Forged Beyond

Team 7 in action!

Naruto wasted no time. With a single hand sign, three perfect clones burst into existence, each immediately dashing in different directions, weaving through the chaos and destruction that had engulfed the village.

The first clone sprinted toward Izumi, who lay unconscious beneath a shattered wall, dust and blood streaking her pale face. Her breathing was faint but steady. Without hesitation, the clone scooped her into his arms, carefully adjusting her weight to avoid worsening any unseen injuries.

The second clone rushed to Chōza, the Akimichi elder groaning as he clutched his side, blood seeping through his battle-worn armor. The clone crouched, hoisting Chōza onto his back with surprising ease before taking off toward safety.

The third clone found a small child trapped beneath the remains of a fallen cart. The little boy's face was streaked with tears and soot, his tiny body trembling. "It's okay, kid! I gotcha!" Naruto's clone reassured him, carefully pulling him free and holding him close.

All three clones, carrying their precious burdens, darted toward a nearby Katsuyu clone, its soft, glistening form already pulsating with healing chakra. "Take care of them!" one of the Narutos ordered, and Katsuyu's antennae twitched in acknowledgment before splitting into smaller slugs, spreading over the wounded.

Across the battlefield, Pain's cold, calculating eyes narrowed.

Sage Mode.

He could see it now—Naruto's chakra was perfectly balanced, his energy surging with nature's raw, untamed power. His movements were different. More precise. More controlled.

"Summoning Jutsu."

With a single motion, Pain slammed his hand against the rubble-strewn ground. A burst of smoke erupted, and in its wake, more of his Six Paths appeared, their Rinnegan eyes gleaming ominously as they took position.

Naruto exhaled sharply. "So you're bringing in more of yourself, huh?" His voice was low, steady. "Then let's see how many I can take down this time!"

Without another word, he turned toward Gamakichi, Gamaken, and Gamabunta.

"Oi, big guys!" he barked. "Handle those summons—NOW!"

The three toads exchanged glances before launching into action.

Gamakichi let out a deep croak, his massive legs propelling him into the air before he came crashing down on one of Pain's summoning creatures—a massive, thrashing rhino. The ground shook violently as the impact sent dust and debris flying. The rhino snarled, but Gamakichi gritted his teeth, pushing it back.

Gamaken spun his massive shield, blocking a charging three-headed dog, its fangs snapping wildly at him. "Tch, disgusting thing!" the toad grumbled, thrusting his spear forward, trying to pin the beast down.

Gamabunta, ever the battle-hardened warrior, flicked his massive sword from its sheath, his slitted eyes locking onto the colossal bird with the Rinnegan. With a powerful leap, he swung his blade upward, aiming straight for its wings.

____



Sakura's heart pounded against her ribs as her sharp eyes scanned the chaos below. The village was collapsing around her, buildings crumbling beneath the weight of Pain's summoned creatures. Civilians screamed, shinobi fought for their lives, and the battlefield was a storm of blood, dust, and destruction.

She wasn't finished evacuating.

There were still too many trapped, too many struggling in the debris, too many left behind in the crossfire. She needed more hands, more strength—more time.