"If that's all you've got, you might as well step down now."
With a single, effortless swing of his blade, Zabuza forced Samui—who had been holding a short dagger—back several paces. Gripping a special steel replica of his Kubikiribōchō in one hand, he twirled it with flair and grinned flamboyantly.
"The gap between us is like the vast ocean of Kirigakure or the endless desert of Sunagakure. Stop struggling pointlessly!"
"Bastard!"
Even someone as laid-back as Darui flushed with anger at such open mockery.
From the corner of his eye, he could clearly see the countless spectators watching this fight—this wasn't just a Chūnin Exam anymore. This was a battle for the honor of a village, a nation!
They were Kumogakure shinobi! How could they allow themselves to lose so easily?!
"Samui, C, cover me!"
Darui pulled back swiftly, retreating to the edge of the arena. In the next instant, a dense and radiant spiritual power began to emanate from his body.
The moment this power appeared, it caught the attention of many in the crowd. Their gazes quickly turned toward Yuki Yoru.
To the average onlooker, these brilliant lights were just flashy displays of power. Chakra, spiritual power, Senjutsu, or even Six Paths power—it was all the same to them. Just fancy special effects.
But to the seasoned shinobi present—those who truly understood these powers—they immediately recognized the uniqueness of what Darui was releasing.
"That aura..."
Rasa's eyes narrowed as he watched the spiritual power surging from Darui's body. Then he turned to Yoru with a knowing smile.
"Mizukage-sama, isn't this the spiritual power you're rumored to control?"
"Ah, you could say that. It was a little gift I gave to the Raikage as a gesture of peace," Yoru replied nonchalantly. "If you're interested, Kazekage-sama, I could give you one too." He added with a smirk, "The shinobi world is always gossiping about Kirigakure using forbidden arts to manipulate souls. Well, let's just say… those who understand, understand."
Uchiha Fugaku's lips twitched at the comment, but his gaze stayed fixed on Darui's display of power, intrigued.
He was already aware that Yuki Yoru had been developing techniques for living beings to control spiritual power, calling those who mastered it "Quincy." The method had been discreetly spread through Shadow Island and Ryūchidō. However, to avoid backlash from Konoha's more traditional clans, he'd never pushed it publicly and allowed Ryūchidō to spread the technique more discreetly.
But he hadn't expected Yoru's technique to be so fully developed. Not only had it been widely adopted in Kirigakure, but now even Kumogakure shinobi had integrated it seamlessly.
That meant… there was no reason Konoha couldn't introduce it too.
"Such a generous gift... I can hardly accept it without earning it," Rasa said with polite humility, though his interest was evident.
"You're too kind, Kazekage-sama. Long ago, the Sage of Six Paths spread chakra across the world. As a Kage myself, I can't compare to him—but I can at least try to follow in his footsteps."
With that, Yoru pulled a summoning scroll from Shadow Island out of his robes and handed it directly to Rasa.
The surrounding Kage and shinobi nobility looked on with reverence. Even the normally reserved Fire and Wind Daimyōs stood solemnly.
"Such nobility from the Mizukage!"
"It's nothing," Yoru waved it off lightly.
Up on the high platform, the Kage were chatting cordially, but on the arena floor, the fight had reached a boiling point.
With Darui's spiritual power unleashed, Samui and C were barely able to hold off the trio from Kirigakure. Still, their efforts had bought Darui the time he needed.
Dark lightning surged from Darui's body, its strange glow drawing gasps from all around the arena.
"Black lightning?!"
"What kind of Lightning Release is that? Is it a new kekkei genkai?!"
"Wait, that technique—"
"It's that move!"
Veterans of the previous Great Ninja Wars immediately recognized the technique. Rasa's expression grew even more grave.
He had once fought against a monster wielding this very power in the early stages of the Third Ninja War.
That individual, renowned as one who could take on a thousand, unmatched in the world.
"Black Lightning... I never expected anyone to inherit the power of that monster."
Even Fugaku's eyes widened in recognition. He glanced at Yoru, but the Mizukage remained perfectly calm, unaffected by Darui's display.
"Spiritual Simulation: Lightning Release – Black Panther!!"
The black lightning crackled and coiled around Darui as he opened his eyes. Spiritual power learned from Shadow Island surged within him.
Then—
A panther made of black lightning leapt from his hand, letting out a thunderous roar as it lunged straight for the three from Kirigakure!
Samui and C barely managed to dodge in time. But Zabuza, Utakata, and Anko were struck head-on!
The black lightning corroded and paralyzed them, enveloping their bodies. The pain was instant and overwhelming—their movements frozen!
"How dare you underestimate Kumogakure!"
"Fall in defeat and carry your regrets with you!"
With a low roar, Darui crossed his hands together. A blinding white light burst from his palms, causing the crowd to cry out in shock. The elite Suna jōnin tensed, ready to intervene if necessary.
But despite the seemingly devastating attack, Zabuza didn't panic.
Fighting through the paralysis, he managed a smirk.
"You want me to handle this, or do one of you want the honors?"
"Let me!"
Before Utakata could reply, Anko—gritting her teeth against the electricity—stepped forward. She tilted her head slightly, revealing her slender white neck—and the three dark tomoe-shaped Cursed Seals branded on it.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Zabuza clicked his tongue and stepped aside.
"Storm Release: Lazer Circus!"
The prepared Storm Release kekkei genkai suddenly erupted at this moment, crushing down with a roar.
BOOM!!
The eruption of power forced spectators to shield their eyes. Dust and debris filled the arena.
"Did we get them...?"
Samui panted heavily, her ample chest heaving, eyes anxiously watching the smoke-filled zone.
"No... No, something's wrong."
Beside her, C froze. His voice trembled with disbelief and fear.
"What the hell are these guys...?"
