Chapter 141: Confrontation at the Iwagakure Gate
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After a period of training, Naruto, through the process of getting beaten, gradually imprinted this footwork technique into his muscle memory.
And after learning the basic footwork, Naruto also managed to win against Sasuke once in a classroom spar for the first time.
This was quite normal. Previously, Naruto lost to Sasuke largely because Sasuke was too agile; a dozen shadow clones couldn't even catch him.
But once Naruto could catch up to Sasuke, his perversely resilient body could finally be put to use. The damage percentage from Sasuke hitting him ten times versus him hitting Sasuke ten times simply couldn't be compared.
In that sparring match, the two ended up practically entangled, trading clumsy blows. If Iruka hadn't pulled them apart, given Sasuke's stubborn nature, he probably would have suffered a major loss.
Of course, this was also because the Ninja Academy spars prohibited high-damage ninjutsu. Otherwise, just Sasuke's rudimentary simplified version of Chidori would have been enough to give Naruto a hard time.
While the three disciples intensified their training, the Genin in the Security Department weren't idle either. After rigorous selection by Shisui, 4 Genin were ultimately chosen. They, along with two members of the Uchiha clan who had graduated from the Ninja Academy just last year, formed two 3-man teams.
The talent of these selected individuals was outstanding among commoners; if they had a bit of luck in the future, reaching Nagai Seiichi's level wouldn't be a problem.
As for the two selected Uchiha Genin, they were somewhat average in talent by Uchiha standards.
One of them had only activated a single tomoe Sharingan, while the other hadn't even awakened the Sharingan yet. However, their fundamental ninjutsu skills were very solid, reaching the level of a Chunin. Uchiha Shingetsu, who had awakened the single tomoe, even had genjutsu proficiency surpassing Clan Head Uchiha Douhuan.
Upon hearing that this Chunin Exam concerned the honor of their respected Lord Hokage, these selected Genin trained extremely desperately.
Three weeks later, the group embarked on their journey to Iwagakure.
Naruto, leaving the village for the first time, found everything novel, constantly poking his head out of the carriage window, observing everything outside.
Although Sasuke and Neji were also very excited, having received elite clan education since childhood, they maintained basic decorum.
A week passed in the blink of an eye. After Naruto's initial excitement wore off, he quickly felt the boredom of traveling by carriage. Fortunately, just before he got sick from the ride, the Hokage's entourage was about to arrive at Iwagakure.
Before arriving at Iwagakure, Uchiha Douhuan changed into the formal Hokage attire of long robes and hat inside the carriage. Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji were also arranged by Uchiha Douhuan to change into formal attire embroidered with the Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Hyuga clan crests respectively.
This time, their identity for visiting Iwagakure, besides being disciples of him, Uchiha Douhuan, was also as the Young Clan Heads of these three major Konoha ninja clans.
After changing clothes, Naruto also calmed down. Having worn this outfit before, he had also been reminded by Uchiha Douhuan that when wearing these clothes, his every word and action represented the Uzumaki clan.
When the group arrived, Iwagakure's welcoming party was already waiting at the village gate. Onoki was also dressed in his most formal attire, flanked by the high-ranking officials of Iwagakure village.
The carriage stopped beside the red carpet. The door slowly opened. Uchiha Douhuan unhurriedly disembarked, walking on the red carpet towards Onoki.
Behind him, the Kage Guard led by Uchiha Inahi followed closely, step by step. Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji followed quietly behind them.
After Onoki saw Uchiha Douhuan arrive, his body slowly floated upwards. By the time Uchiha Douhuan arrived right in front of him, their lines of sight were exactly level.
The two extended their hands almost simultaneously. After shaking hands, Onoki finally spoke, "I have long heard that Konoha's Fifth Hokage is young and promising. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved."
"Lord Tsuchikage flatters me. Compared to a veteran senior like you, I still have many shortcomings. On the matter of how to be a good village Kage, I still need to learn much from you."
Their clasped hands separated. Almost simultaneously, both thought inwardly:
[Old fox!]
[Little fox!]
For Onoki, hearing such modest words from Uchiha Douhuan's mouth was incredible enough.
Whether based on previous understanding of the Uchiha clan, or deduced from Uchiha Douhuan's style of action in Kusagakure recently, Onoki's speculation about Uchiha Douhuan's personality leaned towards the traditional Uchiha image of arrogant dominance.
But he hadn't expected Uchiha Douhuan to actually be so modest.
Onoki did not let his guard down because of Uchiha Douhuan's modesty. Having navigated the ninja world for so many years, Onoki had seen many powerful ninjas, but those who were powerful yet could conceal their edge were even more difficult to deal with than ordinary strong individuals.
Evidently, Uchiha Douhuan was such a person.
After a brief silence, the two burst into hearty laughter simultaneously. Onoki, with a radiant smile, said, "With the arrival of the Fifth Hokage, our Iwagakure village is truly honored! Please!"
