Naruto: Who made him a ninja

Chapter 150 The Sky Over Konoha is So Dark! (10,000 words, please subscribe)

The Chunin Exams are proceeding smoothly.

Ibiki, who was almost scared to death, finally helped Naruto pass the test by passing the "tenth question".

However, Kakashi, that unlucky fellow, could not escape the fate of becoming everyone's "laughing stock".

Of course, everyone was joking, but Kakashi genuinely felt incredibly embarrassed.

Naruto's test paper wasn't exactly blank, but it was pretty close.

If it weren't for Hidezawa's reminder, which led Ibiki to create the "tenth question," Naruto would probably be in trouble!

"Honestly, you clearly want everyone to get through this, so why do you have to say it like that?"

Standing at the entrance to Konoha, Kakashi stared blankly at Hideaki beside him.

"Now look what's happened, I've completely taken the blame for you."

"Sigh~ How can you talk like that? Doesn't Naruto's performance already prove my prediction was correct?"

Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Shuzawa immediately raised his voice.

"Besides, the result is a happy one. Your team has already passed the Death Forest test, and even the subsequent make-up test, right?"

Cheer up! Cheer up! The others are just jealous of you. After all, only your team made it to the final assessment with a full complement of members.

Kakashi nodded subconsciously upon hearing Shuzawa's words, but quickly couldn't help but glare at Shuzawa.

You bastard, all you can say is something nice?

The exam in the Forest of Death is now completely over.

Without Orochimaru's appearance, Naruto and his friends performed exceptionally well this time.

Even though some of the Sound Village's underlings came to cause trouble, they weren't injured and were in stable condition. In addition, Sakura was replaced by Karin's trio, and they really beat those guys to a pulp!

Having successfully obtained the scroll, they didn't waste any time, and without any guides, they entered the tower smoothly.

However, due to the large number of participants this time, and the fact that everyone was quite skilled, the competition was not very successful.

This forced Konoha to hold an impromptu tie-breaker to eliminate too many participants.

What the kids think isn't important; what's important is that there can't be too many people in the final rounds, as that would seriously affect the viewing experience.

"Speaking of which, the draw for the tiebreaker was actually quite lucky."

Seeing that Hidezawa was completely unmoved, Kakashi gave up on arguing and instead spoke with some emotion.

"None of the guys you drew were particularly difficult, and I think what you're most satisfied with right now is that everyone who was supposed to make it to the finals has made it, right?"

"It's alright, and as I said, the village isn't all about fighting and killing, it's all about human relationships and social interactions."

Xiuze smiled casually, not denying his feelings of overstepping his bounds.

"You, God knows what you're thinking."

Kakashi sighed, then continued to lament.

"But speaking of which, those kids from Sunagakure are pretty lucky. They all advanced smoothly, so their fathers probably won't be too embarrassed when they come over."

"Tch, what's so surprising about them advancing?"

Xiuze rolled his eyes and said dismissively.

"They were already bad to begin with, so with just a little bit of luck, everything would fall into place, wouldn't it?"

".?"

Kakashi was taken aback for a moment, but his expression immediately became quite interesting.

"Wait, you can't be..."

"Didn't you say that their father is coming, so at least give them some face?"

Xiuze shrugged and said nonchalantly.

"Although no one likes this guy Rasa, he was still a Kazekage no matter what."

Regardless of what happens next, Konoha should at least show some of its magnanimity as a major village.

Let him be happy now, but he'll be crying later.

"!!!"

Xiuze's blatant lies, practically screaming "cover-up," left Kakashi utterly dumbfounded.

He hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice so that the people around him wouldn't hear, and asked cautiously.

"What about Naruto and the others, and those little guys who advanced?"

What do you think?

Xiuze looked at Kakashi meaningfully, then gently patted his shoulder and smiled.

"Good luck sometimes favors fools, but such good luck doesn't fall from the sky."

"."

Kakashi didn't want to talk anymore. He understood everything now, and he couldn't help but look up at the sky.

black!

too dark!

It's so dark in Konoha!

He can't see clearly.

But he quickly regained his composure. After all, it was people from other villages, so what did it have to do with him?

Moreover, at this moment, a group of ninjas wearing headscarves appeared not far away.

"Alright, the people from Sunagakure have arrived."

Xiuzawa glanced at Kakashi and said in a low voice.

"Although Luo Sha is no good, at least give him some face and don't let it slip."

