body moved in swiftly, aiming a powerful thrust at Hiruzen with a wooden spear. The Third Hokage dodged narrowly, countering with a strike that shattered the weapon but left him open to a follow-up attack.

As the battle grew fiercer, Jiraiya finally opened his eyes. His aura shifted, and natural energy flowed through him. His face bore the markings of Sage Mode, and his previously weary expression was now one of calm confidence.

"I'm ready," Jiraiya announced.

Hiruzen and Orochimaru paused, sensing the shift in the air.

"Well, well," Orochimaru said, his tone mocking yet cautious. "You've finally done it, Jiraiya. But do you really think that will be enough?"

Jiraiya smirked, standing tall despite the exhaustion evident in his teammates. "Why don't we find out?"

With newfound strength, Jiraiya launched forward, targeting both Hashirama and Tobirama. His strikes were precise and devastating, pushing the reanimated Hokages back. Even Hashirama's wood clones could not keep up with the enhanced speed and power of Jiraiya's attacks.

Hiruzen took the opportunity to regroup, joining Jiraiya in a coordinated assault. Together, the two drove the reanimated Hokages to the edge of the barrier, their combined efforts turning the tide of the battle.

"Let's finish this," Jiraiya said, preparing a powerful sealing technique as Hiruzen covered him.

Orochimaru's smirk faded, replaced by a scowl. He realized that if he didn't intervene, his plan could unravel completely. With a sharp whistle, he called upon more reinforcements, determined to disrupt the duo's counterattack.

But for the first time, Orochimaru's confidence wavered as he watched his former mentor and teammate fight with renewed determination.

"Incredible… What a battle," muttered one of the ANBU stationed outside the barrier, watching the Sandaime Hokage clash with Orochimaru and the resurrected Kage.

"Indeed," agreed the ANBU commander. "The Hokage is fighting valiantly, but I fear his age is catching up to him. He's barely managing to keep Orochimaru at bay."

"What is Jiraiya doing just standing there?" asked another ANBU, frustration evident in his tone.

"I do not know," the commander replied evenly. "But if Hokage-sama is going to such lengths to protect him, it must be critical."

"Perhaps he's gathering chakra for a powerful jutsu," suggested the first ANBU.

"Possibly," the commander acknowledged. "For now, all we can do is watch and trust in them."

Inside the barrier, Sarutobi Sarutobi continued his relentless battle against Orochimaru. The clash of jutsu and the sound of metal striking against flesh echoed throughout the area. Orochimaru smirked as he unleashed Sen'eijashu (Hidden Shadow Snake Hands), summoning dozens of snakes that shot toward Sarutobi with their fangs bared.

Sarutobi acted quickly, spinning Enma in staff form with expert precision, creating a defensive whirlwind that shredded the incoming snakes. Pieces of the serpents rained down, but Orochimaru was already preparing his next move.

"Sensei, above you!" Jiraiya's voice rang out suddenly.

Sarutobi looked up to see Orochimaru mid-air, descending with the Kusanagi no Tsurugi poised to strike. Thinking fast, Sarutobi planted Enma into the ground and had the staff extend with tremendous force, propelling him backward just in time to evade the blade.

However, the Sandaime had prepared a trap. As he was propelled away, he left behind an explosive tag at his previous position.

Orochimaru's eyes widened as he noticed the tag too late. "Damn it!" he cursed, attempting to leap away. The explosion engulfed him partially, injuring his left shoulder.

Sarutobi didn't waste a moment. With a quick command, Enma extended again, striking Orochimaru square in the chest and sending him hurtling through the air. The Sandaime extended the staff further, intending to follow up and end the fight.

But as Enma made contact, Orochimaru's form exploded into a puff of smoke—it had been a Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone).

"Did you really think it would be that easy, sensei?" Orochimaru's voice came from behind.

Spinning around, Sarutobi barely managed to block Orochimaru's thrusting sword with Enma, but the force of the attack sent the old Hokage skidding backward. He stumbled but quickly regained his footing, prepared for the next onslaught.

"You're slipping, old man," Orochimaru taunted as he hurled a volley of kunai, each armed with explosive tags. The projectiles embedded themselves in the ground around Sarutobi, detonating with a deafening roar.

Sarutobi leaped into the air, avoiding the worst of the explosion by using Enma to propel himself onto the branch of a nearby tree. His landing was precise but left little time to breathe. Orochimaru extended his arm, summoning more snakes from his sleeve. The serpents hissed as they shot toward Sarutobi, spitting venom in deadly streams.

Sarutobi moved swiftly, weaving through the tree branches to avoid the acid-like venom. Wherever the liquid struck, it sizzled and melted the bark and leaves, leaving a trail of destruction.

One of the venom streams struck Sarutobi's leg, eliciting a sharp grunt of pain. Orochimaru seized the moment, commanding his snakes to latch onto the old Hokage. The serpents coiled around Sarutobi's neck, their fangs sinking into his skin.

Orochimaru smirked. "It's over, sensei."

But his victory was short-lived. The "Sandaime" exploded into a puff of smoke—a Kage Bunshin.

"You never learn," Sarutobi's voice came from above.

Orochimaru looked up to see the real Sarutobi perched on another tree branch. Without hesitation, the Hokage unleashed a powerful stream of fire, aiming it directly at his former student. The flames engulfed Orochimaru, consuming him entirely.

For a moment, silence reigned. Sarutobi stood on the branch, breathing heavily, his leg aching from the venom. He gripped Enma tightly, his eyes scanning the battlefield. He knew Orochimaru was not finished, but he also knew he had gained a brief reprieve.

As the smoke from the flames began to dissipate, Sarutobi readied himself for the next assault. This fight was far from over, but the Third Hokage was determined to protect his village, no matter the cost.

As Sarutobi struggled to regain his composure after his last attack, Enma's voice rang out in alarm.

"Sarutobi, you fool! You shouldn't be using Kage Bunshin in your condition! You're not as young as you once were—you're just wasting your strength!"

"I'm fine… just don't worry about me… pant, pant," Sarutobi replied, though his labored breathing and sweat-covered face betrayed his words.

The old Hokage leaped down to where his attack had landed, only to find a charred husk that crumbled into ash upon touch.

"Damn it, he escaped!" Sarutobi thought bitterly, scanning the area for any sign of his wayward student.

Before he could act further, his attention was drawn to a figure landing heavily nearby. It was a familiar one, covered in cuts, splinters, and bruises—a testament to the ferocity of the battle she had endured.

"Are you all right?" Sarutobi asked, his voice filled with concern as he moved to help the figure stand.

"Not exactly," the figure replied, wincing as she steadied herself.

But their moment of reprieve was short-lived. The Shodai Hokage appeared before them, his movements precise and relentless. Sarutobi readied himself once more, his resolve steeling even as exhaustion weighed him down.

Elsewhere, Jiraiya sat perfectly still, gathering natural energy despite the chaos around him. His focus was unwavering, but he was keenly aware of how dire the situation had become.

"I just need a little more time," Jiraiya thought, gritting his teeth as he sensed the escalating battle.

Sarutobi and his ally engaged the Shodai Hokage, but their movements were slower, their strikes less forceful. The toll of prolonged combat was evident, and their injuries only compounded their struggle.

The situation worsened when Orochimaru rejoined the fray, slashing Sarutobi's right arm with the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. The blade left a deep wound, forcing the Sandaime to switch to a defensive stance.

It was then that the Nidaime Hokage, seeing an opportunity, unleashed a massive Water Dragon aimed directly at Jiraiya. The attack struck with devastating force, slamming Jiraiya into a massive tree behind him.

"Jiraiya!" Sarutobi shouted, unable to assist as he fended off both Orochimaru and the Shodai.

Orochimaru smirked, his snake-like grin dripping with malice. "One down," he muttered triumphantly.

But his confidence wavered as a massive blast of fire erupted from the impact site, engulfing the Nidaime Hokage and sending him flying.

Everyone turned toward the source of the attack, their attention drawn to the large hole in the tree. From within, voices echoed.

"Why do you always summon us to messy places like this, kid?" complained a female voice. "No wonder Bunta's always mad at you!"

"Aw, come on, Ma," said another voice, clearly male. "Jiraiya-chan wouldn't call us unless it was really important!"

"For the love of… just be quiet, Pa!" snapped the first voice.

"I apologize for the circumstances, Ma, Pa," Jiraiya said, his tone sincere yet determined.

"Forget about it, kid," replied the male voice. "But weren't you complaining about how this form messes up your face and ruins your chances with the ladies?"

Jiraiya sighed. "Like it or not, I have no choice. Orochimaru's here, and he's brought the Shodai and Nidaime Hokages back with the Edo Tensei."

"Are you serious?" the female voice demanded.

"I'm afraid so," Jiraiya confirmed grimly.

"Then I guess we've got no choice," the male voice replied.

Moments later, Jiraiya emerged from the hole, his transformation complete. His face bore thick, toad-like lines, his nose had enlarged and grown warts, and his eyes glimmered with amphibian sharpness. Two small toads perched on his shoulders—one green and stocky with a Mohawk-like tuft of white hair, the other slender with purple markings and an air of stern authority.

"You should really learn to use Sage Mode on your own, Jiraiya-chan," grumbled the male toad.

"Sorry, Pa, but I've still got a long way to go," Jiraiya admitted. "For now, I need your help."

"Hmph, fine. Let's handle this mess together," the female toad declared.

With a nod of gratitude, Jiraiya leaped from the hole and landed with a resounding crash, the ground beneath him cracking under the force.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "So… Jiraiya has entered Sage Mode. This will make things more complicated."

The Shodai Hokage tilted his head slightly. "Interesting. It seems Sarutobi's student has mastered the Sage arts as well."

Sarutobi allowed himself a brief moment of relief, his wearied face breaking into a small smile. "Jiraiya… you've come a long way. Now let's end this."

The battle was far from over, but with Jiraiya in Sage Mode, the tide of the fight had shifted. The three adversaries prepared themselves for the next clash, each knowing that the stakes had never been higher.

The atmosphere within the battleground grew tense as the ANBU stationed outside the barrier watched the events unfold with wide eyes.

"What's happening now? What are those toads on Jiraiya-sama's shoulders?" one of the ANBU asked, his voice tinged with both awe and confusion.

"I believe this is Jiraiya-sama's Sage Mode," the ANBU commander replied, his tone measured but intrigued.

"Sage Mode?" another ANBU repeated, looking at the scene with renewed interest.

"Yes," the commander confirmed. "I've heard legends of it, but I wasn't sure if they were true. It's said that this form greatly amplifies the user's physical and chakra abilities, granting them near-immense power."

"If that's true, then perhaps he has a chance to turn the tide against Orochimaru and the resurrected Hokages," the first ANBU speculated, hope creeping into his voice.

"Perhaps," the commander responded cautiously, "but it's far too early to tell."

Jiraiya stood firm, his Sage Mode fully activated, flanked by the two elder toads, Ma and Pa, perched on his shoulders. The Shodai and Nidaime Hokages rejoined Orochimaru, standing ready for the next clash. All three enemies assessed Jiraiya's new form with interest.

"So that's the infamous Sage Mode," Orochimaru said mockingly, his lips curling into a sinister smirk. "Jiraiya-kun, I must say it suits you… though it does nothing to hide your already unsightly face. Kukukuku."

