As for the minor threat that was Orochimaru, Uchiha Akihito truly didn't need to take it to heart. In the end, Orochimaru's problems had been caused single-handedly by the Third Hokage.
Whoever caused the trouble should be the one to solve it. There was no need for him to take a bullet for someone else.
Orochimaru was better left for the Third Hokage to handle.
However, Sasuke's situation was something Akihito did need to pay attention to.
Fugaku's eldest son, Uchiha Itachi, had already been led astray by the Third Hokage. If anything were to happen to his second son, Sasuke, Fugaku and Mikoto would never be able to accept it.
Akihito used to freeload meals at their house quite often. He held the couple in high regard.
Besides, Sasuke was now one of his disciples in name. If he couldn't even protect his own student, wouldn't that be utterly humiliating?
Akihito had already warned Orochimaru the previous night. With Orochimaru's intelligence, he should know to make the smart choice.
Even in the worst-case scenario—if Orochimaru took the risk and branded Sasuke with a severely damaging Cursed Seal—
With Akihito's current abilities, removing the Cursed Seal would be effortless.
After advancing his Fire Release Chakra Mode, Akihito had begun to grasp the mysteries of Yin–Yang Release.
Orochimaru's Cursed Seal was, at its core, nothing more than a degraded form of senjutsu. Yin–Yang Release, on the other hand, was the origin of all things.
To touch the threshold of Six Paths–level power, Yin–Yang Release was a crucial prerequisite. Naruto and Sasuke, after mastering Yin–Yang Release, were even able to contend with Six Paths Madara without falling behind.
The power of Yin–Yang Release was evident.
After the written exam concluded, the Chunin Exams entered the second round.
Deep within the Forest of Death—
More than eighty rookies who had passed the preliminary selection engaged in fierce battles in the wilderness testing ground.
Among Team Seven, Sakura might have been little more than dead weight, but Naruto and Sasuke were the ceiling among genin.
With solid teamwork, Team Seven passed the second round of the Chunin Exams with ease.
Passing alongside them were Hyuga Neji, Hyuga Hinata, Nara Shikamaru, and others.
All twelve of Konoha's "Rookie Twelve," highly regarded by their jonin instructors, advanced without a single exception.
After the second round's elimination, many villages had been completely wiped out.
Even Sunagakure, one of the Five Great Nations alongside Konoha, was left with only the siblings Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro.
Konoha still accounted for more than half of the remaining participants, earning the Third Hokage considerable prestige.
Two days later, the Chunin Exams officially entered the third round—the elimination matches.
The rules were simple: the rookies would face off against each other. Winners advanced; losers were eliminated.
Final rankings would be determined by points to decide who would earn the title of chunin.
At the elimination arena—
The Third Hokage stood on the central high platform and delivered an opening speech.
"You all performed exceptionally well in the first two rounds."
"But to become qualified chunin, you must distinguish yourselves in the battles ahead."
"I now declare the Chunin Exam elimination round officially begins!"
As his voice fell, the final stage of the Chunin Exams began.
Sakura, Ino, Tenten—those who had essentially coasted their way here—were destined for early exits.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuga Hinata, Hyuga Neji, Gaara, Nara Shikamaru, and others had far greater competitive potential.
Still—
Simply reaching the elimination round was valuable experience for the rookies.
Gaining precious combat experience before Orochimaru made his move wasn't a bad thing.
Akihito, Tsunade, and Yūhi Kurenai had arrived early at the venue. Akihito declined the Third Hokage's invitation to sit on the high platform, instead casually finding a seat among the audience.
If Akihito didn't go to the VIP section, Tsunade certainly wouldn't either.
Matches at the genin and chunin level were rather dull to him.
However—
Orochimaru would likely make his move soon.
That at least gave Akihito something to look forward to.
At the Chunin Exam venue—
Growing impatient watching the matches, Orochimaru gave the signal. Yakushi Kabuto immediately cast a large-scale genjutsu.
Maki of Sunagakure, along with Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, also sprang into action.
"The operation begins!"
In the stands—
Akihito instantly sensed something was wrong.
After waiting so long, was the main event finally about to begin?
With the sudden upheaval, the arena descended into chaos.
The Third Hokage's personal ANBU immediately leapt into action, issuing commands.
"We'll protect Lord Hokage!"
Akihito curled his lip slightly.
With just your level?
You're serious about protecting the Hokage?
At the center of the VIP section—
The Third Hokage slowly rose to his feet.
"Lord Kazekage, what is the meaning of this?"
"Are you trying to provoke a war?"
The Kazekage—Orochimaru in disguise—offered no reply, but a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.
The Third Hokage's ANBU were well-trained. Faced with the sudden crisis, they reacted swiftly.
"Wood Squad, take the upper level."
"Fire Squad, secure the lower level."
"The rest of you, follow me to protect the daimyo!"
The daimyo held status no less significant than the Five Kage. Their combat ability, however, was nowhere near comparable.
Thus, at the first sign of trouble, the daimyo became the ANBU's top priority for protection.
Guarding weaklings was difficult—yet they couldn't simply let them die.
At times like this, the daimyo were nothing but burdens.
The Third Hokage's ANBU were formidable. In the first exchange, they eliminated three or four Sound ninja with malicious intent.
However—
The enemy had already infiltrated Konoha's civilian population. From time to time, disguised "villagers" launched surprise attacks, giving the ANBU quite a headache.
Tsunade and Yūhi Kurenai were eager to jump in and test their skills. Akihito did not stop them.
The enemies before them were merely small fry. With Tsunade and Kurenai's strength, there was virtually no risk of things going wrong.
As for Orochimaru in the VIP section—
Let him dance a little longer.
Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, pulled out a kunai and seized the Third Hokage, leaping onto the rooftop.
The Sound Four, who had infiltrated the ANBU ranks, immediately followed.
They looked thoroughly impatient.
"After waiting this long, is it finally our turn to take the stage?!"
The Third Hokage's eyes flickered.
"This is… Sound ninja?"
Several of his personal ANBU rushed over upon noticing the situation.
Just as they attempted to approach, the Sound Four suddenly activated a barrier.
"Ninja Art: Four Violet Flames Formation!"
An ANBU dashed forward, attempting to break through—
Only to be instantly incinerated into ashes.
Seeing this, many ninjas' expressions turned grim.
"A barrier ninjutsu?"
"They beat the ANBU to the punch. They're no ordinary opponents."
Some attempted to rush over to provide support, but the infiltrated enemies immediately stepped in to block their path.
At this moment, the Third Hokage still hadn't grasped the full picture.
"I never expected the Sand ninja to betray Konoha…"
The disguised Kazekage did not rush to reveal himself. Instead, he began lecturing his former teacher.
"So-called alliances are nothing more than smokescreens to deceive one's enemies."
"This boring competition ends here."
"Next, the history of the ninja world will be rewritten!"
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