Simultaneously,
In Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) and Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village), the shinobi were also cheering and celebrating.
For various reasons, they found themselves identifying with the events in the vision.
Of course,
Some shinobi recognized themselves in the future scenes.
Despite the embarrassing sight of them fleeing...
Seeing Onoki and the unexpected Sand Shinobi youth rally them to save the day, a sense of gratitude stirred within them.
"Could our relationships truly improve so drastically in the future?" they wondered, a flicker of anticipation in their hearts.
Although the village leaders were less demonstrative, they were nonetheless moved.
Perhaps, in the face of a shared, formidable enemy, their ninja world might genuinely unite.
However,
That time had not yet arrived.
To abandon their long-standing grievances and forge an alliance based solely on these visions was unthinkable, a betrayal of the heroic spirits lost in the previous Shinobi World Wars.
The harsh reality of the shinobi world remained unchanged.
Future actions, not mere visions, were required.
[The Vision Continued--]
[As the fleeing Allied Shinobi Forces, their teeth gritted in determination, prepared to face Madara Uchiha once more, a greater catastrophe loomed.]
[Madara Uchiha, while maintaining his face netural said "Well that unexpected"]
[On the high platform, Madara Uchiha smirked, his gaze dismissive as he addressed Onoki. "Just what can you possibly do about second one , Onoki "]
[Instantly, another massivemeteor hurtled down from the sky, ripping through the atmosphere. Even Onoki's eyes widened in terror, and he cried out.]
[Boom! The first meteor shattered, billowing dust obscuring the scene. The fate of the shinobi in that area remained unknown.]
At this moment, the vision ended, and the projection screen vanished.
The shockwaves it sent through the shinobi world were profound.
A wave of inexplicable sorrow washed over the ninja, a collective anxiety for the future of the Allied Forces.
The tens of thousands in the arena fell into a stunned silence, each lost in thought.
The vision had revealed the depths of their despair.
And it wasn't just the future Allied Forces who felt it. Even those alive in the present were gripped by a sense of hopelessness.
Some ninja even contemplated early retirement, eager to enjoy whatever years remained.
"You cowards!"
"What's there to fear? My Rasengan will save them all!"
"It will!"
From the arena, Naruto's boisterous voice cut through the silence, no longer grating.
Instead, it was met with gratitude.
"Indeed," they thought.
"We haven't seen the end. We cannot lose heart."
"Do those who consider themselves wise fail to grasp what even a 'class clown' understands?"
"This vision is a warning, a call to prepare for the looming dangers, to strengthen ourselves while we still have time."
Nara Shikamaru smiled wryly, genuinely admiring Naruto's unexpected ability to inspire.
"A few words, and he ignites everyone's resolve. Remarkable."
"You're just afraid," Sasuke scoffed, masking his anxiety as he left the arena.
He felt the pressure mounting.
Time was running out.
Based on the vision, Naruto was around 16 or 17 years old.
Sasuke, now 12, had less than four years to reach Kage-level strength to stand a chance against Uchiha Itachi.
His battle with Gaara had revealed the vastness of the gap. Even with Kakashi's teachings, he had barely won.
"If Gaara's monster were unleashed, would I even stand a chance?" he wondered.
Seeing Sasuke leave, Sakura followed, her concern evident.
"Sakura..." Naruto called out, but his outstretched hand fell limp as she ignored him.
He couldn't shake the feeling of an ever-widening gulf between himself and Sasuke.
On the Kage's platform,
Hiruzen Sarutobi and "Fourth Kazekage" jointly announced the Chūnin Exams' conclusion, urging the distant guests to return home.
In truth, there was no need for the announcement.
Everyone was eager to return home.
After such emotional turmoil, home was the only sanctuary.
"Fourth Kazekage, shall we convene a Five Kage Summit?"
"To discuss how to face the future enemy."
Orochimaru, consumed by his obsession with Sasuke, paid no heed to the suggestion.
He whispered, "The Five Kage Summit can wait. Let's gauge the other villages' attitudes first. I'll escort my subordinates home."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, his eyes filled with regret, replied, "Safe travels."
"Fourth Kazekage" then signaled Baki and the others, who promptly organized the Sand Shinobi for their departure.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, vanished, heading in the direction Sasuke had taken.
...