After sealing Hashirama, Naruto was in no hurry to join the fighting.
If the Third died, so be it. If he survived, he could count himself lucky.
Jiraiya was fighting like a rabid dog that had spotted meat. He needed no help, either.
Naruto surveyed Konoha.
The fighting throughout Konoha was no longer confined to a few key areas.
With the full-scale invasion by the Sound Ninja and Sand Ninja, and the stubborn resistance of Konoha's defenders, the fighting had spread to every corner of the village.
Konoha's outer defenses had been breached by the initial onslaught of giant beasts and surprise ninja attacks, but its ninja had reacted swiftly. Fighting in squads, they used familiar streets and buildings to wage fierce urban battles against the invaders.
The Hyuga Clan's Byakugan proved invaluable in the street fighting, detecting enemy positions in advance and allowing them to deliver precise kills with Gentle Fist.
The Inuzuka Clan's ninja worked seamlessly with their ninja dogs, their keen sense of smell and mobility giving them a clear advantage in the complex terrain.
The Aburame Clan's insect users released insects with various functions to scout, disrupt, and attack.
The remaining ninja intercepted the enemy and counterattacked at key positions under Shikaku's direction, with Inoichi Yamanaka relaying his orders.
Under the guidance of their seniors, the young genin protected and evacuated civilians or helped fight the weaker invaders.
Ino and the others had not listened to Naruto's request to leave, either. Instead, they had joined the fighting.
Since they could not face the powerful enemies on Naruto's battlefield, they would fight the other invaders.
Everyone gave their all in this sudden war to protect their home.
At last, Naruto's gaze withdrew from the chaotic but tenacious fighting in Konoha below and settled on the red-haired figure