Faced with the sudden attack, the Third Hokage's situation became precarious.
Fortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen had prepared for battle before coming to Root this time. He had already summoned his fighting companion, the summoned beast Enma.
Enma had transformed into the Adamantine Staff and was strapped across Sarutobi Hiruzen's back.
At this critical moment, the summoned staff on Sarutobi Hiruzen's back suddenly sprang up with an angry roar, reverting to Enma's original form.
He then reached out, seized the two incoming Root shinobi, and casually flung them into the Nara Clan shinobi and Aburame shinobi.
Without the Aburame Clan shinobi's control, the poisonous insects paused for an instant. After breaking free from the Shadow Imitation Technique, Sarutobi Hiruzen also used the Substitution Technique, instantly evading the insects.
By then, the Anbu Sarutobi Hiruzen had brought with him were already enraged. Weapons in hand, they were about to clash with the Root shinobi.
Most of the Root shinobi looked bewildered, but several were visibly agitated as well. They had drawn their weapons, and a bloody battle seemed about to erupt.
"Everyone, stop!" Sarutobi Hiruzen roared. He stretched out his hand, and Enma, linked to him in mind, immediately transformed back into the Adamantine Staff.
Sarutobi Hiruzen swept the staff through the air. In an instant, more than half of the two groups of shinobi on the verge of fighting were sent flying.
Fortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen had shown considerable restraint. The shinobi who had been knocked away suffered only minor injuries, and their ability to move was not affected.
Intimidated by Sarutobi Hiruzen's strike that took control of the situation, the Root shinobi immediately stopped, while the Anbu shinobi all calmed down as well.
"What is going on, Teacher Sarutobi?" With a flicker of movement, Orochimaru hurried over. Seeing Root and Anbu confronting