Chapter 85: Taking Advantage of the Situation
The colossal surge of chakra from that earlier jutsu was visible from afar. Such a powerful combination of elemental techniques didn't match Orochimaru's style at all; it seemed more like something the Third Hokage would use. Although it was strange that the elderly Third Hokage could still unleash such potent jutsu, it was safe to infer that he had gained the upper hand. The reaction from the ANBU confirmed that the barrier had likely been broken.
"Let's speed things up and finish here so we can get over there," Might Guy suggested.
"Yeah, let's see who can take out more enemies," Kakashi replied.
"Ah, Kakashi! You're finally feeling the burning spirit of youth!" Guy shouted, pumped up.
Kakashi sighed inwardly. What a simple-minded guy, always getting fired up so easily.
Meanwhile, with the Four Violet Flames Formation now shattered, the chaotic battle between the three Hokage had spread beyond its original confines. The First Hokage's Wood Release techniques were particularly troublesome, as massive trees erupted from the ground, binding and ensnaring the battlefield. If it weren't for the fact that the resurrected First Hokage couldn't use Flower Tree World Advent, the overwhelming presence of the trees would have completely paralyzed the defending forces.
Even without his full power, the First Hokage's Wood Release remained a terrifying force. The Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourish continuously extended its roots, draining the chakra of those caught in its grasp. Fortunately, most of the attacks were directed at Hiruzen, leaving the other ninjas somewhat spared.
Still, the Wood Release's relentless expansion created immense pressure on the defenders. Among those struggling were the Sound Four, whose cursed seal states allowed them to just barely hold their ground. Kidomaru's spider webs and Tayuya's demonic flute music proved most effective, controlling a wide area and keeping enemies at bay. Jirobo's raw strength was less effective, while Sakon's melee techniques were almost useless in such chaotic skirmishes. Only the summoning of Rashomon managed to block some of the larger-scale attacks.
Watching from a distance, Mizuki's doppelganger noticed a sudden change in the battlefield. A new figure appeared—an elderly man wrapped in bandages, walking slowly yet purposefully.
"Danzo Shimura?" Mizuki muttered, startled. What's he doing here? Isn't this completely off-script?
The unexpected arrival of Danzo changed the atmosphere entirely. Even Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he stared at the elder warily.
"Well, isn't this surprising?" Orochimaru taunted. "The 'Root' of Konoha, showing up in public? I thought you had no interest in this matter. Or were you secretly hoping I'd do your dirty work?"
Danzo gave a nonchalant glance. "That's just your own wishful thinking, Orochimaru. If you've failed, don't expect me to clean up your mess."
The message was clear—since Orochimaru's plan had gone awry, Danzo wasn't about to help him out. Instead, he seemed quite willing to let the snake fall into the trap he had dug for himself.
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Oh, how low I've fallen, to be treated like prey... I suppose I underestimated you all."
Realizing that staying longer would only increase his danger, Orochimaru bit his thumb and performed a quick series of hand seals.
"Summoning Jutsu—Manda!"
A monstrous purple serpent emerged from the summoning cloud, its body towering over the battlefield. Orochimaru stood atop Manda's head, glaring down at the Konoha shinobi below.
"What is it this time, Orochimaru? You better have my sacrifices ready," Manda hissed impatiently.
"Two hundred live sacrifices. I'll provide them," Orochimaru promised.
Manda glanced disdainfully at the gathered shinobi. "Two hundred? Not enough. You'll have to make it three hundred."
"Fine, just get rid of them," Orochimaru commanded.
With shocking speed, Manda surged forward, smashing through the terrain. Rocks and debris flew in every direction as the serpent's massive body crushed the ground. Mizuki's doppelganger barely managed to avoid the deadly hail of rubble, shielding his face from the dust and debris.
Is the battlefield really this close to the viewing stands? Mizuki thought in disbelief, noticing that some rocks had even landed among the spectators, potentially injuring civilians.
The once-contained battle had completely spiraled out of control. High-level shinobi clashing with monstrous summoning beasts was rapidly turning the area into a wasteland.
Even if they manage to defeat Orochimaru and the Sound Four, the entire arena might be reduced to rubble.
Mizuki couldn't help but worry about his own plans. Can I really manage the One-Tail Jinchuriki situation in this mess? Did I miscalculate this badly?
Back at the stands, Kakashi and Guy continued to clear out Sound and Sand invaders.
"That signal earlier—what does it mean?" Guy asked.
"It's a call for support," Kakashi replied. "The Hokage broke the barrier. We need to assist him in capturing or killing Orochimaru."
Guy nodded, his face grim. "Then we have to hurry. We can't let Lord Hokage fight alone."
Meanwhile, in the forest, Naruto and Sasuke continued their desperate struggle against Gaara, who had transformed further into Shukaku. Despite their combined efforts, the sand beast was becoming increasingly unmanageable. Sakura, tending to Sasuke's injuries, glanced worriedly at Naruto as he prepared to attack again.
"Be careful, Naruto!" she called out.
Naruto gritted his teeth, determined not to back down. "I won't let you destroy my village! Believe it!"
As chaos engulfed both the arena and the village outskirts, the fate of Konoha hung by a thread, relying on the determination of its warriors and the resilience of its people.
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