When Kakashi heard Naruto's words, he paused briefly, then nodded.
This was no longer a simple examination.
And this was their homeland.
Naruto could not always be protected behind others.
"Alright," Kakashi said solemnly. "But stay alert, Naruto. Don't let your guard down."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!"
Naruto nodded firmly.
At the same time
On the opposing side.
Maki and Kabuto Yakushi launched their assault without hesitation. They both understood clearly that as long as Gaara's tailed beast transformation was completed under protection, none of the jōnin present could contend with the power of Shukaku.
Only shinobi of Kage level could stand against a fully manifested tailed beast.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Blade!"
A sharp, eerie vibration spread through the air.
"Genma! Asuma!"
At Kakashi's call, Asuma Sarutobi and Shiranui Genma immediately responded.
The three separated, forming a semi-encirclement.
Clang!
In mere seconds, the jōnin clashed at full intensity. Around them, Sand and Sound ninja poured in relentlessly.
This Chūnin Exam arena had become the heart of the battlefield.
Whoever gained control here would seize the initiative of the entire invasion.
Above the arena.
Menma stood among the competitors' seating.
At the instant the battle erupted, he deliberately hesitated, mirroring the stunned reactions of Sasuke, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Tenten. At the same time, he allowed Kankurō and Temari who had already prepared to break away and rush down to assist Maki in guarding Gaara's sand cocoon.
Immediately afterward, Menma turned toward Sasuke and Sakura.
"Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi-sensei and the others will handle this. Let's deal with the remaining intruders. There are nobles and dignitaries from many countries here. We must protect them."
Neither Sasuke nor Sakura sensed anything unusual in his words.
"Ah."
"Understood."
Rock Lee and Tenten, still reeling from the sudden chaos, also nodded instinctively.
They could clearly see their jōnin instructors fighting desperately to defend the unconscious audience members.
Without hesitation, the five of them moved.
Their figures flashed as they landed atop the opposite platform.
Steel clashed.
Each chose a target and entered combat.
Yet unlike the others, Menma appeared only half-committed. Most of his focus remained fixed on the battle below on Kakashi, Maki, and Gaara's sand cocoon.
That was the true core of the Konoha Crush.
Time passed, second by second.
From close range, the chakra emanating from within the massive sand sphere grew increasingly violent and oppressive.
Under the Sharingan's perception, the fluctuations were unmistakable.
Gaara's transformation was nearing completion.
"Genma! Naruto!"
After a brief but intense exchange
Asuma locked Kabuto Yakushi in combat, while Kurenai restrained the incoming Sand and Sound reinforcements.
Kakashi surged forward, forcibly engaging Maki and another Suna jōnin.
The opening was brief but enough.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Naruto and Shiranui Genma leapt simultaneously, charging straight toward Gaara's sand cocoon.
"Damn it stop them!"
Maki's pupils contracted sharply.
He tried to disengage, but Kakashi gave him no opportunity.
Kankurō and Temari, originally assigned to guard Gaara, saw Genma approaching. Though they knew he was a tokubetsu jōnin, they clenched their teeth and moved forward.
The plan had to succeed.
"Naruto," Genma said calmly but firmly, stepping into their path, "leave these two to me. Destroy the sand cocoon."
"This is war. They are enemies of the village. Do not hesitate."
"I understand, Genma-san!"
Naruto replied with resolute determination.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A clone formed mid-motion.
Buzz!
Blue chakra condensed rapidly in Naruto's right hand.
"Rasengan!"
The moment it formed, a chilling pressure rippled through the air.
Seizing the instant Genma suppressed Temari and Kankurō
Naruto flashed above the sand cocoon.
Maki, Temari, and Kankurō all turned pale.
"No!"
At point-blank range, Naruto drove his palm downward.
The impact was imminent
Then
Whoosh!
A blood-red blur tore through the battlefield.
"What!?"
Before Naruto could react
Thud!
A crushing blow slammed into his abdomen.
The speed was overwhelming.
Naruto's chakra destabilized instantly.
The Rasengan collapsed.
His body was hurled backward.
Whoosh!
Bang!
He crashed heavily into the ground, dust erupting violently.
The sudden reversal stunned everyone nearby.
Kakashi, Genma, and Asuma all froze for an instant when they saw the attacker.
Naruto groaned, forcing himself upright, his eyes locking onto the figure before him.
His pupils shrank violently.
Shock and disbelief flooded his face.
"Menma…!? Why!?"
The words burst from him instinctively.
Ahead of Gaara's cocoon
Menma stood calmly, his body enveloped in a thin yet ominous layer of scarlet Nine-Tails chakra.
His gaze, fixed on Naruto, was cold beyond measure.
Unmistakably hostile.