The situation in war can change in an instant.
Initially, the Hidden Sand Ninja had the upper hand at the moment of their surprise attack. The Konoha Ninja on the field found themselves at a disadvantage, and even the Sand Ninja ambushing outside the village broke through Konoha's defenses and intruded into Konoha Village.
Konoha's top fighters, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru, were trapped in the Four Violet Flame Array by the Sound Four who infiltrated, and the battle of wits and strength between teacher and disciple erupted fully!
However, as the strongest ninja village in the world, Konoha's deep reserves were unmatched by these forces. Under the leadership of a group of Jonin, the Konoha Ninja successfully launched a counterattack.
On the field, the arrival of two individuals changed the course of the battle.
Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Sasuke finally ended their training and arrived at the Chunin Examination field, where they witnessed the rampaging Nine-tail.
At that moment, Granny Chiyo, who was assisting the Hidden Sand Ninja in their slaughter, immediately abandoned her foes and manipulated her puppets to charge at Hatake Kakashi upon seeing him!
The Konoha White Fang was her most hated enemy!
Hatake Kakashi remained unfazed, battling Granny Chiyo while orchestrating the forces, "Guy, don't waste time saving the Hokage, control Naruto immediately!
Rock Lee, Sasuke, you two go rescue the people below the arena, confronting that sand-controlling brat from the Hidden Sand Village!
Tenten, Sakura, organize your companions in the audience to arrange rescue, request the protection of the Hyuga Clan Leader for the spectators!
Genma, Raido, Aoba, also don't waste time breaking the Four Violet Flame Array, immediately lead the other Guardian Ninja to counterattack, and send someone to the Anbu base to dispatch reinforcements!"
"Yes!"
"Understood!"
"Leave it to me! Eight Gates, View Gate·Open!"
Since the arrival of Hatake Kakashi, everything proceeded in an orderly manner, his willingness to assume responsibility seemed to inspire trust.
This also surprised Uehara Naraku a little.
The crisis, which was more severe and dangerous than in history, was stabilized under the command of Hatake Kakashi, and it seemed like only a little more time was needed to resolve it.
Once Konoha's reinforcements arrived, everyone could almost foresee the fate of the Hidden Sand Village and Orochimaru.
The only difference this time was.
The Third Hokage truly could not be saved this time.
Within the Four Violet Flame Array, Orochimaru's Edo Tensei summoned the First Hokage Senju Hashirama and the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, placing Sarutobi Hiruzen at a disadvantage.
However, outside the Four Violet Flame Array, Konoha Ninja were gradually gaining the upper hand; the battle between Hatake Kakashi and Granny Chiyo was at a stalemate, with no victor in sight, while others were achieving considerable success.
The only troublesome area was the battle between Might Guy and the Four-tailed transformed Uzumaki Naruto.
Honestly...
Might Guy found it quite challenging; while he estimated that kicking the Nine-tail to death would be relatively easy, controlling it was exceedingly difficult.
But soon, Might Guy would no longer be troubled.
Because, under the combined attack of Uchiha Sasuke and Rock Lee, Gaara was relentlessly beaten until his blood was stimulated, forcing out the power of the One-tailed Shukaku within him!
"Fake Sleep Jutsu!"
Gaara's eyes closed immediately.
A colossal entity slowly emerged from his body. The One-tailed Shukaku revealed its true form: "Roar, I've finally come out!"
Just as the Hidden Sand Village's ninja thought Shukaku was their reinforcement, the first thing this fat-tailed beast did after emerging was to launch an Air Bullet that sent the Four-tailed transformed Uzumaki Naruto flying: "I just came out and already smelled the stench of a fox!"
"..."
Might Guy was momentarily confused, unsure which tailed beast to attack: "Hey, Kakashi, which one is on our side!"
"Neither of them!"
Hatake Kakashi dodged the attack from Granny Chiyo's puppet and shouted loudly, "No, Naruto is our village's companion, as long as you don't kill Naruto, feel free to attack, I believe you can handle it, Guy!"
Truth be told, Konoha seemed quite fortunate.
Who would have thought that after the ultimate weapon of the Hidden Sand Village, the One-tailed Shukaku, revealed itself, its first action would be to help Konoha by attacking the out-of-control Nine-tailed Jinchuriki?
"Such luck, there's really nowhere to reason it out!"
Uehara Naraku sighed softly, appearing in the audience, stretching out his hand, and said lightly, "It's time to move!"
Haruno Sakura, Tenten, Yamanaka Ino, and Hyuga Hinata, the girls maintaining order, stared in surprise at the appearing Uehara Naraku.
A slight joy appeared on Haruno Sakura's face, and she couldn't help but ask, "Hey? Senior Uehara, are you here to help too? We have many injured people…"
"..."
Help your sister!
Your very sight infuriates me!
With a face full of exasperation, Uehara Naraku glanced at Haruno Sakura.
Just after Uehara appeared in the stands, a hooded figure walked up to him and handed him a scroll.
With this scroll in hand, Uehara Naraku had the opportunity to intervene in the Chunin Exam.
Looking at Yakushi Kabuto hidden under the hood, Uehara Naraku said softly, "You get Kaguya Kimimaro and Haku out of Konoha, and I'll handle things here."
"Yes, my lord."
Yakushi Kabuto leaped off the stands.
As the hooded figure left, the gaze of Konoha's new Genin gradually changed as they looked at Uehara Naraku. A hint of concern appeared in the eyes of Haruno Sakura, Tenten, and Hyuga Hinata, their fear was that even this friendly senior might be an enemy.
