"The Uchiha clan's Sharingan," the Third continued slowly, "enhances their ability to manipulate Yin Release. Almost any Uchiha who awakens the three-tomoe Sharingan has the potential to use the Flying Thunder God Technique. Even those with just a single tomoe, if talented enough, can learn it. And the Sharingan's dynamic visual perception can naturally compensate for the stiffness that occurs after teleportation."
He paused, eyes dim with memory.
"My teacher—the Second Hokage—always claimed he disliked the Uchiha for their ambitions, and that's why he worked to suppress them. But I understand now… what drove him wasn't hate—it was fear. The truth is, many of the techniques he developed were practically tailor-made for the Uchiha. He saw their potential, the terrifying possibility of what the clan could become if left unchecked. He wasn't afraid of what they were—but what they could be."
Jiraiya frowned. "So the Second left behind countermeasures in case they grew too powerful?"
The Third Hokage nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Uchiha were already incredibly strong, but what alarmed Tobirama wasn't just their current strength—it was their rapid growth and endless potential. Even with the village's power structure in place, the Second feared a future where the Uchiha might rise to dominate or destroy Konoha from within."
He sighed, the weight of history heavy in his voice.
"That's why, when the time came… their fate was already written. The genocide wasn't just Danzo's doing—it was the culmination of a fear buried deep in the foundation of the village."
Jiraiya clenched his fist. "Now I understand… why the Flying Thunder God Technique was so tightly restricted. Why every user had to be marked with a binding curse. To prevent the Uchiha—or anyone with that level of potential—from turning it against the village."
He looked up with resolve. "Still, I believe Haruto is different. He may have inherited the Sharingan, but I won't let him fall into darkness. If I truly am his teacher, as the prophecy suggests, then I'll guide him with everything I have."
The Third smiled slightly. "Good. I'm counting on you, Jiraiya. Of course, it's not all on your shoulders. I don't believe Haruto is the type to be consumed by his power. He's… calm, even when facing great pressure. That's rare."
Then, with a shift in tone, he asked, "What of the current investigation?"
Jiraiya straightened. "It's been confirmed—Orochimaru is behind the Oto Village's participation in the Chūnin Exams. His intentions are clearly malicious. As for the Sand Village, all of the shinobi sent are elites. Their objective is obvious: cause as much disruption as possible under the guise of cooperation."
"And the other villages?"
"Kiri and Kumo's intentions remain unclear. They've never shown much interest in Konoha's internal affairs, but the fact that they're participating now is… unusual. We haven't yet gathered concrete information on their true motives."
"I see…" the Third murmured, walking slowly to the window. He looked out over the village as wind rustled the leaves of the great tree.
"Another turbulent year lies ahead."
Land of Wind — Sunagakure
In the Kazekage's chambers, the Fourth Kazekage paced slowly, issuing orders as his subordinates came and went, arms loaded with scrolls, maps, and supplies.
"Send more men. Double the surveillance on Konoha's routes. Gaara must be protected, but we must also ensure he fulfills the mission without… complications."
"Yes, my lord!"
In the corner, Gaara leaned silently against a wall, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sneer, he stepped forward.
"You're all so nervous… but as long as I get to kill, I don't care about your mission."
The Kazekage's eyes narrowed. "Gaara, control yourself. This mission is not just about you. It's about the future of our village."
Gaara snorted coldly. "Then the future can wait. Killing makes me feel alive. That's all that matters."
The room fell into silence as the tension between father and son crackled like dry wind through the desert.
Hidden Sound Village – Oto
In the dimly lit underground chamber, Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with sinister intent as he leaned forward.
"Kabuto…" he hissed, his voice low and serpentine.
Kabuto stepped into the light, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Orochimaru-sama."
"I have a task for you. Our preparations are complete. It's time to stir the nest." Orochimaru smiled thinly, amusement curling at the corners of his lips. "The Leaf… It's been a long time since I last visited. And this time, I've prepared a wonderful surprise for my dear teacher."
With a flick of his cloak, Orochimaru vanished into the shadows, mobilizing his hidden forces in silence.
Land of Lightning – Kumogakure
Within the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage stood with arms folded, radiating power and authority.
"Samui," he commanded, "this Chūnin Exam… your mission is to push Konoha to its limits. Test their strength. I've heard rumors—one of their rookies defeated the Demon of the Mist in direct combat. If that's true, then we've underestimated them."
Samui gave a calm nod. "Understood, Lord Fourth."
The Raikage's eyes narrowed. "If Konoha's next generation is that strong… we need to know exactly what we're dealing with."
Land of Water – Kirigakure
In the misty Mizukage's office, Zabuza stood with arms crossed, the ever-silent Haku at his side.
"You're really sending me out alone with just him?" Zabuza asked coldly, gesturing to Haku. "A former rebel. Doesn't that seem… childish?"
Mei Terumi leaned back in her chair, a playful smile on her lips. "And yet, I'm trusting you. Don't disappoint me again, Zabuza. I believe you've changed."
Zabuza glared at her, eyes searching for weakness—but Mei met his stare, unwavering.
After a tense silence, Zabuza scoffed and turned away. "Tch. Foolish woman. If I disappear again, don't say I didn't warn you."
Mei's voice followed him, calm and confident. "You won't."
Across the Shinobi World…
As the Chūnin Exams drew near, the great nations of the ninja world turned their eyes toward Konoha.
From the shadows of Sound…From the thunderous peaks of Lightning…From the blood-stained mists of Water…And from the desert winds of the Sand…
Each power moved their pieces across the board—All converging on the same battleground: the Hidden Leaf Village.
A storm was coming.And the Chūnin Exams would be the spark that lit the fire.