[Whoosh—]
[At this crucial moment.]
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, preparing to forcibly stop them.
But, at that very moment...
A whooshing sound rang out.
The ANBU ninjas previously dispatched by Hiruzen Sarutobi have returned.
"Lord Hokage."
"Mission accomplished."
The ANBU ninja first glanced at Orochimaru, who was disguised as the Fourth Kazekage.
Then he reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
[Upon hearing this.]
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a heavy sigh.
[Upon seeing this ANBU ninja approaching.]
In reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already prepared for the worst.
After hearing what he said...
Hiruzen Sarutobi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
[very good! ]
As long as the fundamental strength is sound, then nothing else matters.
Many people in Konoha don't know about this.
The Sarutobi clan has long surpassed other ninja clans.
[In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, it's about both quantity and quality.]
However... little did they know, the situation that Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju wanted to avoid back then... was precisely one dominant power.
[After achieving dominance...]
The Sarutobi clan is indeed the largest in both quantity and quality.
However, we don't know how much water was added.
However, regardless of the circumstances, they consumed so many resources.
In terms of overall strength, they are already the strongest ninja clan in Konoha's history, after the Senju and Uchiha clans.
[certainly. ]
This is actually true.
On the surface, it's still the Hyuga clan.
The Hyuga clan is undoubtedly the strongest ninja clan in Konoha, following the Senju and Uchiha clans.
However, the turning point came after Hyuga Hizashi's death.
The Hyuga clan's flourishing momentum has come to an end.
[It's still declining.]
[Not only that, they are the strongest ninja clan on the surface.]
The missions they take on are unparalleled by any other ninja clan.
Aside from having the title of "strongest," which might not even be a benefit, everything else is detrimental.
[As expected, the Hyuga clan would soon find it difficult to even be called a great ninja clan.]
[And what about being the strongest?]
The Sarutobi clan just needs to keep eating from the back.
[...]
That's it.
The clan leaders of Konoha all looked rather grim.
Don't disbelieve it.
How much resources did Hiruzen Sarutobi invest in Sarutobi Asuma alone?
Not to mention Sarutobi Shinnosuke, one of the Eight Colors of Konoha.
He was directly appointed as the captain of the secret service.
By the way, the vice-captain is his wife.
Sarutobi Asuma hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
But no matter what he says.
How to resist.
He truly enjoyed everything that Hiruzen Sarutobi brought him, and everything that the Sarutobi clan brought him.
He rebelled and left Konoha.
Turning around, we arrived at Daming Prefecture.
They also became guardian ninjas.
Tsk~
Upon his return, he became the Jonin instructor of Team 10.
Kurenai Yuhi is the Jonin instructor of Team 8.
It's a clone of Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
However, one is in the shadows, and the other is in the open.
It's terrifying to think about.
It's perfectly clear what Hiruzen Sarutobi is planning.
...
[Hehehe~]
"Hokage, is there something urgent?"
"Even the Chunin Exams are going to be delayed?"
[Orochimaru said with a half-smile. ]
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath.
[I calmed myself down.]
As long as the message is delivered.
[I believe the Konoha Police Force will be able to respond.]
Since that's the case.
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes slightly.
The primary task is to guard against Orochimaru, a student it itself trained.
Only after that can we deal with internal issues.
[That's right, that's what Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking.]
Address the external crisis first.
As for the internal situation?
It has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
Most importantly, it has an absolute trump card.
The Will of Fire!
[Regarding external communications...]
A cold glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
Regardless of internal circumstances, when faced with external danger, we must unite against it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt a strong urge to wait until Orochimaru, who was lurking in the shadows, and all those behind the scenes, would reveal themselves.
[Perfect for shuffling the deck.]
[This makes it easier for Asuma to rise to power later.]
[Absolutely amazing!]
[Mainly, Naruto's quiet departure gave Hiruzen Sarutobi some confidence.]
It remains Naruto's unwavering love.
Thinking of this.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips unconsciously curled into a smile.
It wants to see who dares to step forward.
[And Hinata too, just you wait.]
"Hehe, it's nothing."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down.
[He sat as still as Mount Tai, his face radiating confidence.]
It mustn't afford to lose its composure first.
[Now. ]
[It's estimated that Orochimaru is also behind this, observing it.]
It wouldn't be good if I showed weakness first.
[Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly pointed to his thigh with his finger.]
At this moment, it had already devised a plan to kill multiple birds with one stone.
Perfect timing!
[Using Naruto's power... let's create a "beautiful story" for Kumogakure.]
Asma can also continue to build momentum during this time.
As for the four figures I glimpsed just now...
[Subconsciously, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already erased this memory.]
[Impossible, absolutely impossible!]
["So."]
"Next up is the second match!"
Finally, below the arena.
[Genma Shiranui has recovered.]
He coughed lightly a few times.
Then look towards the exit for the contestants.
Upon seeing the two figures, he immediately announced to the audience that the match was about to begin.
"The second battle of the Chunin Exams."
["Nara Shikamaru vs. Tenten!"]
[As soon as Genma Shiranui finished speaking.]
[In the spectator stands above.]
[A moment of silence.]
Immediately afterwards, people started talking about it.
["Nara?"]
"Are they from the Nara clan?"
"This battle should be quite interesting!"
"Yes, they are ninjas from the Nara clan."
"Watching them fight is quite interesting."
"Anyway, there's the first match."
"Even if I can't see the Uchiha's matches anymore, I'll have no regrets."
"Yeah, this first match... compared to all the matches I've seen before, no matter how you compare them, anyone who dares to say they're not number one, I'll argue with them!"
["..."
[Inside the players' lounge.]
Naruto gently rubs Hinata's head.
"Alright, there's no rush."
"We'll talk about the eye roll later."
"Also, how are you feeling right now?"
"Is it very energy-consuming?"
"Are you hungry again?"
Naruto asked several questions in quick succession.
Hinata's pretty face started to heat up.
There are other people here!
[What... Naruto-kun, why are you saying you're hungry again...]
Hinata remained silent for a long time.
Naruto's lips curled slightly.
"Silly girl."
"Alright, let's not talk about that now. Let's go up there; the match will be better from up there."
"Don't you want to cheer for Tian Tian's game?"
"Yes~!" Hinata responded sweetly.
[Shikamaru, who hadn't completely walked out yet, paused, then turned back with a speechless expression and said:]
"Hey hey hey~!"
"At least wait until I get out of here before you talk about it, okay?"