Bright sunlight bathed Konohagakure.
Today was clearly a beautiful day, and many of the villagers had risen early.
They chatted and laughed as they made their way to the village's largest training ground. After all, today marked the final competition of the Joint Chūnin Exams!
"So many people."
From the spectator stands, Deidara glanced at the dense crowd and immediately turned to Kitagawa Minamoto.
"Hey, you bastard, you're not planning to run off again today, are you?"
"You're one to talk about running. Don't you sneak off all the time?"
Before Minamoto could respond, Kurotsuchi, standing beside Deidara, couldn't hold back her irritation.
"Let's not even mention how you followed the participating teams and then left them behind—how could you be so irresponsible?"
"Tch, compared to this guy, that's nothing. Hm."
Deidara pursed his lips, glaring unhappily at Minamoto.
"Damn bastard! You promised an art competition, but when trouble started, you ran faster than anyone else. Because of you, I haven't been able to leave the village for ages! Hm!"
"Idiot, you've only got yourself to blame for being brainless."
Minamoto nearly rolled his eyes. Leaning on the railing, he glanced down and spoke disdainfully.
"Even your junior here probably knows that during such an important exam, the village would be on high alert. You caused such a commotion and didn't even think to escape. And you blame me?"
"Huh?"
Deidara froze, turning to glance at Kurotsuchi, who covered her face, clearly unwilling to comment. His face turned red.
"Dammit, I was just immersed in my art! Hm, that's definitely what happened!"
"Tch."
Minamoto couldn't be bothered to respond. Still, he was curious enough to ask, "Why are you two here? Shouldn't you be with the Tsuchikage?"
"Doesn't matter. It's free time now, so I'll do whatever I want."
Deidara replied nonchalantly, his attitude leaving Kurotsuchi speechless.
However, Kurotsuchi couldn't help but size up Minamoto.
She had heard his name countless times, whether from Deidara or her grandfather. It was a name that resonated like thunder in her ears!
She had always been curious about what kind of person could make her grandfather so wary and earn such admiration from Deidara.
"Can't gauge his strength yet, but if Deidara says he can counter Dust Release, he must be really powerful. And... he's kind of handsome, isn't he?"
Kurotsuchi thought to herself, though she quickly felt annoyed.
Watching Deidara enthusiastically bombard Minamoto with questions while Minamoto looked visibly annoyed, she couldn't help but recall how Deidara behaved similarly when she sought him out.
"Senior."
Before Kurotsuchi could sort out her thoughts, a red-haired girl suddenly ran over, catching Minamoto's attention.
"Karin, how's it going?"
"Senior, I've completed the inspection. No unusual activity has been detected at the venue for now."
Karin nodded, glancing briefly at Deidara and Kurotsuchi before speaking softly.
Karin wasn't participating in this Chūnin Exam. She was currently training under Tsunade and had been assigned a mission during the exam.
With her exceptional sensory abilities, Konohagakure naturally wanted her to play a key role. This was, in a sense, her personal "Chūnin Exam."
"Good."
Minamoto smiled and, after a moment of thought, reminded her, "But keep an eye on everything around you. And no matter what happens, don't be too surprised."
"Huh?"
"It's nothing. Just enjoy the competition."
"Okay."
Though Karin didn't understand what Minamoto meant, she obediently nodded.
She decided not to dwell on it and instead focused her attention on the competition.
It was her first time witnessing such an event.
At the high platform of the venue, Hiruzen Sarutobi beamed as he addressed the gathered individuals.
"Everyone, it's truly rare for us to gather like this."
"It certainly is."
The Fourth Raikage scanned the people around him, sneering.
"Only Konohagakure has the audacity and capability to bring everyone together like this."
"Indeed."
Ōnoki chuckled, his gaze lingering on the empty sleeve of the Fourth Raikage's left arm. His smile grew even more pronounced.
"Konohagakure's strength is truly extraordinary."
"You—!"
The Fourth Raikage immediately understood the implication, but before he could retort, Ōnoki had already turned to others.
"It's a pity the Fourth Mizukage couldn't attend. I hear Kirigakure is nominating a Fifth Mizukage? Isn't he still quite young?"
"..."
Gengetsu Hōzuki, ever composed, merely offered an awkward smile and didn't respond.
Ōnoki then shifted his focus to Rasa.
"And I've heard that Sunagakure even sent their Jinchūriki to the exam. Truly a remarkable alliance, isn't it?"
"Alright, let's not discuss this further."
Hiruzen quickly interjected, cutting off Ōnoki's provocations.
"The competition is about to begin. Let's focus on that."
"Indeed, let's enjoy the competition."
Rasa nodded, though the Fourth Raikage continued to sneer.
"I just hope everything goes smoothly today."
