Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 274 The Konoha Crush Plan Begins (Part 4)

All the Konoha ninja present saw Hiruzen Sarutobi being held hostage and were somewhat flustered. Hiruzen Sarutobi's loyal followers rushed over immediately and attacked the barrier.

However, this barrier technique was specially prepared by Orochimaru for Konoha. How could these Konoha ninja possibly break through the barrier's barrier? The Konoha ninja who charged the fastest was instantly engulfed by the flames on the barrier. This caused the other Konoha ninjas, who were still preparing to make a good impression on the Hokage, to stop in their tracks and could only watch from the outside.

As the barrier rose, the ninjas from Sand Village and Sound Village officially began their invasion, and the Konoha Crush plan was officially launched. The Sand and Sound ninjas on the field shed their disguises and began attacking the Konoha ninjas. Temari and Kankuro quickly arrived at Gaara's side, and their instructor also arrived. Seeing Gaara unconscious, they knew there was no chance to force him to release his tailed beast. They could only have Temari and Kankuro heal Gaara first, allowing him to recover quickly before returning to release the tailed beast.

Temari and the other two didn't dare delay, helping Gaara up and heading towards the outer perimeter. The referee of the assessment also hurriedly tried to stop them from leaving, but was blocked by the Sand Ninja in front of him and had no chance of getting rid of them. He could only turn his attention to Uchiha Sasuke, who was still standing there. Judging from the strength that Sasuke had just displayed, he should be at the level of a Jonin and should be able to support the referee in completing the mission of chasing down the Sand Ninja. While resisting the attack of the Sand Ninja leading the team, he spoke to Uchiha Sasuke: "Uchiha Sasuke, I'm issuing you an emergency mission now: chase down the Sand Ninja team that just left and capture them all."

Sasuke Uchiha was in a daze, not understanding how the Chunin Exams had turned out this way. Hearing the referee's words, he snapped out of his daze, flashed a confident smile, and replied, "So, I'll just continue with my Chunin Exams, right!" With that, he gave chase along the route his opponents had taken. The Sand Ninja team leader, who tried to stop him, was blocked by the referee's ninja, allowing Sasuke to continue his pursuit.

Kakashi Hatake, watching from a distance, felt a pang of worry. He quickly made a decision, his figure flashing as he swiftly appeared beside Sakura Haruno, saying, "Sakura, this level of genjutsu shouldn't have much effect on you. Now I'll give you a task. Immediately wake Naruto, then assist Sasuke in completing the mission. Your team leader this time is Shikamaru Nara." He then quickly formed hand seals, pressing his palms to the ground, summoning a ninja dog.

Nara Shikamaru, no longer bothering to feign unconsciousness, looked up at Hatake Kakashi. He knew the importance of this mission; Konoha was in chaos, and only genin like them, who hadn't yet passed their proficiency tests, could be sent on this mission.

"This mission is Rank A, so safety is paramount. If we really can't complete the mission, just bring Sasuke back safely," Kakashi Hatake added. He trusted Shikamaru Nara's wisdom to assess the situation and make the best arrangements.

Watching Naruto and the others leave quickly, Kakashi Hatake felt somewhat relieved and focused his attention on the battle. Beside him were Mike Gai and Kurenai Yuhi, along with other Jonin leading the team. Although the number of Sand and Sound Ninja was considerable, they were still manageable for the Jonin. Kakashi couldn't help but glance at the rooftops in the distance, a few guesses forming in his mind.

"Don't worry! He's our strongest Hokage, more than enough to handle the enemy. What we need now is to protect the safety of the civilians in the area." Kakashi Hatake stopped the group who were about to go to support Hiruzen Sarutobi, telling them to focus on dealing with the enemies present.

Upon seeing the situation, Hiruzen Sarutobi also showed a hint of panic, as there was no one there to support him. His only hope now was to try and communicate with the enemy, since Konoha's strength was far beyond what Sunagakure could challenge. He could also use this as leverage to force them to release him.

"Lord Kazekage, are you proposing a full-scale war between Konoha and Sunagakure?" Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with considerable confidence when mentioning Konoha. While Konoha had indeed declined considerably in recent years, the foundation laid by the previous two Hokage was far too deep for Sunagakure to match.

Orochimaru, hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's outwardly strong but inwardly weak words, immediately felt bored. His teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had completely lost the spirit of a former ninja hero, becoming nothing more than a politician who only knew how to manipulate power. Konoha didn't need politicians now; it needed iron and blood to awaken the fighting spirit of the village. He was utterly disappointed in his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi; the latter was the biggest obstacle to Konoha's revival. So today, let his teacher die with his last shred of dignity!

