The news of the attack on Konohagakure during the joint Chūnin Exams quickly spread across the entire ninja world.
Before anyone could even process their shock, more information followed.
"Although Konohagakure was attacked during the Chūnin Exams, forcing the exams to be interrupted, the issue has been resolved. The exams will resume in a month."
This brief announcement contained no further details.
The entire ninja world was left puzzled, but while ordinary people were in the dark, the higher-ups of the major ninja villages had already learned quite a bit.
"What? The Kazekage is dead?! And Gaara has fallen into Konohagakure's hands?!"
In Sunagakure, Chiyo rose to her feet in shock upon hearing Ebizō's report.
"Damn it! Has he gone mad? Why would he make such a decision?"
"According to the intelligence, Konohagakure was under attack at the time. The Kazekage might have believed Konohagakure couldn't fend off the attackers."
Ebizō sighed deeply, his expression troubled.
"And with the Raikage taking a side, they decided to join forces. But in the end, they were killed by Kitagawa Minamoto."
"Kitagawa Minamoto, that new White Fang of Konohagakure?"
"Yes, according to the reports, he seems to have mastered Dust Release. Not only did he subdue the One-Tail, but he also killed both the Kazekage and the Raikage."
"That brat..."
Chiyo's expression darkened. She had met Kitagawa Minamoto before and could never forget the moment he had placed his blade against her neck in the blink of an eye.
But it had only been a short time since then, and now this person had grown to such an extent?
"He's no longer just a brat. If nothing unexpected happens, he's likely to become the Fifth Hokage, or at the very least, the Sixth."
Ebizō sighed, looking at his elderly sister as he spoke softly.
"We need to prepare early. Even though Konohagakure hasn't said anything, they will undoubtedly take action."
"Are you suggesting... war?"
"It's not out of the question. The Daimyō has been cutting our funding year after year. Our morale is already low, and we don't have many ninja. Now that Gaara is in their hands..."
"I understand. We do need to make some preparations."
Chiyo slumped back into her seat, her old and frail body appearing even more lifeless at this moment.
In this world where the strong prey on the weak, one misstep could lead to a bottomless abyss.
"What?! My brother is dead?!"
While Sunagakure was reeling from the news, Kumogakure had also learned of the events.
Killer Bee couldn't sit still upon hearing the news. He immediately stood up, ready to charge out, but Dodai stopped him.
"Killer Bee, don't act rashly. What are you planning to do?"
"What do you think? Of course, I'm going to avenge my brother!"
"Are you crazy? That's not avenging him; that's throwing your life away!"
Dodai looked at the furious Killer Bee, feeling both helpless and exasperated.
He understood the deep bond between Killer Bee and the Fourth Raikage. As a high-ranking member of Kumogakure, he was aware of many of their policies.
Killer Bee might seem carefree and eccentric, ignoring the gossip and hostility from others in the village.
But in reality, besides understanding his responsibilities, the most important reason for his resilience was his older brother, the Fourth Raikage.
"Killer Bee, your impulsiveness won't achieve anything right now."
Dodai held onto Killer Bee, trying to persuade him.
"Konohagakure will undoubtedly strengthen their defenses after the attack. Kitagawa Minamoto single-handedly killed two Kage.
This will give Konohagakure immense confidence, and they won't let us off easily. So we have to stay calm!"
"Kitagawa Minamoto..."
"Yes, Kitagawa Minamoto, the new White Fang of Konohagakure, the Silver Flash. He'll probably earn titles like 'Kage Slayer' in the future."
Dodai took a deep breath, speaking seriously to Killer Bee, whose face was filled with anger.
"So we absolutely cannot act recklessly. If we lose our composure, we'll have no chance at all. If you act rashly and he targets you, you won't even have the opportunity for revenge."
While the two major ninja villages were overwhelmed by the sudden bad news, Konohagakure remained peaceful.
Although the village had tightened its defenses due to the attack, life had returned to normal for most people.
"Ugh, this is so frustrating!"
In a Konohagakure training ground, Naruto sat under a tree, looking dejected.
"Why did I suddenly feel unwell at that time? If it weren't for that, I could've beaten them up, gained everyone's recognition, and become Hokage!"
"Idiot, we weren't allowed to participate in the fight anyway. Even if you were fine, it wouldn't have mattered."
Sasuke, panting as he sat nearby, rolled his eyes. His words made Sakura, Ino, Kiba, and Chōji all nod in agreement.
Kiba, in particular, didn't hold back. He glanced at Kitagawa Minamoto, who was standing nearby, and said with a smirk,
"Look at Senior Minamoto. He killed two Kage by himself. He's as strong as the Hokage, yet he hasn't become one. What makes you think you can?"
"Damn it..."
Naruto clenched his fists, only for Kitagawa Minamoto to casually add,
"Besides, you might not even pass the Chūnin Exams. Why are you thinking about becoming Hokage?"
"..."
