The master of The Hidden Mist Village has aged.
It's understandable for the elder to speak pessimistically.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, smiling, shook his head and humbly said, "Master, you're still in good health! It's my old bones that are almost useless..."
"..."
The master of The Hidden Mist Village simply shook his head slowly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his gaze toward Fourth Kazekage Rasa and took the initiative to speak, "I've always wanted to meet Lord Rasa, and today I finally have the chance."
"I've been wanting to visit Konoha for a long time..."
Fourth Kazekage Rasa responded with great enthusiasm and even opened his palm politely, "I hope my arrival won't bring any trouble to Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and replied, "Your willingness to come here makes this old man feel honored, how could it be any trouble?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen led the way, motioning with his hand, "Let's go inside first and later enjoy the performance of these youngsters..."
"..."
The leaders of the three Great Country Ninja Villages entered in succession, seating themselves at the highest platform in the arena for the third round of the Chunin Exams, overlooking the packed crowd below.
This year's Chunin Exams is clearly Konoha Village's largest event in recent years, with many villagers present at the site, seated in the audience stands on high platforms, watching the arena below.
The moderator for the third exam remains Shiranui Genma, who scrutinizes the group of incoming candidates, pondering whether there might be troublesome issues.
To be honest, it's quite possible.
Because Gaara is the Jinchuriki of The Hidden Sand Village, once Gaara releases the One-Tailed Shukaku, it could potentially destroy the arena and even harm innocent spectators.
Obviously.
This issue was quickly presented before Akihara Kagura.
"Lord Kagura."
Namiashi Raido glanced at the lead, Akihara Kagura, and proactively suggested, "We can prepare four Jonin to set up the Four Purple Flames Array, in case that child from The Hidden Sand Village really releases the One Tail, catching us off guard might be troublesome..."
"No need to worry."
Akihara Kagura shook his head and suddenly raised his finger, Chakra surged within him, "Wood Release: Multiple Wood Clone Jutsu!"
Four wooden clones emerged from Akihara Kagura's back, leaping off the high stage and stood at the four corners within the arena.
Akihara Kagura glanced at the personnel inside the arena and softly said, "Before the exam starts, my Wood Clones will set up the barrier to avoid any accidents."
"Is the Chakra of the Wood Clones sufficient?"
Namiashi Raido watched the Wood Clones in the corners of the arena thoughtfully, suddenly asking, "Wait, what will happen if an accident occurs during the exam? If during the third round, after the candidates determine a victor, the other side continues to attack their opponent..."
"I can use the Flying Thunder God to enter the barrier."
It seemed Akihara Kagura had already calculated everything into the plan.
Namiashi Raido's forehead twitched, feeling that Akihara Kagura's method was correct, but the outcome could be somewhat different; he felt that Akihara Kagura would just want to see a river of blood.
"At the critical moment, I will intervene."
Akihara Kagura emphasized once again.
Just as they were chatting here, Shiranui Genma, following the established draw sequence, ordered the participants of the first match to remain in the arena, while others returned to the waiting room.
The opponents for the first match.
Naruto Uzumaki, Hyuga Neji.
When these two contestants were still exchanging in the arena, Akihara Kagura's Wood Clones, planned in advance, suddenly clapped their hands together, releasing a crimson barrier.
"Ninpo: Four Red Sun Array!"
Four crimson barriers suddenly appeared in the arena!
All the Jonin present were stunned by this crimson barrier; they had heard of the terror of the Four Red Sun Array, of the strong barrier defensive power of the Sun Array!
But...
It was their first time seeing it!
"Four Red Sun Array..."
Namiashi Raido looked at the red barrier appearing in the arena, unable to conceal his inner shock, "The legendary defense of the Four Red Sun Array vastly surpasses the Four Purple Flames Array; it needs four ninjas with Kage-level Chakra to set it up..."
Of course.
What was even more shocking was not the Four Red Sun Array itself.
But someone who could set up the Four Red Sun Array just with four Wood Clones.
Many Jonin present were astounded by Akihara Kagura's feat, had to be amazed at this individual's terrifying aspect; such an abundant Chakra was something many people yearned for!
"Really a spirited young man..."
Sitting at the highest point, Fourth Kazekage Rasa watched Akihara Kagura's performance, a smile curved at the corner of his lips, his eyes flashing with a hint of greed.
"No need for such a grand display..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled lightly with his pipe in his mouth, feeling content with the deterrence Akihara Kagura brought to Konoha, yet with some pride, "Having such a barrier does interfere with us watching the full effort of those youngsters..."
"Hmph..."
The elder master of The Hidden Mist Village snorted softly, speaking quietly, "Being able to witness the appearance of the Four Red Sun Array, this Chunin Exam is already sufficiently exciting... As long as the performance of those young ones down there can live up to a barrier capable of defending against any force."
At present.
The defense limit of the Four Red Sun Array is unknown.
Because the Four Red Sun Array has appeared very few times in the history of the Ninja World, every recorded event it appeared played a significant role; everyone believed that the Four Red Sun Array barrier could defend against any attack.