“But Sunagakure doesn’t seem to be behaving honestly either.”
This time, Kitagawa Gen couldn’t help but speak.
“In the exam hall, I noticed their team had someone who looked very much like Naruto.”
“I know. That boy is Gaara. They informed us beforehand—and he’s the Kazekage’s son.”
Hiruzen rubbed his brow helplessly.
“This business is outrageous, yes, but since he’s the Kazekage’s child and Sunagakure is our ally, we can’t refuse outright. All we can do is keep a close watch.”
“I see. That explains it.”
Kitagawa Gen finally understood why Gaara, in his memories, had been able to appear in Konoha so brazenly.
It came down to matters of face—and the weight of alliances.
On reflection, it was indeed the sort of thing difficult to turn away.
But for Kitagawa Gen, this was nothing but good news. After all, that meant access to Shukaku’s chakra!
The One-Tail might seem like the weakest of the tailed beasts, but in truth, its power was far from lacking.
'Once I absorb it, it will benefit me, my eyes, and even the Source of the God Tree.'
On top of that, he had learned something else of interest.
'The Akatsuki are all hiding within Root now… and Danzō is really dead?'
Hearing this left Kitagawa Gen himself incredulous.
Especially after learning how Danzō had died, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
'It’s all Deidara’s fault—letting Konoha lose such a powerful figure…'
Of course, whether Danzō lived or died mattered little to him. What mattered was that he now had some idea of Akatsuki’s movements!
'Even though them moving together isn’t a good sign, it’s the perfect moment for me to act under the name of Ōtsutsuki Genshiki.'
He had originally thought, at most, the Fourth Raikage would stir up trouble. But the current situation was even wilder than he had imagined.
Still, it suited his designs perfectly—the more people involved, the greater the gain he stood to reap.
All the more now that his mastery of space techniques had grown stronger again—he could ensure Konoha’s safety while striking back with overwhelming force!
Just as these thoughts turned in his mind, his system suddenly chimed.
[New Konoha-exclusive side quest obtained]
[I Am the Village’s Hope]
[Defend Konoha, resolve all troubles]
'So the time has finally come?'
...
As the days slipped by, Konoha grew busier and busier.
And outside the village, Ōnoki sat upon Akatsuchi’s back, gazing toward distant Konoha. He could only shake his head.
“With all five great villages gathered here, trouble is bound to follow.”
...
“So it’s finally time?”
To the north, the Fourth Raikage had arrived as well.
Clenching his fist, he gave a cold snort and strode forward.
“Don’t let me find an opening. With so many Kage gathered, once things spiral out of control… that’s when it gets interesting."
"The grudge from back then—I haven’t forgotten.”
...
“Does everyone understand what needs to be done?”
Inside the Akatsuki base, Nagato drew a deep breath.
Looking down at the figures clad in black cloaks patterned with red clouds, he spoke softly.
“Then prepare to move!”
...
The bright sunlight poured down over Konohagakure.
Today was clearly a fine day, and many of the village’s residents had risen early.
They chatted and laughed as they made their way toward the village’s largest training field—after all, today marked the grand finals of the joint Chūnin Exams!
“So many people…”
Up in the spectator stands, Deidara looked at the packed crowd and immediately turned his head toward Kitagawa Gen.
“Hey, bastard—you’re not planning on running away today, are you?”
“You’ve got a lot of nerve saying that. Aren’t you the one always running around like a headless chicken?”
Before Kitagawa Gen could even answer, Kurotsuchi, standing beside Deidara, snapped back at him.
“Not only did you tag along with the competing teams, you actually ditched them halfway through. Don’t you think that’s going too far?”
“Che, compared to this guy, that’s nothing, hm.”
Deidara pursed his lips, glaring unhappily at Kitagawa Gen.
“Damn bastard. We agreed on an art contest, and the moment trouble started you bolted faster than anyone! Because of you, I haven’t even been able to leave the village for ages, hm!”
“Idiot. You’ve got no brains of your own and you still want to blame me?”
Kitagawa Gen nearly rolled his eyes, leaning against the railing as he spoke down with disdain.
“Even your junior sister here could figure it out. For such an important exam, the village was bound to tighten its guard. You cause such a commotion and don’t even think to run—then you blame me?”
“Huh?”
Deidara froze, then glanced at Kurotsuchi, who had covered her face and refused to say a word. His cheeks flushed red.
“Bastard, I was simply immersed in art! Hm, that’s definitely it!”
“Che.”
Kitagawa Gen couldn’t even be bothered to respond, though curiosity still made him ask, “So what are you two doing here? Shouldn’t you be over by the Tsuchikage?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s free time right now, I’ll do whatever I want.”
Deidara’s casual tone left Kurotsuchi exasperated.
Yet at this moment, she found herself stealing glances at Kitagawa Gen.
That name—she had heard it countless times, whether from Deidara or her grandfather. It thundered in her ears like a legend.
She had always wondered—what kind of person could make her grandfather so cautious, and earn Deidara’s admiration like this?
'For now, I can’t judge his strength. But if Deidara says he can counter Dust Release, then he must really be formidable… and he does look pretty handsome…'
Kurotsuchi muttered silently in her heart, though soon frustration crept in again.
Watching Deidara so excitedly cling to Kitagawa Gen, bombarding him with questions, while Kitagawa Gen looked utterly annoyed—
She recalled that when she had first tried to get Deidara’s attention, he had acted much the same way…
“Senpai.”
Just as Kurotsuchi was lost in thought, a red-haired girl came running over. Kitagawa Gen lifted his head.
“Karin, how is it?”
“Senpai, I’ve already checked. So far, no unusual signs have been found in the venue.”
Karin gave a firm nod, then cast a glance at Deidara and Kurotsuchi before lowering her voice.
She wasn’t participating in this Chūnin Exam. Right now she was training under Tsunade, and she also had an assignment to carry out during this event.
Her sensory abilities were simply too sharp—naturally, Konohagakure would see that they were put to good use. In a way, this was her own “Chūnin Exam.”
“That’s fine then.”
Kitagawa Gen smiled. After a moment’s thought, he added a quiet reminder.
“But still, stay alert to everything around you. And no matter what happens, don’t let yourself be too shocked.”
“Huh?”
“It’s nothing. Just relax and enjoy the match.”
“Oh.”
Karin had no idea what Kitagawa Gen meant, but in the end she obediently nodded.
Soon she stopped thinking about it and turned her focus fully on the competition.
This kind of match—it was her first time watching one.
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I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> /TitoVillar
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