Naruto's face darkened, and he grumbled in frustration.
"Damn it, I'll definitely pass!"
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, you won't."
"..."
Naruto's face turned green. Was there really a need to say that?
"Senior."
Ino ignored Naruto and curiously asked Kitagawa Minamoto,
"The exam in a month won't change, right?"
"It won't. Don't worry."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled and nodded.
"Although there were some unexpected events, they didn't have much impact. Besides, having an extra month to prepare is good for all of you, isn't it?"
"Well, that's true, but it also gives others time to prepare."
Shikamaru, still looking half-asleep, rubbed his pineapple-shaped hair and sighed as if the whole situation was a bother.
Hearing this, Kitagawa Minamoto sighed and looked at Shikamaru with a hint of exasperation.
"But you also have fewer opponents now, don't you?"
"..."
"They were eliminated along with their Kage, weren't they?"
"..."
"With such a great opportunity, what are you complaining about?"
"..."
The younger generation was left speechless by Kitagawa Minamoto's words. While he wasn't wrong, it still felt... a bit off.
"Alright, I've been guiding you all morning. It's time for me to train now."
Kitagawa Minamoto glanced at the sun in the sky and stood up.
"From now on, you'll have to train on your own."
"You're just trying to avoid Deidara, aren't you?"
Naruto muttered under his breath, but Sasuke was curious.
"Senior, you still need to train?"
"Of course. Even Jiraiya went to Mount Myōboku to train."
Kitagawa Minamoto knocked Naruto on the head and replied matter-of-factly.
"If that old pervert, who's already half-buried in the ground, is working so hard, I can't fall behind. Besides, the Hokage gave me some new materials."
"Really? Is it some kind of powerful technique?"
Naruto's eyes lit up despite the pain in his head, and the others also looked curious.
"Sort of, but it still requires careful study."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded. This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed given him a lot of materials, though they left him feeling a bit conflicted.
"Wood Release, huh..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had handed over all of Konohagakure's preserved Wood Release techniques and even some of Hashirama Senju's personal notes.
It was likely because Kitagawa Minamoto had demonstrated Dust Release, which had raised everyone's expectations of him.
"Well, I guess I'll just have to live up to their hopes..."
Kitagawa Minamoto sighed. Given how powerful "Ōtsutsuki Minamoto" had appeared, it was only natural for people to want someone capable of countering him.
And since he had performed so well, it was only logical for those hopes to land on him.
"No matter. I'll deal with it. For now, I'll focus on absorbing the One-Tail's chakra and the fragments of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path."
What he was most eager to see was what rewards these would bring him.
"Alright, work hard. I'm off."
With that, Kitagawa Minamoto disappeared in an instant, leaving the younger generation staring in awe.
"Amazing... Is that the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
Kiba licked his lips, and Shikamaru nodded.
"Yes, that's the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Tch, I won't lose to him. I'll work hard this time!"
Naruto's eyes burned with determination, and Sasuke's expression was equally resolute.
"I need to work harder too. Kakashi-sensei said that if I earn Senior Minamoto's approval, I might be able to learn his Purple Electricity."
Sasuke had only one thought after witnessing Kitagawa Minamoto's strength:
Earn Kitagawa Minamoto's recognition, learn his techniques, and ultimately defeat Itachi Uchiha!
Meanwhile, Kitagawa Minamoto had quietly left Konohagakure and arrived in a forest within the Land of Fire.
"This spot will do."
Finding a random place to sit, he took a deep breath and activated his System. At the same time, he pulled out the fragments of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Looking at the large chunks of fragments, he couldn't help but wonder,
"Didn't they say that Uchiha Madara's fan was made from the roots of this thing?"
"Should I make one myself and mess with Madara later?"
Though tempted, Kitagawa Minamoto knew his current priority was to strengthen himself.
"Let's begin!"
Focusing his mind, Kitagawa Minamoto muttered softly.
In an instant, the immense chakra of the One-Tail surged into his body!
Simultaneously, he activated the power of the "Divine Tree Source," placing his hand on the fragments of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Buzz—
As the chakra roared, the fragments disintegrated into specks of light, resonating with his own chakra.
"This feeling..."
Kitagawa Minamoto murmured as he felt the "Divine Tree Source" within him begin to expand.
Stimulated by the fragments, the "Divine Tree Source" grew larger, its capacity deepening and its ability to absorb energy from the Dragon Veins accelerating.
Boom—
Suddenly, Kitagawa Minamoto felt the chakra within him erupt like a storm, his bloodline boiling once more.
The One-Tail's chakra merged into the "Divine Tree Source," its power surging into his eyes.
"This sensation..."
Kitagawa Minamoto muttered, his eyes stinging slightly.
His chakra became more intense, rising like a torrent.
More importantly, he sensed something growing on his head.
Realizing what was happening, he exclaimed,
"Oh no, I've actually grown horns!"
(End of Chapter)
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