The resurrected Hokages, for their part, studied Jiraiya with detached curiosity. Their expressions, controlled by Orochimaru's jutsu, betrayed no emotion, but their stances were tense, signaling their readiness to attack.

"So, this is your old comrade Orochimaru?" Ma said, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied the Snake Sennin. "His aura reeks of malevolence."

"And those really are the Shodai and Nidaime Hokages," Pa added grimly, his tone underscoring the seriousness of their adversaries.

Jiraiya's focus didn't waver. "You two need to fall back," he instructed his allies firmly. "I'll handle this."

"You sure about that?" the Sandaime asked, his concern evident as he glanced at his student.

"He won't be alone," Ma interjected with a confident look. "We're here to back him up."

"Exactly," Pa added. "You've both done enough. Besides, you're too worn out to keep up with us in a fight like this."

Reluctantly, Sarutobi nodded, retreating to a safe distance to catch his breath and tend to his injuries. The battle now rested squarely on Jiraiya's shoulders.

Jiraiya faced his three opponents with unwavering determination, his feet planted firmly on the ground. The tension crackled in the air as both sides assessed one another.

"I hope you're ready to witness true power," Jiraiya said, cracking a small smile.

Orochimaru smirked in return. "This Sage Mode of yours better live up to its reputation, Jiraiya-kun. I'd hate for this to be over too quickly."

Ignoring his former teammate's taunts, Jiraiya began his traditional introduction dance, striking a pose. "Prepare yourself! I am the gallant—"

"Would you quit screaming in my ear, you idiot!" Ma snapped, punching him on one side of his face, while Pa smacked him on the other, leaving Jiraiya's face momentarily squished.

"Why is it always someone ruining my dramatic entrances?" Jiraiya thought bitterly.

"Focus!" Ma barked. "We've got enemies to deal with, and I don't have time for your theatrics."

"Alright, alright," Jiraiya muttered before adopting a serious stance.

But the elder toads' banter wasn't over yet.

"Ma, could ya forget about dinner for one second and concentrate on the fight?" Pa grumbled.

"Excuse me? You try running a household and see how well you manage, you old fart!" Ma snapped.

The two bickered loudly, their voices echoing in Jiraiya's ears.

Jiraiya sighed, rubbing his temples. "Why is it that my allies always have the worst timing for personal disputes?"

Even Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at the spectacle, though his amusement was short-lived. With a wave of his hand, he ordered the Nidaime Hokage to attack.

The Nidaime Hokage surged forward, his movements a blur as he aimed to strike Jiraiya. But before he could land a blow, Jiraiya countered with a devastating kick, sending Tobirama flying into a nearby tree with a forceful crash.

"Hmm, not bad," Orochimaru remarked, his expression unfazed.

"Enough chatter," Jiraiya said, his voice steady. "Let's end this."

"Right!" Ma exclaimed, forming a hand seal. "Kid, bring the oil! Pa, you handle the wind!"

Jiraiya and Pa moved in sync, each preparing their part of the attack. "Senpō: Goemon!" the three shouted in unison as Ma unleashed a torrent of fire, Jiraiya expelled a massive wave of oil, and Pa added a gust of wind.

The combined attack created a tidal wave of boiling oil that surged across the battlefield, engulfing Orochimaru and the resurrected Hokages. The heat was so intense that even the surrounding area began to burn.

Sarutobi, watching from a safe distance, shielded his eyes. "That technique… it's incredible."

As the boiling oil began to drain through the holes in the roof, Jiraiya landed lightly, surveying the damage.

But instead of seeing charred remains, he found a massive wooden dome standing intact.

"His Mokuton is stronger than I thought," Jiraiya muttered, his brow furrowing.

The wooden barrier, conjured by the Shodai Hokage, had absorbed the attack without breaking. Orochimaru's mocking laughter rang out from within.

"Impressive as always, Jiraiya-kun, but you'll need more than that to break through the Shodai's defenses."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "Then let's see how your barrier handles this!"

Jumping high into the air, Jiraiya summoned a massive Chōōdama Rasengan, the swirling sphere of chakra dwarfing him in size. He brought it down with immense force, aiming directly at the wooden dome.

But to his shock, the dome not only withstood the attack but deflected it, forcing Jiraiya to retreat.

"Unbelievable," Jiraiya muttered, his mind racing.

From his vantage point, Sarutobi clenched his fists. "The Shodai's Mokuton techniques were strong enough to block even the Kyūbi's Bijūdama. Of course, it could handle Jiraiya's Rasengan."

Before Jiraiya could plan his next move, Pa's voice rang out urgently. "Behind ya, kid!"

Jiraiya turned just in time to see the Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju, appearing behind him with his sharp reflexes and deadly intent. Acting quickly, Pa hurled a smoke bomb, creating a thick cloud that momentarily obscured the Nidaime's vision.

Using the cover, Jiraiya moved with the speed and precision granted by his Sage Mode, slipping behind the Nidaime and delivering a devastating punch to his face. The force of the blow sent Tobirama hurtling through the air, crashing onto the shattered roof tiles below.

Seeing the Nidaime crashing out of the smoke, the Shodai Hokage and Orochimaru tensed, anticipating Jiraiya's emergence. Jiraiya, however, chose to exploit their distraction by summoning a small toad to act as a decoy. The tiny amphibian leaped forward, drawing their attention.

While they focused on the decoy, Jiraiya launched his Kebari Senbon (Hair Needle Senbon) technique, firing a barrage of razor-sharp hair strands infused with chakra at their exposed backs. But to his dismay, the Shodai reacted with inhuman precision, raising a dense wooden wall to shield himself and Orochimaru from the attack.

Jiraiya grit his teeth in frustration. "He wastes no movement," he muttered. "Rather than dodge, he creates a barrier strong enough to withstand my assault. Truly terrifying."

Pa suddenly called out again. "Kid, look! Over there!"

Following the elder toad's gaze, Jiraiya spotted the Nidaime Hokage speeding toward the injured Sarutobi, who was still recovering under the care of a nearby medic. "Dammit," Jiraiya growled, his mind racing. "Sensei is vulnerable!"

"Leave it to us!" Ma declared. She extended her tongue, channeling her sage chakra into it to execute the Zessenbaku (Fighting Tongue Bind) technique. Her tongue shot out with incredible speed, wrapping around Tobirama and halting his advance mere moments before he could reach Sarutobi.

The toad's strength was immense. With a powerful flick, Ma hurled the restrained Nidaime into the air. Pa followed up with a swift Zessenzan (Fighting Tongue Slash), slicing Tobirama in two with a single strike.

"Nice work," Jiraiya said, only to find himself forced to leap away as Orochimaru lunged at him with the Kusanagi no Tsurugi.

The Snake Sennin wasn't finished. He unleashed his Sen'eijashu (Hidden Shadow Snake Hands), sending a swarm of snakes to ensnare Jiraiya's leg. With a triumphant hiss, Orochimaru swung Jiraiya around like a rag doll, slamming him into a nearby tree.

The impact was loud, splintering the wood, but Jiraiya stood unscathed. His enhanced durability in Sage Mode made such attacks almost trivial.

"You're going to need more than that, Orochimaru," Jiraiya said with a grim smile as he dusted himself off. He created a shadow clone to even the odds.

Jiraiya's clone launched a Katon: Dai Endan (Fire Style: Big Flame Bullet) at the Shodai Hokage, forcing him to raise another Mokujōheki (Wood Locking Wall). But the clone wasn't done. While the Shodai dealt with the flames, it used Yomi Numa (Swamp of the Underworld) to transform the ground beneath the Shodai into a swamp, causing him to sink.

The Shodai quickly formed a ram seal, channeling chakra to create a series of wooden tendrils that lifted him out of the swamp and onto stable ground. He then used the tendrils to attack the clone, striking with unrelenting precision. The clone evaded for a time but was ultimately destroyed by a swift kick from the Shodai himself.

As the Shodai turned his attention to the real Jiraiya, the battle between the Toad Sage and Orochimaru had reached its peak.

Jiraiya's speed and strength in Sage Mode made it difficult for Orochimaru to keep up. The Snake Sennin relied heavily on the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, but Ma's agile tongue managed to rip the sword from Orochimaru's grip, leaving him vulnerable.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiraiya delivered a devastating punch. Orochimaru twisted to avoid a direct hit, but the sheer force of the blow still sent him crashing into a nearby tree.

Coughing, Orochimaru wiped blood from his mouth, his mind reeling. "How did he land that? I was certain I dodged it."

Jiraiya appeared in front of him, ready to finish the fight. "It ends here, Orochimaru!"

Before the final blow could land, the Nidaime Hokage reappeared, landing a powerful kick that sent Jiraiya flying.

Jiraiya landed and rolled to his feet, ready to retaliate, but Ma shouted a warning. "Jiraiya-chan, above ya!"

Looking up, Jiraiya saw the Shodai Hokage descending rapidly, ready to strike. He braced himself, knowing he couldn't dodge in time.

At the last second, the Sandaime intervened. Charging forward, Sarutobi struck the Shodai mid-air, deflecting the attack.

"You're cutting it close, Sensei," Jiraiya said, regaining his footing.

"No time for thanks," Sarutobi replied, his expression serious. "This fight is far from over."

The Shodai regrouped with Orochimaru and the Nidaime. As the three enemies prepared their next move, Tobirama formed a series of hand seals and declared, "Genjutsu: Kokuangyo no Jutsu (Illusion Technique: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique)!"

The battlefield was instantly plunged into impenetrable darkness.

"Not this again," Jiraiya muttered, his senses heightened in response to the loss of sight.

He, Sarutobi, and the remaining allies stood back-to-back, their defenses raised, knowing the enemies would strike from any angle.

The battlefield was drenched in tension as the Sandaime Hokage and Jiraiya stood shoulder to shoulder, their senses sharpened in the oppressive darkness created by the Nidaime Hokage's Kokuangyo no Jutsu. Both men relied entirely on their ears and instincts, waiting for the inevitable sound of incoming attacks.

A faint whistle cut through the stillness. The two seasoned warriors recognized it instantly—the sound of shuriken slicing through the air. With reflexes honed by decades of combat, they moved swiftly to deflect the incoming projectiles with their kunai, each clang echoing in the dark.

As the last shuriken clattered to the ground, Orochimaru's voice hissed from the shadows. "You can block those, but let's see how you handle what comes next."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps reached their ears, followed by the unmistakable force of an attack. From one direction, the Shodai Hokage appeared, landing a crushing punch into Sarutobi's stomach, sending him hurtling across the rooftop. At the same time, the Nidaime moved like a blur, catching Jiraiya off guard and delivering a devastating kick to his back, throwing him in the opposite direction.

Jiraiya skidded to a halt, landing on his feet and wincing from the impact. His enhanced senses from Sage Mode allowed him to recover quickly, but even he couldn't see his opponents in the impenetrable darkness. "Damn it," he muttered. "I can't sense their exact positions. They're too skilled at masking their movements."

Sarutobi, breathing heavily and clutching his stomach, was already back on his feet, leaning on Enma for support. The aged Hokage's face was grim, but his determination burned brighter than ever.

"Listen carefully," Sarutobi said, his voice calm but commanding. "We can't afford to lose focus. They'll exploit any weakness. Stay sharp."

