met free Chapter 423 Orochimaru: I'll help my teacher maintain a respectable appearance
Chapter 423 Orochimaru: I'll help my teacher maintain a respectable appearance
As the muffled explosion rang out from the VIP viewing platform and thick smoke billowed into the air, it was as if a pre-arranged signal had been given. The Sound Ninja, lurking in the stands at each level of the circular arena, simultaneously dropped their disguises.
A dozen or so Sound Ninja scattered throughout the area, disguised as merchants, travelers, or ordinary villagers, simultaneously formed hand seals.
Chakra resonated at a specific frequency, transforming into a massive genjutsu field that rapidly spread throughout the entire arena.
"Ninja Art: Nirvana Abode Technique!"
As they finished their silent recitation, countless pure white, light, and faintly glowing illusory feathers appeared out of thin air without warning, like the first snow of winter, and began to flutter down in the air above the audience.
The feathers twirled and fell, carrying a tranquil yet eerie rhythm, reflecting a mesmerizing halo under the sunlight—beautiful to the eye, yet breathtakingly dangerous.
"Hmm? It's snowing?"
"Such beautiful feathers..."
"What's going on...?"
Countless ordinary people, minor nobles who came to watch the ceremony, merchants, and even most of the weaker chunin and genin, all had their eyes become confused and blank the moment they looked up and saw these falling feathers.
A strong wave of sleepiness washed over me, and my eyelids felt incredibly heavy.
The gasps and whispers, like snapped strings on a musical instrument, quickly subsided and disappeared.
People collapsed like dominoes, slumping down in droves, either sitting in their seats or sliding to the ground, falling into a deep and unnatural slumber.
In just a few breaths, the once noisy stands became deathly silent, with only a few determined or strong ninjas remaining standing.
"Ugh... I feel so dizzy..."
"These feathers...something's not right..."
"It's an illusion! Everyone, don't look at the feathers!"
The area in the middle tier of the stands where Kiba, Shino, Sakura, Tenten, Lee, and others were located was also affected.
The moment Kiba saw the feather, he collapsed along with Akamaru on his head.
Sakura felt her vision blur and the world spin around her; she felt weak and about to fall to the side.
He was already in poor condition, relying on crutches every day, and now he was even more unsteady on his feet.
"Damn it!" Xiao Li was so excited that he tried to shout to dispel his sleepiness, but his voice got softer and softer and his eyelids started to droop.
"Tenten! Sakura! Kiba, Shino! Lee! Wake up! Don't look at those feathers!"
Yakumo's anxious yet clear voice rang in their ears.
This girl, with her unique constitution and who constantly struggles against the illusions brought about by her own bloodline limit "Illusion True Life," possesses an extraordinary resistance to this type of large-scale hypnotic illusion.
She suppressed her mental discomfort, shook her companions' arms vigorously, and called their names, trying to pull them back from the illusion.
However, in the instant she was distracted by taking care of her companion, a chilling killing intent suddenly attacked from the side!
"Hmph, is there still a brat who hasn't fallen? He's in the way!"
A figure wearing a Konoha ANBU animal mask and an ANBU cloak lunged out from the side, his kunai gleaming with a chilling light, aiming straight at the unsuspecting Kurama Yakumo!
The movements were ruthless and swift, clearly indicating an intention to kill the victim with a single blow and eliminate the unexpected incident.
Yakumo felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end, and the shadow of death instantly loomed over him. However, his body was somewhat sluggish due to the previous resistance and mental exhaustion, and it was too late to dodge!
Clang—!
The piercing, sharp sound of metal clashing exploded in Yakumo's ears!
A kunai blocked the fatal blow in front of Yakumo, sparks flying everywhere!
Kurenai Yuhi appeared in front of Yakumo, completely shielding her behind her.
Those red eyes, now sharp as knives, were fixed on the ANBU member before them, their voice filled with rage: "You're not an ANBU! ANBU wouldn't attack a low-ranking ninja from their own village! Who are you?!"
The Sound Ninja, disguised as an Anbu member, missed her first attack and did not linger. She took two steps back, her eyes beneath the mask scanning the red figure before warily looking around.