"Um."

Kakashi nodded calmly, suddenly realizing that he was indeed quite adaptable.

It seems he has the talent to be an assistant to the Hokage, or even to become the Hokage himself.

He shook his head, no longer thinking about these things, and looked at the crowd coming from the front, just like Xiuze.

The leader was dressed in a white robe and wore a straw hat.

On the straw hat, there is a large character for "wind"!

He was accompanied by only a few dozen ninjas, who were obviously there to watch the Chunin Exams with the Kazekage.

"Lord Kazekage, welcome to Konoha."

When the Sand Village group arrived at the entrance of Konoha Village, Hidetsawa led Kakashi to greet them. He smiled and spoke to the Kazekage in front of him.

He could naturally tell that the guy in front of him wasn't Orochimaru in disguise, which made him feel somewhat emotional.

This guy's fate seems to have changed somewhat, but not by much.

"Oh, you must be Shihara Hidezawa, the Hokage's assistant from Konoha?"

Luo Sha raised an eyebrow as he looked at Xiu Ze in front of him, and said with a hint of amusement.

"It is truly an honor to meet you. Your name is probably known throughout the entire ninja world, just like your predecessor Danzo."

"You flatter me, Danzo's methods are something I strive to emulate."

Upon hearing this, Xiuze's smile widened, and he laughed nonchalantly.

"Danzo knows everything about the ninja world, while I'm still lacking in skill. Perhaps I can improve in the future."

"Oh, like Danzo?"

Luo Sha smiled enigmatically, while Xiu Ze remained composed.

"Perhaps I can surpass Danzo. After all, the benefits I've brought to Konoha have, in some ways, surpassed Danzo's."

At this point, Xiuze gave Luosha a meaningful look.

Why bring up something you shouldn't talk about?

Since he asked for it, Xiuze isn't afraid of a head-on sniper duel!

"snort"

Seeing that look in Xiuze's eyes, Luo Sha knew exactly what Xiuze meant, but he had to endure it for now.

"With the Hokage assisting you, may I ask what the next steps are? Is this Konoha's way of treating guests?"

"The Hokage is already waiting. Please come with me, Kazekage."

Xiuze shrugged and smiled, while Luosha nodded indifferently.

"In that case, I'll trouble you to lead the way. I'm quite looking forward to this trip to Konoha."

"Lord Kazekage, this way please."

After speaking, Hidezawa turned around and waved to Kakashi and the ninjas behind him. Together, they walked into Konoha.

"Hey, the smell of gunpowder is getting a bit strong."

When Shuzawa walked back to Kakashi's side, Kakashi immediately lowered his voice to a minimum.

"Didn't you just say we should give him some face?"

"Hasn't it already been given to him? Otherwise, how could he have entered Konoha?"

Xiuze lowered his voice and asked with a soft laugh, a question that left Kakashi speechless for a moment.

Although Sunagakure is considered an ally of Konoha, the higher-ups of Konoha are well aware of the true nature of this alliance.

Even Kakashi knew that Konoha's true ally was probably Pakura, a woman who had the support of Hidesawa and even the Konoha leadership.

As for Luo Sha

It's not that people like it much, and it stands out in certain details.

When the Kazekage arrives, Konoha has a welcoming ceremony, but it's not held at the village gate; instead, they move directly to the reception room!

Such a welcoming ceremony can no longer be described as low-key; it can be described as extremely simple.

Moreover, within Konoha, Rasa was not highly regarded, and was basically labeled as "ambitious but incompetent."

Moreover, Konoha has received word of this, and Sunagakure may be making some unexpected moves this time.

How could Konoha possibly have a good arrangement for someone like that?

"Oh, our Fourth Kazekage has arrived?"

In the room where Yogura lived in Konoha, Yogura, holding a cup of tea, looked at Hidezawa who had suddenly appeared before her with a smile on her lips.

"If that's the case, why has the Hokage's assistant come here? Are you planning to hand me over to the Kazekage?"

"This seems like a good idea; I'll think about it carefully."

Xiuze rolled his eyes and sat down directly opposite Yecang.

Although Yekura's room was still reserved for foreign guests, Hidezawa still took good care of her.

The facilities here are complete and the environment is excellent. Xiuze has never restricted her freedom. Except for some sensitive places, she can come and go as she pleases.

Moreover, even ordinary Konoha ninjas are not allowed to approach those sensitive areas!