A faint rustle of movement caught their attention. Jiraiya tensed as he heard the rapid approach of footsteps—multiple sets. His sharp instincts kicked in, and he barely dodged a spear of water that Tobirama sent hurtling toward him.

Jiraiya retaliated with a burst of Senjutsu: Kebari Senbon (Needle Senbon), sending a barrage of chakra-enhanced hair needles toward the Nidaime. But Tobirama's mastery of water techniques allowed him to counter with a swift Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Wall), rendering the attack ineffective.

Meanwhile, Sarutobi was locked in a fierce exchange with Orochimaru. The Snake Sennin wielded his cunning like a weapon, taunting his old sensei as they traded blows.

"Do you truly believe you can win, Sarutobi-sensei?" Orochimaru sneered, sidestepping a swing from Enma. "Your village will burn, your people will perish, and everything you've fought for will be reduced to ash!"

Sarutobi, panting but resolute, swung Enma with all his might, forcing Orochimaru to retreat a few steps. "You underestimate the will of Konoha and its people," Sarutobi said firmly. "As Hokage, I bear the burden of protecting this village, even if it costs me my life. That will is something you will never understand!"

Far from them, Jiraiya found himself struggling to pin down the Nidaime. Despite his heightened speed and strength in Sage Mode, Tobirama's strategic brilliance and mastery of water techniques kept him at bay.

"Where's the Shodai?" Jiraiya muttered under his breath, realizing he hadn't seen the elder brother for several moments.

His question was answered when the ground beneath him erupted in a tangle of wooden roots, forcing him to leap backward. From the darkness, Hashirama emerged, his expression cold and focused as he advanced toward Jiraiya.

Suddenly, a flash of movement cut through the darkness. Jiraiya turned in time to see Sarutobi slammed into the ground by Orochimaru, who stood over him with the Kusanagi no Tsurugi poised to strike.

But before Orochimaru could deliver the fatal blow, a blinding flash of light illuminated the battlefield. A swirling portal of blue energy tore open behind him, releasing a shockwave that sent debris flying.

From the portal stepped Naruto, his chakra flaring like a beacon. His expression was fierce, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by unyielding determination.

"Naruto?" Jiraiya called in disbelief, his voice carrying both relief and concern.

The young shinobi didn't respond immediately. Instead, he moved with lightning speed, closing the distance to the Shodai Hokage, who had Tsunade cornered. With a powerful kick, Naruto sent the Shodai flying, his impact unintentionally crashing into the Nidaime.

Both revived Hokages tumbled across the rooftop, their momentum halted only when they collided with a broken wall.

The battlefield went silent as all eyes turned to Naruto. Orochimaru's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a glint of irritation.

"So, you've decided to join us," Orochimaru hissed, his tone dripping with mockery.

Naruto ignored him, his focus on Sarutobi. He offered his hand to the Hokage, helping the old man to his feet.

"Sorry I'm late," Naruto said, his voice steady. "I had to deal with some loose ends."

Sarutobi gave a small smile despite his injuries. "Your timing is impeccable as always."

"Glad to see you're still kicking, old man," Naruto replied, his eyes shifting to Orochimaru. "But I think it's time we end this."

The violent impact dispelled the oppressive Kokuangyo no Jutsu (Bringer-of-Darkness Technique), allowing light to flood the battlefield once again.

Jiraiya, injured but still alert, glanced toward the source of the sudden disruption. His eyes widened in disbelief as he spotted a familiar figure standing tall amidst the chaos. "Naruto?!"

The young shinobi, cloaked in the unmistakable aura of Sage Mode, radiated an air of unshakable resolve. His spiky blonde hair swayed slightly in the wind, and his toad-like orange eyes reflected fierce determination. The traditional Sage markings on his face only enhanced the intensity of his presence.

"Naruto?!" Jiraiya repeated, still in shock. "What in the world is he doing here?"

"Hmph, he's certainly got guts, barging in like this," Pa remarked, though his tone held an undertone of admiration.

Ma tilted her head, still observing the scene. "Looks like he's mastered Sage Mode. He's rough around the edges, but that power is unmistakable."

Ignoring the murmurs from his mentor and the toads, Naruto locked his gaze on the two revived Hokages, who were now sprawled atop each other from the force of his attack. His fists clenched tightly, and his voice carried a sharp edge as he spoke.

"I don't care who you are or what you were in life," Naruto declared, his voice cutting through the tension. "If either of you comes after my comrades again, I'll make sure you stay buried this time!"

His words resonated across the battlefield, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. Orochimaru, watching from a short distance, narrowed his serpentine eyes as he observed the unexpected arrival.

"Naruto-kun,"

Orochimaru hissed, his tone laced with curiosity and malice. "How intriguing. So, this is the Sage Mode you've mastered. I must say, you've become far more interesting than I anticipated."

The Sandaime Hokage, despite his exhaustion, couldn't hide his surprise at Naruto's sudden appearance. "How did he manage to bypass the barrier?" Sarutobi thought. "The ANBU couldn't penetrate it, yet he…"

Realizing Orochimaru's momentary distraction, Sarutobi seized the opportunity. "Enma, now!"

With a burst of movement, Enma extended his staff form, striking Orochimaru squarely in the stomach and sending him crashing into a nearby tree.

Meanwhile, from a hidden vantage point outside the barrier, several figures observed the unfolding chaos.

"Who the hell is that brat?" Tayuya spat, her usual scowl deepening.

"Language," Jirōbō chided, though his tone was distracted. "That must be Uzumaki Naruto. He's one of the potential vessels Orochimaru-sama has his eye on."

"How'd he get through the barrier?" Kidōmaru mused, rubbing his chin. "Even we couldn't break through it."

"Who cares how he got in?" Sakon sneered, though his tone betrayed grudging respect. "The kid's got guts, charging in like that."

Back on the battlefield, Naruto crouched beside Sarutobi, who had leapt to his side after dealing with Orochimaru.

"Naruto, what are you doing here?" Sarutobi asked, though his voice carried more relief than reproach.

"Saving the day," Naruto replied with a smirk before his expression turned serious. "Are you okay, old man?"

Sarutobi gave a faint chuckle. "I've been better. But I'm not done yet."

"You don't need to push yourself anymore," Naruto said firmly, his sage-enhanced senses scanning the battlefield. "Let me handle this. You've already done more than enough."

Jiraiya joined them, limping slightly but still radiating confidence. "Kid, you've got a knack for dramatic entrances," he said, his tone light despite the gravity of the situation.

"Had to make an impression," Naruto quipped, his smirk returning briefly before fading. "But this isn't over. That snake bastard still has tricks up his sleeve."

As if to punctuate Naruto's words, Orochimaru emerged from the tree he'd been slammed into, his eerie grin firmly in place.

"Impressive, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru said, his voice as smooth and sinister as ever. "I wonder… how long can you maintain that power?"

Naruto stepped forward, his Sage Mode aura intensifying. "Long enough to take you down," he said confidently.

The tension in the air was palpable as the combatants prepared to face off once more. The revived Hokages stood beside Orochimaru, their expressions unreadable but their power undeniable.

"Jiraiya," Sarutobi said, his voice low. "Back him up. I'll handle the Shodai and Nidaime as best I can."

Jiraiya nodded. "Don't get yourself killed, old man."

Naruto's eyes didn't leave his opponents as he spoke. "This ends here. I'll make sure of it."

With a wave of his hand, Orochimaru commanded the Shodai and Nidaime to attack.

The Nidaime struck first, weaving a series of hand seals and unleashing a massive torrent of water. "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet)

Naruto reacted instantly, countering with a barrage of Senpō: Odama Rasengan (Sage Art: Giant Rasengan), colliding with the water dragon and dispersing it into harmless droplets.

"Not bad," Jiraiya muttered, glancing at Naruto. "But don't get cocky."

As Jiraiya engaged the Shodai, who had summoned a forest of wooden spikes with his Mokuton, Naruto turned his attention to the Nidaime. The young shinobi used his enhanced speed to evade a series of kunai coated in water chakra that the Nidaime hurled with precision.

"You've got some moves," Naruto said, smirking as he summoned a clone to his side. "But I've got more where that came from!"

The clone created a Rasenshuriken and hurled it toward the Nidaime. The reanimated Hokage countered by raising a massive wall of water, but the Rasenshuriken sliced through it, forcing the Nidaime to leap away.

Meanwhile, the Third battled Orochimaru, deflecting his Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword) with the adamantine form of Enma. The Snake Sannin lunged forward, his movements like a serpent's strike, but Sarutobi's experience allowed him to parry each attack with precision.

"Still as tenacious as ever, Sensei," Orochimaru hissed, his voice mocking. "But how long can you keep this up?"

"Longer than you can, Orochimaru," the Third retorted, delivering a swift strike that forced Orochimaru to retreat momentarily.

Naruto, meanwhile, found himself grappling with the combined assault of the Nidaime and the Shodai. The latter's mastery of Mokuton overwhelmed him momentarily as giant wooden tendrils shot toward him.

"Damn it," Naruto muttered, narrowly dodging an incoming attack. His Sage-enhanced senses gave him an edge, but the sheer skill of the two Hokages made the fight grueling.

Jiraiya, noticing Naruto's struggle, intervened with a volley of Senpō: Goemon (Sage Art: Bath of Boiling Oil), creating a barrier of boiling oil between the Shodai and his student.

"Don't let your guard down, Naruto!" Jiraiya barked.

"I'm fine," Naruto replied, his tone defiant. "Just keep them off me for a minute."

As the battle raged on, Naruto began to strategize. He knew he couldn't overpower the reanimated Hokages through brute force alone. He closed his eyes briefly, drawing deeper from the natural energy around him, strengthening his connection to Sage Mode.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to turn this around."

Naruto summoned a small army of shadow clones, each prepared with a Rasengan or elemental attack. The clones scattered, targeting the Nidaime and Shodai from multiple angles.

The Nidaime countered with a barrage of water bullets, taking out several clones, while the Shodai erected wooden barriers to block the rest.

But Naruto anticipated their moves. Using the chaos as cover, he darted through the battlefield and launched a direct attack on the Shodai with a Rasengan infused with wind chakra. The impact cracked the wooden defenses, forcing the Shodai to retreat momentarily.

The Third, now slightly recovered thanks to Naruto's earlier intervention, rejoined the fray. Standing beside Jiraiya, he combined his mastery of fire-style jutsu with Jiraiya's oil-based techniques, creating a wall of flames that temporarily separated Orochimaru from the reanimated Hokages.

Naruto used this opportunity to regroup with the two older shinobi.

"Not bad, kid," Jiraiya admitted grudgingly. "You've got guts."

"And you've got a lot to learn about teamwork," Naruto shot back, though his tone was teasing.

The Third chuckled, despite the severity of the situation. "Focus, both of you. This battle isn't over yet."

The reprieve was short-lived. Orochimaru slithered out of the flames, his eyes gleaming with malice. "How touching," he sneered. "But your little reunion ends here."

With a snap of his fingers, he sent the Shodai and Nidaime charging forward once more. This time, their attacks were relentless, forcing Naruto, Jiraiya, and the Third to fight back-to-back.

Naruto created another Rasenshuriken, throwing it at the Shodai, while Jiraiya unleashed a barrage of Senpō-enhanced hair needles. The Third provided support with his fire-style jutsu, creating pockets of space to maneuver.

