naruto · chunin exams · orochimaru · third hokage · hidden sound · war · tragedy · action · konoha · ninja
**The arena shakes as Sasuke and Gaara collide in the Chunin Exams’ climax. Then smoke blots the Kage stand. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, meets the Kazekage’s gaze – a moment of bewildered silence before a Jonin aide staggers, pierced by a volley of kunai.** **The false Kazekage seizes Hiruzen, vanishing to the stadium’s highest roof. The Sound Four slam their palms down, and the Four Flames Barrier erupts, sealing them inside. Down in the stands, Might Guy and Kakashi tense to intervene, but a masked ANBU signals a halt. Four more Sound ninja encircle this ‘ANBU,’ stripping the disguise away. Their combined genjutsu washes over the crowd, pulling thousands into enchanted slumber.** *On the roof, Sarutobi faces his captor…* **They trade cold words until the Kazekage’s face p…