On the mountainside, in the Kage viewing area.
Compared to the clamor of the arena, it was surprisingly quiet here at the moment.
Whether it was Ōnoki, A, or Rasa, all of them had grim expressions.
Hiruzen, standing in front of Ōnoki, stared fixedly at Ōnoki. Ōnoki, in turn, stared at Hiruzen, showing no intention of backing down. Having been Hiruzen's sworn rival for so long, he felt that backing down now would be a loss of face.
Samui went to A's side and whispered a few words into his ear.
As Samui finished speaking, A's expression became serious.
It was true that Hiruzen had set up a formation in Moon Ring Gorge, but if Ōnoki were to kill Konoha's genius in Kumogakure, Kumogakure would be unable to clear its name, regardless of whether it was truly involved or not. Moreover, this Chunin Exam was funded by the Land of Lightning's Daimyo.
If such an incident occurred, he would have to go to great lengths to explain himself, and it was likely that military funds would be withheld.
It was well known that Kumogakure was not like other Ninja Villages. Kumogakure received the most military funds among all Ninja Villages. Even Konoha, in the Land of Fire, which occupied the best location, could not compare to Kumogakure.
"Tsuchikage." A spoke to Ōnoki.
Immediately, everyone turned to look.
Even Ōnoki couldn't help but look at this savage Fourth Raikage, wondering what he would say.
"As the host, Kumogakure has a responsibility to protect the Genin participating from various countries."
"If your actions force Kumogakure into war with Konoha—"
"Before that, Kumogakure will first purge Iwagakure."
A spoke each word distinctly, completely ignoring Ōnoki's increasingly grim expression.
Hiruzen couldn't help but look at Samui behind Fourth Raikage. Indeed, Kumogakure's strategists were not simple. This was what Shikaku had told Hiruzen before they departed.
Rasa remained seated, having no interest in stepping forward to bear Ōnoki's wrath. Ōnoki had been deliberately manipulating him from the start. However, Rasa was not a fool to step forward and speak on Hiruzen's behalf at this moment. Otherwise, Ōnoki would likely turn his anger towards him.
"Hehehe—"
"Hokage, are you perhaps too agitated?"
"When did I make a move or say that I would lay a hand on Konoha's genius?"
After a long pause, Ōnoki reseated himself, responding indifferently.
Hiruzen's lips curved into a smile upon hearing this, and he simply looked at Ōnoki and said calmly, "That's for the best. At least this old body of mine won't have to move."
With that, he walked back to his original seat, hands behind his back.
A let out a sigh. He had almost been dragged into Iwagakure's mess. Indeed, the older people get, the more cunning they become.
Ōnoki continued to watch the battle on the screen, but his hands in his sleeves were tightly clenched.
Kitsuchi, beside him, looked at him with a worried expression, his eyes involuntarily glancing in the direction of Hiruzen and the others.
—
Shinji and Bee had no way of knowing what was happening on the mountainside.
The two fought fiercely, with thunder, fire, wind, and crashing waves constantly intertwining at the foot of the mountain, further altering the already chaotic terrain. The landscape was continuously changing due to Shinji and Bee's battle.
"This guy! He's even more troublesome than I thought! You idiot!"
Bee, who had been constantly fending off Shinji's attacks, was gradually becoming irritated.
"Partner! We can't wait any longer!" Inside, Bee took a deep breath and shouted to Gyūki.
"Oh! Let's go! Bee!" Gyūki roared.
It was it's first time encountering such a troublesome opponent.
The constant attacks from all directions were completely unlike the Third Raikage, who was straightforward. It was also getting a bit fed up with Shinji.
As Gyūki's words fell—
Boom!
A massive, dark red Chakra surged out from Bee's body like a tangible substance, instantly enveloping him.
Bee's body rapidly expanded in an instant, and four even thicker, blood-red octopus tentacles burst out from his body.
"Roar—"
Bee's head lifted, emitting an inhuman roar, his head covered by the blood-red Tailed Beast Chakra. The outline of ox horns appeared on his forehead.
Partial Tailed Beast Transformation activated!
"Roar—!"
With Bee entering Partial Tailed Beast Transformation, his speed and strength surged.
The giant tentacles swept towards Shinji like massive pythons. Clouds appeared beneath Shinji's feet, and he quickly dodged, moving upwards.
Bang!
The tentacles struck the nearby mountain, sending shattered rocks scattering like cannonballs.
Seeing Shinji fly into the sky, the partially transformed Bee opened his mouth without hesitation.
Two different types of Chakra converged in Bee's mouth, gradually taking shape.
On the mountainside, A, seeing this scene, roared at Samui, "Activate the barrier!"
Samui didn't hesitate, quickly firing another flare.
In the arena, dozens of Kumo ninjas rushed out, quickly forming hand signs on the mountain wall.
"Barrier! Open!"
A brilliant blue barrier instantly unfolded, and at this moment, Bee's Tailed Beast Ball was also ready.
Shinji's brows furrowed as he looked at the extremely compressed Tailed Beast Ball.
Such Chakra was terrifying!
Rumble—
Bee's mouth closed slightly, and the Tailed Beast Ball instantly resembled a compressed water balloon.
Countless energy attacks, like lasers, shot towards Shinji's location.
'Damn it!'
Shinji's expression instantly changed, and the clouds moved rapidly.
Yet, Bee seemed to be able to pinpoint his location. No matter how Shinji dodged, Bee would attack him in the very next moment.
Thud—
Shinji once again waved his hand to deflect Bee's attack. Although he was protected by the Yang Release Chakra Armor, he still felt his blood surging throughout his body.
'I can't let this continue.'
A sharp glint flashed in Shinji's eyes, and he keenly caught Bee in a momentary opening.
He raised his right hand, bringing his index and middle fingers together, and roared.
Yang Release: Yōshin Sealing Chains!
Whoosh—
Dazzling golden light erupted from Shinji's back, and a dozen or so chains radiating scorching golden light instantly burst forth from behind him. They instantly tore through the air, piercing accurately towards the partially transformed Bee, seemingly ignoring distance.
"What?!"
Bee and Gyūki within him were both horrified. They felt a chill in their hearts, it was the thing Tailed Beasts feared most from deep within.
"Bee! Get out of the way!" Gyūki roared loudly.
Too late.
Pfft—Pfft—
The chains completely ignored Bee's Partial Tailed Beast Transformation Chakra cloak, which would scorch anyone who touched it.
Like a knife cutting through tofu, they fiercely plunged into Bee's partially transformed body.