The Fourth Raikage's words cast a shadow over the gathering. After all, no one could predict what might happen at such an event.
"Looks like I'm late."
Amid the tense silence, a voice suddenly broke through.
Turning to look, they saw Danzō Shimura approaching the platform at a steady pace.
"Danzō, you're here."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed in relief, glad for the interruption to the heavy atmosphere.
"I was worried you'd refuse the invitation."
"With such a grand occasion, how could I decline?"
Danzō shook his head, his expression unreadable as he looked at Hiruzen.
"Besides, didn't you want to have a chat with me? I think now is a good time."
At the spectator stands below, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Tsunade stood together, observing the scene.
"Everything's been arranged, right?"
Jiraiya asked in a low voice.
"And where's Minamoto? Why isn't he here?"
"Over there."
Tsunade pointed to Minamoto, who was chatting with Deidara not far away.
"That brat from Iwagakure is pestering him again. I really don't get what's up with that kid."
"Something about art, I think. I'm not sure either."
Kakashi shrugged before smiling.
"Minamoto said it's because of the Flying Thunder God Technique. But it's not a bad thing. That kid's destructive power is no joke, and he seems to have a good relationship with Minamoto."
"Maybe it could influence Ōnoki's decisions. After all, he's Ōnoki's prized disciple."
Jiraiya understood Kakashi's reasoning and couldn't help but chuckle.
"That kid even mastered Dust Release. Truly remarkable."
"Since he's participating, how's your preparation for Naruto coming along, Jiraiya-sama?"
Kakashi asked curiously.
"Naruto's doing well. I still can't fully awaken the two Chakras inside him, but he's learned the Rasengan and even the Summoning Technique, which Minamoto hasn't mastered."
Jiraiya's smile showed his satisfaction with Naruto's progress. Kakashi, hearing this, also smiled.
"Not bad. I've been teaching Sasuke how to use the Sharingan, and he's learned Chidori. Maybe one day, he can even learn Minamoto's Purple Electricity."
"You two, why does every conversation lead back to Kitagawa Minamoto?"
Tsunade teased, amused by their focus on Minamoto.
The two were momentarily stunned but quickly realized she was right. Perhaps they subconsciously saw Minamoto as a benchmark.
In the arena, the first match was about to begin.
The opponents: Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyūga.
"Alright! I'm up first!"
Naruto was visibly excited, while Neji remained silent, merely glancing at Naruto before stepping into the arena.
"Be careful, Naruto. He's really strong."
Sakura warned, her concern evident. Meanwhile, Sasuke glanced at Neji and added,
"Hey, idiot. Don't embarrass yourself."
"Tch, no problem!"
Naruto gave a thumbs-up before heading into the arena.
High above the arena, in the resting area for participants, a voice suddenly broke the silence.
"What a grand event."
"Indeed."
Black Zetsu nodded beside Obito Uchiha, speaking in a low voice.
"Orochimaru's Sound Village has set their plans in motion, and he's made significant preparations.
As for the other Kage, it's hard to say, but the Fourth Raikage won't let things slide.
And Sunagakure brought their Jinchūriki, giving us an even better opportunity."
"Exactly. Two Tailed Beasts rampaging together—it'll be quite the spectacle."
Obito nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant Hokage Rock.
"I'd like to see how Kitagawa Minamoto responds. And whether that 'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto' will show up."
"Indeed."
Black Zetsu agreed. Even though 'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto' had been quiet recently, his mere existence was a source of terror.
"I'm looking forward to seeing if he appears."
"Alright, let's move. First, we capture Shukaku."
"Yes. Once we deal with Shukaku, we can move on to the Nine-Tails."
As the two began their operation, Hiruzen Sarutobi focused on the match between Naruto and Neji.
Naruto's significant improvement was evident. He wasn't being dominated by Neji—in fact, the situation had reversed!
"To think they'd send a Jinchūriki into the first match. How interesting."
Suddenly, Danzō chuckled from the platform.
"Not only that, but even Shukaku is here. I can't tell if this is overconfidence or if Konoha's defenses are just too lax."
"Hmm?"
Hiruzen frowned but didn't have time to respond as he felt a sudden surge of unfamiliar Chakra!
The energy caused Rasa to leap to his feet, his eyes fixed on the distant participant building in disbelief.
"That's... Shukaku's Chakra. Gaara, he..."
"You're not Danzō. Who are you?"
Hiruzen's gaze turned cold as he stared at the man before him. He seemed to have an idea.
Danzō shook his head, a playful smile on his face.
"You really are getting old. Otherwise, you'd have recognized me by now."
"Long time no see, teacher!"
As his words fell, an even more powerful surge of Chakra erupted, and Shukaku's roar echoed across the skies.
(End of Chapter)
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