Chapter 102: Otsutsuki Hinata Returns - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 102: Otsutsuki Hinata Returns After getting a rough idea of the situation with Hinata and the others and confirming that Naruto was not seriously injured, Jiraiya could finally put his mind at ease somewhat. However, the seal within Naruto seemed to have loosened significantly. Hinata’s ability to wield the Nine-Tails’ power might be attributed to some unique aspect of herself, yet the fact remained that the Nine-Tails and Naruto were inherently antagonistic. The Nine-Tails was like a prisoner, with Naruto being the prison that confined it. Hence, Naruto’s condition remained a cause for concern. Glancing at Gaara, Jiraiya advised, “You all head towards the arena. Be careful on the way and try to keep a low profile!” As he spoke, Jiraiya shot a meaningful look at Hinata. “There are still many Sand Shinobi invading the village. Don't provoke too many strong enemies, or you might end up biting off more than you can chew.” Hinata nonchalantly replied, “No worries, we have the Nine-Tails, so our chakra is continuous.” Jiraiya: “…” The journey from the village outskirts to the arena was fraught with difficulties for Hinata's group. Every battle encounter with Leaf Shinobi prompted Hinata to loudly declare that she had captured Gaara, using her provocation skill with adeptness. Sand Shinobi attempting to rescue Gaara were effortlessly defeated by the Leaf's genin. Gaara and his companions' feelings were extremely complex. Many Sand Shinobi lost their lives trying to save them, but it was the Sand and Sound Shinobi who had initiated the attack on the Leaf. Such was the nature of hatred among ninjas—whether passive or active, the moment one's comrade is killed, animosity is born. Yet, given the current situation, even if Gaara and his group wanted to intervene, it was beyond their capability. Gaara’s chakra points were sealed, Kankuro was gravely injured, having lost his puppet, and although Temari was unhurt, she was no match for Shino with the Nine-Tailed cloak. They were in no position to stop Hinata’s attacks. Should Hinata refrain from killing the Sand Shinobi, only to watch them kill Leaf Ninja instead? In the central arena, Kakashi, Guy, and Genma Shiranui were engaged in a standoff with Sand’s Baki and Kabuto Yakushi, disguised as Anbu. Though unharmed, all five were visibly exhausted and hadn’t fought for some time now. Apparently, Genma Shiranui had engaged in combat… “Leaf’s Genin Hinata Hyuga has captured Gaara of the Sand Village…” Hinata shouted as she leaped from the edge of the arena wall. Following her were five Leaf genin clad in the Nine-Tails cloak, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki Naruto, and the captured Gaara trio. The benefits of the Nine-Tails chakra were threefold. First, it enhanced various ninja capabilities and jutsu power. Second, it allowed rapid healing of some injuries. Third, the presence of the Nine-Tails cloak increased their resilience. Throughout their journey from the village outskirts to the arena, Hinata's group had been like unstoppable forces, leaving no trace after each battle, yet emerging completely unscathed from numerous engagements. Even their chakra reserves remained ample. The presence of Hinata's group immediately drew the attention of Kakashi and the others, especially Baki of the Sand, whose worry turned to near desperation. Gaara… captured? Did he not transform into Shukaku? Or did he transform and was still defeated? Impossible! Wait… those Leaf genin, do they possess the Nine-Tails' chakra? Has the Leaf Village already perfected the method for sharing Tailed Beast chakra? Regardless, Gaara must be rescued… Despite these few possessing the Nine-Tails' power, they were still only genin! With this resolve, Baki quietly instructed Kabuto, “Buy me some time against those three!” “Stay away!” Kabuto warned in a low tone, “That white-eyed girl leading them is no less powerful than I am. Now, with the Nine-Tails' chakra, we are no match!” “Retreat now!” With these words, Kabuto vanished into the ground, disregarding Baki entirely… Baki: “…” Before Baki could react, Kakashi and Guy used Body Flicker Technique to surround him, while Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation continued to entangle him, preventing him from concentrating. Hinata, Sasuke, Lee, and others, proficient in close combat, charged in as well, effectively cornering Baki, rendering the Sand Elite Jonin a captive of the Leaf. It was Gaara’s intervention that ultimately spared his life. Everyone was aware of Gaara’s sealed Tailed Beast within him. At the moment, although he couldn’t gather chakra or transform, who could predict if extreme provocation wouldn’t send Gaara into a frenzy. Surveying the surroundings, Hinata inquired, “Kakashi-sensei, have all the enemies here been dealt with?” Kakashi nodded softly but then turned his gaze toward the high platform of the arena, his voice tinged with complexity, “There's only that place left…” Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, two Leaf Anbu, entrusted by Kakashi, were commentating on the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru. “It’s taking too long!” “Battles between ninja don’t last for hours. What’s happening inside?” ... Within the Four Violet Flames Formation. The Third Hokage was in an exceedingly weakened state, yet his eyes remained steadfast on Orochimaru, his voice faltering, “Now, your hands are useless; unable to weave signs—” “You cannot use your jutsu anymore!” Orochimaru's arms had turned jet black, resembling lifeless corpses. Orochimaru, his expression twisted, shouted furiously at the Third Hokage, “Old fool, give me back my hands!” Looking at Orochimaru, the Third Hokage’s eyes took on a complicated expression. As the Reaper consumed the Third Hokage’s spirit, he took his final breath, collapsing slowly, a faint smile lingering on his lips at the moment of death. A smile that Orochimaru would never understand in his lifetime. “Damn it!” Orochimaru gritted his teeth, enduring the pain in his arms, and resentfully stated, “Operation's over, no need for the barrier, we're leaving!” The Four Violet Flames Formation faded as the Sound Four assisted Orochimaru in their escape. Two Anbu leaped to intercept, only to find themselves ensnared by the Sound Shinobi’s spider web, immobilized. Such disgraceful Anbu! In the arena. Guy turned to Kakashi and asked, “Kakashi, they've moved. Should we pursue them?” “Wait! Guy,” Kakashi sternly replied, “What matters most now is to drive out the invaders from the village. Orochimaru can be dealt with another time.” With the dissipation of the Four Violet Flames Formation, numerous Leaf ninja gathered on the roof surrounding the deceased Third Hokage, standing quietly in mourning...