BOOM!
The earth trembled as a massive structure of gleaming red crystal shot up from the ground, encasing Gojo in an impenetrable cage. Inside, Gojo stood unfazed, hands tucked casually in his pockets, lollipop still hanging from his mouth as he surveyed his surroundings with mild amusement. Black, ominous runes pulsed over the crystal's surface—clearly a high-level sealing technique.
In the stands, the crowd was frozen in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Guren smirked, watching the chaos unfold. "An hour of prep work just for you," she taunted, her voice dripping with satisfaction. With a flourish, she pressed her hands to the ground, the air around her crackling with chakra. "Crystal Style: Crystal Wall Eight Formation!"
A dense pink mist enveloped the arena as a massive hexagonal crystal materialized around Gojo, crackling with energy. This was Guren's strongest barrier, capable of containing even a tailed beast at full power.
She wiped the sweat from her brow, panting slightly. "Two seals should be more than enough to hold you, Gojo. Don't take it personally."
Kurenai, watching from the stands, paled as the situation unfolded. Her eyes darted from Gojo trapped in the crystal to the woman responsible, her hand tightening around a kunai, ready to strike.
But before she could act, Guren moved swiftly, her other hand wrapping around Sakura's throat, the kunai pressing dangerously against her neck.
"Don't even think about it," Guren sneered, glancing over her shoulder. "One wrong move, and she's dead."
Sasuke's eyes widened, his mind racing. "She... she moved so fast. Not even my Sharingan could track her."
"Naruto, stop!" Kurenai's voice snapped through the tension, her tone sharp. She could see Naruto preparing a jutsu, his fingers forming seals.
Naruto froze, his fists clenched in fury. "Sakura-chan!" he shouted, his eyes burning with anger, but he reluctantly dropped his hands, grinding his teeth in frustration.
Sakura, pale but defiant, called out, "Kurenai-sensei… forget about me. Focus on the enemy!"
Kurenai hesitated, her eyes flashing with a mix of fury and concern. "Are you from the Hidden Sound? What's your objective here?"
Guren let out a soft chuckle. "Ha! Like I'd tell you." She smirked as four more Sound ninjas dropped down around the crystal, sealing Gojo within yet another layer of defense.
"Four Purple Flame Formation!" they chanted in unison, and four shimmering purple walls sprang into place, enclosing Gojo in a double-layer of nearly impenetrable barriers.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, observing from a high platform, clenched his fists in anger as chaos erupted throughout the village. A small, dark smile curled at the corner of the Fire Country Daimyo's lips as he subtly removed his disguise.
"Orochimaru..." Sarutobi's voice was tight with recognition, his heart sinking as he saw his former student's smug expression.
Orochimaru licked his lips, chuckling darkly. "It's been too long, sensei. I see you're still as naive as ever."
"Orochimaru... why can't you let go of this hate?" Sarutobi's voice trembled with barely contained fury.
Orochimaru sneered, his eyes cold. "I have no intention of forgiving the village. And as for Gojo Satoru... I've made my preparations." His gaze turned to his four clones, who were each erecting another "Four Purple Flame Formation" barrier around the arena.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the stadium, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata watched with growing concern. Kurenai, sensing the escalating danger, shouted urgently, "Kiba, Shino, get Hinata out of here now!"
Kiba's jaw tightened as his eyes flicked between Gojo trapped in the crystal and Sakura, held hostage. His face darkened, and without hesitation, he scooped up Hinata, nodding to Shino to follow. "Take care of them, sensei," he muttered as he rushed off.
"Let go of Sakura-chan!" Naruto roared, his voice laced with raw emotion as his chakra swirled around him, a faint red tint flashing in his eyes.
"Oh?" Guren raised an eyebrow, pressing her kunai harder against Sakura's neck. "So, you're the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails? Let's see which is faster—your chakra or my kunai?"
Naruto's expression darkened, but he didn't make a move. His hands were still clenched, every inch of him trembling with frustration. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Future Hokage!" he declared, his voice unwavering despite the situation.
Sakura shivered, her body trembling slightly, but she mustered a weak, yet brave smile. "I'm sorry, Gojo-sensei…"
Inside the crystal cage, Gojo casually raised an eyebrow. He rapped his knuckles against the crystal wall and pointed his lollipop at Guren with a deadpan expression.
"Oh, and by the way…" His voice, muffled by the barrier, was nonchalant. "Next time, include a soundproof function. Otherwise, I'll be leaving you a one-star review."