"Huahuahua..."
Amid thunderous applause that echoed throughout the arena, the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, Rasa, appeared together. After exchanging formal greetings, they took their seats in the elevated viewing box.
Cheers erupted instantly as the candidates entered the arena one by one!
The tournament was about to begin!
In stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the exam venue, the outskirts of Konoha seemed unusually quiet.
On a rooftop, Shihouin Naraku and Nara Shikaku were gazing toward the distant examination hall, from which excited shouts could be heard.
"With such commotion, it seems the exam has already started," Naraku observed.
"Indeed. It's a shame I can't watch the competition. Shikamaru is one of the candidates. Aren't you worried?" he asked Shikaku.
Nara Shikaku touched the scar on his face and smiled wryly. "I just hope Shikamaru doesn't forfeit his match. That boy lacks motivation."
"Hahaha... Shikamaru's personality is very similar to yours, Shikaku-senpai."
Shihouin Naraku couldn't help but laugh, but quickly grew serious again. "I've made all the arrangements here. If the enemy truly appears, we can keep them contained at the perimeter."
Nara Shikaku also spoke with a grave expression. "If war breaks out, Konoha's Jōnin will immediately form the first defensive line."
"Civilians will be guided to the shelters by designated personnel, with Chūnin assisting in the evacuation."
"After the civilians are secure, some shinobi will remain as guards while others will either reinforce the front lines or protect the Hokage."
"Good. ANBU has already dispatched teams to secure the village's key facilities," Shihouin Naraku said, looking toward the secluded forest outside Konoha. "ANBU will hold off the first wave of enemies."
"I hope the Jōnin's support arrives quickly. There are too many critical areas that need protection. Everything depends on how swiftly the Jōnin can mobilize."
"Initially, I didn't believe war would actually break out," Nara Shikaku sighed. "Now it seems inevitable."
"There is no such thing as eternal peace."
Shihouin Naraku smiled. "Do you think there are enough personnel at the exam venue?"
Nara Shikaku glanced at the distant arena. "Kakashi and the others are there, and the Hokage himself is present, so it should be fine. As expected, the most intense fighting will be contained outside the village, preventing the conflict from affecting the exam venue."
"..."
"Really? That's good... I'll leave this area in your hands. I'm heading out now."
"Understood!"
With a few swift movements, Shihouin Naraku's figure vanished between the buildings.
Nara Shikaku watched him go before turning to leave as well.
...
"Swish!"
A shadow flashed by...
The Root organization's headquarters remained in perpetual darkness, concealing everything in shadowy corners.
Shimura Danzō, leaning on his cane, sat in his position of authority.
As if hearing the distant cheers from the exam, Danzō raised his head. His clouded eyes seemed to perceive something, yet nothing at all. Finally, he closed his eyes and waited silently.
Briefly, Shimura Danzō emanated a hint of sadness, as though mourning a close friend.
But this melancholy vanished instantly, and Shimura Danzō returned to being the ambitious schemer he was known to be!
In that moment, a pair of bright eyes observed this scene from the darkness.
High above the vast Root headquarters, balanced on a ceiling beam, stood Shihouin Naraku, watching Shimura Danzō intently!
Shihouin Naraku leaned against the beam with his arms crossed over his chest. He remained there, motionless and silent for a long time.
No one knew how long he had been standing there, nor when he had first appeared.
Everyone waited quietly. Though their purposes and expectations differed, perhaps the outcomes would converge.
Inside the examination arena, the battle between Uzumaki Naruto and Hyūga Neji had concluded.
To many people's surprise, Uzumaki Naruto emerged victorious!
Although the sudden release of the Nine-Tails' chakra had caused concern among the spectators, the audience still rewarded Naruto with enthusiastic applause.
The next match was scheduled between Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara, but because Sasuke was late, the match was temporarily postponed.
The third match should have been between Kankurō and Aburame Shino, but Kankurō, wishing to conserve his strength, simply forfeited.
The fourth match was originally between Akimichi Chōji and Toss, who had advanced directly from the preliminary round. However, Toss failed to appear, resulting in a nervous Chōji being declared the winner by default!
(Unknown to the spectators, Toss had privately challenged Gaara to prove his worth to Orochimaru and had been killed instantly!)
The audience, unaware of this hidden truth, began to grow restless when they realized that three consecutive matches had failed to take place.
Genma Shiranui was also surprised; he hadn't anticipated such a situation and momentarily found himself at a loss.
Fortunately, the fifth match proceeded smoothly. The lazy Nara Shikamaru had initially wanted to forfeit, but after three consecutive match disruptions, no one was willing to let him quit.
Uzumaki Naruto even shoved Shikamaru into the arena, forcing him to participate.
With no other choice, Nara Shikamaru reluctantly focused and faced Sunagakure's Temari. He utilized his brilliant tactical mind, projected his strategy into Temari's consciousness, and then raised his hand to surrender.
This unexpected move once again astonished the audience.
Although Shikamaru's reason for forfeiting was that his chakra had nearly been depleted and defeat was inevitable if he continued, the crowd still voiced their disappointment. Fortunately, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Sasuke made a dramatic entrance, diverting everyone's attention.
Now, the battle between Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara began in earnest!
The initial exchange between the two ended quickly when Gaara encased himself in sand, creating an impenetrable defense.
Sasuke boldly unleashed the Chidori technique taught by Hatake Kakashi, which penetrated Gaara's defense and wounded his shoulder.
The injured Gaara involuntarily released a trace of the One-Tail Shukaku's aura, alerting many vigilant observers.
"AHHH!"
Gaara cried out in pain as the sand that had been protecting him began to crumble.
"Hmm?"
The spectators were focused on Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara's confrontation when suddenly, a white feather drifted slowly before their eyes.
Then, one after another, countless white feathers filled everyone's vision.
People who saw these feathers felt an irresistible drowsiness and soon fell into a deep slumber.
"Temple of Nirvana Technique!"
The appearance of feathers was the effect of a large-scale genjutsu.
Shinobi familiar with genjutsu techniques were prepared and dispelled the illusion instantly!
"The attack begins!"
Genjutsu signaled the start of the invasion. Simultaneously, several smoke bombs detonated in the viewing box where Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and Fourth Kazekage Rasa were seated, engulfing the area in thick smoke.
Throughout the stands, numerous Sand and Sound shinobi discarded their disguises and rushed toward the Konoha ninja.
This was Orochimaru's terrifying strategy!
Only someone as intimately familiar with Konoha as Orochimaru could have infiltrated so many enemy shinobi into the examination venue while the village was on high alert.
This was the source of Orochimaru's confidence. He wasn't concerned that Konoha knew of his existence and plans, because Orochimaru understood precisely what vulnerabilities the complacent village possessed!
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