The stadium, a battlefield scarred by the clash of titans, trembled under the weight of Gaara's unleashed power. The Ichibi, a colossal sand-covered monstrosity, had fully manifested, its crimson eyes burning with malevolent intent. Sand, now a weapon of pure destruction, lashed out, tearing chunks from the arena's already battered floor.
Naruto, his breath ragged, braced himself against the oppressive aura of the Ichibi's chakra. He felt the last vestiges of Kurama's chakra, the brief surge of power that had momentarily bolstered him, fading away. A flicker of confusion crossed his face. "Why did that fox help me earlier, and why leave now?" he thought, his brow furrowed.
Gamabunta, his massive form a stark contrast to the Ichibi's chaotic energy, stood firm, his eyes fixed on the sand beast. The air crackled with the raw power emanating from both titans.
"Alright, kid," Gamabunta rumbled, his voice a deep, resonant growl. "Let's show this sand pile what we're made of."
The battle erupted, a clash of titans that shook the very foundations of the stadium. Gamabunta unleashed a torrent of fire, a blazing inferno that illuminated the arena, while the Ichibi retaliated with a barrage of sand attacks, each strike a devastating blow. Naruto, his movements fluid and precise, supported Gamabunta, weaving through the chaos, trying to find an opening.
The crowd, a sea of faces etched with terror, recoiled from the sheer destructive power of the fight. Their screams, a cacophony of fear, echoed through the stadium.
Orochimaru, his eyes gleaming with cold satisfaction, made his move. A wave of chakra, subtle yet potent, spread through the stadium, a silent killer. The genjutsu, a technique designed to incapacitate, began to take effect.
The Jonin, already on high alert because of Gaara, reacted swiftly. Kakashi, his Sharingan blazing, erected a barrier around himself and his immediate surroundings. Asuma, his chakra blades glowing, prepared to defend against any immediate threats.
Might guy, Kurenai Yuhi , Genma & other Jonins & Chunins because vigilant.
Gekko also already comes besides them ask,"Can we let Naruto to take care of that monster."
"That's Gamabunta, Jiraiya-sama's summoning beast & Naruto train under him for last month", Kakashi said without any flicker of doubt,"He will be able to take care of it."
"We should also start to take action, as Hokage-sama predicted, Orochimaru has started taking action", said Kurenai.
On the other side Sasuke, little worried, understanding that things are little different & more chaotic from original timeline, despite his try to not make much changes to alter it, atleast not...yet.
"Everyone, stay alert!" Sasuke called out, his voice sharp and commanding. He scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowed, warning those around him.
Meanwhile, Kankuro and Temari, their faces pale, watched in horror as Gaara's transformation reached its peak. The planned invasion, already teetering on the edge of chaos, was now spiraling out of control.
"This is a disaster," Temari whispered, her voice trembling.
"If this continues, the whole mission could fail," Kankuro added, his eyes wide with fear.
"Forget the mission, think about Gaara", Temari said with worried look for Gaara.
The stadium descended into chaos. The sleeping jutsu took effect, sending civilians and shinobi alike into a deep slumber. The Ichibi, unrestrained, continued its rampage, its destructive power tearing apart the arena.
The carefully orchestrated invasion of orochimaru, 'The Konoha Crush', had begun.