Early the next morning, Danzo stretched lazily, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
The soft, curvaceous body sprawled across the futon, combined with the scene of utter disarray, exuded an unparalleled allure.
Indeed, the ninja world was far more colorful and indulgent than his previous life.
Her mastery of the Transformation Jutsu and Shadow Clone Technique had completely overturned Danzo's previous understanding.
If Pakura had witnessed last night's events, she would have burned Ichikawa Naomi to ashes.
However, in the end, Naomi herself also suffered the backlash of her Shadow Clone Technique. The moment it was dispelled, she convulsed and passed out, her eyes rolling back.
Danzo toyed with her a little more, but seeing that she still hadn't woken up, he reluctantly abandoned his lingering thoughts. Instead, he used a healing jutsu to aid her recovery before leaving.
...
Meanwhile, the Chunin Exams' preliminary rounds were progressing rapidly.
At the same time, Root's covert operations were becoming more frequent, with many of its members returning to the Land of Fire.
Though the ninja world appeared calm on the surface, undercurrents surged beneath.
As the heart of this storm, Konohagakure remained a scene of revelry and celebration.
The major ninja clans contributed their strength to maintain the security of the Chunin Exams.
With the arrival of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, the Chunin Exams officially commenced.
A procession entered the venue, centered around the Fire Daimyo.
"There's no need for formalities, Hokage. Konoha is growing more prosperous by the day."
"This is all thanks to the support of the Land of Fire," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied respectfully.
"Oh? The Fourth Hokage didn't share that sentiment back then."
At these words, Sarutobi could only force a smile and respond humbly, "The Daimyo jests. Konoha has always been a loyal supporter of the Land of Fire..."
Watching the Third Hokage's ingratiating smile, Uchiha Shisui, Hyuga Hiashi, and the other clan leaders behind him couldn't help but raise their eyebrows.
According to the First Hokage's principles, the Daimyo and the Hokage should be equals.
They didn't expect the Fire Daimyo to exert such dominance over Konoha. Though not as extreme as Minato's stance, the power dynamic was glaringly skewed.
As the Wind Daimyo and representatives from various nations entered the venue, merchants and civilians also began to fill the stands. Danzo entered with the crowd and took a seat in a secluded corner.
His gaze shifted to Hiruzen Sarutobi above, who sat awkwardly smiling beside the Fire Daimyo in the center.
Next to the Fire Daimyo, the Wind Daimyo, Ichikawa Naomi, dressed formally, occasionally responded to the conversation. However, she looked visibly exhausted, exuding a languid demeanor.
The two Konoha elders sat nearby, offering their support, while several clan leaders bore displeased expressions.
Orochimaru truly had an eccentric sense of humor.
Still, Naomi's resilience was impressive. Danzo had assumed she wouldn't show up today.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, Naomi quickly found Danzo in the crowd.
Their eyes met, and her body trembled involuntarily...
"What's wrong, my lady? Are you feeling unwell?" Koharu Utatane, seated beside her, asked in concern.
She had clearly noticed Naomi's sudden erratic breathing and slight rise in body temperature.
"I'm fine. I probably just didn't sleep well last night."
While discussions continued in the VIP stands, the battles in the arena officially began.
Konoha vs. Sunagakure.
Iwagakure vs. Konoha.
Konoha vs. Kusagakure.
Konoha vs. …
The matchups were clearly rigged.
Even so, Konoha's shinobi were evidently superior in strength, maintaining a two-thirds win rate.
Judging from the cheers and shouts of the village spectators, the battles were highly entertaining.
Day two.
Day three.
By day four, Danzo was watching the matches with growing interest, waiting for the situation to unfold.
"Lord Danzo." ×2
He turned to see Kakashi, masked as always, and Might Guy in his signature green jumpsuit.
"Kakashi. Guy. I'm merely here to observe the tournament. You two should continue maintaining order."
"Yes, sir."
The two left and moved toward the edge of the venue.
Kakashi, however, wore a serious expression. He had noticed Danzo's presence days ago but had chosen not to interfere.
Yet today, the evident movement of major clans' shinobi around the venue set off warning bells in his mind.
"Guy, stay close to me. Something might happen."
"Guy?"
Only then did Might Guy snap out of his daze.
"I got it. But... is that really Danzo-sama? How did he become so young?"
"I'll explain later. Just stick with me and don't act recklessly today."
"Don't worry! Hah... hah... With the Blue Beast of Konoha here, no one would dare cause trouble!" he declared, showing off an impressive spinning kick.
...
A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd as a young Uchiha warrior performed a dazzling combination attack, defeating an Iwagakure opponent.
"The next generation truly surpasses the last. The Uchiha Clan is indeed a cornerstone of Konoha," the Fire Daimyo praised.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled at the compliment, but the Daimyo's following words made his expression harden.
"I've heard the Senju Clan was once even stronger than the Uchiha. What a pity..."
At that moment, white feathers began to drift down from the sky.
One by one, the noble and common spectators alike slumped over, unconscious.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the invisible thread around his neck and spoke in a cold tone.
"Daimyo, what is the meaning of this?"
The Fire Daimyo leaned forward slightly, licking his lips with an excited gleam in his eyes.
A familiar, raspy voice whispered into Hiruzen's ear:
"Sensei, haven't you already figured it out? Why do you still refuse to accept reality?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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