"That was a powerful strike. Among this year's participants, you're definitely top-tier."
As the smoke cleared, the crowd gasped.
A pair of massive fleshly wings spread wide, lightly smoking from the impact, shielding all three Kirigakure shinobi. The wings were covered in fine blue glowing patterns, forming a protective barrier that had absorbed Darui's devastating attack completely.
Not a scratch.
"OOOOHHHH!!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and screams. Faces twisted with excitement and awe.
Even Rasa and Fugaku's pupils contracted in shock.
Not even most jōnin using A-rank defensive ninjutsu could have blocked that attack cleanly—yet these three stood completely unscathed.
"This... This can't be..."
Darui stood frozen, unwilling to accept the result. Spiritual power flared from his body again, but—
Anko smiled coldly. In her Heavens' Curse Mark state, her strength had increased exponentially. The moment her power burst forth, the arena ground beneath her feet instantly shattered.
The Kumogakure trio only saw a black shadow flash by, then a sharp pain spread through their bodies. Immediately, all three were sent flying, falling completely out of the arena.
Instant defeat!
"First match: victory to Kirigakure team!"
Before the crowd could even recover from their shock, Baki announced the result with a shout. He then immediately called in the medical and construction teams, who rushed onto the field—healing the injured and repairing the shattered terrain to ensure the next match could begin promptly.
Being a ninja isn't just about killing and mercenary work.
When it comes to construction? No one beats us.
The professional Suna construction team restored the arena within minutes. Baki, wasting no time, called out the next competitors to keep the excitement alive.
Next up: Konohagakure vs. Amegakure.
Three young shinobi from Konoha—clad in traditional Uchiha attire—appeared on the arena floor.
As they opened their eyes, three pairs of fully awakened three-tomoe Sharingan stared out at the crowd. Handsome faces and confident expressions sent the spectators into a frenzy.
The Uchiha Clan had always been legendary—but in this era, with a Mangekyō-wielding Fugaku as clan head—their prestige had only grown.
Not just the crowd—even the elite shinobi in the stands reacted visibly to those Sharingan.
Even Rasa's eyes narrowed in alarm.
Among shinobi, the Sharingan's progression was an unspoken power metric. One-tomoe marked the elite of genin. Two-tomoe—Chūnin level.
But three-tomoe?
Unquestionably jōnin-tier!
In other words, these three young men, around ten years old, had at least jōnin-level power!
"Konoha's foundation is as terrifying as ever. If our Suna shinobi faced them… we'd be massacred."
Rasa said it flatly, but with a strange undertone. Fugaku responded with a polite chuckle—but couldn't hide his smug smile.
He was clearly enjoying this.
"Amegakure team, please take the stage!"
The three Uchiha genin kept striking poses, but no one came from the Rain Village side.
Baki noticed this and turned toward the waiting area—but the Amegakure team was gone.
"Where are they?"
"No way… Did they chicken out after seeing the Uchiha trio?"
"Honestly, who can blame them? Three pairs of three-tomoe Sharingan? For a minor village like Amegakure, fear is expected."
"Still… They're ruled by that so-called demigod, right? Maybe they've got a plan."
Speculation ran wild. Most people dismissed Amegakure's chances—but a few veterans from the Second Great Ninja War still held lingering fear of the legendary Hanzo of the Salamander.
Minutes passed. The audience grew restless.
After a three-minute wait, Baki looked to Rasa, who nodded. He stepped onto the stage and raised his voice.
"Due to Amegakure's absence, the victory for this match goes to—"
His voice abruptly stopped.
All eyes turned skyward.
At some point, a lone figure had appeared in the sky—floating silently.
He wore a black cloak emblazoned with red clouds. Crimson hair spilled over his shoulders. Backlit by the sun, a pair of Rinnegan eyes shimmered with an oppressive aura.
"Yuki Yoru."
Nagato, appearing in his true body, looked down at Yuki Yoru, his Rinnegan filled with killing intent: "The judgment of the gods has arrived!"
"It's you!"
Fugaku's eyes snapped open, instantly transforming into Mangekyō Sharingan. His expression turned grave.
He had watched from the sidelines during the battle in the Land of Iron. Despite Yoru's overwhelming power in that clash, Fugaku had never forgotten Nagato's terrifying strength.
This wasn't someone he could handle.
His first instinct was to turn toward Yoru.
"Lord Yoru, should we—?"
"He's here for me. Get the civilians to safety."
Yoru slowlystood up, removing the Mizukage's hat atop his head. He locked eyes with Nagato, now hovering ominously in the air.
He could feel Nagato's current state clearly.
Full, powerful, vibrant.
The First Hokage's cells had clearly fused perfectly with Nagato, not only restoring everything he lost in the Land of Iron battle—but also repairing his legs and bringing him to peak condition.
But…
"Was this really necessary, Nagato? Things didn't have to end like this."
Yoru sighed softly.
He had once reached out to Nagato, even traveling personally to the Land of Rain, hoping to form an alliance. But now…
"Put away your hypocrisy, Yuki Yoru. The hatred between us has long been irreconcilable, buried deep within our hearts!"
Hearing Yuki Yoru's words, Nagato's heart seemed to be touched. That look, that tone.
Is this pity for me?!
His expression darkened further.
"Ever since the Third Great Ninja War… when you gained fame for killing my teacher… that day, the seeds of hatred were planted!"
"Back then, I still thought you were different. That you weren't like the rest of the decaying world, consumed by desire. But I was wrong."
"You are the Fourth Mizukage. The leader of Kirigakure. A ruler of a great nation. How could you ever understand the sorrow of a small village?"
"So drop the act, Yuki Yoru. After endless pain… I've finally ascended to godhood!"
"I've already crossed to the other side—Yuki Yoru!"