"That's really heartbreaking."

Yecang watched as Xiuzhe settled down before deliberately putting on a bitter face.

"It seems that Konoha has finally made the 'right' decision."

"Alright, enough of this useless talk."

Xiuze propped his head up with one hand, ignoring Yekura's joke.

"Rasa's motives are not pure, and we both know that. Konoha has already begun preparations, and I want to see what you think."

"Oh?"

Ye Cang raised an eyebrow and then sat up much more upright.

"What are your thoughts, or rather, what level of achievement do you want to reach this time?"

"Didn't you already know that?"

Xiuze shrugged and a smile appeared on his face.

"Fifth Kazekage, how does this address sound?"

"."

Ye Cang's pretty face, which had been slightly playful, immediately tightened. She knew all too well what those words meant!

Xiuze's frankness had already revealed Konoha's attitude, leaving her with an indescribable feeling.

Is it really coming to this?

Her hatred for Luo Sha was something that could not be hidden.

She was known as the "Hero of Sunagakure," but tragically, all she received was betrayal!

She experienced Luo Sha's shamelessness from the very first meeting with Xiu Ze.

She has never forgotten the pain of that betrayal!

Although the people from Konoha weren't exactly human, and the things they did for her were clearly motivated by a desire to control Sunagakure, in her view, it was nothing more than a means to achieve their goal.

However, she did not resist it too much, because although Konoha did not treat people as human, Rasa was more human-like.

At least Konoha provided Sunagakure with tangible benefits through various means, even solving their survival problems.

And what about Luo Sha?

The horrors of the Third Shinobi World War are still fresh in their minds. They betrayed the village's heroes for immediate gains and incited the village to confront Iwagakure after the war.

The village's interests certainly need to be fought for, but is it really necessary to do so in such an extreme way?

"He's too eager to prove himself. After all, he came up after the Third Kazekage disappeared, and people don't really believe in him."

Yekura recalled what Ebizo and Chiyo had told her about Rasa, which made her sigh even more.

Over the years, these two have truly been training her according to Ying's teachings. Now that the final step is here, her heart is naturally filled with complex emotions.

"You don't like this title? Or do you feel you're not qualified for this position?"

Looking at the silent Yecang, Xiuze tilted his head and asked with some confusion, while Yecang sighed and gently shook his head.

"I don't know, I have mixed feelings. Actually, I really want to ask you a question."

"Please speak."

"What level do you expect me to reach? What level does Konoha expect me to reach?"

"That's your problem."

Xiuze smiled, then his expression turned serious.

"I told you before, I am not Danzo, and what I have always pursued is a win-win situation."

Although the pie in the ninja world isn't much, it's enough for us to share. If Konoha gets a piece, they'll naturally take care of those who are with us.

But there's a prerequisite: this 'person' must be our ally, a true ally!

At this point, Xiuze stood up, looked down at the bustling traffic below, and chuckled softly.

"There is always competition for interests in the village, but it is always important to know your own place."

Rasa was an ambitious man, but Sunagakure could not support his ambition, which ultimately led to widespread suffering and destruction.

The Sand Village has never sought a position in the ninja world; geography, resources, and climate sometimes determine many things.

He was probably blinded and confused by power and his obsessive desire to prove himself.

But you are different. I believe in you and trust you. You can see many things clearly and understand what Sunagakure truly needs.

Besides, Sunagakure is already one of the Five Great Ninja Villages of the ninja world. What difference would it make if it went any further?

Hidezawa's words made Yekura fall silent, because they truly touched her heart.

Although she longed for Sunagakure to be better, the geographical environment of Sunagakure truly determined many things.

Moreover, she has always questioned one thing: can the only way to make Sunagakure better be through force?

That may have been true before, but things seem to be different now.

The guy in front of me is the one who's trying to change all of this.

"So, do your best. Konoha won't treat its own people unfairly, and neither will I."

As Xiuze slowly walked to Yecang's side, the seriousness on his face disappeared, replaced by a warm smile.

"I will urge Konoha to introduce a series of policies to better help our allies who fight alongside us."

Of course, don't think that Konoha is doing charity; if you profit, Konoha will definitely not lose out.

And there are some things you'll need to make choices about, understand?

"Just like your 'North-to-South Water Diversion Project,' it makes Sarawak owe you so much?"