Despite their efforts, the battle remained a grueling stalemate. Orochimaru's mocking laughter echoed across the battlefield as he observed the ongoing struggle.

"You're only delaying the inevitable," he taunted.

Naruto gritted his teeth, his determination unwavering. "We'll see about that," he muttered, launching himself back into the fray.

He formed a Rasengan in each hand, his clones assisting him to stabilize the chakra. With a shout, he launched himself at the Nidaime Hokage.

Tobirama reacted instantly, raising his hand to perform a single seal. "Suiton: Suijinheki!" (Water Style: Water Wall). A towering wave of water surged upward, blocking Naruto's Rasengan.

But Naruto wasn't deterred. Using his Sage Mode-enhanced speed, he leaped above the wall, throwing a barrage of kunai laced with explosive tags. As the tags detonated, Tobirama leaped back, only to find Naruto already on his flank, a Rasengan ready to strike.

Before the Rasengan could connect, the Shodai intervened, his Mokuton jutsu creating a wooden barrier that absorbed the impact. "Impressive speed and precision," Hashirama noted, his tone calm but impressed. "But you'll need more than that."

Naruto smirked. "I'm just getting started!"

From his elevated position, Jiraiya unleashed "Senpō: Goemon!" (Sage Art: Boiling Oil), creating a massive wave of scalding oil that rushed toward both Hokages. Hashirama countered with a wooden dome, shielding himself and Tobirama from the attack.

The Third Hokage took advantage of the momentary distraction, using "Katon: Karyū Endan" (Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet) to target Orochimaru. The snake-like shinobi dodged, retaliating with his Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword), aiming a precise strike at the Third.

Sarutobi blocked with Enma, the two weapons clashing in a burst of sparks. "You've fallen far, Orochimaru," Sarutobi growled.

"And yet here I stand, Sensei," Orochimaru replied mockingly, his grin sinister.

Naruto, meanwhile, formed a plan. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he yelled, creating five clones that spread out, each preparing their own techniques.

Two clones took on the Shodai directly, attempting to disrupt his Mokuton jutsu by forcing close combat. Another pair engaged the Nidaime, harrying him with kunai and low-level water techniques. The real Naruto and his final clone moved to support Jiraiya, combining their Sage-enhanced chakra to increase the potency of his attacks.

As Hashirama created a forest of wooden spikes, Naruto's clones attacked relentlessly, forcing him to shift focus between offense and defense. "This boy's adaptability is remarkable," Hashirama observed, his tone admiring.

Tobirama, meanwhile, fought with razor-sharp efficiency. Using "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu" (Water Dragon Bullet), he targeted Naruto's clones, destroying two in quick succession. Yet the real Naruto countered with "Raiton: Rairyūdan" (Lightning Dragon Bullet), enhancing the water dragon with lightning and forcing Tobirama to retreat.

"Impressive control over multiple elements," Tobirama remarked, his voice tinged with approval. "But can you keep up with me?"

Naruto smirked. "Try me!"

The Third Hokage, though injured, continued to fight Orochimaru, keeping him from interfering with Jiraiya and Naruto's coordinated attacks. Enma, still in staff form, extended to block Orochimaru's strikes, each clash sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

"You're pushing yourself too hard, Sensei," Orochimaru taunted.

Sarutobi gritted his teeth. "And you've underestimated the Will of Fire."

With a burst of chakra, he unleashed "Doton: Doryū Taiga" (Earth Flow River), turning the tiles beneath Orochimaru into a flowing river of mud. Orochimaru slipped but caught himself, retaliating with a series of snakes that lunged at Sarutobi.

Jiraiya intervened, his "Senpō: Kebari Senbon" (Sage Art: Needle Senbon) destroying the snakes before they could reach the Hokage.

"Focus on the Hokages, Sensei," Jiraiya said. "I'll handle this slippery bastard."

Orochimaru grinned. "I'd like to see you try, Jiraiya-kun."

Naruto and Tobirama clashed again, their respective techniques colliding in a dazzling display of elemental prowess. Naruto's clones used "Suiton: Suidanha" (Water Severing Wave) to force Tobirama back, but the reanimated Hokage countered with "Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu" (Water Projectile Technique), nullifying their attacks.

As the real Naruto charged forward, Tobirama raised his hand and activated "Jikūkan Ninjutsu: Tenkan" (Space-Time Technique: Divert). Absorbing Naruto's incoming attack, he redirected it back with devastating force.

Naruto barely managed to evade the counterattack, forming a new strategy on the fly. Using his Sage Mode-enhanced reflexes, he summoned a large Rasenshuriken and hurled it toward Tobirama.

The Nidaime dodged but found himself targeted by Jiraiya, who had joined the fray. "You can't handle both of us!" Jiraiya declared, unleashing "Senpō: Yomi Numa" (Sage Art: Swamp of the Underworld) to trap Tobirama.

Though briefly immobilized, Tobirama used his superior Suiton mastery to escape, launching a series of high-pressure water bullets at both shinobi.

Hashirama, meanwhile, intensified his attacks, creating a towering wooden golem that advanced toward Naruto. The young shinobi summoned several shadow clones, each launching Rasengans at the construct, but the golem proved nearly impervious.

"Sensei, I need a hand here!" Naruto called out.

Jiraiya nodded, leaping to Naruto's side. Together, they combined their chakra, forming a massive Chōōdama Rasengan (Super Big Ball Rasengan).

"Let's see how your golem handles this!" Naruto yelled as they slammed the attack into the wooden construct.

The golem shattered under the force, sending splinters flying in all directions.

Hashirama smirked, clearly impressed. "You've grown strong," he admitted. "But this battle is far from over."

The battlefield momentarily quieted as both sides regrouped. Naruto, Jiraiya, and the Third Hokage stood side by side, their exhaustion evident but their determination unwavering.

Orochimaru sneered. "You've lasted longer than I expected, but you're only delaying the inevitable."

Naruto clenched his fists. "We're not giving up. You'll pay for what you've done to this village!"

Hashirama and Tobirama prepared to attack once more, their expressions unreadable.

Jiraiya glanced at Naruto. "Stay sharp, kid. This isn't over yet."

The Third Hokage, despite his injuries, tightened his grip on Enma. "No matter what, we will protect this village."

The Shodai used his Mokuton to summon wooden tendrils that grabbed multiple weapons from his scroll, wielding them like extensions of his body. The weapons lashed out from all sides, forcing Jiraiya to dodge and block rapidly.

"Whoa," Naruto muttered, watching the Shodai's seamless control of his techniques. "That's insane. I've gotta learn how to fight like that."

Despite being on the defensive, Jiraiya found an opening. He formed a massive Chōōdama Rasengan and slammed it into the wooden tendrils, shattering them and creating a gaping hole in the rooftop. The resulting explosion forced everyone to momentarily scatter.

Naruto landed beside Jiraiya and the Third Hokage as the opposing side regrouped.

"Naruto," Sarutobi said, his voice firm, "you've proven yourself capable, but this fight is pushing us all to our limits. Stay close and work with us—we can't afford mistakes."

Naruto nodded, his expression resolute. "Understood, Hokage-sama."

As the battle resumed, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Sarutobi coordinated their attacks. Naruto created three shadow clones, each charging forward to engage the Shodai with taijutsu. The clones were destroyed quickly, but they created an opening for Jiraiya to unleash "Senpō: Kebari Senbon" (Sage Art: Needle Senbon), a flurry of hardened hair needles.

Hashirama blocked the attack with a wooden dome, but Naruto followed up with "Rasenshuriken," enhanced by Sage Mode. The spinning, destructive chakra sphere tore through the wooden defense, forcing the Shodai to retreat momentarily.

Meanwhile, Sarutobi clashed with Tobirama, their battle an intricate dance of jutsu and counter-jutsu. Tobirama used his unparalleled water manipulation to summon a massive dragon of water, which surged toward Sarutobi.

"Naruto, I need support!" Sarutobi called out.

Naruto reacted instantly, channeling lightning chakra into the air. "Raiton: Raikyūdan!" (Lightning Orb Strike). The electrified attack collided with Tobirama's water dragon, neutralizing it in a flash of steam.

Sarutobi used the distraction to close the distance and engage Tobirama in close combat, wielding Enma to deflect the Nidaime's precise strikes.

Naruto found himself face-to-face with Hashirama once more. The Shodai created a massive wooden golem, which charged forward with relentless power.

Naruto didn't flinch. Forming a Rasenshuriken, he hurled it at the golem, but the wooden construct deflected it with surprising ease.

"Not bad, kid," Hashirama remarked, his tone almost admiring. "You've got skill, but you're still inexperienced."

Naruto smirked. "Let's see how you handle this, then!"

He created two clones, all three of them forming massive Rasengans in unison. Together, they attacked the golem, shattering its left arm. Before Hashirama could retaliate, Jiraiya joined the fray, launching another "Senpō: Goemon" at the Shodai.

The combined effort forced Hashirama back, though he remained calm and composed. "You two are quite the team. This fight might be interesting after all."

Despite their best efforts, it was clear the battle was taking its toll on Jiraiya and Sarutobi. Naruto, though determined, could feel his chakra reserves dwindling.

"We need to end this," Jiraiya said, panting slightly.

Sarutobi nodded. "Leave Orochimaru to me. Focus on keeping the reanimated Hokages occupied."

Naruto looked at the Hokage, his respect for the older man growing. "Understood, Hokage-sama. We'll handle it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, adjusted his stance, gripping the transformed Enma in his staff form tightly. Across the battlefield, Orochimaru smirked, his golden eyes glinting with malice and amusement. The former student's pale face held none of the reverence or respect for his once-beloved sensei, only disdain.

"You've grown weaker in your old age, Sarutobi-sensei," Orochimaru taunted, drawing his Kusanagi no Tsurugi with an almost theatrical flair. "I've surpassed you in every way. Why not just lay down and die? I'll make sure Konoha follows you into the grave."

Sarutobi's expression remained calm, though his grip tightened. "You've forgotten what I taught you, Orochimaru. Strength isn't about power alone. It's about protecting those who come after us."

Orochimaru let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Such lofty words, sensei. Let's see how much protection you can offer when you're six feet under."

The air crackled with tension as Orochimaru lunged forward, the blade of the Kusanagi extending unnaturally. Sarutobi sidestepped with surprising agility for his age, using Enma's staff form to parry the blade and redirect the strike into the ground. The force of Orochimaru's attack shattered tiles, sending debris flying.

"Enma, now!" Sarutobi commanded.

"Got it!" the staff growled, extending rapidly to strike Orochimaru. The Snake Sannin leapt back, narrowly avoiding being impaled as the staff shot forward like a spear.

"Kukukuku, still relying on old tricks," Orochimaru hissed, forming hand seals with blinding speed. "Let's see how you handle this."

"Doton: Doryū Taiga!" Sarutobi countered, creating a river of flowing mud beneath Orochimaru, forcing him to break his attack and leap to safety. The mud river surged, threatening to drag Orochimaru under, but he landed gracefully atop a nearby branch.

The Third Hokage wasted no time, forming seals of his own. "Katon: Karyū Endan!" he roared, exhaling a massive dragon-shaped torrent of fire that surged toward Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he performed another set of seals. "Suiton: Suijinheki!" A massive wall of water erupted before him, clashing with the fiery dragon in a hissing explosion of steam. The battlefield was obscured by the thick vapor, but Sarutobi pressed on, using the cover to close the gap between them.