As an elder, Hyuga Hiashi quickly realized the truth; he swiftly dealt with a few attacking Hidden Sand Ninja and jumped in front of these newcomers.
With a wave of his hand, Hyuga Hiashi signaled the youngsters to leave immediately, then slowly raised his head to look at Uehara Naraku, saying, "Anyone appearing here is either a friend or a foe."
"I am both a friend and a foe."
Uehara Naraku smirked, raising the scroll in his hand, and with a Shunpo appeared behind Hyuga Hiashi, whispering, "I want to be a good person too, but you Konoha folks offer far too much!"
"Eight Trigrams Palm: Revolving Heaven!"
Hyuga Hiashi's movements were exceptionally swift!
A vortex of rapidly spinning chakra appeared around him, blasting Uehara Naraku away!
Uehara Naraku didn't care at all, slowly putting away his scroll, patting the dust off himself, and slowly said, "Hmm, as expected of the Hyuga Clan Leader, your palm speed is indeed fast... By the way, have you ever heard 'da da da da da da'?"
"What?"
Hyuga Hiashi furrowed his brows.
In an instant, Uehara Naraku's figure disappeared from where he stood, stepping swiftly behind Hyuga Hiashi, loudly proclaiming, "It's this!"
Countless fist shadows soared!
Hyuga Hiashi, still shocked that Uehara Naraku had used not a regular Instantaneous Jutsu but one resembling a Space-Time Ninjutsu, was struck by countless fists on his body!
This current leader of the Hyuga Clan could barely extend his two palms to attempt some blockades but was soon knocked to the ground by the endless fist shadows of Uehara Naraku.
"Father!"
Hyuga Hinata and her sister, Hyuga Hanabi, watched this scene in panic. Just as they were about to rush over, a figure blocked their way.
It was Hyuga Neji, who had narrowly escaped being killed by Uzumaki Naruto moments ago.
"You two, go quickly."
Hyuga Neji looked complicatedly at Hyuga Hiashi, who was lying on the ground, while sternly scolding the Hyuga sisters, "He's not someone you two weaklings can handle!"
"Brother Neji..."
"Hurry and go!"
Hyuga Neji was clearly growing impatient.
Uehara Naraku did not chase after them; he merely watched Hyuga Neji leisurely and asked, "I heard rumors about you. I didn't expect you'd protect those two. How come? You don't hate your Main Family anymore?"
"Hmph, none of your business!"
Hyuga Neji frowned displeasedly.
Boom!
Uehara Naraku flew forward, kicking towards Hyuga Neji!
However, Hyuga Hiashi on the ground suddenly scrambled up, leaping to block Uehara Naraku, only to be kicked hard in the abdomen.
Hyuga Hiashi clutched tightly at Uehara Naraku's leg, pulling out a letter with one hand and throwing it to Hyuga Neji, shouting loudly, "This is a letter your father left for you; hurry and leave! Go protect Hinata and Hanabi!"
"..."
Hyuga Neji gritted his teeth.
This genius from the Branch Family, filled with doubts, grabbed the letter and chased after Hinata and Hanabi.
"Do you want me to fulfill your wish?"
Uehara Naraku looked at Hyuga Hiashi, who stood fearlessly in his way, shook his head regretfully, sighed, and used a footstep on Hiashi's body to propel himself into the air, kicking Hiashi's neck with the other foot!
Hyuga Hiashi's body was sent flying by the kick from Uehara Naraku, falling from the spectator's stand to the ground!
Thud!
Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata, who were just leaving the stands, were startled by Hiashi's sudden fall from the sky.
Hyuga Neji bit his lip and pushed them toward another position, speaking in a low voice, "You two go quickly. I'll take the Clan Leader to the hospital!"
"But..."
"No buts."
Hyuga Neji interrupted Hinata, shaking his head gently at her, "Hanabi is still very young. Lady Hinata, you're the elder sister; you must keep her calm. As for the Clan Leader..."
"I understand."
Hyuga Hinata covered Hyuga Hanabi's eyes and led her away from the scene.
Hyuga Neji leaned down and lifted the severely injured Hyuga Hiashi onto his back, racing toward Konoha Hospital!
Hyuga Hiashi gripped Hyuga Neji's shoulder forcefully, speaking in a low voice, "...Neji, the future reputation of the Hyuga Clan rests entirely on you!"
"Clan Leader."
Hyuga Neji slowly lowered his head.
Hyuga Hiashi whispered, "Neji, I'm aware of my injuries. Even if I survive, I can no longer fight as a ninja."
Focused on heading toward the hospital, Hyuga Neji said, "Please don't speak such dispiriting words. Hinata and Hanabi are still very young!"
"..."
After a moment of silence, Hyuga Hiashi softly said, "If I can survive, I will inscribe the Caged Bird Curse Seal on myself."
The Clan Leader of the Hyuga Family understood very well the extent of his injuries. Being unsure how many bones were broken, even if he survived, fighting capability would be non-existent.
This way, there was a chance the Main Family's Byakugan Bloodline could be captured.
As a father, he could live on for Hinata and Hanabi; as the Clan Leader of the Main Family, he also had to inscribe the protective Caged Bird Curse Seal on himself to safeguard the Hyuga Bloodline.
Is this what they call karmic cycle?
In the stands.
Many people had witnessed the entire sequence of events firsthand.
Rock Lee, who had just left the battle area with Shukaku, stood in front of Uehara Naraku, with his chakra gradually starting to erupt: "Senior Uehara, why are you doing this? Aren't you our friend?"
"Sorry, Lee."
Uehara Naraku sighed, slowly clenching his fist, "For a greater cause, I must kill the Third Hokage. After all of this is over, you'll understand."