Just then—
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!"
A blazing stream of fire roared out from the woods to the side, hurtling straight at the Kumogakure ninja charging at the front!
The men hurriedly dodged, and their formation immediately fell into disarray.
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaped out from behind the flames and landed steadily between the Uzumaki Clan and Kumogakure.
Wearing combat gear, he formed hand seals with both hands and fixed Saddam with a cold gaze.
"Kumogakure dares to attack civilians under Konoha's protection within the Land of Hot Water. You truly have no regard for Konoha."
Saddam's pupils contracted.
Hiruzen Sarutobi! Konoha's Hokage Assistant!
Why was he here?!
But Saddam was an experienced veteran, and he quickly calmed himself. "Hiruzen Sarutobi, this is a matter between Kumogakure and the Uzumaki Clan. You'd better stay out of it."
"The Uzumaki Clan has accepted Konoha's protection. They are people of Konoha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was calm, yet unquestionable. "By leading people to intercept them, you are making an enemy of Konoha."
Saddam's face turned livid.
He had not expected Konoha's people to arrive so quickly.
But there was no turning back now.
"Attack!"
The two sides instantly erupted into battle.
On a rocky outcrop roughly two hundred meters behind the battlefield, two small figures were peeking out.
"They really are from Kumogakure!"
Tsunade lowered her voice, her face filled with both nervousness and excitement.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, his golden vertical pupils rapidly sweeping over the battlefield.
"Teacher Sarutobi is holding back their main force by himself, but Kumogakure has more people. The Anbu are tied up with those scattered fighters."
"Should we help?"
"Don't rush."
Orochimaru pressed a hand onto Tsunade's shoulder.
"Teacher must know we're behind him. If he hasn't said anything, rushing out recklessly will only cause trouble."
Tsunade