Emerging from the steam, Sarutobi struck with Enma, who shifted his form to elongate and swing toward Orochimaru like a whip. Orochimaru deflected with the Kusanagi, but Sarutobi followed up with a rapid series of strikes, forcing the Snake Sannin to stay on the defensive. Despite his age, the Third Hokage's movements were precise and relentless, his attacks flowing seamlessly from one to the next.

"Impressive," Orochimaru admitted, his grin widening as he parried another strike. "But how long can you keep this up, old man?"

Sarutobi didn't respond, instead channeling chakra into Enma. "Extend!" he commanded, and the staff surged forward, catching Orochimaru off guard and slamming into his chest. The force sent him flying backward, crashing into a crumbling section of wall.

The reprieve was short-lived. Orochimaru's laughter echoed eerily as he emerged unscathed, his body twisting unnaturally as he straightened. "You've still got some fight left in you, sensei. But let's see how you handle this!"

Forming a rapid series of seals, Orochimaru unleashed his next attack. "Mandara no Jin!" he cried, summoning a torrent of snakes that poured forth from his sleeves, each one snapping its fangs and surging toward Sarutobi.

"Katon: Dai Endan!" Sarutobi countered, spitting a massive fireball that incinerated the wave of serpents. But Orochimaru was already moving, the Kusanagi extending once more, this time targeting Sarutobi's side.

Enma shifted in an instant, transforming into a protective cage around Sarutobi and deflecting the attack. "This is getting dangerous, Sarutobi," Enma growled.

"I know," Sarutobi replied grimly. "But I can't let him continue. Too much is at stake."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he formed yet another set of seals. "Let's see how much more you can take, sensei!" He slammed his hands onto the ground, summoning three massive snakes that towered over the battlefield. Their scales glistened menacingly as they coiled and struck.

Sarutobi leapt into action, avoiding the snapping jaws of the first snake while landing on the second's head. Using Enma as leverage, he vaulted into the air, forming seals mid-flight. "Raiton: Gian!" he shouted, sending a powerful bolt of lightning into the third snake, electrocuting it and causing it to collapse with a deafening crash.

Orochimaru clapped mockingly. "You're full of surprises, sensei. But this ends now."

He surged forward, his movements a blur as he closed the distance. Sarutobi barely had time to react before the Kusanagi pierced his shoulder, drawing blood. Grimacing, he swung Enma, forcing Orochimaru to retreat momentarily.

"You're slowing down," Orochimaru sneered. "It's only a matter of time."

Sarutobi steadied himself, his breathing labored but his resolve unshaken. "I may be old, Orochimaru, but my will is stronger than ever. And as long as I stand, you will not have this village."

Orochimaru's smile faltered for the first time, replaced by a flicker of frustration. "Still spouting that nonsense? Very well, sensei. Let's see if your will can withstand this!"

With a flick of his wrist, Orochimaru summoned another wave of snakes, each carrying explosive tags. The deadly serpents surged toward Sarutobi, who formed a series of seals, exhaling a massive gust of wind to scatter them. The tags detonated harmlessly in the distance, but the effort left him winded.

Orochimaru seized the opportunity, darting in with the Kusanagi aimed for Sarutobi's heart. At the last moment, Enma extended, intercepting the blade and knocking it aside. Sarutobi used the opening to deliver a powerful strike to Orochimaru's chest, sending him skidding backward.

The Snake Sannin's laughter echoed once more, but it was strained. "You're persistent, I'll give you that. But you can't keep this up forever."

Sarutobi's chest heaved, his vision blurring slightly. He knew Orochimaru was right. His body was reaching its limit, but his mind and heart burned with determination.

"Enma," Sarutobi said quietly.

"I'm ready," the staff growled, sensing his master's intent.

Gathering the last of his strength, Sarutobi lunged forward, closing the distance between himself and Orochimaru. The two clashed violently, the battlefield erupting in a storm of fire, wind, and earth as their techniques collided. Each strike carried the weight of their convictions—one fighting to destroy, the other to protect.

Orochimaru launched himself forward, the Kusanagi blade glimmering with an unholy light as it angled for Hiruzen's throat. The elder Hokage shifted his stance slightly, swinging the staff with uncanny precision. Steel and adamantine clashed in a burst of sparks, the sound echoing across the debris-strewn battleground.

Hiruzen pivoted, letting his momentum carry him behind Orochimaru in an attempt to strike at the rogue ninja's flank. Orochimaru, flexible as ever, contorted his body unnaturally, evading the blow by a hair's breadth. In the space of a heartbeat, Orochimaru retaliated with a swipe of his serpentine tongue, the tip aiming to snare Hiruzen's wrist and disarm him.

But the Third Hokage countered with swift footwork, knocking the vile appendage away with Enma's staff form. "Your cunning doesn't faze me," he said. "I've fought beside and against you often enough to anticipate these tricks."

Orochimaru's golden eyes glinted with a perverse satisfaction. "Perhaps. But you've aged, Sensei. Let's see if your reflexes can keep up with what's to come."

In a blur, Orochimaru backstepped and chained together a series of rapid hand seals. The ground erupted in a hail of serpents that exploded outward, each snake hissing and spitting venom. Hiruzen lifted Enma aloft, and the staff elongated, striking downward like a colossal whip to smash the serpents into oblivion. Venom stained the earth, sizzling as it ate away at broken tiles.

Without pausing, Hiruzen formed his own hand seals: Fire Release, Earth Release, Wind Release. A swirling mass of mixed elements coalesced around him. First came a barrage of Fire Dragons that screamed through the air, forcing Orochimaru to leap high and weave his serpentine body to avoid incineration. Next, the earth rumbled beneath Orochimaru, forming jagged pillars that threatened to impale him. Finally, an intense gust of wind funneled the debris into a vicious cyclone, seeking to entrap him within a swirling prison of stone shards and razor currents.

Orochimaru's laughter echoed from behind a nearby crumbled wall as he escaped the whirlwind's grasp by shedding his skin in a grisly display. A husk of his body collapsed to the ground, while the real Orochimaru materialized several paces away, hardly worse for wear. "Such persistence, Sensei... but you're running out of time."

Hiruzen steadied his breathing, acknowledging the strain on his aging body. "Whether I have moments or hours, I'll use what remains to protect this village."

Orochimaru pressed the attack again, brandishing the Kusanagi blade in a forward thrust. Hiruzen parried, stepping inside Orochimaru's guard and slamming his elbow into the rogue's ribs. The impact forced a grunt from Orochimaru, and the Kusanagi wavered in his grasp. Sensing an opportunity, Hiruzen twisted Enma in a short arc, aiming to knock the sword free.

Orochimaru bent backward at a grotesque angle, the blow skimming his chin. He hissed in displeasure, sending his tongue snaking out once more. This time, it coiled around the staff, threatening to yank Enma from Hiruzen's hands. Yet the Third Hokage channeled chakra into his arms, locking Enma firmly, and unleashed a surge of elemental fury.

"Earth Release: Crushing Vice!" he roared, slamming his palm onto the ground. The earth beneath Orochimaru's feet trembled, creating fissures that clamped together like jaws. Orochimaru leapt just in time, flipping backward and hurling several kunai in retaliation.

Enma metamorphosed, expanding to an enormous length that batted the kunai aside. But while Hiruzen was occupied, Orochimaru launched himself into the air, unleashing a hail of shuriken, each one coated in a potent toxin gleaned from his experiments. The Third Hokage gritted his teeth, swirling Enma like a spinning shield, sparks flying as metal clashed with metal.

Under the onslaught of Orochimaru's relentless attacks, Hiruzen began to feel the weight of his years. Each parry grew slightly slower, each breath heavier. He refused to allow despair to creep in, yet he recognized the precariousness of his situation. With a resolute glare, he allowed chakra to flood his limbs, forcing new vitality into aging muscles.

Orochimaru landed gracefully, eyes alight with wicked delight. "Clinging to life, Sensei? Or do you have a plan you've yet to reveal? Either way, your stubborn refusal to die makes this all the more… amusing."

A faint smile crossed Hiruzen's lips. "I taught you better than to get careless, Orochimaru. My plan is simply to keep you from your ambitions, no matter the cost."

At once, Hiruzen lashed out with a combination of Wind and Fire. He expelled a searing stream of flames boosted by a fierce gale, forging a colossal firestorm that consumed the space in front of him. Orochimaru dodged to the left, only for the ground beneath him to erupt in stone spikes.

The rogue ninja hissed as a spike grazed his calf, drawing a thin line of blood. He retaliated by releasing more venomous serpents from his sleeves. They lunged at Hiruzen's ankles, jaws poised to latch on. The Third Hokage hopped back, spinning Enma to crush the serpents into the dirt, their bodies dissolving into a foul-smelling paste.

Now separated by a field of rubble and shattered stone, both fighters took a brief moment to assess. Hiruzen's chest rose and fell, sweat matting his hair to his forehead. Orochimaru, though bearing a slight injury on his leg, continued to exhibit that cold, confident grin.

Orochimaru swiped a hand across his mouth, trailing a thin line of blood. "You still have some fight in you, old man. Perhaps I should finally do you the courtesy of trying in earnest."

He slammed his palm onto the ground. A looming summoning array flared into existence. But instead of a gargantuan serpent, a cluster of lesser snakes erupted, each one sizable enough to coil around a grown man. They fanned out in every direction, forcing Hiruzen to remain on high alert.

Not missing a beat, Hiruzen sprang into action. He formed a string of seals, calling upon the synergy of Earth and Water. The terrain erupted in a churning wave of mud, submerging many of the summoned snakes. Then, with a precise gesture, Hiruzen invoked Lightning Release, sending a sizzling current across the sodden ground. The snakes screeched as they convulsed, either collapsing lifeless or vanishing in puffs of smoke.

Enma's voice emanated from the staff. "Your stamina is amazing for your age, but I can feel your chakra thinning."

"I'm aware," Hiruzen breathed, his tone unwavering. "I must endure… as always."

Sensing Hiruzen's lingering fatigue, Orochimaru made his next move. He thrust his hand out, releasing the Kusanagi sword from his throat like a projectile, guiding it with chakra. The blade shot forward in a deadly lance, glinting in the dim light.

Hiruzen pivoted, Enma humming as it collided with the Kusanagi. Steel scraped against adamantine, the resonance setting teeth on edge. Orochimaru poured more chakra into the sword, forcing Hiruzen's arms to tremble under the pressure. Another flick of Orochimaru's wrist caused the blade to whip around in a sweeping arc, seeking an opening.

With measured determination, Hiruzen jumped back, letting the blade's tip slice through air instead of flesh. As his feet touched the ground, he rapidly formed seals for a Wind Release technique, unleashing a compressed blast of air that caught the sword mid-strike and deflected it. Momentarily robbed of its momentum, the blade clattered to the ground before Orochimaru recalled it like a snake returning to its master.

"Enough games," Orochimaru snarled, his grin vanishing. "Let's end this, Sensei."

Hiruzen returned the glare. "Agreed."

As the battle raged on, the cracks in Sarutobi's armor—both literal and metaphorical—grew more evident. His breath came faster, and every movement seemed to extract a greater toll. He knew Orochimaru was biding his time, waiting for that single moment of weakness to plunge the final strike.

