Chapter 59: The Collapse of Konoha  

---

Two days later.

The Konoha Competition Field was bustling with anticipation for the final round of the Chunin Exams—the last official match of the tournament.

All the examiners had gathered, but the two Kages had yet to arrive. With time ticking away, Kakashi decided, after a brief discussion with the others, to begin the exams.

''The first match: Rock Lee versus Gaara.''

Gaara, having lost to Sasuke the previous day, wasn't disheartened. To him, losing to Sasuke was expected.

First, Sasuke possessed the powerful Sharingan, a bloodline limit that made him formidable.

Second, Sasuke had a natural talent that few could match.

And third, Sasuke was also a Jinchuriki, just like Gaara.

Gaara never expected to defeat Sasuke. His plan had been simple—use the technique of feigned sleep to allow Sasuke to defeat Shukaku, the One-Tail, thus boosting Sasuke's reputation in Konoha.

The previous day's loss didn't bother him. However, today's match was different.

Today, he faced a green-clad boy with an odd haircut—Rock Lee. Gaara had no reason to hold back against someone who wasn't his friend.

Rock Lee, aware that Gaara was the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail, felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. Gaara noticed Rock Lee's unease and decided to end the fight quickly.

With no sand around him, Gaara couldn't create it like Shukaku could. But that wasn't an issue—he had the sand within his gourd.

''Sand Claw''

Gaara commanded as sand from his gourd transformed into a claw, lunging toward Rock Lee.

But Lee, with his swift reflexes, evaded the attack and immediately got into position.

''Eight Gates: First Gate, Gate of Opening… OPEN!''

Rock Lee yelled as white steam began to rise from his body. The sand in Gaara's gourd was lightweight, requiring minimal chakra to control. But Gaara wasn't concerned.

''Sand Waterfall!'' Gaara waved his hand, and the sand surged toward Rock Lee like a wave.

But Lee had already opened the Third Gate, the Gate of Life, dodging the attack with a twist of his body. However, despite his speed, Rock Lee was beginning to tire.

- This can't go on forever, - Lee thought.

He knew his limit was the Fourth Gate, the Gate of Pain, but he had only successfully opened it once before. He couldn't keep dodging. He needed to attack.

Rock Lee leaped onto a stone pillar, taking off his shoes and unwrapping the weights from his ankles. As the weights hit the ground with a thunderous crash, they left a crater behind.

Rock Lee had to be at his absolute best to take on the One-Tail Jinchuriki. With the restraints removed, his speed increased dramatically.

He began to run circles around Gaara, faster than before. Then, in a flash, Lee struck.

''Konoha Strong Whirlwind!'' Rock Lee's powerful kick shattered the sand shield in front of Gaara, sending him flying.

Gaara's body was hurled backward, but Lee wasn't finished. He quickly unraveled the bandages from his hands and wrapped them around Gaara.

''Front Lotus!'' Rock Lee shouted as he spun Gaara around in mid-air, driving him into the ground with tremendous force.

The impact was so intense that it sent dust and debris flying.

As the dust settled, Gaara's expression twisted into one of rage. The sand-like armor on his body began to extend, and he entered a partial transformation—Shukaku's possession.

Gaara's body swelled, his power increasing exponentially.

''On the other side, two hours earlier…''

In Konoha, at the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage was preparing to leave for the training ground to personally oversee the Chunin Exams.

But suddenly, he sensed a familiar chakra. His eyes widened as he turned and caught sight of a figure's retreating back—a figure he knew all too well. It was Orochimaru.

''Orochimaru! Why are you in Konoha?!'' the Third Hokage called out, chasing after him. But Orochimaru ignored him, continuing to flee.

The chase led them to the rooftop of a red building, where the Third Hokage lost sight of his former student.

A sudden breeze rustled the air, and the Third Hokage felt a presence behind him.

He turned just in time to dodge a kunai aimed at his neck, though it grazed his face. Standing before him was none other than the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.

''Lord Kazekage, what is the meaning of this?!'' the Third Hokage demanded. Orochimaru smirked and waved his hand.

Four figures in ANBU masks appeared around the rooftop, quickly forming seals.

''Sealing Technique: Four Violet Flames Formation!'' A powerful barrier technique surrounded the rooftop, trapping the Third Hokage and Orochimaru inside.

The Third Hokage recognized the technique—it was nearly impossible to break from the outside.

The Third Hokage sighed grimly. "It seems I won't be leaving easily today."

Orochimaru's grin widened. "It's not about leaving easily, sensei. It's about whether you leave here alive!"

The Third Hokage's pupils contracted as Orochimaru slowly revealed his true face. "Teacher… it's been a while," Orochimaru hissed.

The Third Hokage's expression turned serious as he removed his Hokage robe, revealing a dark brown combat vest underneath.

"Teacher," Orochimaru continued, his voice laced with mockery, "you haven't fought in a long time, have you?"

"What do you mean?" the Third Hokage asked, warily eyeing his former pupil.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "As a ninja, and especially as a Kage-level ninja, your robes should be stained with blood, covered in dust and dirt. But yours… yours are as bright as new."

The Third Hokage remained silent. He knew better than to underestimate Orochimaru, his once-brilliant student turned dangerous enemy.

Without wasting any more time, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly formed a hand sign to unleash a jutsu. But Orochimaru was faster, lunging forward to engage him in close combat.

"Sensei, I won't let you use your best jutsus so easily!" Orochimaru taunted, forcing the Third Hokage to retreat.

But Hiruzen was quick to wipe the blood from his face and called out, ''Summoning Technique: Monkey King Enma!''

In a puff of white smoke, Enma, the Monkey King, appeared before the Third Hokage.

"Old friend, it's good to see you again," Hiruzen said gravely.

Enma's eyes widened at the sight of Orochimaru. "This time, we face your student?"

"I don't have a student like him anymore," Hiruzen replied, his voice heavy with regret.

The Third Hokage swiftly formed another hand sign.

''Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet!''

The roof tiles turned into mud, shaping into a massive earth dragon that rushed toward Orochimaru.

But Orochimaru was prepared. He pulled a long, snake-like sword from his mouth—the Kusanagi.

With the Kusanagi sword in hand, Orochimaru dodged the earth dragon and charged at the Third Hokage.

However, Enma stood between them, using his indestructible body to block the sword, the clash echoing across the rooftop.

The Third Hokage took advantage of the brief opening, forming another set of hand signs. ''Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!''

---