Ye Cang had recovered quite a bit, and looking at Xiu Ze in front of her, she smiled.

"Damn it, Sunagakure owes you a mountain of debt, aren't you afraid we'll kill our creditors?"

"Why don't you give it a try? I wouldn't mind."

Xiuze chuckled nonchalantly. Of course he knew Yecang was joking, and he couldn't possibly take it seriously.

"Also, this time Konoha plans to try it out; your problem might be solved with Wood Release."

"Konoha is the only place in the entire ninja world that possesses Wood Release abilities. Who knows, your place might become a haven of birdsong and fragrant flowers in the future."

"And the price?"

Yecang rolled her eyes, but it was undeniable that she also had some aspirations for the future.

Sunagakure is indeed one of the five great ninja villages in the entire ninja world. What it should be pursuing most right now is probably a better life for everyone.

But every gain has its loss, and Yekura was quite frustrated by this.

"It seems you've already placed yourself in the position of Kazekage. That's quite good."

Xiuze shrugged and sat down again.

"And speaking of which, I quite like some things about your Land of Wind."

"Please, what else does the Land of Wind have besides sand and gales?"

"Don't you think the sound of the wind is quite charming?"

Looking at Ye Cang, who seemed both expectant and frustrated, Xiu Ze shrugged and smiled mysteriously.

"I once heard a saying that goes, 'The more you crave perfection, the less clean you become, and in the end you will only be blinded and confused.'"

I originally intended to say this to Rasa, but it seems fitting to say it to you now, especially since you seem to have never really listened to the whispers of the winds of your Land of Wind.

"What do you mean?"

Yecang looked at Xiuzawa with some confusion, as if his words had a unique charm.

"In fact, the rumors from your Wind Kingdom have already told you the answer."

Xiuze shrugged and looked at Yecang meaningfully.

"Yakura, if you listen carefully, you'll find that what you hear on the wind is the sound of unrequited love."

Is it something you desire but cannot obtain?

Ye Cang pursed her lips and looked out the window.

The gap between Sunagakure and Konoha is indeed much larger than imagined.

Perhaps the endless yellow sand and the howling wind are indeed telling these stories.

"Alright, now that we've finished the business, let's not be so serious. Let's talk about something cheerful. I've been sincere enough in coming to see you this time, haven't I?"

"Hey, can you use a different word?"

"That's strange. What's wrong with sincerity? Besides, I have a sincere suggestion. I wonder if the future Fifth Kazekage would be willing to listen?"

"Fine, you tell me."

"Didn't you say you owed so much debt you couldn't pay it back? Actually, there's another way to repay it."

"!!!"

For example

"You bastard, I'll fight you to the death!"

"???"

Time flew by, and all the ninjas completed their final preparations.

The final exam that everyone has been waiting for is getting closer and closer!

"Is it finally coming?"

Inside a training ground, Naruto clenched his fists, seemingly extremely excited.

"Hey, what's all the fuss about, kid?"

However, Jiraiya, standing beside him, looked at Naruto speechlessly.

In fact, Jiraiya has been moving between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools all these years; he has never truly left Konoha.

After all, the Fourth Mizukage is in the Land of Whirlpools, and as the garrison commander, he needs to keep an eye on this Three-Tails Jinchuriki.

However, since the Chunin Exams were about to begin, he naturally needed to come back and check it out, and as if by fate, he met Naruto.

In fact, he had been keeping an eye on Naruto all these years and noticed that Naruto was improving after some contact with Hidezawa, so he didn't get too involved.

Although Xiuze can sometimes act like a villain!

But it cannot be denied that Xiuze is a good person.

"I've heard that you've made Kakashi a laughingstock."

Jiraiya shrugged and looked at Naruto with a mischievous grin.

"You practically handed in a blank paper. If it weren't for your strong will at the last moment, you would have caused your entire team to be eliminated. You lucky brat."

"Pshaw! Luck is also a part of skill!"

Naruto gave a disgruntled snort, then quickly stood up, clenching his left fist and right palm together.

The latest novel is first published here!

"Yosh, we need to step up our game. We absolutely can't let ourselves be embarrassed this time. Keep training!"

"Tsk tsk, what an energetic little brat."

Seeing this, Jiraiya couldn't help but smile and shake his head. He seemed to sense a unique vitality in Naruto.

"Is it finally coming?"

In another forest, Sasuke rested briefly after completing the first round of Chidori training, but he couldn't help but silently calculate the time in his mind.