But even so, Hiruzen's resolve shone. His eyes, though heavy with weariness, still held the spark of the Will of Fire. Each time Orochimaru lunged or unleashed another wave of serpents or blade strikes, the Third Hokage countered with cunning and composure.

They clashed again and again—Orochimaru's Kusanagi carving wide arcs, Hiruzen's staff rising to parry. Sparks erupted from every collision, the sound of steel on steel echoing like distant thunder. With each exchange, Orochimaru's mocking insults grew sharper, his desire to break Hiruzen's spirit intensifying.

"Why persist, Sensei?" Orochimaru hissed, weaving through a series of thrusts. "Why fight for a village that would replace you the moment you falter?"

Hiruzen barked a short laugh. "The village is so much more than I am. That's why I protect it, and always will."

Their battle drifted closer to a fractured stone wall. Sensing advantage, Orochimaru channeled chakra into his free hand, slamming it against the wall to blast chunks of debris at Hiruzen. The elder Hokage raised Enma just in time, but a shard grazed his temple, drawing blood. Dizziness threatened his balance for a heartbeat.

In that instant, Orochimaru smirked and lunged, extending the Kusanagi blade in a forward thrust aimed at Hiruzen's chest. The Third Hokage, though disoriented, managed to twist aside. However, the sword gashed his shoulder, pain lancing through him.

A ragged exhale escaped Sarutobi. He refused to collapse, even as blood trickled down his arm. Not yet. I must stand…

The wound spurred Orochimaru's confidence. He slammed a foot into the ground, launching himself upward, then angled Kusanagi overhead for a downward slash. Hiruzen blocked with Enma, both arms trembling under the impact. Orochimaru kept pressing, the tip of the blade inching ever closer to Hiruzen's face.

"Is that all you've got?" Orochimaru taunted, voice cruel with anticipation. "Die and rot with the rest of your outmoded ideals, Sensei."

Summoning the last vestiges of his strength, Hiruzen thrust Orochimaru off, forcing the Kusanagi aside. He then formed a single seal with his bloodstained hands, calling upon a technique from his youth. A swirl of wind whirled around him, laced with glimmers of elemental chakra. The gust hammered Orochimaru, who skidded back, eyes narrowing.

Sarutobi's chest heaved with every breath. He took a stance again, raising Enma in defiance. "We end this now."

A beat passed in tense silence, the battered battlefield seemingly holding its breath. Orochimaru's dark aura flared; Hiruzen steadied his grip on the staff. With a cry, both darted forward, meeting in a flurry of steel and staff. Orochimaru's grin stretched, revealing elongated canines as if in triumphant glee, for he sensed Hiruzen's energy fading.

With a cunning feint, Orochimaru slipped his blade past the staff, honing in on a vulnerable spot in Hiruzen's defense. The Third Hokage's eyes widened. This was the fatal opening Orochimaru had sought all along.

Time seemed to slow: Kusanagi's tip glinted mere inches from Hiruzen's ribcage. His arms weren't positioned to block it in time. Is this how it ends? he wondered, bracing for the sting of steel through flesh.

As Orochimaru's blade lunged toward Hiruzen, a golden blur intercepted it with staggering speed. Naruto, radiating the power of Sage Mode, appeared between them. His hand, glowing with natural chakra, gripped the blade firmly, halting its deadly advance mere inches from the Third Hokage's chest.

"Not on my watch!" Naruto growled, his voice reverberating with the power coursing through him.

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock. "Naruto?! How—"

Orochimaru's face contorted in disbelief and fury. "Impossible! How did you—?!"

Naruto didn't give him time to finish. With a burst of chakra-infused strength, he yanked the Kusanagi blade from Orochimaru's grip and hurled it aside, the weapon clattering uselessly against the ground. Without hesitation, shimmering golden chakra chains erupted from Naruto's back, snaking through the air with a will of their own.

The chains moved with blinding speed, coiling around Orochimaru like living serpents. Within moments, the rogue ninja was completely immobilized, his limbs pinned by the unyielding energy.

"What... what is this?!" Orochimaru spat, struggling futilely against the chakra chains. His serpentine movements and uncanny flexibility were no match for the raw power binding him.

Naruto's eyes, sharp and unyielding, met Orochimaru's with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "You're done, Orochimaru. No more schemes. No more death. Not today."

Hiruzen, still recovering from the strain of battle, stared at Naruto with a mixture of astonishment and pride. "Naruto… you… your power…"

Naruto didn't take his eyes off Orochimaru, his voice steady and resolute. "No time for explanations, Lord Hokage. Just tell me how to end this Edo Tensei."

Orochimaru's lips twisted into a defiant sneer, even as the chains tightened around him. "Foolish boy… you think this will stop me? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with? I've always been two steps ahead."

Naruto's grip on the chains tightened, the golden light flaring brighter. "You talk too much. Let's see how far ahead you are when you can't even move."

Hiruzen straightened, determination reigniting in his weary eyes. He stepped closer, staff in hand, his presence commanding despite his battered form. "Naruto, hold him. I'll use what strength I have left to sever his control over the reanimation jutsu."

The battlefield, which moments ago had been engulfed in chaos, now focused entirely on the captured Orochimaru. The reanimated Hokages, momentarily stunned by the sudden shift, paused their attacks, their glazed eyes flickering with faint remnants of their former selves.

Orochimaru's laugh cut through the tension, low and mocking. "Do you think you've won, Sarutobi-sensei? Do you think this boy's power is enough to erase all I've built?"

Naruto's chains tightened again, earning a grimace from the rogue ninja. "I don't need to erase everything. Just you. This is for Sakura and Sayuri," the boy declared, voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. Rain droplets slid down his cheeks and dripped from the tips of his spiky hair, but his gaze remained locked on Orochimaru with unyielding determination. The Snake Sannin tilted his head, grin unbroken. "You believe these puny chains can hold me?" he sneered, voice dripping with scorn. Even as he struggled, his dark eyes flickered with malevolent amusement, signifying he was far from beaten. His body trembled, a sign of him preparing to shed his own skin in that abhorrent Oral Rebirth Jutsu.

Naruto's right eye flared a brilliant cerulean, the intricate endless knot symbol of his Kessetsugan intensifying as swirling lines of power materialized in the air. "You've made the same mistake twice," Naruto murmured. "The moment you stepped into the Forest of Death a month ago, I left something special behind on you." Without warning, glowing marks spread rapidly across Orochimaru's torso, arms, and legs, forming an unbreakable seal that pulsed in time with Naruto's heartbeat. Simultaneously, identical marks flared to life on the reanimated Hokages, each line crawling over them like living vines.

"What… have you done?" Orochimaru spat, tendons bulging along his neck as he tried to move. But the more he thrashed, the tighter the seals clung, suppressing his chakra. His chest rose and fell in frantic bursts, a wild look entering his eyes. "You insufferable child." Even so, his voice cracked with the faintest hint of uncertainty. On the far side of the battlefield, Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, under Edo Tensei's thrall, froze as well, their once unstoppable jutsu bound by the same intricate seal.

"That's the Kessetsugan's extended Seal Transfer," Naruto explained. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the devastation all around. "I used my dojutsu to set a hidden seal on you in the Forest of Death, and I just extended it through your chakra link to your Edo Tensei puppets." Orochimaru's glare intensified as his arms twitched, but he found no leverage. The oppressive air thickened, pressing down on them as Naruto kept Orochimaru's essence forcibly connected to each cursed mark he had placed around the continent.

Across the crumbling rooftop, the Third Hokage—robes torn, staff clenched in hand—stood with stoic resolve. His heart thundered in his chest, aware that time was short. "Now's your chance, Hokage-sama!" Naruto shouted above the rising wind and claps of thunder. The old Hokage recognized the opening. Swallowing hard, Sarutobi began weaving a complex string of hand seals, each gesture accompanied by a flicker of raw determination. Rainwater dripped from his chin, and exhaustion threatened his every motion, yet his eyes shone with a fiery glint.

"Shiki Fūjin!" he roared. A dreadful hush seized the battlefield. Orochimaru's mocking laughter died in his throat as a chilling presence descended. An otherworldly force stirred the air, the temperature plummeting. Behind Hiruzen, the looming silhouette of the Shinigami took form: an ethereal specter draped in a ragged cloak. Its face was hidden behind a demon mask, its posture exuding primal power. Lightning flashed, revealing the creature's gaunt frame and elongated, razor-sharp claws gripping a cursed blade.

A ripple of dread coursed through Orochimaru. Despite his unshakable arrogance, the horrors of this jutsu chilled him. He'd spent years evading death, splitting his soul, burying fragments in cursed seals to remain eternal. But as the Shinigami's hollow eyes bored into him, he realized escape might finally be out of reach. "No," he gasped, voice breaking. "Not that jutsu…" The cursed man attempted once more to activate his Rebirth Jutsu. But Naruto's Kessetsugan-based seal remained unrelenting, binding Orochimaru's essence from every angle.

The Third Hokage summoned two shadow clones, each merging with the swirling aura of the Reaper Death Seal. In perfect unison, the clones sped across the debris-strewn battlefield, each latching onto one of the immobilized reanimated Hokages. Hashirama and Tobirama, though bound by Naruto's seal, still twitched and struggled in vain. The Shinigami's eyes glowed with malevolent delight, its skeletal hands poised to rip them from the mortal plane.

Without any resistance left to muster, the two undead Hokages shuddered as the Shinigami plunged its blade into their chests. Their eyes widened briefly, a flicker of recognition passing through them, before their spectral forms were drawn out. A howling gust erupted from their throats, and their once noble figures dissolved into shimmering ash. The conjured souls vanished into the Shinigami's hungry maw, the Edo Tensei coffins that bound them splintering into dust.

Simultaneously, the real Hiruzen teleported in a swirl of wind, reappearing directly beside Orochimaru. The old man's eyes glinted with fierce resolve. "You've meddled with fate for too long," he said, voice steady and strong. Orochimaru hissed, baring his teeth. The Shinigami glided behind the Third, slender arms outstretched. Both Naruto's chains and the Kessetsugan's cerulean seals still clung to Orochimaru's writhing form.

A feral panic flickered across Orochimaru's face, something he'd rarely shown. "I refuse to die at your hands, old man!" His words echoed through the crashing storm, but even as he snarled, the Shinigami's dagger descended. The blade sank into Orochimaru's chest, tendrils of ghostly energy spiraling around his body. He shrieked, voice laced with genuine terror. "Let me go!"

The moment the Shinigami touched Orochimaru's soul, Naruto's Kessetsugan flared once more, bridging the bond between Orochimaru and every piece of his fragmented essence scattered across the world. Scores of cursed seals, hidden inside vile experiments or lodged in unfortunate hosts, ignited with cerulean light. "All your fragments belong to me," Naruto murmured, sweat lining his brow. "Let the Reaper take them all." Orochimaru's scream rose another octave, veins popping along his neck.

Hiruzen felt the jutsu tugging on his own life force. Summoning every ounce of will left, he latched firmly onto Orochimaru's soul, determined that this time he would not falter. In his final act, the Third Hokage whispered an extraordinary request, thoughts swirling with images of the village he loved, a memory of a Fourth Hokage he once treasured, lying comatose in a hidden facility.

