Chapter 113: One-Tails Shukaku Isn't Very Bright
"Temple of Nirvana Jutsu!"
As Yakushi Kabuto stood up, a rain of feathers covered the entire Konoha spectator stands. Those who didn't know how to dispel this A-rank Genjutsu fell under its spell one after another, sinking into a deep sleep as if no one else were around.
"Evacuate the crowd and protect the various feudal lords!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi growled his orders to the Hokage Guard members. He then formed hand Seals to dispel the hypnosis of the Temple of Nirvana Jutsu, followed by a swift change of Seals to effortlessly release an Earth Dragon Bullet Jutsu.
Orochimaru watched the Ninjutsu attacking him, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes for a moment. When Konoha was in crisis, Hiruzen Sarutobi could still summon some of his former spirit.
"Four Violet Flames Formation!"
Sakon, Tayuya, Kidōmaru, and Jirobo, who were acting as the Kazekages Guard while Orochimaruimpersonated Rasa, shed their disguises. Occupying the four corners—East, West, South, and North—the four formed hand Seals in synchronization. A massive, sturdy, and searing hot cubic barrier quickly took shape, sealing the six people inside simultaneously.
Baki, the Jonin leading the Hidden Sand Villageteam, naturally knew that Kazekage Rasa had a cooperation with Orochimaru. Unaware that the Kazekage had been murdered, he saw the signal and decisively gave the order. The accompanying Sunagakure Ninjas began their attacks on the Konoha Ninjas.
"Hokage-sama is in danger!"
"Go to the rescue! The attacker is Orochimaru!"
"Jiraiya-sama!"
"The Hidden Sand Village has betrayed Konohaand torn up the peace treaty!"
"..."
Numerous changes occurred almost at the same time. With Hiruzen Sarutobi trapped within the Four Violet Flames Formation and his unified command missing, many Konoha Ninjas were not only a bit flustered but also faced significant disagreements in decision-making.
Some went to rescue Hiruzen Sarutobi, only to be blocked by the Four Violet Flames Formation, unable to advance an inch;
Some tried to stop the Hidden Sand Village's offensive and destruction, but were hesitant to go all out due to the peace treaty;
Some gathered around Jiraiya, hoping this pillar of Konoha would make timely arrangements;
Meanwhile, the Jonin teachers leading the teams immediately focused on their students, providing rescue while also looking out for the feudal lords in the stands.
"Hokage-sama has ordered that the priority is to rescue the feudal lords and ensure they remain unharmed!"
The Hokage Guard members stepped forward in time to announce the first order Hiruzen Sarutobihad managed to give to the Ninjas present.
Although this first order provided a foundation, and the flustered, disorganized Konoha Ninjas soon formed an overwhelming force, protecting is different from killing. To avoid the feudal lords being caught in the crossfire, the Konoha Ninjas could only fight while retreating, and the front lines quickly fell into a slump.
"Split off some personnel to protect the lords, Genin, and civilians!" Jiraiya finally stepped forward. Having commanded during the Third War, Jiraiya's arrangements were much better than Hiruzen Sarutobi's in the heat of the moment.
"Kakashi, Guy, Asuma!" Jiraiya called out to the three. "Pick some people to stop the further destruction by the Sunagakure Ninjas. Ino-Shika-Cho, go intercept the Otogakure Ninjas!"
"Yes!"
With Jiraiya's intervention, the Konoha Ninjas each took their roles. Once the initial chaos subsided, the defense and counterattacks proceeded in an orderly fashion. Although they were still at a disadvantage from being caught off guard, victory was practically guaranteed given enough time.
But just then, the Summoned Beasts Orochimaruhad arranged beforehand broke through the arena walls. With several giant snake Summoned Beasts intruding, the situation on the battlefield became unpredictable once again.
"Kid! Didn't I tell you? Don't bother me if it's nothing!"