After a while, he looked up at Kakashi, who was training with him but had started reading a pornographic book again.

"Kakashi-sensei, will it be Hidezawa-sama proctoring the exam this time?"

"How could that be? He's the Hokage's assistant now."

Kakashi couldn't help but roll his eyes when he heard Sasuke's words. He knew that Sasuke was thinking about Itachi Uchiha's Chunin Exams again.

"Also, don't apply past experiences to this exam; the situation is different now."

But you don't need to worry. Just do your best, and you'll be fine.

"Yes! I absolutely won't let myself be embarrassed."

Sasuke nodded very seriously, but Kakashi couldn't help but purse his lips.

Actually, you don't need to worry at all. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you will definitely not embarrass yourself.

After all, you have no idea how dark the sky is in Konoha.

In a forest east of Konoha Village, the Akatsuki members gathered together.

Looking at Konoha in the distance, they were all filled with countless thoughts.

"Let's get ready to go."

Obito Uchiha spoke calmly, and in an instant, the space around them distorted.

"Orochimaru has already infiltrated the area beforehand; all we need to do is wait for his signal."

"This time, things will definitely be different!"

"must."

The bright sunlight shines on the leaves; it's another beautiful day.

Most of the villagers of Konoha got up very early and quickly headed towards the village's largest training ground.

Today is the last day of Konoha's joint Chunin expedition, and also the most important day of this exam.

There, the fiercest battle is about to unfold!

"Is it finally coming?"

Standing on the high platform, Xiuze looked down at the crowd below, appearing quite excited, which puzzled Guang.

"Why would a fight between a bunch of weaklings attract so many people? I really don't understand."

"If this were my time, this little guy would probably be dead by now."

"Times have changed. Your era was too cruel."

Xiuze reached out and put his hand on Guang's shoulder, then whispered.

"Of course, the current era is actually quite similar, or even more brutal than your time, so sometimes we will adopt other ways to demonstrate our strength."

"An exam like this?"

Guang leaned his head on Xiuze's shoulder and casually asked a question.

"This is pointless. What's the point of doing this?"

"Genin are the most easily overlooked group."

Xiuze tilted his head and looked down, then explained softly.

"However, it is undeniable that when large-scale wars begin, genin are often the group with the highest participation rate."

They were quite formidable, and to some extent, they demonstrated the basic strength of their village.

Therefore, this can actually be considered a kind of invisible war.

"Is that so?"

Guang nodded as if she understood, but it was clear that she didn't seem to care much about any of this.

She simply looked up at Xiuze out of curiosity, then asked in confusion.

"Speaking of which, what did you and that woman from Sunagakure talk about that day? The room where you were talking was so noisy!"

"."

Xiuze froze upon hearing this, and he seriously suspected that there might be a mole among his men.

Why are there people tattling on each other and the light?

When talking about his conversation with Yekura that day, Hidezawa was speechless.

He wanted to ease the overly heavy atmosphere, and at the same time, he did think of a way to pay off his debts.

For example, allowing Sunagakure to open its market, or for Konoha to collect a higher percentage of tariffs while ensuring Sunagakure has sufficient funds.

Or perhaps they could lower the tariffs on goods sold from Konoha to Sunagakure, since what they want is a wealthy Sunagakure, not a quagmire.

Only when everyone is happy and we all get along well can Konoha become a better place!

However, Yekura seems to have a slightly distorted idea.

"It's nothing, just a small misunderstanding."

"Yeah?"

Guang nodded, then asked curiously.

"She has a great figure."

"Uh-huh?"

Xiuze couldn't hold back any longer. Looking at Guang's beautiful smiling face, his own face darkened.

"What kind of questions are you asking?"

"You have basic ninja reconnaissance skills. You've treated her and seen everything. I'm just curious."

Hikaru nodded seriously, leaving Hidezawa speechless.

"Okay, stop, let's leave this topic at that!"

"oh."

Guang nodded honestly, then asked curiously.

"When do you stay in your room at night?"

"."

Xiuze had no desire to speak. He simply put one arm around Guang's waist and looked down at the crowd below.

This Uchiha is truly someone who dares to love and hate, and she's really willing to go for what she's set her mind to.

"Hey, Xiuze, what are you doing here?"

Just as Xiuzhe was mentally complaining, he suddenly heard Kakashi's voice in his ear.

