Chapter 96: The Hokage Won't Fall So Easily - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 96: The Hokage Won't Fall So Easily Gaara was being ruthlessly pummeled by Sasuke! "So this is the Armor of Sand?" Sasuke punched through the sandy layer on Gaara's face, motioning with a hand as he laughed lightly, "Come on!" "If you don't make a move, I'll go first!" In the audience, Hinata could hardly bear Sasuke's way of fighting. She glanced around, first spotting Neji, but failed to find Choji. "Sigh!" Hinata sighed. Since she was a contestant and had to participate in the match, she hadn't brought any snacks along. She had expected Choji to bring some, but it seemed he had been hospitalised by Neji... In August, under the blazing sun, Sasuke and Gaara's battle was in full swing, reaching its zenith. Meanwhile, the start of Orochimaru's plan to crush the Leaf Village was drawing ever closer. The Leaf Village had already caught the scent of war. Although they only had some information on Orochimaru, and perhaps the Sand Village's involvement, the specifics of the enemy's attack remained unknown to the Leaf for now. Nevertheless, the Leaf Village had gone into a state of war readiness. Civilians began evacuating, and ninjas were stationed throughout the village. At the Hyuga household, Hiashi Hyuga dispatched a portion of branch family ninjas to assist the Leaf in scouting external enemies, yet retained more forces to defend the Hyuga premises. No one could argue that Hiashi's actions were inappropriate. The Byakugan of the Hyuga main family was the Leaf's most potent strategic asset aside from tailed beasts. In truth, every major ninja clan focused firstly on protecting their own family, and only secondly on the village. Although the Leaf appeared somewhat lacking in strong fighters lately, if truly challenged, not even the Cloud Village could rival the Leaf. With Danzo lurking in the shadows and Jiraiya and Tsunade wandering the lands, the true strength of the Leaf lay hidden. Take Might Guy, for example. Even if all four of the Kage attacked together, he'd nearly finish them off. If Might Guy really unleashed his full strength, he could take down the Kage of the Leaf along with leaders from other villages. Moreover, if all the clan leaders joined forces, they could easily keep Orochimaru at bay in the Leaf. But intriguingly, as depicted in the original narrative, when the plan to crush the Leaf commenced, neither Might Guy opened a single gate nor did any clan leader come to support at the arena. It was as if everyone believed the Third Hokage could defeat Orochimaru. Kakashi and Might Guy, both elite ninja, meanwhile continued dealing with minor foes at the arena. Those sound ninja could be defeated in one punch, yet the two were made to appear incredibly beleaguered. Genma Shiranui was locked in a face-off with Baki, neither launching an attack. Jiraiya seemed to be offering outside support... The problem was, even the Third Hokage himself didn't believe he could defeat Orochimaru. And for this, Danzo was to blame. The Third was highly esteemed by the Leaf's villagers and ninjas alike, after all, everyone attended his funeral, weeping profusely... Understanding the current strengths of the Leaf thoroughly, Hinata was utterly unfazed by the so-called "plan to crush the Leaf." Though the Leaf seemed slightly short of hands now, the Sand Village had already been on a steady decline. Since Orochimaru killed the Fourth Kazekage, other than Chiyo and her brother Ebizo, did the Sand have any powerhouse left to boast? After the Fourth Kazekage’s death, the position had remained vacant for years until Gaara grew into it. As for Orochimaru's Sound Village, apart from those with bloodline limits, there were hardly any noteworthy fighters. While the younger generation of the Leaf hadn't fully matured, there was palpable hope for the future. And as for the Sand Village’s hope? It lay solely in Gaara. Hinata, therefore, pondered on how to garner enough renown. After all, this task was entrusted to her by her father Hiashi Hyuga. Until she inherited the Hyuga household, she ought to behave dutifully. In the meantime, she'd resolve to spar frequently with Hiashi to refine her jutsu... On the ground, Sasuke and Gaara's battle reached a critical moment. Gaara used sand to form a sphere, attempting to connect with Shukaku, planning to transform into a tailed beast and eliminate Sasuke... and potentially the certain Byakugan girl. Just as Sasuke's Chidori pierced Gaara's absolute defense... the strike finally began. In the audience area. Might Guy, the recognized No.1 Kakashi enthusiast in the ninja world, was eagerly explaining to the novice genins what Chidori and Lightning Blade entailed... The rookie ninjas listened in awe, exclaiming and casting reverent glances at Kakashi. Kakashi appeared nonchalant outwardly, but internally, he was thoroughly enjoying it. Naruto, in particular, watched Sasuke’s daring showmanship below with envy and admiration... Yeah! It was quite impressive! Feather-like objects began drifting down from above. The soft feathers seemed to carry a hypnotic effect, causing Hinata's eyes to grow heavy as she swayed, nearly collapsing to the ground to sleep. "Hinata!" Kakashi said solemnly, "The Leaf is at its most critical juncture; we need your power now!" Alright! Catching the cue, Hinata formed a hand seal, "Release!" In passing, she broke the illusion on several teammates around her, stomping on a seemingly asleep Shikamaru multiple times, one foot landing directly on his face. Shikamaru got up with an innocent look, eyeing Hinata with a hint of grievance, "I knew retribution was coming!" Up on the high platform, the Third Hokage and the impostor Fourth Kazekage locked eyes. Orochimaru said calmly, "Let's begin!" 'Boom' Smoke bombs went off, and everyone in Hinata's vicinity turned their heads towards the direction of the platform. Orochimaru, seizing the Third, leaped onto the rooftop, with four Sound ninja revealing themselves, assuming positions at the four corners, weaving hand signs swiftly. "Ninja Art: Four Violet Flames Formation!" Below, Sand's Baki, Temari, and Kankuro blocked Gaara, while Genma Shiranui stood before Sasuke. These two elite jonin from opposing sides were about to engage in a lengthy standoff... until the war's conclusion. Kakashi glanced around and remarked lightly, "There sure are many foes!" And looking at the Leaf’s lineup, several Leaf ninja in the audience had already dispelled the illusion techniques, including jonin and chunin. As for those nearby... Hinata, Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Lee, Kiba, and Sasuke below... Together, they composed quite a decent force. Might Guy's expression was grave, "More than that, things have reached the worst-case scenario. Look closely at the central stage..." Kakashi focused his gaze and couldn't help but gasp, "Orochimaru!" Might Guy said with concern, "Honestly, I'm worried about the Hokage up there..." Kakashi gave a sidelong glance at the high platform, saying calmly, "Leave the top to the Anbu; the Hokage won't be so easily defeated, for he is... our Leaf Village's... Hokage after all!" Upon hearing this, Hinata glanced over at the high platform. Indeed! Only two Anbu were crouched outside the Four Violet Flames Formation... it seemed that area really could be entrusted to them. Moreover... she also believed the Hokage wouldn't fall so effortlessly! He was the mightiest Third Hokage, after all! How could he possibly lose to Orochimaru?