Gamabunta's dissatisfied voice rang out as a massive toad descended from the sky. It seemed his eyesight was poor; aside from expressing his annoyance at the Naruto Shadow Clone standing on his head, he didn't notice the giant snake Summoned Beasts currently on a rampage.
"I heard toads and snakes are sworn enemies. Dealing with this shouldn't be 'bothering' you, right?" Naruto pointed forward. "I'll leave those big guys to you. I'm going to clear out the other small fry!"
"What an annoying brat!"
Though Gamabunta had a short temper, he could distinguish the urgency of the situation. Moreover, just as Naruto's Shadow Clone said, toads and snakes were indeed mortal enemies.
Jiraiya, who had just joined the fray, saw that Naruto had summoned Gamabunta a step ahead of him. He only had time to cast a "well done" look at Naruto before focusing his attention on the now completely freed One-Tails Shukaku.
"This Great Me is finally free!"
One-Tails Shukaku's massive form took shape, and the Tailed Beast's enormous Chakra radiated wildly. This lifted the spirits of the Sunagakure Ninjas, making them fight harder, while the Konoha Ninjas fell into panic once again.
Tailed Beasts had always been strategic-level weapons for the villages. This was not just due to their massive size; their destructive power was proportional. Once a Tailed Beast was deployed on the battlefield, the resulting destruction was staggering.
After all, not every Ninja could stand against a Tailed Beast. For most Ninjas, being able to escape after encountering one was considered the greatest stroke of luck.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Jiraiya bit his finger, and a toad roughly the same size as Gamabunta appeared beneath his feet. "Gamahiro, I'll have to trouble you this time."
"Shukaku, huh..." Gamahiro felt a bit of a headache. "So it's finally not Bunta facing this kind of problem this time..."
"Here we go!"
"I know!"
Gamahiro's thick legs kicked off with force, propelling him high into the air as the long blades on his back were unsheathed. Using the momentum of the rapid charge, he quickly closed in on One-Tails Shukaku, and just as he reached it, he fiercely slashed his blades toward its arms!
"Stupid toad! And that ant on your head! You've provoked this Great Me!"
Shukaku's sand-made arms were severed at the base, making him fly into a rage as his anger levels soared. He threw the joy of his escape to the back of his mind; now, his heart was set on how to kill this man-and-toad duo before him.
Jiraiya seemed to have had a plan all along. He didn't engage too much with the enraged One-Tails Shukaku. After successfully provoking Shukaku with one hit, Jiraiya instructed Gamahiroto use his excellent jumping ability to quickly leave the residential areas of Konoha Village.
"Do you think you can just run away after provoking this Great Me!" Shukaku's voice was loud and unpleasant. As soon as the piercing voice fell, a Tailed Beast Ball began to condense and take shape in his mouth.
"Gamahiro!"
"I know!"
Jiraiya and Gamahiro had cooperated more than once; their level of unspoken understanding was high. With a single shout and response, they confirmed their tactic.
Gamahiro adjusted his direction in mid-air. He was facing the most open area of Konoha Village. While this would still cause damage to Konoha, this kind of filtered destruction could reduce Konoha's casualties to a minimum.
Seeing the first Tailed Beast Ball being dodged and the man and toad "fleeing" toward a more distant location, One-Tails Shukaku, his brain clouded by rage, chased after them closely.
"Tailed Beasts really aren't very bright!"
Naruto's Shadow Clone watched the pursuing Shukaku and made a disdainful comment. He then turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was trapped in the Four Violet Flames Formation, his heart remaining calm.
However, after just one glance, Naruto's Shadow Clone looked away. This was undoubtedly the best time to increase his personal reputation, and in a while, there would be a scene where he needed to be the protagonist!
"Kakashi-sensei, let me help you!"
Naruto's Shadow Clone let out a loud roar, holding a Rasengan in his hand as he charged into the fray where the Sand and Konoha Ninjas were clashing.
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