He looked up and saw Kakashi, Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, and others gathering towards him.

"The Hokage is up there, shouldn't you, as the Hokage, go up and assist him?"

"Aren't you the same?"

Xiuze subtly tried to pull his hand back from Hiroki's waist because he noticed the gazes of Kai and Asuma.

Unfortunately, Hikari's little head rested on his shoulder, leaving him helpless.

"Your students are taking an exam down there, aren't you going to be with them?"

"No need, those little guys are not weak at all."

Kakashi casually leaned against the railing, took out a copy of "Icha Icha Paradise" and started reading.

"This is more than enough to handle this exam."

"So confident?"

Xiuze tilted his head, looking at Kakashi with amusement, and asked.

"If it crashes, it will be very embarrassing."

"I've always been lucky, just like I knew that Tenzo was in charge of the ANBU here today."

Kakashi's outer eye turned into a dead fish eye again, looking meaningfully at Hidezawa and Hikaru.

"But speaking of which, is it really okay? There are a few less officers in charge of the venue today, and more officers from the ANBU outside."

"Being prepared is always the safest option."

Hidezawa smiled casually. As Jonin, Kakashi and the others had likely received quite a bit of information.

They couldn't say for sure what the specifics would be, but seeing what Xiuze's secret service did, they immediately understood the situation.

The Anbu are not here, but are more focused on the outside, or rather, on the residential area. This shows that Konoha has made preparations to evacuate residents as soon as possible.

This also means that the potential for an unexpected outbreak this time is much greater than imagined!

"Are we really just going to let it go like this?"

Akai, Asuma, and Red seemed a little nervous, especially Red who couldn't help but ask a question.

Asuma gently tugged at Kurenai, signaling her not to say anything more. Konoha had made arrangements for this matter, and they shouldn't question it too much.

Kakashi, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, after all, he knew Hidezawa all too well.

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems."

Kakashi continued reading with his head down, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"Just watch the game with peace of mind and be prepared at any time. That's what our advisor told me."

Good fortune may favor fools, but such good fortune doesn't fall from the sky; haven't we already made preparations in advance?

Kakashi's words were somewhat puzzling, but at that moment, Hideaki interrupted them.

"Alright, that's enough. It's about to start, and today is a big day!"

Hearing Xiuze's words, Akai and the others stopped talking and looked up at the high platform.

At that very moment, the Third Hokage and Tsunade appeared on the platform!

Their appearance immediately silenced the entire training ground; everyone knew what this moment meant.

That is the final match of this joint Chunin Exams!

Moreover, barring any unforeseen circumstances, there is indeed another major event today.

"Hokage, it's been a long time."

Master Yuan had been waiting on the main stage of the training ground for a long time. When he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade coming over, he stood up with a smile.

Although he is nominally the de facto ruler of Kirigakure, he has never announced his intention to become the Mizukage.

Therefore, he still holds the title of Grand Elder, and he had met Hiruzen Sarutobi during the negotiations back then, so they are somewhat familiar with each other.

"Master Yuan, it's been a long time."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a chuckle.

"It's been years, but you still have so much energy."

"I'm getting old."

Master Yuan shook his head and looked at Tsunade.

"Is this the Fifth Generation? Time flies."

"That's right, I will officially announce the results in a moment."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mince words at all; he simply nodded and acknowledged it.

For him, this was a given fact, and there was nothing to deny about it.

"Now I'd rather brew a pot of tea. I don't have that much pressure every day. I can just spend time with my grandson and watch the changes in the leaves."

Time is not on our side, so the important work should be left to the younger generation.

"Indeed, we're all getting old."

Genji nodded. He was a few years older than Hiruzen Sarutobi, so there was nothing wrong with what he said.

Looking at Tsunade in front of him, he was also thinking about the Fifth Mizukage of his village.

He had always been very optimistic about Mei Terumi succeeding him, but Mei Terumi was too young, and she already had quite a few subordinates.

Even if he thought highly of Terumi Mei, he couldn't make a decision directly; he could only let Terumi Mei achieve as much merit as possible.

Once he has achieved enough merit, then he can then push Terumi Mei to the top.

"Hello, Third Hokage."

Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries, Luo Sha also stepped onto the high platform.

He glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade, then subtly glanced at Genji before smiling and speaking.

"I hope I'm not too late. I must say, Konoha is much more prosperous than Sunagakure. It's dazzling."

