Watching the numerous Konoha Ninja gradually approaching them,
the three of them exchanged glances, formed hand seals, and shouted in unison:
"Ninjutsu—Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
Under their combined efforts, a thick fog instantly covered the surroundings, rapidly spreading outwards at a visible pace.
"Before the Mist Ninja Force arrives, our mission is to stall them... or kill them!"
A faint voice echoed through the thick fog, followed by a louder cry that resounded all around:
"Konoha Ninja! Feel the terror from the Hidden Mist Village!"
——
Outside the Chunin Exams arena.
All the squad leaders, as well as all the other young generation apart from Hyuga Neji and Tenten, were gathered here.
Looking at the Third Hokage, who was fighting Orochimaru, and the numerous Anbu Ninja who were being suppressed by One-Tail Shukaku,
the young generation all had expressions of shock. Never having experienced war, they simply couldn't imagine how the peaceful scene from moments ago could suddenly plunge into the legendary chaos of war.
"Yuhi! Lead these Genin to a safe place. Don't worry about Lord Third for now."
"We must first curb One-Tail Shukaku's movements, otherwise, if he charges into the heart of Konoha, it will cause huge trouble!"
Asuma spoke with a heavy tone, glancing at Kakashi, who stood by his side.
Just as Kurenai Yuhi was about to say something, Kakashi, holding his forehead, spoke with a helpless tone:
"Though I don't want to say it, the current situation is indeed a bit troublesome. Protecting the Genin and attacking the Tailed Beast are equally important missions."
"That's right, they are Konoha's hope!"
Might Guy also nodded from the side, giving a thumbs-up and revealing a row of white teeth.
Kurenai Yuhi swallowed the words she was about to say, looked at the three of them helplessly, then lowered her head to look at Konoha's young generation, speaking in a gentle voice:
"Everyone, follow me for now, and let's leave this place."
Hearing Kurenai Yuhi's words, Shikamaru's eyes lit up.
However, when he saw Naruto, who was standing not far in front of him, looking like he was about to speak,
Shikamaru's expression changed, and he quickly stepped forward, preparing to cover Naruto's mouth.
He had originally pretended to be under a Genjutsu, but Naruto had called him out.
Now that they finally had a chance to leave this place, Shikamaru didn't want Naruto to ruin it again.
Unfortunately, Shikamaru was still a step too late. Just as his hand was about to cover Naruto's mouth, Naruto's voice had already reached everyone's ears.
"We are Ninja now, not kids from the Ninja Academy. How can we run away at a time like this!"
Naruto looked at Kurenai Yuhi, speaking excitedly.
After speaking, Naruto's gaze fell on One-Tail Shukaku, who was fighting the Anbu, and his heart trembled deeply.
That guy named Gaara... he's just like me, isn't he?
Shikamaru's hand froze in mid-air, then retracted. He slapped his own face, knowing—it's over!
Indeed, as Naruto's words, "How can we run away at a time like this," left his mouth, most of the young generation's faces showed expressions of agreement.
"That's right, at such a crucial moment, how could I possibly run away, right Akamaru!"
Inuzuka Kiba glanced at Naruto, his face full of agreement.
Akamaru: "Woof! Woof!"
"That guy should be my opponent in the match, right? My dictionary has never had the word 'retreat without a fight'."
Sasuke looked up in the direction of One-Tail Shukaku, his tone filled with fighting spirit.
Looking at the expressions on the young generation's faces, Kurenai Yuhi was stunned for a moment, then looked up helplessly at Kakashi and the others.
Kakashi frowned slightly, and just as he was about to say something, he suddenly looked up at the front.
Not just Kakashi, but Asuma and the others also looked in the same direction.
Rustle!
Slow footsteps came from the front!
"Though we don't have the advantage, we still have to stop you."
Yakushi Kabuto, with a smile on his face, appeared in the sight of Kakashi and the others.
Also appearing were Sand Ninja Maki, Temari, Kankuro, and some Otogakure and Sand Ninja.
Seeing this scene, everyone tensed up, while Naruto and a few of the young generation looked at Yakushi Kabuto with surprised expressions.
"You... why are you doing this?"
Naruto looked at Yakushi Kabuto, his voice filled with confusion and anger.
"Childish."
Yakushi Kabuto glanced at Naruto indifferently, speaking coldly.
"Everyone, you can't leave now even if you want to. You have no choice but to join the battle!"
Yuhi turned to face the young generation. Her voice was still gentle, but her tone carried a unique firmness.
"Just as I wished!"
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances and shouted simultaneously. Apart from Shikamaru's troubled expression and Hyuga Hinata's worried look,
the rest of the young generation were all eagerly rolling up their sleeves.
Compared to the excitement on Naruto's and the others' faces, Kakashi, Asuma, and the others had grave expressions.
The upcoming battle was not a competition like the Chunin Exams; people would die!
——
Successive explosions reached Jiraiya's ears, especially the immense, evil power emanating from Sarutobi-sensei's location.
That was Tailed Beast Chakra!
The Sand Ninja Village had actually released a Tailed Beast in Konoha!
Jiraiya's eyes flashed with a cold light as he looked at the Sand Ninja Force, which had already lost half its numbers and was in disarray from his attacks.
All of them were dealt with!
"Gamabunta!"
Jiraiya let out a soft cry, and Gamabunta, beneath his feet, immediately understood, opening his mouth wide towards the Sand Ninja Force.
Fire Release—Toad Oil Bullet!!
The enormous oil flame, combined with Jiraiya's and Gamabunta's Ninjutsu, swept over the Sand Ninja like a deluge.
The attack range was so vast that even if the Sand Ninja wanted to escape, they couldn't get out.
Moreover, the flames mixed with toad oil were difficult for even ordinary Water Release to resist.
Facing such an attack, all the Sand Ninja's faces showed expressions of despair.
Water Release—Bubble Jutsu!
Just then, a faint voice sounded in everyone's ears.
Countless Bubbles floated over from behind the Sand Ninja, forming a shield made entirely of Bubbles.
The intense heat of the Oil Bullet continuously collided with the Bubbles, causing explosions.
Each exploding Bubble could negate a portion of the Oil Bullet's power. It took a moment for Jiraiya's Ninjutsu to be completely nullified.
Jiraiya looked up towards the back of the Sand Ninja. A man in a light blue robe, holding a flute, stood quietly on a large tree.
"I originally thought the Sand Ninja Village would have some hidden trump cards, but now it seems you really are weak."
After exchanging glances with Jiraiya, Bubble looked down at the panicked Sand Ninja Force below, speaking in a teasing tone.
"We... we're saved."
A Sand Ninja stammered, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead and letting out a sigh of relief.
Jiraiya looked at the forehead protector Bubble wore, his eyes involuntarily narrowing.
Recalling Kakashi's warning in the office, Jiraiya's heart couldn't help but tremble.
Kakashi was right, but Konoha was in big trouble!