Konoha;
With the civilians from all districts safely evacuated to shelters, the Konoha ninjas could finally launch a full-scale counterattack.
Adding to this, Natsuki's Dimensional End's Congregation members displayed overwhelming power.
The Sand and Sound ninjas retreated even faster than in the original story.
"The Konoha Crush plan has failed," Kabuto, hidden in the shadows, muttered, pushing his glasses up his nose.
He anticipated that the Konoha Crush wouldn't succeed easily; after all, Konoha was known as the strongest ninja village.
Even after several periods of turmoil, and though its past glory had undoubtedly faded, its overall strength still commanded respect throughout the ninja world.
However, he hadn't foreseen that the ones who would dominate this war weren't the famous veteran ninjas, but a group of rookies who had just participated in the Chunin Exams.
Konoha truly lived up to its reputation as an incubator for geniuses.
But weren't there too many geniuses emerging in this generation?
Looking at the various districts, at the unstoppable figures like the The Giant Golden Buddha, the Giant of Light, Gururumon, Greymon, and the golden ripples in the sky that rained down weapons like artillary... Kabuto could only pity the Sand and Sound ninjas.
He figured many would be beaten so badly they wouldn't even recognize their own mothers.
Earlier, he had reminded Orochimaru to pay attention to Konoha's rising talents, like Natsuki and Hinata who gained fame a few years ago, as well as Choji, who could transform into an Ultraman.
However, Orochimaru remained focused on the Third Hokage and Sasuke.
Compared to other peculiar abilities, Orochimaru had become obsessed with the Sharingan after personally experiencing Itachi's prowess in the Akatsuki.
If his Cursed Seal of Heaven could be applied to these little monsters, what kind of results would it produce? he wondered.
"Forget it. It's better to leave Konoha quickly, lest I get caught up in this mess as well," Kabuto shook his head, dismissing these settled matters.
His entire body instantly transformed into smoke, vanishing without a trace from the corner.
When Natsuki fought his way back to the Chunin Exams arena, the place was already in ruins.
Shukaku was nowhere to be seen, and the Four Violet Flames Formation barrier had also disappeared.
A group of Konoha ninjas stood on the rooftop, the atmosphere heavy with grief.
'It seems the era of the Third Hokage has truly ended,' Natsuki sighed inwardly.
With a swift movement, he flew onto the roof of the exam building.
By now, most of Konoha's elite, such as Jiraiya, Might Guy, and Kakashi, had gathered there.
"Natsuki!
"Are you hurt?" His older sister, Kurenai, immediately spotted her younger brother as he flew over.
Seeing him covered in blood, her heart leaped into her throat.
She rushed over and, ignoring the grime on his body, embraced him tightly, checking him for injuries.
"N-No... I'm fine.
"This blood... it's all from the enemies," Natsuki said somewhat helplessly.
On his way back, a few more summoned snakes had sprung out.
He'd sent them flying into the sky with a single palm strike, shattering them into pieces.
The result was a downpour of blood and gore, and he'd momentarily forgotten to dodge, getting drenched.
"Thank goodness you're alright.
"You don't know... even the Third Hokage has fallen," Kurenai said, her voice filled with sorrow, holding her brother tightly.
"What? Lord Hokage… is dead?" Although he already knew the outcome, Natsuki feigned shock.
"Yes, Orochimaru did it," Kurenai said, her face serious. "From now on, if you see him, run. That man is as slippery and sinister as a snake. Even someone as strong as the Hokage fell victim to him."
Natsuki nodded with difficulty, "O-Okay."
Kurenai's hug was too tight.
Her fragrance overwhelmed the smell of blood, and her soft embrace almost made Natsuki sink into it.
Why does she seem…bigger? Don't tell me she's trying to beat Lady Tsunade?
"Alright, now's not the time for grief," Jiraiya, the Third Hokage's disciple and one of the Legendary Sannin, quickly composed himself and began directing the elite ninjas to deal with the aftermath.
"Konoha has suffered a great calamity, and there's much work to be done."
"Natsuki, you did well." Jiraiya had witnessed Natsuki's performance firsthand.
He not only eliminated the most threatening three-headed snake outside but also scattered hundreds of enemy ninjas.
This information, following the end of the war, quickly spread to those in charge.
"Natsuki, thank you for guiding Lee," Might Guy finally found a chance to express his gratitude.
Lee's ability to use the Hidden Lotus Palm was thanks to Natsuki's past guidance.
"It was nothing," Natsuki waved his hand dismissively, glancing at the several giant palm prints in the distance. "Where's Lee?"
"He chased the one tails outside the village with Naruto and Sasuke."
Good grief, they're actually going with that plotline?Don't tell me Naruto's going to successfully summon Gamabunta, unleash his Talk no Jutsu, and completely awaken Gaara?As expected the world is somehow overwriting this clusterfuck of a situation to develop the child of destiny.
Thinking of their long-winded scene about the bonds of Jinchuriki, Natsuki dismissed the idea of following them.
Night quietly descended over the grief stricken Konoha.
Cleansed of dust and blood, Natsuki soaked in the bathtub, enjoying the unparalleled comfort.
After all, it was his first time participating in such a fierce battle; it was inevitable that he would be physically and mentally exhausted.
Boom!!
Suddenly, a loud noise came from outside.
The door was hastily blasted open.
"Natsuki, you're famous!
"I can't believe you actually killed the three-headed snake and defeated hundreds of enemy ninjas!
"And… tell me, what was that move that created the image of a thousand-meter Buddha? Why was I the last to know?!" His sister, who had just returned home after completing her mission, shouted excitedly.
After checking several rooms, she kicked open the bathroom door.
"Uh... isn't that common talk in the village right now? Why are you only finding out now?
"And don't just barge in! I'm taking a bath!" Natsuki rolled his eyes.
"I was assigned to escort the Academy students to the underground shelter. I actually missed my little brother's moment of glory! And I was worried sick about you for nothing!
"No way, you have to show me that! Let me see this legendary technique that everyone's praising to high heavens!" Kurenai stormed in, glanced at Natsuki, then curled her lip.
"Tch, hurry up. Otherwise, I'll have to step in and wash you myself, just like in the old days" After delivering a threat, Kurenai turned around and walked out as if nothing had happened.
"Oh really? How can I refuse my big sister's offer." Natsuki wasn't backing down either; he'd never lost a verbal sparring match with her in recent years.
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