While the ninja clans were each harboring their own thoughts, the situation at the Chunin Exams took another turn.
One-Tail Shukaku was simply too powerful at this stage. Orochimaru had further amplified the beast's inherent savagery, and once it entered its complete form, it immediately became unstoppable—slaughtering anyone in its path. This was precisely why Ino had chosen to flee; the beast was far too strong to confront.
The One-Tail drew the attacks of numerous Konoha ninjas. Shuriken, kunai, and various ninja techniques rained down upon it like a storm. Roaring incessantly, it retaliated with Air Bullets, demolishing nearby buildings. The scene was almost a repeat of the Nine-Tails' rampage.
Naruto created a thousand Shadow Clones to rescue civilians, earning widespread recognition for his efforts.
Asuma and Kurenai led a group of Jonin to fend off Sunagakure ninjas, while Shiranui Genma and other Jonin focused their attacks on the Tailed Beast, attempting to lure it out of the village. No matter what, the battle couldn't be allowed to rage within the village—the losses would be too great.
The appearance of the One-Tail and the ensuing carnage diverted a portion of the Third Hokage's attention.
Meanwhile, a fifty-year-old woman let out a sinister chuckle. She first vented her dissatisfaction toward the Third Elder, one of the village's ruling figures. Why can't I be the Village Chief? Whether I want it or not is my business, but you can't just ignore me! You picked some young upstart instead—I won't stand for it! She then raised two coffins, intending to summon the deceased First Elder and Second Elder to "settle the matter."
The Third's attention was already split by the Tailed Beast, and coupled with his advanced age and waning stamina in the afternoon heat, his reaction was delayed. As a result, not only did the First and Second Elders emerge from their coffins, but even Xiao Si from the neighboring village was dragged into the "dispute."
Chaos erupted instantly. The First Elder, who had once planted trees, the Second Elder, who had watered them, and Xiao Si from the neighboring village—who dug sand and collected scrap—all ganged up on the Third Elder.
The fifty-year-old woman stood at a distance, laughing as she watched, seemingly intent on seeing him dead.
When word spread that Orochimaru had used Edo Tensei to resurrect the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and the Fourth Kazekage, the Jonin of the Ino-Shika-Cho Formation gasped in shock. These two Hokages were legendary figures who struck fear into the hearts of Konoha ninjas, and the Fourth Kazekage was no less formidable. Shikaku, who had initially believed the time was ripe to mobilize his clan for support, immediately reversed his decision. This wasn't cowardice—it was prudence.
The enemy's strength far exceeded expectations. Shikaku had long suspected something was off about the "Fourth Kazekage" and had even reported his concerns to the Third.
Orochimaru's appearance at the Chunin Exams, combined with Sunagakure sending a mentally unstable Jinchuriki this year, had already exposed part of the enemy's scheme. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Third had failed to act on Shikaku's warnings.
Left with no choice, Shikaku had relied on the Yamanaka Clan's intelligence network to contact certain Sunagakure ninjas. His plan was to expose Orochimaru's murder of the Fourth Kazekage when the time came, rallying some of the Sand ninjas to their side.
Let Sunagakure ninjas kill Sunagakure ninjas—that was the strategy of a tactical genius.
But now, Orochimaru had Edo Tensei'd the Fourth Kazekage. If the Fourth was dead, then who was the one currently using Magnet Release?
The situation had become inexplicably murky, forcing Shikaku to abandon his original plan.
Now, he had to rethink his approach.
At this moment, unfavorable news for the Third Hokage kept pouring in one after another.
"The Third Hokage summoned a Summoning Beast, but it was trapped by the Fourth Kazekage's Gold Dust."
"The Second Hokage's Water Severing Wave shattered the Third Hokage's Earth-Style Wall."
"The First Hokage shattered the Third Hokage's Great Dragon Fire Technique with a single punch."
The scales of victory were tipping rapidly. The combined forces of the First Hokage, Second Hokage, and Fourth Kazekage—though limited by the Edo Tensei's restrictions that prevented them from unleashing their full power—were overwhelming. Orochimaru's control was cautious; powerhouses like the First and Second likely weren't even using a tenth of their strength. Yet, facing three opponents alone, the Third Hokage's situation grew increasingly dire.
Shikaku remained composed, distancing himself from the immediate chaos to analyze the situation. He quickly identified the key to turning the tide.
Was the Third Hokage important? In one sense, yes. In another, not at all.
He turned to Ino and asked, "If we use the Shadow Imitation Technique to restrain the One-Tail, can you use your Secret Technique to awaken that boy Gaara? Or reseal the Tailed Beast?"
Everyone present knew Orochimaru had impersonated the Fourth Kazekage. Now that he'd revived the real Fourth Kazekage with Edo Tensei, Gaara undoubtedly bore a deep grudge against him for his father's death.
The problem was that the signs of Edo Tensei weren't obvious, and with the distance and the barrier separating them, the Sunagakure ninja remained oblivious. The Yamanaka Clan's earlier contacts within Sunagakure were low-ranking, and without solid evidence, their words lacked credibility. Shikaku decided to approach the situation through Gaara. Among them, Ino had interacted with Gaara the most.
Asking Ino to solo a Tailed Beast was out of the question, but if dozens or even hundreds of ninja swarmed in, with the Akimichi Family's dozen-plus heavyweights holding the front line, she felt confident it could work.
Her mastery of the Clan Secret Techniques had surpassed Inoichi's—a fact well-known among the three clans.
After a moment's thought, she replied, "Gaara had already shaken off his violent mental state before. I don't know why he reverted, but if we can control the Tailed Beast's movements, I'm confident I can awaken his consciousness. As for sealing the Tailed Beast..."
She hesitated. "I could manage it in his Jinchuriki state, but in full Tailed Beast form? I'm not sure. Shukaku itself is a Tailed Beast highly skilled in Sealing Techniques. I can't guarantee success."
Shikaku made his decision instantly. "We move out! The village's ninja and its people are Konoha's foundation. If we stop the Tailed Beast, we win this battle."
He didn't even mention the Third Hokage.
According to his plan, restraining the Tailed Beast and awakening Gaara would allow them to rally Sunagakure's forces under Gaara's banner. With two major ninja villages united, Orochimaru and the Sound Village ninja wouldn't last long. As for the Third Hokage? He'd have to fend for himself.
"Naruto! Don't overdo it!" Sasuke warned in a low voice.
His usually dead-last companion now wore a grave expression, tirelessly using Shadow Clones as sacrificial decoys to divert Shukaku's attention.
Gaara's suffering resonated deeply with him. To free Gaara from his torment, Naruto was giving it everything he had.
Along the way, countless ninja and civilians had perished, and buildings lay in ruins.
Just as he was considering whether to use the Summoning technique to call upon Boss Gamabunta for help, the large figures of the Akimichi Family arrived on the scene.
Akimichi Choza utilized his clan's Multi-Size Technique, transforming into a giant over twenty meters tall. Wielding a long staff, he let out a battle cry and swung it down onto the Tailed Beast's left cheek.
Shukaku, enraged, spat out a wind-natured Chakra Ball straight at Choza.