He didn't answer Red's question, but silently pulled out another kunai with his left hand, clearly looking for the next opportunity or waiting for his companions.
"Do I need to explain my actions to you?" The Sound Ninja asked in a hoarse voice, trying to mislead the question.
"need."
A steady male voice took over the conversation.
Sarutobi Asuma's figure had appeared on the flank of the Sound Ninja at some point. Pale blue wind-style chakra flowed slowly around the pair of fist-shaped chakra blades in his hands, emitting a faint hum.
He held an unlit cigarette between his teeth, but his eyes were cold: "You don't have the scent of Konoha on you."
The Sound Ninja felt a chill run down her spine, knowing that her disguise had been completely seen through.
Without further ado, he let out a sharp, piercing whistle!
Before the whistle had even finished blowing, two audience members who had been sleeping soundly in their seats on either side suddenly jumped up!
They tore open their outer robes, revealing their inner Sound Ninja attire, and, wielding kunai and short swords, attacked Asuma and Kurenai from the left and right like scissors!
Their movements were swift and ruthless, and their teamwork was impeccable; they were clearly a highly trained combat squad.
However, the Jonin of Konoha are not easy to deal with.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Just as the Sound Ninja on the left leaped up, a green figure descended from the sky like a cannonball!
Might Guy had appeared from behind the high wall and railings without anyone noticing. He raised his right leg high, and with a loud bang that tore through the air, he delivered a powerful and heavy kick that slammed into the Sound Ninja's head like a battle axe!
boom!
The dull thud was mixed with the sickening crack of bones.
Before the Sound Ninja could even scream, he was slammed hard into the metal chair beneath him by Guy's heavy blow!
The hard seat back twisted and deformed instantly, the Sound Ninja coughed up blood from his mouth and nose, his head tilted at an unnatural angle, and he died on the spot.
Almost at the same time, the Sound Ninja on the right suddenly saw a silver-haired figure appear before his eyes.
Kakashi casually raised his right foot and stepped on the joint of the opponent's wrist holding the knife, grinding it lightly.
Click!
The cracking sound of the wrist bone breaking was clearly audible.
The Sound Ninja let out a miserable groan as the short sword slipped from his hand.
Kakashi's movements were fluid and graceful. With the force still lingering in his feet, he stepped forward and hooked his instep, striking his opponent's chin like kicking a ball.
"Hmm!"
The second Sound Ninja was kicked and flipped halfway through the air before crashing face down onto the ground. His nose broke, and teeth mixed with blood spurted out. He also lost consciousness instantly.
From the Sound Ninja's sudden sneak attack to being instantly defeated by Guy and Kakashi, the entire process took no more than two seconds.
Clean and efficient, without any hesitation, demonstrating the top-notch taijutsu skills and combat prowess of Konoha's elite Jonin.
The only remaining Sound Ninja disguised as an Anbu member had cold sweat beading on his forehead beneath his mask.
He hadn't expected his team to be defeated so easily, and he certainly hadn't expected that these Jonin from Konoha seemed completely unaffected by the Nirvana Abode Technique.
He subconsciously took a half step back, glancing at the VIP area where the Star Kingdom delegation was located in the distance, a hint of urgency flashing in his eyes.
"Friends from the Land of Stars!" The Sound Ninja suddenly raised their voices and shouted in that direction, their tone filled with urgency and panic.
"Aren't you going to make a move yet?!"
"What?!" Asuma, Kurenai, and Might Guy's expressions changed simultaneously upon hearing this!
Star Kingdom?
Could it be that the Land of Stars was involved in this attack?!
Kakashi narrowed his right eye slightly, his expression extremely serious.
He had just noticed that the group led by Uchiha Shisui, who were on the side of the Star Country delegation, disappeared silently shortly after the explosion and the genjutsu were activated.
His ominous premonition was now confirmed.
Swish!Swish!Swish!
Three figures leaped down from the high railing of the stands above the audience and landed steadily next to the Sound Ninja.
It was Yukimi, Ita-suke, and Neji.
