When Yugito saw the Hokage Rock, she suddenly froze, staring intently at the massive stone faces in the distance. At that moment, she finally understood where that sense of familiarity had come from.
The blond woman she had just seen—although her makeup and demeanor differed from the Fourth Hokage's likeness on the Hokage Rock—possessed an unmistakable aura and facial features that were almost identical. Those traits gave her away: that woman was Tsunade.
Ordinary people might not have realized it so quickly, but Yugito was different. She was one of Kumogakure's most elite kunoichi, and, like Tsunade, she was blond. Over the years, people often compared the two of them.
Because of that, Yugito had an exceptionally deep impression of Tsunade. The moment she saw that woman, she was certain—she was Tsunade.
And if that woman was Tsunade… then the man beside her, along with the pair of children, had to be her husband and children.
Tsunade's… husband?!
Everyone knew that Tsunade's beloved was the man who once shook the entire ninja world—the one known as the "Silver Moon of Konoha," Gekkō Hoshiyomi. Yet Hoshiyomi had mysteriously disappeared more than ten years ago.
After loving a man so powerful and captivating, how could Tsunade possibly fall for someone else, marry, and have children in just a few short years? Judging by the children's age, they were at least eight or nine years old.
There was no way Tsunade had immediately married someone else and started a family right after Hoshiyomi's death.
If that were impossible, then there was only one explanation.
Baki had been right—Gekkō Hoshiyomi had never died. That man had been hiding in Konoha all along, marrying and raising children, living the life of an ordinary person.
At that realization, Yugito's pupils suddenly dilated, a faint flash of red passing through her eyes. She abruptly stood up. Amid the puzzled looks of those around her, she softly said, "Excuse me," and quickly headed toward the women's restroom in the distance.
Inside a bathroom stall, Yugito sat motionless on the toilet like a puppet. Her eyes had completely transformed into a Mangekyō-like pattern. She had been under the Mangekyō's control all along, and the discovery of Hoshiyomi's existence instantly triggered the hidden technique Tobi had planted within her dōjutsu.
Outside Konoha, in a forest somewhere, Tobi—hidden among the trees—suddenly opened his eyes as he received Yugito's transmitted memories. His expression became extraordinarily vivid.
"How is this possible?! That guy actually survived the dual spatial chaos caused by Annihilating Star and Ryūmyaku's rampage?!"
Without hesitating for even a moment, Tobi activated the Magic Lantern Body Technique through his ring. His projection instantly appeared in Black Zetsu's cave, where he reported everything Yugito had seen.
Upon hearing the confirmed news that Hoshiyomi was still alive, Black Zetsu was startled as well. Without delay, he rushed straight to Nagato's room.
"Nagato—cancel all previous plans immediately. Recall the Animal Path as well. The plan to destroy Konoha is temporarily abandoned. We'll make new arrangements later."
Nagato frowned instinctively when he heard this.
"Why say that all of a sudden? Did something happen in Konoha?"
Black Zetsu fell silent for a moment before replying:
"We've just received confirmation—Gekkō Hoshiyomi isn't dead. He's still alive in Konoha."
Nagato didn't even lift his eyelids.
"So what? It's just one Gekkō Hoshiyomi. Can he really stand against the entire Akatsuki?"
At Nagato's words, a trace of cold cruelty flashed through Black Zetsu's eyes, though his expression remained calm.
"I don't know what Gekkō Hoshiyomi is truly capable of. I only know this is what Madara-sama instructed me to inform you of. Nothing more."
At the mention of that long-forgotten name—Madara—Nagato finally reacted. He lifted his head and stared at Black Zetsu for a long time before slowly nodding.
"I understand."
Though his expression showed little sign of true agreement.
Black Zetsu said nothing more and quietly returned to his cave. Facing Tobi's projection, which was still waiting, he gave new orders:
"From this point on, you will take full control of Yugito's body. The plan to destroy Konoha is canceled. When Sunagakure makes its move, ignore all of their actions. Release all Kumogakure shinobi we've deployed—but you must personally ensure Yugito withdraws safely.
"The plan to destroy Konoha has failed. We must minimize our losses."
...
Konoha – The Arena of the Third Exam
Yugito returned to her seat with a vacant look in her eyes. She didn't watch the battles on the field, instead sitting there silently, lost in thought.
By this point, several matches had already concluded on the arena floor.
The fights involving Hinata and Haku were already over. The results were unsurprising—both Haku and Hinata emerged victorious. Haku's strength needed no elaboration; he subdued Kumogakure genin directly without even using Ice Release.
Hinata's strength was no longer something to overlook either. Now that her relationship with Naruto had been clearly established, she had become far more focused in her training—likely because she didn't want to hold Naruto back. As a result, she appeared much stronger and more resolute than she had been in the original timeline.
After their matches concluded, it was Chōji versus Shin.
Chōji looked miserable as he faced the relaxed Shin. As Kurenai announced the start of the match, Chōji grit his teeth, hastily formed hand seals, and shouted:
"Partial Expansion Jutsu!"
As he spoke, Chōji's right arm rapidly expanded several times over, becoming enormous like a giant's limb. He slammed it fiercely toward Shin. Many spectators unfamiliar with combat couldn't help but shut their eyes at the sight.
Yet Shin remained calm. Even without activating his Mangekyō, he was a solid jōnin—arguably even elite jōnin—level fighter. To be honest, fighting Chōji was borderline bullying.
He had no intention of holding back. With a light sidestep, he avoided the attack and followed up with a single kick to Chōji's stomach, sending him flying straight out of the arena. The outcome was decided—no matter how unwilling Chōji was, he could only accept defeat.
Watching Chōji return with a dejected expression, Asuma gently patted him on the shoulder.
"Chōji, this isn't your fault. Running into a monster like that really was just bad luck."
Seeing that Chōji was still downcast, Asuma didn't feel much better himself. After thinking for a moment, he added:
"Don't be so upset—it's just one exam. How about this: after the exams are over, I'll treat you to some barbecue, alright?"
At those words, the previously dispirited Chōji suddenly broke into a smile.
"Really, Asuma-sensei? You promise!"
Seeing Chōji's expression—like an ordinary guy who'd just found unexpected happiness—Asuma froze for a moment.
…Wait, did I just get tricked?
Just as he was about to argue with Chōji, the proctor's voice rang out across the arena:
"Next match: Nara Shikamaru versus Temari. Both contestants, please prepare."
Hearing this, Asuma immediately dropped the matter and turned to Shikamaru.
"Shikamaru, do your best!"
Shikamaru glanced at Temari as she slowly stepped onto the arena. He paused for a moment, then spoke lazily:
"Yare yare… looks like a troublesome opponent. Maybe I should just surrender…"
...
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