"Report! A giant snake has appeared near Konoha's east gate. Approximately 100 Sunagakure's Ninjas have invaded the village and are currently engaging patrol ninjas nearby!" Just as Ibiki was explaining Orochimaru's terror, a Chunin appeared, quickly reporting to Ibiki.
"Sunagakure's Ninjas? Groups one and two stay. The rest head to the east gate. Quickly!" Hearing this, Ibiki quickly made a judgment.
"Yes!" Others, hearing Ibiki's order, didn't hesitate, quickly acting.
As the giant snakes advanced unimpeded within Konoha, many Ninja jumped out to block them. However, without Jonin and Elite Jonin assistance, the blocking force suffered significant casualties.
…
"Quite a number." In the audience area, Kakashi looked at the Ninja blocking his path and said flatly.
"We were careless. And even Hokage-sama... Hmm, Kakashi, look inside that barrier!" Suddenly, Guy, with his excellent eyesight, noticed Orochimaru inside the barrier removing his disguise.
"Orochimaru!" Seeing this, Kakashi was stunned.
'Orochimaru... why is he here... Could he be after Sasuke again?' Hearing Orochimaru's name, Sakura first thought of Sasuke. Coming to her senses, she noticed Sasuke was no longer in the arena.
As Sakura was in a daze, two Otogakure's Ninjas seized the opportunity, leaping up to kill Sakura.
At the critical moment, Takeru, who had already arrived, casually unleashed White Ice Shards, riddling the two Otogakure's Ninja who had overlooked others.
"What was that?" Noticing the suddenly appearing ice shards, Kakashi, who had prepared to act, froze.
"Yo, Takeru-kun, you came!" Seeing Takeru, Guy showed an enthusiastic smile and greeted him.
"Uncle Guy, still as energetic as ever." Seeing him, Takeru smiled lightly.
As Takeru and Guy greeted each other, several seemingly sleeping spectators in the arena suddenly jumped up, charging straight at Takeru and Guy.
However, the Ninja rushing at Takeru with a kunai, before even approaching Takeru, was swiftly cut down by Ui beside Takeru, who drew a short sword imbued with Armament Haki and Shu.
The one charging at Guy didn't fare better either, heavily kicked away by Guy, losing combat ability.
This battle seemed to fully ignite. Awake Konoha's Ninjas quickly engaged Otogakure and Sunagakure's Ninja.
Kabuto, hidden behind a mask, saw Takeru and showed extremely wary eyes. He recalled Orochimaru once inquiring about Takeru, warning him to be very careful and to flee if necessary.
Previously puzzled, after watching Takeru's battle with Gaara, he deeply understood Takeru might be an even more terrifying existence than Kakashi.
Now facing three top-tier combatants like Kakashi, Guy, and Takeru, plus Asuma and Kurenai, Kabuto felt an immense headache. This differed from the original plan.
However, Otogakure and Sunagakure's Ninja still held a numerical advantage. Moreover, Kakashi and Guy were concerned about the sleeping civilians, so this area temporarily wouldn't be in immediate danger.
"Damn, I'm still worried about Hokage-sama!" Guy, after punching away another Otogakure's Ninja, regrouped with Takeru, Kakashi, and others.
"Leave the top to the Anbu. Besides, Hokage-sama isn't someone easily taken down." Compared to Guy's worry, Kakashi was quite reassured.
After all, Hiruzen was Konoha's Hokage.
"Sakura, Naruto, it's been a while since our last mission." Seizing this chance, Kakashi quickly looked at Naruto and Sakura.
"Mission?" Hearing this, Sakura was stunned.
"What mission?!" Hearing 'mission', Naruto's eyes lit up.
"An A-Rank mission, the first since Land of Waves." Kakashi said seriously.
"A-Rank mission?!" Hearing this, Naruto's eyes brightened further. If not for the many Otogakure's Ninjas watching eagerly, he might have jumped up.
"Sensei, we got an A-Rank mission in this situation? What exactly do we need to do?" Hearing this, Sakura frowned.
"Sasuke went to pursue the three Sunagakure's Ninjas. Sakura, you, Naruto, and Shikamaru go after Sasuke. I'm really worried." Kakashi said with a grave look.
"What about me?" Hearing this, Ino was stunned.
"Right! Bring Ino and Takeru's group. More people is better, isn't it?" Hearing this, Sakura quickly added.
"Probably, many Sunagakure and Otogakure's Ninja have already entered the village. Acting in teams of four or more would be inefficient and easily noticed by the enemy. You learned this during the Academy's patrol training, right?" Hearing her, Kakashi shook his head.
"So, if it's four people, will Kakashi-sensei come too?" Sakura asked curiously.
"No, I can't leave here. Summoning Technique!" Kakashi shook his head, performing the Summoning Technique. Soon, the dog Pakkun was summoned.
"Next, this Pakkun will track Sasuke based on his scent." Kakashi explained.
"Don't tell me the fourth member is this little dog?" Sakura looked at the dog in surprise.
"Hey, little girl, don't call me a cute little dog!" Hearing Sakura, Pakkun jumped before her.
'I didn't even say... cute.' Looking at Pakkun, Sakura was stunned.
"Eh, our fourth teammate is a dog?" Sakura said dumbfoundedly.
"What a hassle. Why bring me? Takeru alone could handle it, right?" Hearing Kakashi, Shikamaru held his forehead.
"Sorry, but count me out for the pursuit. However, I can help clear some obstacles." Hearing Shikamaru, Takeru said calmly.
Then, looking at a guy preparing to sneak attack from the side, he calmly punched him flying.
Kakashi had two reasons for not asking Takeru: one, he wasn't familiar with Takeru, and two, he didn't know Takeru's strength. Though Takeru had shown unusual power, he couldn't ask him to go.
Besides, Takeru, Ui, and Ritsu being here eased some of their pressure.
Unlike Naruto and the others still somewhat reacting, Takeru and Ui had already killed several Otogakure's Ninjas. Even Ritsu used Armament Haki and Blaze Bomb to send two Otogakure's Ninjas preparing to sneak attack her flying.
Then, Guy directly dealt with an Otogakure's Ninjas preparing to sneak attack Naruto, incidentally smashing the wall behind everyone.
"Alright, I'll brief you on the mission. After hearing it, leave through this opening. Find Sasuke, rendezvous with him, stop him, then wait at a safe location until new orders are given." Kakashi quickly told them.
"I understand!" Hearing this, Sakura and Naruto quickly replied.
Then, they quickly pulled the unwilling Shikamaru down, with Pakkun quickly following.
"What about me?" Ino stared blankly at Takeru, Ui, and the others still fighting Otogakure's Ninjas. She realized standing here was also extremely dangerous.
Looking at the conscious Ino, Kakashi showed a troubled expression. If Ino had sufficient strength, it'd be fine, but now she seemed somewhat of a hindrance. Ino also realized this, deeply lowering her head.
Bang!
"Don't space out. Find a safe place to hide." After repelling an Otogakure's Ninjas preparing to attack Ino, Takeru said flatly to her.
Kakashi also approvingly nodded at Takeru's words.
Seeing this, Ino could only flee the audience area. For the fleeing Ino, Kabuto didn't order Otogakure's Ninjas to pursue.
After all, the Otogakure's Ninjas in the audience area were already feeling increasing pressure from Takeru and the others' attacks.