Kumogakure's heartland had descended into chaos, with clamor, shouts, and screams rising one after another.
It was as though the entire world had been swept into a raging storm.
Naruto Uzumaki hurried through the crowds with an enormous scroll on his back, a trace of tension and anxiety on his face.
Beside him, Jiraiya wore a grave expression, his eyes fixed ahead as though he could see the dangers lurking within the chaos.
Atop a nearby tower, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stood firm.
Sunlight fell upon him, illuminating his resolute, composed figure. He resembled an ancient pine standing at the storm's peak, impossible to shake.
"The battle should have started."
The Third Hokage spoke softly.
Though his voice was barely above a whisper, it rang like thunder in Naruto's and Jiraiya's ears.
At that very instant, the Third Hokage swiftly formed hand seals, his movements fluid and effortless.
As he completed the seals, powerful chakra surged from his body.
BOOM!!
An earth-shattering roar rang out.
[Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall]
[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet]
[Wind Release: Great Breakthrough]
Three chakra natures converged in an instant, triggering an explosion that shook the earth.
Flames and fierce winds entwined into a roaring fire dragon, which lunged into Kumogakure's central streets with claws bared.
In a flash, houses collapsed and streets cracked apart. Violent explosions and shock waves swept through, engulfing everything in a sea of fire.
Jiraiya leaped into the air immediately afterward. Like a swift bird, he formed hand seals in midair.
As he completed the seals, several gigantic toads were summoned out of thin air. They straddled the plaza, opened their enormous mouths, and unleashed a sweeping Water Release attack.
[Summoning Technique: Toad Swarm Assault!]
[Water Release: Iron Cannonball!]
Water poured down like a torrential storm, hammering the security