Konoha Village was more lively than ever.
The annual Chunin Exams were approaching, and the entire village buzzed with excitement. Ever since Konoha's victory in the war against the Land of Lightning, its reputation had risen sharply, sweeping away much of the lingering gloom left behind by the Nine-Tails incident.
This time, the Chunin Exams were particularly grand.
Not only had Konoha invited its long-time ally, the Hidden Sand Village, but even smaller surrounding nations had sent representatives. No one dared to offend Konoha at such a time—not when its power and prestige were at their peak.
Even the Land of Birds, an ally of the Wind Country, had symbolically dispatched a team.
Merchants from across the ninja world poured into the village, eager to take advantage of the event. Every day, long lines formed at Konoha's gates, stretching endlessly as travelers awaited entry.
The gatekeepers were overwhelmed.
Within the village, the streets were crowded with shinobi from various lands. Headbands of different colors gleamed in the sunlight, representing a multitude of hidden villages. Voices overlapped—laughter, bargaining, footsteps, and the calls of vendors—creating a chaotic yet vibrant atmosphere.
A Familiar Scene
Aoki Yoru walked leisurely through the commercial district.
Compared to his last Chunin Exam, the difference was obvious.
There were more people.
More stalls.
More noise.
Konoha's growing prominence was evident in every corner.
As he passed through the bustling street, his gaze fell upon a familiar stall—the so-called "health products" booth.
Just like before, it was surrounded by a dense crowd.
Aoki Yoru's expression turned slightly stiff.
'Seriously…?'
'It's not like these things can't be bought elsewhere.'
'Are they really too embarrassed to buy them individually, so they come here and blend into the crowd?'
He shook his head, speechless.
But soon, his attention was drawn to an even more outrageous sight.
A stall nearby was completely packed—more crowded than anything else around it.
Curious, he stepped closer.
It was a book stall.
'Did some famous author release a new book?'
He leaned in to listen.
"Boss, why is this book five times more expensive than in the bookstore?!"
"If you think it's expensive, don't buy it!" the vendor snapped. "This is Jiraiya-sama's latest work—limited supply! I had to pull connections just to get it!"
"Fine, fine! I'll take it!"
The customer immediately stuffed the book into his clothes and paid without hesitation.
Aoki Yoru glanced at the cover.
Four bold characters stood out:
"Young Married Woman Bai Jie."
His face twitched.
'So you people don't even bother hiding it anymore?'
'You're buying this in broad daylight like it's vegetables in a market?'
He shook his head again.
'Still… the vendor is a genius.'
'He really knows how to exploit demand.'
A thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Royalties.
His eyes lit up briefly.
'I wonder how much Jiraiya is earning…'
Then he quickly dismissed the idea.
'No point thinking about it. I'll find out soon enough anyway.'
A Sudden Disturbance
By the time he looked up again, he had already wandered into the western district of Konoha.
This area was much quieter.
But suddenly—
A commotion broke out ahead.
Curious, Aoki Yoru walked over.
Then he saw it.
"…So it's this scene."
A familiar memory surfaced.
In the distance, Kankuro was grabbing Konohamaru by the collar, lifting him into the air like a helpless doll.
Konohamaru flailed his legs desperately.
Nearby, Naruto had already been knocked to the ground.
Kankuro sneered.
"Is this all Konoha's Genin are capable of?"
Moegi and Udon trembled behind Sakura, too frightened to speak.
Meanwhile, Chino and Nao stood nearby, glaring angrily at Kankuro.
Aoki Yoru blinked.
'Wait… when did those two start hanging out with Konohamaru?'
The Scene Unfolds
Just like in the original story—
Sasuke appeared.
Then Gaara.
The situation escalated briefly before settling down again.
Aoki Yoru watched the entire scene with interest.
Even though he had seen it countless times in his previous life, witnessing it in person felt completely different.
It was… real.
Alive.
Reunion
He stepped forward.
"Nao, Chino—you're here?"
The two girls turned instantly.
"Big Brother Yoru!!"
They ran toward him excitedly, nearly throwing themselves into his arms.
Aoki Yoru smiled faintly.
But at that moment—
A sudden shift occurred.
Gaara's Killing Intent
Gaara, who had been about to leave, stopped abruptly.
He turned around.
His eyes locked onto Aoki Yoru.
A terrifying killing intent surged from his body.
The air grew cold.
A cruel smile formed on his lips.
"I didn't expect to see you here… Konoha's Qilin."
"I've heard of you."
"You're strong."
"…Worth killing."
Temari immediately stepped forward, panic flashing across her face.
"Gaara, stop! Don't cause trouble!"
She knew exactly who Aoki Yoru was.
If Gaara lost control here—
Everything would fall apart.
But Gaara ignored her completely.
"Get lost."
"If you stand in my way… even you will die."
His voice was cold.
Emotionless.
Temari's face paled.
She stepped back instinctively.
Pressure Descends
Aoki Yoru tilted his head slightly.
"…Interesting."
Gaara at this stage was unstable—his mind eroded by Shukaku's influence.
Destructive.
Uncontrollable.
Meanwhile, Naruto and the others stood frozen, unable to process what was happening.
"Who… is he?" Sakura whispered.
"He's Big Brother Yoru!" Chino said proudly. "A hero of Konoha!"
Sakura's eyes widened.
"A hero…?"
He looked barely older than them.
At that moment—
Gaara's sand began to stir.
Absolute Suppression
Aoki Yoru's expression turned calm.
Then—
His spiritual energy erupted.
It intertwined with the surrounding natural energy, forming an invisible pressure that descended like a mountain.
Boom.
The force slammed into Gaara.
Caught off guard, Gaara staggered.
Then—
He dropped to his knees.
His hands hit the ground, supporting his body.
Crack.
His bones creaked under the pressure.
Cold sweat poured down his face.
His expression twisted.
For the first time—
Fear appeared in his eyes.
Crushing Force
Aoki Yoru raised his hand slightly.
More pressure descended.
Boom!
Gaara's arms collapsed.
His entire body was forced flat against the ground.
His limbs were pinned.
Immovable.
His face pressed into the dirt.
His sand armor shattered piece by piece.
He struggled desperately.
"AHHHHH!!!"
But it was useless.
To someone like Gaara—
This was unbearable humiliation.
Shukaku Awakens
Suddenly—
Something changed.
His body began to distort.
Sand surged violently.
Half of a monstrous form emerged from his body.
Claws.
Fangs.
A twisted face.
The mark on his forehead glowed.
Shukaku.
The power within him exploded outward.
Gaara's laughter rang out.
"Hahaha! Power… it's overflowing!"
His eyes burned with madness.
"I'll tear you apart!"
The End
Aoki Yoru disappeared.
In an instant—
He appeared beside Gaara.
"You…"
Gaara's pupils shrank.
"You should rest."
The next moment—
Everything went silent.
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