"Naruto?! How is that even possible!?" Sarutobi blurted out in shock.
In comparison to Orochimaru's disguise as the Kazekage, Naruto's current power startled the Third Hokage even more... No, it was more than just astonishment—it was fear!
"You don't seem to know?" Orochimaru let go of Third Hokage, jumped aside, tore off the Kazekage clothes on his body, and looked at Third Hokage with a playful face.
"What do you know?" Sarutobi felt that everything that happened at this time was beyond his control, and he faintly felt something bad.
"Hee hee hee, Naruto-kun's current state, as he claims, is the perfect Jinchūriki mode~" Orochimaru chuckled.
"Perfect Jinchūriki? How... How could he achieve that?! It was supposed to be..." Sarutobi Hiruzen's words trailed off as he found himself slightly breathless, struggling to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.
"Tsk tsk, yes, he was under your watchful eyes and Danzo's since he was a child. But how did Naruto manage to fully harness the power of the Nine-Tails? Why didn't he reveal it all this time? And how did he elude your surveillance and that of the Anbu? I bet you're pondering over these questions right now~~"
The Third Hokage remained silent, his expression darkening. because Orochimaru was right, as he had been contemplating these very mysteries and felt perplexed.
Compared to Orochimaru's looming threat, the loss of control over Naruto as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki posed the most significant and troublesome dilemma. Especially considering how Naruto had managed to conceal his true strength and evade any detection or slip-ups for twelve long years. It was clear that Naruto had a plan, but the Third Hokage didn't even dare to fathom what that plan might entail.
Even One-Tail can destroy a village, let alone the strongest Nine-Tails!!
Especially the environment where Naruto lived since he was a child had people hating him. If Naruto's goal was to take revenge on the villagers, Third Hokage thinks he can't stop it, and may even turn Naruto into a traitor!
However…
"How do you know all of this!? Are you planning something behind Naruto's back?" Sarutobi's sudden outburst revealed his suspicion. Why would Orochimaru possess knowledge about Naruto's state and his mastery of the Nine-Tails' power?
"Because I have encountered Naruto-kun on several occasions~ Speaking of which, my initial intention for appearing in the Forest of Death was actually to target Sasuke. Although Naruto-kun intervened and thwarted my plans," Orochimaru expressed his regret.
"Sasuke?" Sarutobi frowned.
"Yeah, come to think of it, Naruto-kun truly astonished me. Even Danzo..." As Orochimaru spoke impulsively, he suddenly sensed a piercing gaze upon him. He turned his head and saw Naruto standing below, staring directly at him.
"Hee hee hee, can you hear what I say from such a distance..." Orochimaru was taken aback, realizing that Naruto had overheard his words. He decided not to divulge any further information about Naruto.
"Danzo?" Seeing that Orochimaru stopped suddenly, Third Hokage looked in the direction Orochimaru was looking at just now. What came into his eyes was the face of Naruto, but Naruto had already turned his head.
"Hmph, Orochimaru, I don't have time to play games with you! Release the seal!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's concern for Naruto's well-being overwhelmed any other considerations. He wanted to see with his own eyes if Naruto had truly lost control.
Frustrated and feeling regretful, the Third Hokage realized the gravity of the situation. Without a second Fourth Hokage or complete control over the Nine-Tails' power, he felt the weight of his decision to reject Danzo's suggestion. He understood that the village was now facing a dangerous and uncontrollable situation. Nonetheless, he resolved to do his best to protect Konoha and its people, even if it meant facing overwhelming odds.
Although Naruto has not done anything that endangers the village, Sarutobi was still very unhappy with what he was feeling at the moment. He had always been accustomed to being in control and wouldn't allow anyone or anything to destroy the Konoha he held in his hands, the very heart of the village.
"Sensei, I told you a long time ago that you should choose the Fifth Hokage soon," Orochimaru chuckled. He then bit his finger and simultaneously formed seals with both hands, "Impure World Reincarnation!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three coffins rose from the roof.
