The Invasion of Konoha Begins
As the crowd watched, the intense battle between Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara of the Sand raged on during the third round of the Chunin Exams.
Sasuke, the last remaining Uchiha in Konoha, had trained extensively under Hatake Kakashi, honing his skills in speed and Lightning Release. Gaara, the son of the Fourth Kazekage, was the feared Jinchuriki of Shukaku, wielding an impenetrable Absolute Defense with his sand manipulation.
The audience was captivated as the battle reached new heights. Sasuke, having adopted the Chidori, managed to breach Gaara's sand shield for the first time, forcing him to rely on the sand within his gourd. As blood dripped from his wound, Gaara's expression twisted, and the sinister presence within him stirred.
From the stands, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire turned to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and remarked,
> "Hiruzen, is this truly Konoha's last Uchiha? I've heard rumors… some Uchiha survived and fled to form a new nation. Was it the Land of Whirlpools?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. How had the daimyo learned such information? The Twelve Guardian Ninja were not ones to casually spread classified intelligence. This could only mean one thing—Danzo Shimura had been pulling strings again.
With a heavy sigh, Hiruzen replied,
> "Your Excellency, if any ninja approaches you with such claims, be cautious. Especially if they are under Danzo's command…"
The daimyo gave him a peculiar look before casting a glance toward Jiraiya, seated a few rows away. There was suspicion in his eyes, but he gave a small nod, acknowledging Hiruzen's warning.
The Awakening of Shukaku
Back in the arena, the fight had escalated. Sasuke found an opening and struck, piercing Gaara's shoulder with Chidori while holding a kunai to his throat.
> "You've lost, Sand ninja."
Yet, just as Sasuke thought he had secured victory, Gaara's body began trembling. His breathing grew erratic, and suddenly, his eyes rolled back as he collapsed.
A violent chakra surge exploded from Gaara's body. His sand twisted and expanded unnaturally, forming the monstrous One-Tailed Beast, Shukaku.
> What the hell is this…? Sasuke's eyes widened.
He leaped back instinctively, but Shukaku was already towering over him—its colossal form exceeding ten meters. With a deafening roar, it launched a Wind Release: Drilling Air Bullet, shattering the arena floor and sending tremors through the entire stadium.
Then, a sudden melodic tune echoed across the area.
The Genjutsu hidden within the melody instantly put most of the civilians to sleep, leaving only the experienced shinobi alert.
Jiraiya and Tsunade, both watching from the stands, tensed as they turned to the Fourth Kazekage, who sat calmly amidst the unfolding chaos.
> "Kazekage-dono," Jiraiya's voice was sharp, "explain yourself. Why has Shukaku gone berserk?"
A sinister presence appeared behind them.
> "Because this is the fall of Konoha."
A low, ominous voice—belonging to the Fourth Kazekage—spoke. Yet before anyone could react, his body distorted, revealing the face of Orochimaru beneath the disguise.
Jiraiya's eyes widened.
> "Orochimaru…!"
Before he could move, Orochimaru extended his hand, manipulating Gold Dust to restrain Jiraiya and Tsunade. However, Jiraiya reacted instantly, summoning his Hair Needle Senbon, firing thousands of hardened strands at the enemy.
> "I'll handle him, Tsunade! You get the civilians out!"
Tsunade gave a quick nod and issued orders to the Anbu, directing them to suppress Shukaku's rampage. But as she did, a new wave of Sand and Sound ninja poured into the arena, surrounding them.
The Third Hokage rose from his seat, his expression dark.
> Even with me, Jiraiya, and Tsunade here… they dare to launch an attack on Konoha?
His thoughts were interrupted when the Daimyo of the Land of Fire suddenly grabbed his sleeve.
Hiruzen turned—only to see the daimyo pointing at a mysterious black-haired kunoichi, who was swiftly approaching their position.
> "Hiruzen… it's time for you to explain yourself. You've been acting strangely all day."
The daimyo's words were sharp, but Hiruzen barely heard them. His focus was locked onto the approaching kunoichi.
His instincts screamed at him.
The woman smirked, pulling off her mask.
> "Long time no see… sensei."
That voice—chilling, unsettling, and unmistakable.
Orochimaru.
Hiruzen clenched his fists, his expression unreadable.
> "Orochimaru… what is the meaning of this?"
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with amusement.
> "Why so tense, old man? We're on the same side this time… After all, we all oppose Jiraiya becoming the Fifth Hokage, don't we?"
Hiruzen's heart sank.
> This isn't just an attack.
> This is a coup.
And the mastermind standing before him… was his own student.
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