"We're not late at all; the timing is just right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile remained unchanged, but the way he looked at Rasa carried a subtle, different meaning.

Moreover, upon seeing Luo Sha appear, he lost all interest in continuing the casual conversation.

"Shall we announce the start then?"

"OK."

Luo Sha didn't mind. He leisurely found a seat and sat down, then watched the match below with great anticipation.

The venue grew quieter and quieter, and everyone's eyes turned to the high platform, where Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly walked out.

"Today is the last day of this Chunin Exams. I wish all the young people who have come to this round the best of luck."

"But before that, there is something else I need to announce, which I think everyone here should know."

"Actually, I should have announced this a few years ago, but it's not necessarily a bad thing that it's been delayed until today."

"Therefore, I hereby formally announce that I will officially retire starting tomorrow, and Konoha will welcome its Fifth Hokage!"

"She is Tsunade!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi made his announcement, cheers began to erupt in the previously quiet venue.

Immediately afterwards, the cheers became as uncontrollable as an erupting volcano, as unstoppable as a surging tsunami!

"Go ahead, the rest is up to you."

Amidst the thunderous cheers, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to look at Tsunade beside him.

"From now on, I'm entrusting everything to you."

"Tch, you old man."

Tsunade shrugged. She knew that this wasn't really a formal appearance, but rather an announcement and a rehearsal.

But the cheers still made her heart race a little. She took a deep breath and slowly walked to the front desk.

When she appeared in everyone's sight, the cheers were deafening. She waited for a while until the noise subsided before speaking loudly.

"Now I declare the exam officially open!"

"Are we about to begin?"

In a corner of the training ground, Orochimaru looked at Tsunade, who was looking radiant on the high platform, with a somewhat inexplicable expression in his eyes.

If there hadn't been so many problems back then, if everything had gone smoothly, would he be in this situation now?

After a long while, he gently shook his head, his tongue involuntarily licking his lips.

"This is really something to look forward to."

"Tch, that's really loud."

Inside the ninja rest area, Hozuki Suigetsu heard the thunderous roar and couldn't help but scratch his ear.

Mei Terumi, standing to the side, slapped him on the head without hesitation, but unfortunately, the slap caused water to splash everywhere.

"Behave yourself, this is Konoha."

Mei Terumi didn't care. She glared at Hozuki Suigetsu, who had returned to normal, and then looked at Chojuro.

He thought to himself, "Why is this guy not as honest as my teammates? Why is the Hozuki clan so loud and boisterous?"

"Um?"

However, she quickly lost interest in thinking about these things, as Kisame quietly approached from behind her.

"Is everything ready?"

Lowering her voice, Mei Terumi asked softly, and Kisame simply nodded.

"Everything is ready, just waiting to begin."

"That's fine then."

Mei Terumi nodded, and couldn't help but look up at Tsunade on the platform, sighing inwardly.

"Hurry up and come, maybe this time I'll get a chance."

"It's really noisy, but I never expected this woman to become Hokage."

On the other side of the training ground, Deidara and Darui stood together, neither of them going down to join their students.

Listening to the deafening cheers, Deidara pursed his lips. To be honest, this scene had quite an impact on him.

"There's nothing strange about it. She's capable, prestigious, and has a Hokage teacher. It's normal for her to have reached this point."

Darui, on the other hand, appeared remarkably calm, his gaze fixed on the arena, seemingly with a hint of anticipation.

"cut."

Deidara gave a soft hum, but for some reason, he seemed to be somewhat moved by this scene as well.

"Naruto"

Looking at the cheering residents around her from the stands where Xiuze was, Hong couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Akai was already cheering and shouting excitedly, while Asuma calmly lit a cigarette for himself.

Xiuze blocked the light and looked up at Tsunade on the high platform. Tsunade was no longer lazy as before; she looked shrewd and capable.

"Finally became Hokage? Now, can I say 'You'll regret this' from now on?"

Xiuze thought to himself with amusement, while Kakashi looked up and watched everything intently.

Under the sunlight, everything is full of vitality and life, and the light seems to blow away the darkness, making everyone feel excited!

However, when Kakashi noticed the names that had begun to be drawn below, his face immediately darkened.

"The first match is between Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuga."

really

The sky over Konoha is still as dark as ever.

I have a cold and diarrhea, and I'm a bit weak. Sorry for the late update.

(End of this chapter)