"Lord Tsuchikage speaks too kindly. That our Konoha could have the fortune of being invited by you is my honor. Please!"
With standard fake smiles on their faces, the two walked into Iwagakure village together.
Soon, Onoki noticed the three little ones following behind Uchiha Douhuan.
Seeing Onoki's gaze, Uchiha Douhuan introduced them with a smile, "These three are my disciples. Coming to Iwagakure this time, I also wanted them to broaden their horizons."
"I see," Onoki nodded. Although Naruto's yellow hair almost instantly brought back some painful memories, he still smiled and praised, "These three look exceptionally gifted at first glance. They must have learned the true essence from you, Hokage."
"Just three unaccomplished brats," Uchiha Douhuan shook his head. "They still have a long way to go."
After speaking, Uchiha Douhuan looked towards the three little ones behind him. "You three, come greet Lord Tsuchikage."
The three came before the Tsuchikage and greeted him one by one.
"Hello, Lord Tsuchikage! My name is Uzumaki Naruto."
"Hyuga Neji, greets Lord Tsuchikage."
"Uchiha Sasuke, greets Lord Tsuchikage."
After the three greeted the Tsuchikage, Naruto kept staring curiously at Onoki. After a moment, Naruto spoke up:
"Grandpa Tsuchikage, why do you keep flying? Is it because you want to look the same height as Teacher?"
Hearing this, Onoki nearly threw out his back on the spot. Although that was exactly what he was thinking, for this kid to say it out loud, wasn't it a bit too impolite?
At this moment, the faces of the Iwagakure ninjas responsible for the reception at the village gate also turned somewhat unsightly.
"Naruto!" But just then, Uchiha Douhuan sternly called out Naruto's name. Seeing this, Naruto realized he seemed to have said something wrong, so he shrank his neck and dared not speak.
"Sasuke, Neji, take Naruto back to the carriage," Uchiha Douhuan said.
Sasuke and Neji, having received Uchiha Douhuan's instruction, immediately took Naruto back to the carriage convoy.
"The child didn't know any better. Apologies for the amusement, Lord Tsuchikage," Uchiha Douhuan said with a slight bow towards Onoki after reprimanding Naruto.
"Hehe, no problem. Kids will be kids; they speak their minds freely," Onoki, seeing the situation, could only force a smile and say. What else could he do? Directly turn hostile towards Uchiha Douhuan here?
However, after this interlude, Onoki no longer strained himself maintaining the Light/Heavy Boulder Jutsu and landed naturally on the ground.
"Hehe, that child just now quite resembles an old acquaintance of yours from Konoha," Onoki chuckled drily.
"Lord Tsuchikage need not guess. Naruto is the son of the person you mean," Uchiha Douhuan said with a light chuckle.
"Is that so? Then bringing him here, Hokage, was somewhat ill-considered. There are quite a few ninjas in the village who bear grudges against that child's father."
"Hehe, those are grudges from the previous generation, aren't they? Does Iwagakure intend to extend the previous generation's hatred onto a child? Before coming here, I always believed that Iwagakure invited Konoha with peaceful intentions," Uchiha Douhuan countered.
"What is the Hokage saying? Iwagakure naturally issued the invitation for the Joint Chunin Exams to Konoha with peaceful intentions," Onoki stated gravely.
"Then it seems Lord Tsuchikage feels he cannot guarantee the safety of a seven-year-old child on his own turf?"
"Hehe, Hokage jests," Onoki chuckled drily. "Iwagakure has the ability, and also the duty, to ensure the safety of every guest."
"Then it seems I misunderstood Lord Tsuchikage," Uchiha Douhuan said. "My apologies to you, Lord Tsuchikage. I hope you don't mind."
"It was I who failed to explain clearly from the start. I bear responsibility in this matter as well,"
"Hokage, let's enter the village first. The village has prepared a sumptuous banquet for our guests from afar. Today, let's drink until we drop!" Onoki proactively turned the page on the matter, putting on a radiant smile again as he spoke.
"With Lord Tsuchikage's gracious invitation, naturally, I have no reason to refuse," Uchiha Douhuan chuckled.
"Hokage! Please!" Onoki gestured invitingly.
"Hehe, Lord Tsuchikage, please, after you," Uchiha Douhuan said.
After exchanging polite formalities for a while longer, the two entered Iwagakure village one after the other.
However, before Onoki could even lead Uchiha Douhuan to the banquet venue, a violent explosion suddenly occurred on the roadside ahead. Thick smoke billowed up, blocking the path forward for the group.
"Lord Tsuchikage, this is...?" Looking at the smoke-filled road ahead, Uchiha Douhuan chuckled meaningfully.
Just then, Onoki's face also twitched slightly. He roared angrily, "Deidara! Get out here!"
"Haha! Old man! How was my performance this time? Explosive enough?"
From within the smoke of the explosion, a yellow-haired kid swaggered out.
(End of Chapter)
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