"Snakes... giant snakes!"
"What's happening?! Are we under attack?!"
When those enormous summoned snakes appeared out of thin air and coiled atop the arena's roof, the entire audience plunged into utter chaos.
People leaped from their seats in terror, shoving and screaming as they tried to escape the place that had suddenly become a death trap. The daimyo and nobles from various nations were surrounded by their ninja guards and hurried toward the emergency exits under their protection.
Kakashi and Guy rose to their feet, their expressions grim. The worst had come to pass. The attack had indeed begun during the chunin ninja exams.
Just as the two prepared to take the lead in fighting the rampaging giant snakes, the Sound Ninja hidden among the spectators threw off their disguises! Several ninja in concealing clothes and Otogakure forehead protectors sprang out, blocking Kakashi, Guy, and the many other Konoha ninja.
"You aren't going anywhere." The leading Sound Ninja's voice was icy. "We can't let you... interfere with that lord's plans."
"Sound Village, so you really mean to start a war?" Kakashi's gaze was sharp as a blade. "Get out of my way!"
Both sides bristled with hostility. Kunai were drawn, and Guy assumed the opening stance of Strong Fist. A fight was about to erupt. At that critical moment, someone dressed as an Anbu seemed to notice something and raised a hand to stop their companions from attacking.
Bang!
Hiss—!
A heavy impact and a giant snake's agonized hiss suddenly rang out overhead! Everyone looked up at once.
A small but swift figure had already leaped into the air and slammed a clean, powerful punch into one giant snake's lower jaw! That seemingly insignificant blow sent its enormous head snapping upward, drawing a hiss of pain!
Without pausing, the figure