In that instant, Orochimaru released his grip on Hiruzen Sarutobi. He knew his teacher's strength and reputation well and therefore wished to give him a glorious and just death. As Orochimaru released him, Hiruzen felt a surge of luck. "It seems Konoha's reputation truly has immense power; this war might end quickly," Hiruzen thought to himself, secretly pleased, but also beginning to plot how to use this opportunity to enhance his prestige. However, just as Hiruzen was contemplating the future, Orochimaru's hoarse voice once again broke his thoughts.

"Sarutobi-sensei, after all these years, can't you even recognize me anymore? I'm truly disappointed!" As he finished speaking, Orochimaru reverted to his original voice and removed all the disguises he had made as the Fourth Kazekage, including the mask and face, revealing his true face.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was utterly horrified upon seeing the figure before him. He never imagined that the Fourth Kazekage was actually Orochimaru in disguise. Orochimaru had personally declared himself a rogue ninja of Konoha and even sent Jiraiya to capture him. He had genuinely wanted to eliminate Orochimaru back then, and he knew Orochimaru's personality and strength very well. If Orochimaru hadn't been eliminated, many in Konoha would still have wanted him to inherit the Hokage position. But Orochimaru shouldn't have had any interest in the Hokage position. So what was he trying to do upon returning to Konoha, and why was he causing such a commotion?

"Orochimaru! What exactly are you trying to do?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's emotions were incredibly complex, a mixture of anger and bewilderment. Orochimaru, his former disciple who had grown up in Konoha, had now plunged the entire village into war. This pained and disappointed Hiruzen.

He simply couldn't understand Orochimaru's motives. Such actions must come at a huge cost, but what purpose could drive Orochimaru to do something so insane? Hiruzen Sarutobi racked his brains but still couldn't guess Orochimaru's true intentions.

However, Orochimaru has been regarded as a traitor to Konoha regardless. Konoha would never accept a defector as their leader. Furthermore, Orochimaru possesses extensive knowledge of many of Konoha's ninjutsu lineages, and if he harbors ill intentions, he would pose a significant threat to the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered to himself, "Could it be that Orochimaru has some other unknown conspiracy? Or does he simply want to destroy Konoha Village?" These questions troubled him.

"Sarutobi-sensei, Konoha is like a rotten windmill, needing fresh air to make it turn again. And I am that fresh air. Now, making Konoha's windmill turn again is that simple." Orochimaru said calmly, a mysterious expression on his face.

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. He knew perfectly well what Orochimaru meant; he was an obstacle to the turning of Konoha's windmill. But he absolutely could not accept relinquishing his power. Anyone who wanted to take it from him was his mortal enemy.

"Orochimaru, the peace of Konoha Village must not be destroyed by you. As the Hokage of Konoha Village, I will bury your ambition here and now!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said resolutely, determined not to let anyone affect his authority.

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Orochimaru's last glimmer of hope vanished. He had initially thought that Hiruzen, as his former teacher and mentor, would understand his thoughts and aspirations, but now it seemed that this was merely wishful thinking on his part.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's obsession with the Hokage position had reached a fever pitch, to the point that he was even willing to turn against Orochimaru. Orochimaru realized that Hiruzen Sarutobi was no longer the teacher he respected, but a selfish man blinded by power.

He couldn't help but feel angry. This man who had once taught them to protect Konoha and to dedicate themselves to the village had now become the biggest obstacle to Konoha's development. He knew perfectly well that he was no longer suitable to serve as Hokage, yet he stubbornly refused to let go, denying Konoha a chance to develop normally.

Orochimaru began to question Konoha's place in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. Was Konoha merely his personal property? What about the ninjas who shed blood and sacrificed themselves for Konoha, silently protecting the village? Were their sacrifices and efforts ignored?

At this moment, Orochimaru's disappointment in Hiruzen Sarutobi transformed into rage. His gaze towards the other man was devoid of any respect. His killing intent erupted completely; he no longer wanted to reason with him, but rather quickly give him a final moment of dignity. Otherwise, he feared he might lose control and utterly ruin Hiruzen's reputation.

Faced with such overwhelming killing intent, even Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill run down his spine, but he still clung to a sliver of hope. Based on his understanding of Orochimaru's character, he believed that even if Orochimaru defeated him, his life wouldn't be in danger. After all, he was Orochimaru's teacher, and had been instrumental in his education.