After landing, Xuejian tossed her medium-length brown hair, and the freckles on her face still made her look somewhat lively like a young girl.
She glanced at the still-shaken Sound Ninja beside her with some displeasure, then pouted, her tone clearly annoyed: "Hey, you Sound Ninja over there, watch your tone. We, the Star Country, are just doing what we need; we're not your subordinates. Don't act like you can order us around."
Her words served as both a warning to the Sound Ninja and indirectly demonstrated the Star Country's stance on the matter to the Leaf Village.
Itada didn't speak, but silently took half a step forward, slowly reaching his right hand behind him to grasp the hilt of the knife wrapped in bandages.
As he channeled his chakra, the bandages shattered inch by inch, revealing the menacing, thick blade beneath!
He easily lifted the decapitation sword with one hand, pointing it diagonally at the ground, naturally exuding a heavy and sharp sense of oppression.
Neji Hyuga, who had activated his Byakugan, stood on the other side.
His pure white eyes were surrounded by bulging veins, and his vision instantly covered the entire area.
He turned slightly to the side, adopting the most classic starting stance of the Hyuga Gentle Fist, with his palms facing each other, chakra gathering at his fingertips and palms, his posture composed.
The appearance of the three from the Land of Stars instantly brought the atmosphere here to a freezing point.
Asuma took a slow breath, removed the unlit cigarette from his mouth, and held it between his fingers.
His gaze swept over Yukimi and the other two with a serious expression, finally settling on Yukimi, who seemed to be the leader, and he asked in a deep voice, "So, this attack on Konoha was orchestrated by your Land of Stars?"
His voice was filled with suppressed anger. He had strongly opposed the Land of Stars sending people to participate in the Chunin Exams, believing there was some conspiracy involved. But the old man had told him that diplomacy could avoid war. Now it seemed that he had let the wolf into the house.
Kakashi's gaze was fixed on Yukimi, a lively girl who had shared a deep bond with him and Yamato during his low point in life.
"Xuejian, why? Why did the Land of Stars choose this time and this method to launch an invasion of Konoha? What exactly does your Asura want to do?"
Faced with Asuma's questioning and Kakashi's sharp gaze, Yukimi's lively expression vanished, replaced by a solemn look.
She sighed softly and explained, "Kakashi, first of all, please allow me to clarify one point: the one who launched the attack on Konoha today was not our Land of Stars, but Orochimaru."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the direction of the VIP viewing platform not far away, where the smoke and dust had not yet completely dissipated.
"Our goal in the Land of Stars is not to invade Konoha or to cause unnecessary bloodshed." Yukimi's voice was clear, ensuring that every word could be heard.
"Our main purpose in coming here is to help the Uchiha clan reclaim the legacy that rightfully belongs to them but was left behind in Konoha due to historical reasons."
"Orochimaru?!" Kurenai Yuhi exclaimed in shock, her red pupils trembling slightly, filled with disbelief.
Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, was actually the mastermind behind this attack?
Kakashi and Asuma's expressions also became extremely serious.
Orochimaru's legendary status as one of the Three Legendary Sannin resounded throughout the Second Shinobi World War, but they weren't even born yet.
They were more aware than anyone else of the threat Orochimaru posed.
If Orochimaru was indeed in charge, then the danger of this attack will far exceed their expectations.
The phrase "retrieving the Uchiha's relics" mentioned by Yukimi touched Konoha's most sensitive nerve.
"The Uchiha...legacy?" Asuma frowned.
"Yes." Xuejian nodded firmly, without explaining what kind of "inheritance" it was, but her attitude made it clear that there was no room for negotiation.
"So, I'm sorry, Kakashi, today we are each serving our own masters and have our own missions." As she finished speaking, a faint wisp of smoke began to emanate from Yukimi's body.
Itada's assistant slightly raised the guillotine, its blade pointing diagonally forward.
Neji's Byakugan locked onto Kakashi and Guy, who were closest to him.
Battle is imminent!
Meanwhile, on the VIP viewing platform.
When Yamato led an elite ANBU squad through the chaotic crowd and the scattered resistance of the Sound Ninja, and arrived at the main stands, he found a scene of utter devastation.