"In exchange for Orochimaru's soul," Hiruzen mentally addressed the silent Shinigami, "I ask that you restore Minato Namikaze from his coma, returning him to his prime. I know you hunger for Orochimaru, whose soul has eluded you for so long by dividing himself. Devour him in full, and in turn, let Minato stand once again."

The Shinigami paused, glowering at Hiruzen with vacant eyes. Time seemed to freeze. Then, a deep, echoing growl reverberated through the heavens, lightning crashing as though the skies themselves answered.

In a distant land, nurses and medics tending an emaciated, motionless Minato Namikaze jolted as a wave of spectral light swept the room.

Minato's wasted muscles twitched, color flooding his pale complexion. Vessels that had withered for over a decade renewed themselves, bones strengthening, ligaments tightening back to their old form. The staff in the hidden facility gasped, stepping back in awe. The man who'd lain inert for years now breathed with vigor, though his eyes remained shut.

Hiruzen let out a subdued sigh of relief, feeling the Shinigami's acceptance of his plea. Then, turning his attention fully back to Orochimaru, he yanked on the chain of the Reaper Death Seal, tearing Orochimaru's essence from his body. The Snake Sannin's last shriek of horror resounded through the storm-lashed arena. His body, void of a soul, crumpled like a rag doll, the final breath escaping his lips in a whisper.

At that moment, the Shinigami's spectral blade found Hiruzen's heart. The old Hokage gasped but smiled faintly, his gaze flickering over to Naruto. "Protect the future," he managed, words nearly drowned out by the thunder. Then his spirit was ripped from his mortal shell, drawn into the Shinigami's insatiable maw alongside Orochimaru's. The foul presence in the air lifted, leaving the battered battlefield in a deafening hush.

Naruto dispelled his chains, allowing the limp body of Orochimaru to collapse face-first into a puddle. Flickers of lightning illuminated the gruesome scene. The swirling marks from Naruto's Kessetsugan seal faded, no longer needed. The last echoes of the Shinigami's power ebbed away. Naruto, chest heaving, peered across the blasted tiles to see Hiruzen lying motionless, staff by his side.

Jiraiya, also drenched from head to toe, stepped toward Naruto. The old man's face was etched with sorrow, yet tempered by a quiet acceptance. "He gave his life for the village," Jiraiya murmured. The thunder rumbled again, as if acknowledging Hiruzen's noble end. Naruto, lips pursed, glanced down at Hiruzen's body. Though he respected the Third's sacrifice, his emotional response was muted, overshadowed by the exhaustion and the savage demands of war.

(22)

"It's finally over… at least for now," Naruto said, voice low. The battered remains of the reanimated Hokages had vanished in swirls of ash, leaving only scorched ground behind. Orochimaru lay defeated, soul consumed.

At the same time, away from the smoldering stadium, a young kunoichi named Sayuri found herself finishing her own mission. She and Kakashi had just handed the captured Sand siblings over to the waiting ANBU black ops. Despite the tension and mistrust, the Leaf authorities confirmed the siblings no longer posed a threat. Gaara, drained of chakra, stared blankly, while Temari and Kankurō simply complied.

Sayuri's heart still pounded from the adrenaline, bruises lining her arms from her earlier confrontations. She stood next to Kakashi, who looked at her with a hint of pride. "Well done," he remarked, voice muffled behind his mask. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. There was so much more happening in the village. They'd heard of the devastation near the stadium, but had no details.

Suddenly, a searing pain tore through Sayuri's shoulder, stealing her breath. She gasped, hand flying to the curse mark etched into her skin. The design flared to life with a sickly purple glow, veins bulging around the mark. Shocked, she collapsed to one knee, teeth clenched in agony. "What… is happening to me?" she choked out.

Kakashi's single visible eye widened, alarm gripping him. "Sayuri!" he shouted, darting to her side. She let out a ragged scream as though her very bones were on fire. The curse mark's pattern pulsed violently, sending waves of torment through her entire body. Her nails scratched at the ground as she doubled over, unable to stave off the assault.

The ANBU guard, startled, rushed forward but hesitated, uncertain how to help. Kakashi knelt beside her, glancing around in hopes of finding a medic. Yet none were present. The searing torment built to a crescendo, tears pricking at the corners of Sayuri's eyes. Her mind reeled from the onslaught; it felt as if something far away was forcibly disconnected.

A final wave of excruciating pain lanced through her, and then, just as abruptly, it stopped. The mark's glow faded, the lines simmering down to a faint bruise. Sayuri exhaled shakily, eyes rolling back. She collapsed into Kakashi's arms, unconscious and barely breathing. "Hang on," Kakashi urged, checking her pulse. Relief washed over him to find it steady, though weak.

A swirl of tension lingered in the damp air. The ANBU operative who took Gaara cast a concerned glance at Kakashi. "We'll get a medic squad here immediately." Then he vanished in a swirl of leaves. Kakashi gingerly lifted Sayuri, scanning the area. "We need to get her to the hospital right away," he murmured, voice grim.

Rain-soaked tiles glistened beneath Kakashi's sandals as he dashed down the half-ruined streets, carrying Sayuri in his arms. Broken lampposts, upturned carts, and the wreckage of shops passed by in a blur. The stench of smoke and ash only deepened the oppressive atmosphere. He glanced down at the unconscious girl, heart pounding. That curse mark flaring up so fiercely could only mean one thing: something had happened to its source.

A deafening hush settled over the mangled ruins, as though the world itself hesitated to draw breath in the aftermath of the colossal battle that had ravaged the Leaf Village. Chunks of broken stone, shattered wooden beams, and debris from the once-proud stadium walls lay strewn across the soaked ground, reflecting the pale glow of a fading storm. The sky above churned with heavy clouds, still stained dark from the raging tempest that had accompanied the cataclysmic fighting mere hours before. Slivers of early morning light began to pierce the cloud cover, framing the torn streets in a bleak, half-lit haze.

Naruto stood atop a chunk of collapsed masonry, Toad Sage chakra radiating around him in waves of faintly luminescent energy. His face, smeared with dust and rain, remained set in a hard, focused expression. He narrowed his eyes at the quartet of Shinobi dressed in dark uniforms, all bearing the distinctive insignia of the Sound Village. Blood spattered the remains of the barrier that had once enclosed him, now dissipating into the damp air.

A tall, lean figure in the Sound group—Sakon—muttered a tense command. "We must leave at once," he barked, scanning the immediate area with a furious intensity. "The mission is a complete failure. Release the barrier."

"Hai!" came Tayuya's voice, laced with frustration. She and the other two Sound nin—Jirōbō and Kidōmaru—formed a quick series of hand seals, letting out a sharp cry of "Kai!" The barrier that had loomed over the broken stadium, encasing the four of them, instantly dissolved into wisps of fading chakra.

As soon as the flickering barrier vanished, the four Sound Shinobi dropped down to street level, their sandals slapping against puddles of grimy water. Their uniforms, soaked by both the lingering drizzle and the sweat of combat, glinted with the subdued reflection of lightning still dancing across the clouds. Jirōbō and Sakon supported their injured comrade, each taking one of his arms, though all four remained coiled in readiness, keenly aware of a single threat—Naruto—who had not budged from his vantage point.

Raindrops slid down the whisker-like markings on Naruto's cheeks, and he breathed in, letting the crisp air fill his lungs. Though the Konoha forces had emerged triumphant in other quarters of the battle, these Sound operatives aimed to vanish into the gloom, no doubt to regroup or pass vital intelligence to any remaining cohorts. The faint tang of ozone from his Sage Mode hovered in the air, mixing with the lingering stench of scorched earth. He let out a slow exhale, his chest rising and falling with methodical calm.

"You four," Naruto intoned, voice sharp as steel in the hush, "aren't going anywhere."

Sakon shot a glare his way. "Out of our path," he warned, trying to steady his wounded companion. "None of this concerns you anymore."

Lightning pulsed overhead, momentarily illuminating the battered street in a brilliant white. Naruto's golden, slit-pupiled eyes shone from the infusion of Toad Sage energy, highlighting every cracked stone and twisted beam. He saw the sweat beading on Sakon's temple, the minute quake in Tayuya's posture, the clenched fists of Jirōbō, and the ominous grin Kidōmaru displayed despite the desperate situation. They exuded lethal readiness, but so did he.

"Aren't you all Orochimaru's favorites?" Naruto asked, voice echoing off the fractured walls. "He's gone." The statement rang hollow in the stillness. No glint of sorrow showed on his face, though. "Surrender… or die."

Tayuya let out a snarl, brandishing her flute. "Like hell we'd surrender to some Leaf brat."

Jirōbō's eyes flashed with fury. "Who do you think you are?" he spat, wincing from an earlier wound on his arm. "You dare threaten us after—"

Naruto's glare cut him off, as a surge of chakra chains erupted from his back, glimmering in the faint luminescence of Sage power. Each link hummed with raw, pulsating force, shining with a golden hue that danced in reflection off scattered puddles. The chain tips glowed with an otherworldly shimmer, reminiscent of polished metal yet intangible, formed purely of condensed chakra.

Kidōmaru inhaled sharply, understanding the gravity of these chains—he had seen them used in earlier encounters, though never up close. "He's the one rumored to possess an unknown power," Kidōmaru hissed under his breath to Tayuya. A flicker of uncertainty traversed Tayuya's eyes as she gripped her flute more tightly.

Ignoring the swirl of conflicting emotions on the Sound Shinobi's faces, Naruto advanced, footsteps echoing in a measured beat. Rain cascaded down around him in a steady hiss, turning the rubble-laden ground into shallow streams. A swirl of Sage energy coursed through him, amplifying every sense, allowing him to pick out the faint heartbeat of each foe. "Let's do this," he whispered to himself, forging his chains out in a deadly arc.

Sakon let out a harsh bark. "Form up!" The Sound 4 responded in kind, splitting from one another to surround Naruto. Jirōbō positioned himself on Naruto's left, Tayuya to the right, while Sakon and Kidōmaru flanked him from the rear.

A tight smirk formed on Naruto's lips. "I've got enough chains for all of you." He spread his arms wide, and the golden links whirled through the stormy air, glinting in the sporadic flashes of lightning. Each chain vibrated with pent-up energy, poised to lash out like vipers.

Kidōmaru, the self-styled archer of the group, was the first to strike. He spat out an adhesive web from his mouth, weaving it into a quick arrow that hardened mid-flight. With a burst of speed, he launched the arrow at Naruto's right flank. Naruto flicked his wrist, sending a single chain to intercept the missile. The link swatted it aside with a metallic clang.

"Tch," Kidōmaru spat, swiftly forming a series of hand seals. "Kumo Nenkin!" He conjured a golden-hued fluid from his mouth, which solidified into multiple arrowheads. With a deft motion, he hurled them en masse at Naruto. Once again, Naruto's chakra chains flicked about, colliding with each projectile mid-air, sparks dancing from each impact.

Meanwhile, Jirōbō, known for his brute strength, roared as he slammed his palms into the ground. The earth shuddered, splitting into broad cracks that raced toward Naruto's position. A jagged wave of stone thrust upward, attempting to catapult him off-balance. But Naruto merely crouched, pressing one palm to the trembling ground. With a fierce glow in his eyes, he summoned the raw might of Toad Sage chakra. The trembling earth receded under his counterpressure, fragments of rock scattering harmlessly as he stabilized his footing.

