Chapter 84: Call for Help
Staring at the slowly crumbling barrier, the doppelganger couldn't help but feel a sense of unreality. Although he had long understood that the Four Violet Flames Formation would eventually reach its limit, and that the Sound Four, despite being competent, couldn't truly compare to a Kage-level opponent, it was still shocking to see it shattered through sheer brute force. It far exceeded his expectations.
"This is getting out of hand. The butterfly effect shouldn't be this exaggerated, right?"
From the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi unleashed his unusually powerful attacks, the doppelganger realized that the Third Hokage must have used the elixir he had distributed earlier. Hiruzen's inquiry about the potion's effects a month ago had already raised his suspicions.
But seeing the potion's full effect on someone of Hiruzen's caliber was astonishing. It was nothing like what had happened with Aoba Yamashiro, Hayate Gekkō, or even himself. The stronger the individual, the more unpredictable the effects became.
Just the temporary restoration of Hiruzen's once-dominant power had created a massive ripple effect.
"So that's the power capable of standing against a Ten-Tails Jinchūriki? The pinnacle of Five Elements Ninjutsu, truly terrifying."
The surrounding ANBU, witnessing the shattered barrier, were preparing to rush in and support the Third Hokage, but the doppelganger remained still, carefully retracting his presence and observing the unfolding situation. As this was just a clone, not as powerful as the original, rushing in wouldn't make much difference.
Meanwhile, within the barrier, Hiruzen was breathing heavily, watching the reanimated First and Second Hokage continuously regenerate despite his devastating attacks. Despite the immense strength temporarily restored by the potion, the immortal nature of the Edo Tensei kept them from being permanently defeated.
"At this rate, it's hopeless. Even with all this power, I can't get past them to reach Orochimaru."
Enma, in his staff form, voiced his concern, "Hiruzen, this isn't working. Their regeneration is too much to handle."
Hiruzen gritted his teeth, realizing the truth of the statement. "You're right. I thought I could handle it on my own, but I was wrong. There's no choice left."
He called back his shadow clones and quickly formed seals.
"Five Elements—Grand Elemental Barrage!"
With earth, water, fire, lightning, and wind all merging into one colossal wave of destruction, the combined force tore through the remnants of the barrier. The sheer power ripped through the formation, smashing into a nearby building and reducing it to rubble.
Orochimaru, barely managing to evade the blast, couldn't believe his eyes. "How? How can an old relic like you still have that much power?"
Hiruzen didn't answer, his gaze unwavering. "You've forgotten what it means to be Hokage, Orochimaru. Power is not just for destruction—it's to protect!"
The ANBU and Mizuki's doppelganger watched in stunned silence as the once-impenetrable barrier crumbled, revealing the battleground within.
"The barrier's down! We need to support Lord Hokage!" one of the ANBU shouted.
The doppelganger analyzed the situation quickly. "Target the weaker members of the Sound Four, Jirobo and Tayuya. Their chakra is the most unstable."
The ANBU coordinated their attacks, focusing on the weakest points, causing the remaining formation to finally collapse.
Meanwhile, out in the forest, the real Mizuki was tending to Shino's injuries when he sensed an approaching presence.
"Who's there?" Mizuki called out cautiously.
"It's me," came a calm reply as Aburame Shibi stepped out of the shadows.
Mizuki recognized him immediately. "Ah, Shino's father. You came just in time. Shino's injuries are manageable, but he's been poisoned, and I'm not skilled at detoxification."
Shibi nodded. "I'll handle it. You should continue your mission."
Mizuki gave a quick nod before rushing off, his mind focused on the massive chakra signature ahead.
"Finally... It's Shukaku," he murmured as he felt the sinister presence intensify.
Back in the ruined arena, Orochimaru was feeling increasingly uneasy. For the first time, he regretted underestimating his old sensei's determination and power. He had never anticipated that the barrier—one of his most secure measures—could be broken through brute force.
"The situation is unfavorable... I didn't foresee this. I need to retreat while I still can."
But Hiruzen wasn't about to let him get away.
"What's the matter, Orochimaru? Trying to run again? I won't allow it this time."
Orochimaru scowled. The memories of his teacher's former greatness clashed with the reality of the old man now standing before him. Despite his disdain for Hiruzen's weakness in governance, he couldn't deny the power he was witnessing.
"Still pretending to be a guardian, Sensei? You've lost your edge—too sentimental, too weak. The Hiruzen I knew would never have let me walk away alive back then."
Orochimaru's eyes darkened. Deep down, the frustration of seeing his idol—once a mighty figure—reduced to a gentle leader filled him with an insatiable desire to tear down everything that symbolized the past.
"I didn't come here to lose," Orochimaru sneered, drawing the Kusanagi blade from his mouth, preparing for one final confrontation.
On the village walls, Kakashi and Guy were handling the remaining invaders when they spotted the smoke signal.
"Kakashi, that's a signal from the Hokage!"
"Yeah... It means the barrier has been breached. The Hokage is calling for support to capture or eliminate Orochimaru."
Guy's expression turned serious. "Then we must hurry. We can't let Lord Hokage handle it alone."
"Right. Let's move!" Kakashi replied, already racing toward the scene.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke were still struggling against Gaara's monstrous transformation. Despite Naruto's relentless attacks and Sasuke's desperate efforts to keep fighting, the sand demon continued to grow more formidable, threatening to destroy everything in its path.
Sakura, tending to Sasuke's injuries, glanced worriedly at the ongoing battle.
"Naruto, be careful!" she called out as Gaara unleashed another massive sand wave.
But Naruto didn't back down. Drawing on his inner reserves, he steeled himself for the fight of his life.
"I won't let you destroy my village! Believe it!" he shouted defiantly, charging forward.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle filled the air, the fate of both the village and its heroes hung precariously on the outcome of the chaotic conflict.
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