The special Jonin responsible for protecting the Hokage, Namiashi Raido and Shiranui Genma, were covered in blood and pinned to the wall by several kunai, their fate unknown.
The seat that was originally occupied by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is now empty.
"Medical team! Quick! Rescue Raido and Genma!" Yamato shouted the order, and two medical ninjas accompanying the team immediately stepped forward.
He suddenly looked up, towards the rooftop.
On the golden glazed tile roof, several figures stood.
"On the roof! Follow me!" Yamato didn't hesitate and took the lead in leaping onto the railing, rushing onto the sloping roof in one bound.
Several elite members of the secret service followed closely behind.
The view was even clearer from the rooftop.
Orochimaru, disguised as the daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields, "Yamada Nobuyuki," had already used kunai to hold the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, hostage, and retreated to a position slightly behind the center of the rooftop.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was ashen, clearly furious and humiliated by the sudden change in the situation and his own subjugation.
Meanwhile, the four guards who had been following Orochimaru all along tore off their magnificent outer robes, revealing their true faces.
These were none other than Orochimaru's most trusted Sound Four: Sakon, Ukon, Kidomaru, Tayuya, and Jirobo!
The four of them were now scattered at the four corners of the roof, each occupying a position, their hands forming a mudra.
"Ninja Technique·Four Purple Flame Formation!"
As the four of them shouted in unison, purple chakra surged out of their bodies like burning flames, rapidly extending and connecting upwards, instantly forming a four-sided columnar purple barrier that completely enveloped the central area of the roof!
On the barrier wall, purple flames burned silently, emitting terrifying high temperatures and chakra fluctuations, completely isolating the inner and outer spaces!
"Hokage-sama!" Yamato rushed to the edge of the barrier, his heart filled with anxiety.
One of the undercover agents, rushing too fast, tried to touch the edge of the barrier with his hand, searching for a flaw.
Sizzle—!
"Aaaaaah—!!"
Purple flames instantly coiled around the arm of the ANBU member!
The terrifying heat and corrosive chakra caused him to let out a shrill scream, and his entire arm instantly turned charred black, with the skin torn open!
"Don't move! Back off!" Yamato's pupils shrank as he shouted sharply, stopping the other Anbu members who wanted to move forward.
He stared intently at the burning purple barrier: "It's the Four Purple Flame Array!"
This barrier ninjutsu requires four ninjas with similar chakra natures and perfect teamwork to perform. It has extremely strong defensive capabilities and counter-attack characteristics. Forced attacks will only result in burns or even being devoured by the barrier's flames!
The most important thing right now is to stabilize the situation, control the chaos, and seek support.
"First squad, remain in place and monitor the situation within the barrier, ready to rescue the Hokage!"
"Second and third squads, immediately eliminate all enemies in the venue and protect the audience's safety!"
"Communications team! Immediately send a top-level emergency distress signal to all village garrison units, barrier teams, medical teams, and Jonin teams! Notify all clan leaders to activate emergency plans! Hurry!"
Yamato swiftly issued a series of orders, demonstrating the qualities expected of a captain of the ANBU.
The secret agents immediately split up, with several figures carrying communication equipment shooting towards various parts of the arena.
But Yamato's heart sank.
The Four Purple Flame Formation is complete, indicating that the opponent came prepared. It is almost impossible to break it from the outside in a short period of time.
And inside the barrier...
The atmosphere within the barrier was eerie.
"You are not Yamada Nobuyuki." Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly spoke as a kunai was pressed against his neck.
"Although Yamada Daimyo is physically weak, he would never have eyes like yours or skills."
"Hehehehe..." Yamada Nobuyuki, who was holding him hostage, let out a low and pleasant laugh. The laugh gradually became cold and hoarse, and then returned to his original voice.
"Sarutobi-sensei, you really have a bad memory. You can't even recognize your most prized student?"
The kunai's blade rotated slightly, making the icy touch even more distinct.
At the same time, Yamada Nobuyuki slowly raised his free left hand, groped around his face for a moment, and then suddenly tore it open!
