After a brief moment of silence, a multitude of gazes fell upon Nara Shikaku, who was currently organizing civilian evacuation and overall coordination.
Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Nara Shikaku offered a wry smile.
After a moment of thought, Nara Shikaku spoke with solemnity:
"While the Konoha Great Gate is important, what's more crucial now is to clear out all Kirigakure, Sand Ninja Village, and Otogakure squads surrounding the Village center."
"Once we ensure the safety of the civilians in the rear, we will then gather our strength to assist Hokage-sama and regain control of the Village's gateway."
His calm voice reached everyone's ears, causing those present to nod slightly.
Indeed, this was the most stable approach at the moment.
After all, the strongholds of their respective clans were all near the Village center, so clearing out nearby threats first also aligned with their interests.
Furthermore, the Konoha Great Gate had already fallen, so whether they went there now or not wouldn't make much of a difference.
As Nara Shikaku's words fell, with the threat of Isobu gone, everyone began to act.
Akimichi Choza dispelled his Super Size Technique and immediately collapsed onto the ground.
Nara Shikaku quickly walked over, glanced at Akimichi Choza, and only slowly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that it was merely Chakra exhaustion.
"What's wrong, Choza? Is there something on your mind?"
Nara Shikaku saw the serious expression on Choza's face, a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes, and he couldn't help but ask.
Akimichi Choza propped himself up with both hands, taking a deep breath: "I feel like some things are a bit strange."
"Strange?" Nara Shikaku was taken aback, not understanding the meaning behind Akimichi Choza's words.
"After fighting Isobu for so long, I realized that Three-Tails is not a Jinchuriki."
"If it's not a Jinchuriki, with its massive body, how did it suddenly appear in the center of Konoha?"
"Tailed Beasts might be able to compress their power, but given the nature of Tailed Beasts, how could they possibly do that?"
"Also, the person who suddenly appeared above Three-Tails' head, although I don't know what he did, after he appeared, Three-Tails went towards the Konoha Great Gate."
At this point, Akimichi Choza paused to catch his breath, looking at Nara Shikaku with a serious expression:
"When have you ever seen or heard of a Tailed Beast obeying a human's command?"
As Akimichi Choza spoke, Nara Shikaku's expression grew increasingly solemn.
Such a matter was indeed peculiar, but there was simply too little information at the moment, so even analysis wouldn't yield anything.
Nara Shikaku raised his head, scanning the surrounding ruins, a rare and unprecedented worry in his eyes.
After hearing Akimichi Choza's words, Nara Shikaku had an even stronger, extremely bad premonition.
Reaching out to pull Akimichi Choza up, Nara Shikaku said calmly:
"Regardless, we can only take it one step at a time now. Even if there's a huge conspiracy, the other party will definitely reveal their true colors."
Akimichi Choza nodded. At this point, there was nothing else they could do.
With Isobu's departure, the Konoha Ninja, no longer needing to contain it, quickly began to clear out the enemies within Konoha.
No matter how well they hid, they were all found one by one in front of the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan, the Aburame Clan's insects, and the Inuzuka Clan's Ninja dogs.
In fact, with all three clans exerting their full power, even a few spies from Cloud Ninja Village and Hidden Stone Village hidden among the civilians were rooted out.
On the other side, at the main battlefield.
Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Isobu leave the center of Konoha and head towards the Konoha Great Gate, and the extremely ugly expression on his face lessened slightly.
Although Isobu caused immense damage to Konoha along its path, the damage was completely negligible compared to what it would have caused in the Village center.
"It seems the opponent has understood the current situation and plans to hold the gate before making further plans?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a low voice.
Although it seemed that Konoha was currently at a disadvantage, in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, besides Isobu, who had just rampaged through the center of Konoha, and Orochimaru, who was hidden in the shadows, considered threats.
The other Ninja forces, in Hiruzen Sarutobi's opinion, were not yet a threat!
This was, after all, Konoha's home ground.
Whether it was the Sand Ninja Village's forces or the Kirigakure's forces, the number of attackers was ultimately limited, while Konoha had a continuous stream of reinforcements.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not believe he would lose a war of attrition on his own turf!
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent, an Anbu Ninja standing behind Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly spoke with respect in his voice:
"Hokage-sama, the battle has reached a stalemate. Ichibi's suppression is too great for everyone. Do you need me to intervene?"
Hearing the Anbu's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi snapped out of his thoughts, glanced at the Anbu Ninja behind him, and showed a kind smile:
"It's Yamato. I originally didn't intend to expose you to other Ninja Villages too early."
"But now it seems that other Ninja Villages have mistaken Konoha's kindness for weakness, and it is indeed time to reveal Konoha's strength."
As the Third Hokage's voice rang out, the Anbu nodded slightly, just as he was about to step forward.
A hand gently rested on the Anbu Ninja's shoulder.
The Anbu Ninja's body stiffened. Although he wore a mask and his face could not be seen, one could feel the Anbu Ninja's confusion.
"You bear the destiny of Konoha. Since you have inherited that power, then tell the world."
"From now on, there will be no more Yamato in Anbu. Your new name will be... Yamato!"
A unique and heavy glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, but he still wore a kind smile on his face, reaching out to slowly remove the Anbu's mask.
A young man with a somewhat delicate appearance and large eyes appeared before Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Yamato's expression was a bit dazed; clearly, he didn't immediately understand what had happened.
A new name?
Yamato?
Does that mean I'm no longer an Anbu hidden in the shadows, and can stand openly in the sunlight?
Thinking of this, a brilliant light flashed in Yamato's eyes.
"Go, Yamato!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice spoke again, but with an added firmness.
At this moment, Ichibi just happened to aim a Wind Release attack towards Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Wind Release: Drilling Air Bullet!
A giant air cannon was spewed out, falling with a crash.
Seeing the Wind Release attack flying towards the Third Hokage, everyone's gaze immediately focused.
Just as other Konoha Ninja were about to step forward to block it.
A loud shout echoed in everyone's ears.
"Wood Release: Wood Golem Wall!!"