Sakon lunged next, appearing behind Naruto in a blur, aiming a kunai at the back of Naruto's neck. Three of Naruto's chains zipped around, merging into a single, thicker link. The resulting chain slammed into Sakon with thunderous force, hurling him across the street. He skidded to a stop with a grunt, flipping onto his feet in a low crouch.

"Curse Seal, Level One!" Sakon roared. Without hesitation, he formed a sequence of hand seals, and a wave of dark markings spread across his skin, giving him a feral, demonic aura. The veins in his arms bulged with newly infused power. He flexed his fingers, producing elongated nails.

Naruto eyed him coldly. "I've seen that trick. Your cursed seal doesn't frighten me."

A savage gleam shone in Sakon's eyes. "We'll see." He flew forward again, coiling his right fist, which crackled with a dark aura. The blow slammed into Naruto's forearm—caught mid-block—but the raw strength forced Naruto back a couple of steps, water splashing around his sandals.

"You're heavier," Naruto remarked, voice tight, "but not unstoppable." With a swift pivot, he twisted his torso, launching a spinning back-kick that connected with Sakon's ribcage. Even enhanced by the cursed seal, Sakon was sent crashing into a large chunk of broken stadium wall, leaving a dent in the stone.

Simultaneously, Tayuya advanced from a different angle, flute pressed to her lips. A haunting melody filled the air, the eerie notes echoing among the wreckage. Instantly, the environment seemed to warp. Genjutsu illusions sprang up like ghosts—half a dozen monstrous apparitions lunged at Naruto from multiple directions. Despite the driving rain and the gloom, these phantasms flared with an otherworldly brightness.

Naruto's pupils constricted. "Genjutsu, huh?" He steadied his breath, forcibly focusing. The swirling patterns of illusions tested his concentration, but his Toad Sage training had prepared him for illusions. With an inward push of chakra, he used a release technique. "Kai!" The illusions evaporated in a burst of ephemeral light, leaving behind only the sight of Tayuya standing a few meters away, still playing that flute.

She snarled when her genjutsu was broken. "You little—" But she had no chance to finish. Two of Naruto's chakra chains whipped out from behind, binding her arms. Her flute clattered to the wet ground with a dull clang. She let out an outraged cry.

"Tch! Jirōbō, a hand here!" Tayuya hissed. The hulking figure of Jirōbō dashed closer, ignoring the stinging rain on his face.

The big man roared, "Crush him!" as he reeled back a massive fist. Naruto tensed but did not move from his vantage point. Instead, one chain coiled up around Jirōbō's striking arm mid-swing, halting the blow with a sharp jerk. Jirōbō's eyes bulged in shock. He tried to tear free, but the chain only tightened.

"Impossible," he spat, veins bulging at his temples. "I can't break free?"

Naruto's lips curved in a mirthless smirk. "My chains have pinned enemies stronger than you." He whipped his free hand in the air, forming a Rasengan swirling with Toad Sage power. "You lose."

Jirōbō's features contorted in dread. The swirling sphere of chakra crashed into his chest, detonating with a sharp whoosh. The big man's body hurled backward, smashing into a collapsed pillar, which crumbled further from the impact. The echo of the collision reverberated through the saturated rubble.

Alarmed, Tayuya struggled fiercely, cursing under her breath. "Damn you, let me go!" She wriggled, trying to activate her own curse seal, but Naruto's chains glowed with renewed energy. She found her chakra sealed by a pulse of sage-like power surging through the chain.

Kidōmaru, observing the disastrous turn, scowled and swiftly tested another approach. He sprang onto a higher vantage point—the shattered remains of a second-story walkway—molding chakra along his hand. "Kumo Sōka!" he announced, forging sticky webs into a large, crossbow-like contraption. "I'll aim for his blind spot."

He fired a thick, gold-hued arrow, aimed precisely at Naruto's back. But Naruto was no longer in the same position. In a flicker of movement, bolstered by Sage Mode, he reappeared at Kidōmaru's side in the blink of an eye. The arrow flew into empty air, smashing uselessly against a chunk of rubble.

"H-How—" Kidōmaru exclaimed, but his words died in his throat as Naruto slammed an elbow into his gut. Doubling over in pain, Kidōmaru gasped for air. Without mercy, Naruto's chain lashed up, coiling around Kidōmaru's throat. The man tried to struggle, but with a swift yank, Naruto pinned Kidōmaru face-first against the stone ledge.

A short, strangled gasp left Kidōmaru as the chain tightened. "You… can't…" he croaked, spit flecking the corner of his mouth. His eyes bulged, and his crossbow-like weapon crashed onto the walkway, webbing dripping from the barrel.

Naruto's features hardened. "Give up," he commanded through gritted teeth. Kidōmaru glared in defiance, but the chain's relentless constriction gradually sapped his strength. A final burst of Toad Sage-enhanced might shot through the link, snapping Kidōmaru's neck with a brutal crack. The sound echoed in the hush, drowned a moment later by a fresh peal of thunder.

Below, Sakon had freed himself from the rubble. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, mixing with the rivulets of rain. "Kidōmaru!" he roared, eyes flaring with fury. He pivoted, searching for Jirōbō, only to see the big man collapsed in a heap, unconscious or worse. The battered forms of Tayuya and Kidōmaru indicated that the entire team was pinned.

He howled, unleashing the second level of his curse seal. His skin darkened, jagged markings snaking across his body as a pair of horns sprouted from his temple. The air around him crackled with sinister energy. "You bastard Leaf nin!" he spat, voice distorted by the vile transformation. "I'll show you the true power of the Sound Four."

Naruto, after dropping Kidōmaru's lifeless form, hopped down from the walkway. "Then try," he said in an eerily calm tone, chakra chains swirling behind him like serpents. "Though you won't last."

Sakon advanced in a blur, fists ablaze with cursed chakra. The first strike hammered into Naruto's forearm with a concussive burst, but the Toad Sage reflexes softened the blow. Naruto countered with a swift palm strike to Sakon's chest, sending him skidding. Sakon rebounded, unleashing a savage flurry of punches and kicks that forced Naruto to parry and block. The watery ground churned underfoot, each blow sparking droplets in every direction.

Tayuya, still pinned, tried once more to wrest her arms free and summon a monstrous avatar to level the playing field. "I can't let it end like this," she hissed through gritted teeth. Her mind scrambled for an alternative, but Naruto's chain glowed again, tightening around her torso. She felt her chakra scramble and vanish like a candle snuffed by a gust.

"Damn it!" she howled.

Meanwhile, Sakon continued exchanging blows with Naruto. He attempted a cunning feint—lowering a punch aimed at Naruto's hip—only to swirl the cursed seal's malicious energy around it. Naruto caught the blow across his left shoulder. The impact stung, prompting a slight recoil. But Naruto's stance solidified, a determined glint in his gaze.

"That all?" Naruto murmured, sliding backward a pace. The swirling aura of Sage Mode around him flared anew. He exhaled, focusing the natural energy in his core. "I've faced stronger enemies than you."

With lightning-like speed, Naruto formed a Rasengan in his right hand. Sparks of Toad Sage chakra rippled across its spinning surface, making it hum with even greater potency. Sakon, eyes wide, recognized the danger. Yet he refused to back down, pushing more cursed chakra into his limbs, brandishing an aura-laden claw.

They clashed in a blinding collision. Naruto's Rasengan drilled against Sakon's forearm, while Sakon attempted to slash Naruto's chest. For a split second, they remained locked—unbridled energies colliding in a swirling gale. Then the Rasengan erupted, flinging Sakon into the air, the claw missing Naruto by a hair's breadth.

Sakon somersaulted mid-flight, spitting blood. He crashed onto a broken pillar, the stone fracturing beneath him. A strangled gasp rattled in his throat as he slid to the wet ground, arms splayed out. Drizzle battered his face, merging with the blood streaking his temple. Despite the crippling pain, he attempted to lift himself, only to slump back.

Naruto strode forward, each footstep echoing with quiet finality. "You are finished," he stated, voice laced with the calm ferocity of a predator. A pair of glowing chains extended from behind him, coiling around Sakon's legs, pinning them to the ground. Another chain snaked around his throat, halting any further attempt to rise.

"I… will… not…" Sakon hacked, trying to muster the last vestiges of the curse seal's power. But his body had reached its limit. The savage energy flickered, receding into faint sparks that vanished along his battered skin.

Naruto's eyes blazed with no pity, only the duty to protect his village and eradicate these aggressors. "You lost the moment you set foot in the Leaf," he said. With a single jerk of the chain, he tore Sakon's body apart in a wet, sickening snap. The thunder overhead rumbled, as though punctuating the violent end.

Tayuya screamed at the top of her lungs, witnessing Sakon's gruesome fate. Her face contorted in a mixture of horror and unbridled hatred. "Y-you demon!" she shrieked, voice echoing in the vacant ruin. Rain battered her hair, plastering it to her forehead. The chain around her chest had begun to tighten again, robbing her of breath.

Naruto faced Tayuya, expression unflinching. "I gave you all a chance to stand down. You refused." Tayuya spat in his direction, the spittle lost in the downpour. She glared murderously, tears—whether from rage or fear—glinting at the corner of her eyes.

"You Leaf dogs killed… everything…" she hissed.

Naruto's chains began to glow once more, and Tayuya felt her arms forced behind her. She tried to open her mouth, hoping to voice one final curse-laden insult, but the chain constricted around her windpipe. Her breath caught in her throat. She choked, fighting with every ounce of fury, but Naruto remained merciless.

A moment of lightning illuminated the scene. Tayuya's panicked expression froze in a silent scream. With a savage yank, Naruto ended her life, the chain's golden luster slicing through her neck in an abrupt, final stroke. Her body dropped to the soaked ground, leaving a swirl of red blossoming in the puddle that formed around her.

Exhaling sharply, Naruto allowed the chain to retract. The storm's remnants hammered the battered road, washing away the immediate signs of carnage. Four bodies—Sakon, Jirōbō, Kidōmaru, Tayuya—lay scattered, their curse seals undone, their final mission unfulfilled. The drizzle soon diluted the blood, letting it flow along shallow streams that glided through the twisted remains of this once-thriving stadium district.

He glanced around, making sure no more threats lingered. His Toad Sage senses still extended, scanning for any flicker of hostile chakra. Nothing. Just the echoes of his own heart pounding and the steady patter of the rain. A quiet acceptance settled over him, cold and final.

In the near distance, distant shapes of Leaf shinobi caught glimpses of the skirmish's end. Some drew close, expressions reflecting shock and a grudging respect at the brutal efficiency of Naruto's method. He signaled them with a nod, confirming the area was secure. They approached with measured caution, stepping around the remains.

A few words passed between them, but Naruto spoke minimally. He barely felt the ephemeral relief at clearing another threat. Instead, a hollow calm governed his senses, mind still taut from the adrenaline. The golden luminescence of his Toad Sage chakra began to ebb, replaced by the lingering ache of prolonged battle. The chain links shimmered a final time before retracting entirely, leaving only the faint glow around his eyes that indicated the vestiges of Sage Mode.

No more enemies. The crisis was over. Despite the swirl of battered emotions inside him, Naruto forced himself to breathe. He gazed at the collapsed stadium, puddles reflecting the broken arcs of once-grand architecture. Flickers of flame from earlier battles smoldered in the distance, soon drowned by the unrelenting downpour.

The invasion was over.