Chapter 30: The Invasion Begins
The atmosphere in the stadium shifted dramatically as Kabuto Yakushi, revealing his true allegiance, activated a powerful genjutsu. The spectators, unaware of the impending threat, fell into a deep sleep, their heads slumping forward. The once lively arena now echoed with the sound of snores and hushed whispers.
The signal had been given. The invasion of Konoha had begun.
From the shadows, Orochimaru emerged, his eyes gleaming with malice. With a swift, calculated movement, he seized both Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Fourth Kazekage, holding them hostage. His personal bodyguards, the formidable Sound Four, moved to establish a barrier around them, preventing any interference.
"Let the games begin," Orochimaru hissed, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
As the barrier formed, Konoha's ninja scrambled into action, but the sight of the giant azure dragon, a manifestation of Orochimaru's new powers, caused panic among the ranks. The dragon's roar echoed through the village, its sheer presence a testament to Orochimaru's formidable new abilities.
In the chaos, Sound ninja infiltrated Konoha, clashing with the village's defenders. Explosions rocked the village, and smoke began to rise from various parts of Konoha. The once peaceful village was now a battlefield.
Kaito, still reeling from his battle with Sasuke, stood with his teammates, Shikamaru and Choji. They watched in horror as the invasion unfolded before their eyes.
"We need to move, now!" Kaito shouted, snapping them out of their stupor.
The three Genin dashed towards the center of the village, their minds racing with strategies to defend their home. As they ran, they encountered groups of Sound ninja. Shikamaru's tactical genius, Choji's strength, and Kaito's Quake Release combined to fend off the attackers, but the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming.
Meanwhile, in the stadium, the unconscious audience was left vulnerable. The Genin who had been participating in the Chunin Exams were now thrust into a real battle, far beyond their training and experience. Naruto, Sakura, and the rest of the Rookie Nine, along with the Sand Siblings and other participants, found themselves fighting for their lives.
Naruto, alongside Sasuke and Sakura, faced off against a group of invading ninja. Drawing on his shadow clones and the demon fox's chakra, Naruto fought fiercely, determined to protect his friends and village. Sasuke, despite his recent battle wounds, utilized his Sharingan and Chidori to devastating effect. Sakura, though less experienced, provided critical support, using her medical knowledge to aid injured comrades.
At the heart of the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi faced Orochimaru, who had assumed his terrifying dragon form. Bound by the barrier, Hiruzen knew he had to act quickly to prevent further destruction.
"Orochimaru, why have you come to this?" Hiruzen asked, his voice filled with sorrow.
"To show the world the true power of my new abilities," Orochimaru replied, his voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance. "And to finally destroy Konoha."
With a grim determination, Hiruzen prepared to face his former student, knowing that the fate of Konoha rested on his shoulders.
As the battles raged on, the villagers of Konoha fought valiantly to protect their home. The Chunin Exams had become a distant memory, replaced by the urgent need to survive and repel the in