"Impure World Reincarnation?! Curse you, Orochimaru!" Sarutobi exclaimed upon hearing the name of the forbidden ninjutsu. Without hesitation, he swiftly formed seals with both hands. One Orochimaru was already trouble enough, but if there were three more, the Third Hokage would truly struggle to hold on. He needed to find Naruto too!
"No matter what, I must seal the third one," he thought determinedly.
However, when he witnessed the lid of the coffin opening and caught sight of the figure inside, his expression turned incredibly grim, and regret flooded over him instantaneously.
"If only I had known earlier, I would have sealed the first one..." he muttered in frustration.
On the practice field, at the broken wall across Naruto.
"It hurts! But it felt good!" Gaara's voice emerged as the smoke dissipated, revealing the presence of a so-called monster amidst the debris.
At that moment, Gaara's entire body had transformed into Shukaku, fixing a fierce gaze upon Naruto.
"Come forth! Utilize your power to defeat me, Uzumaki Naruto!"
"Gaara!" Temari continued to shout anxiously from a distance, filled with immense concern.
"Sand Binding Coffin!" Gaara shouted.
The violent sand rushed towards Naruto, trying to bind him tightly.
"Unfortunately, the speed is not fast enough!" Naruto exclaimed as he swiftly evaded and leaped. He then shouted, "Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Big Ball Rasengan!" He proclaimed. Hundreds of Naruto clones surged forward, each wielding a Big Ball Rasengan, as they charged toward Gaara.
"That guy, why is he so strong?! If this continues, Gaara will use that trick!" Kankuro was sweating uncontrollably, and said in fear, "If he forced Gaara to that level…"
"Sand Waterfall Funeral!!"
Boom!
The sand soared into the sky, enveloping the entire training field. As Naruto's attack was thwarted, an onslaught of countless grains of sand surged toward the auditorium. This spectacle left the Konoha Village residents, who hadn't managed to evacuate in time, pale with fright, causing them to collapse and sit on the ground.
"Monster!"
"Monster of Sunagakure!!"
"Who can help me!!"
"Help, I'm dying!!"
The surrounding crowd shouted in fear.
"Damn it! I can't stop it!" Kakashi realized he could only defend against one side, but what about the rest? His Chakra reserves were limited.
"In that case, let me handle it! I'll just blow away the sand!" Guy exclaimed, clenching his fists on his waist, preparing to activate the Eight Inner Gates. Though it would be challenging to disperse such a massive amount of sand, he had no choice but to give it his all!
"Guy..." Kakashi gazed at Guy with concern, aware of the immense side effects that accompanied the use of the Eight Inner Gates. He hoped his old friend would use it sparingly, not wanting any accidents to befall him.
"Leave it to me!" Suddenly, a crimson blur descended in front of Kakashi and Guy.
"Naruto?" Kakashi uttered in surprise.
"Earth Release: Rock Shield!"
As the ninjutsu was unleashed, a colossal wall emerged from the ground, serving as a formidable barrier. Simultaneously, all across the training field, Naruto's Shadow Clones appeared, employing their ninjutsu to intercept the surging sand.
"Good job! Naruto!" Guy gave Naruto a thumbs up.
"Phew, it's good that you're here!" Kakashi wiped his sweat too.
Considering the immense size of the earthen wall and the multiple sides that need to be reinforced, Kakashi couldn't help but feel physically drained just by looking at it. The amount of Chakra required for such a feat seemed overwhelming.
Naruto smiled and said nothing.
It may seem logical for Naruto not to bother saving these foolish villagers, considering the consequences of their demise. However, they are still necessary as an audience to offer support and as voices to express their thoughts. Therefore, Naruto is compelled to take action.
Furthermore, despite being a seemingly lenient punishment, death can inflict the most excruciating agony.
"The next thing to do now is to devise a plan and initiate its execution," Naruto thought in his heart.
…