Stab it!
A finely crafted human skin mask was torn off, revealing a pale, effeminate face beneath it, with cold, pleased eyes that gleamed in golden snake-like pupils—Orochimaru!
Upon seeing that all-too-familiar face and hearing the word "Teacher," Hiruzen Sarutobi trembled.
Despite having some suspicions, the confirmation still sent a chill down his spine and filled him with heartache.
"So it really was you, the mastermind behind Otogakure..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was even drier. He didn't turn around, his gaze piercing through the purple barrier, landing on the chaotic arena below, and the thick smoke rising from the direction of Konoha's gate in the distance, along with the sounds of explosions.
"So, is the Land of Stars also your ally?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank as he recalled the suddenness of the Land of Stars' participation in the Chunin Exams and Shisui's arrival.
Orochimaru's power alone is not enough to threaten Konoha, but what if the Land of Stars also gets involved...
"Teacher is still so perceptive." Orochimaru released the kunai that was pressing against Hiruzen Sarutobi's back, and even took two steps back, not caring at all that the other party might retaliate.
He calmly straightened his collar, which was slightly disheveled from removing his mask, and stuck out his long tongue to lick the blade of the kunai in his hand, his movements eerie.
"However, you're half right." Orochimaru's golden snake eyes swept across the area below, lingering for a moment in the direction where the Star Country delegation had originally been seated, a meaningful smile curving his lips.
"The Hidden Sound Village is indeed my toy. As for the Land of Stars? Heh, we do have some cooperation, but it's just a matter of each getting what they need."
He spread his hands out, as if showing off his "masterpiece".
The sounds of explosions and fighting gradually escalated in the stadium below, large numbers of unconscious people were in the stands, and alarms and commotion could be faintly heard from various parts of the distant village.
"Look, teacher, the big tree in Konoha still looks lush and leafy on the outside, but its roots have long been hollowed out and crawling with snakes, insects and rodents."
"And you, you've been sitting at the top of the tree for too long, so long that you can no longer see the decay at the roots or hear the mournful cries inside the trunk."
Orochimaru's voice carried a strange, chanting rhythm, full of mockery.
"I advised you long ago to elect a Fifth Hokage as soon as possible, to let someone more energetic and capable of change take over, but what did you do?"
"I would rather watch Konoha gradually lose its edge in your hands, becoming bloated, sluggish, and filled with nauseating hypocrisy and darkness."
He took a few steps forward and stood side by side with Hiruzen Sarutobi, looking down at the chaotic Konoha as if admiring a work of art that was about to be completed.
"So, teacher, I'm here." Orochimaru turned his head, his golden vertical pupils fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi's aged profile.
"I'm here to help you... bring things to a close, to give your long and illustrious term a dignified end!"
"Today, right here, before the 'future' you once placed your hopes on, under the watchful eyes of everyone in Konoha..."
"Your proudest student will see you off on your final journey!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Orochimaru unleashed a cold, viscous killing intent and chakra!
The purple barrier flames seemed to tremble in response.
The Sound Four's eyes were filled with fervor.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
When he opened his eyes again, the weariness, heartache, and hesitation in his aged eyes had all been suppressed, leaving only the unwavering determination and resolve of "Renxiong," who had been tempered by countless trials and tribulations to protect the village.
He unbuttoned the top button of the Hokage's robe, revealing the ninja armor he wore for combat underneath.
Memories of letting Orochimaru go in the past flooded back.
"Orochimaru..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly within the barrier, carrying a sense of vicissitude and heartbreak.
"It seems I was too soft-hearted back then."
"However, it's never too late to correct a mistake."
"Today, let me, your teacher, give you your final lesson: what the true Will of Fire truly is!"
As the Hokage's robes fluttered, a powerful chakra, like a dormant volcano, began to slowly awaken and roar within the elderly Hokage's body.
The purple Four Purple Flame Array, like a magnificent coffin, completely isolated this life-or-death duel between master and disciple, between ideals, and between the past and the future, from the outside world.
Outside the battleground, the collapse of Konoha and the flames of war have already spread like wildfire.