Starting from the roots of Konoha, they were the masterminds behind the scenes.

Chapter 167 Chunin Exams: Danzo's New Target! (Please Subscribe and Vote!)

In the Land of Rain, in the Village of Rain-Hidden People, a light drizzle falls.

Xingxia Xiu, who was standing watching the rain, turned around after hearing footsteps behind her.

"Teacher Xiu!"

The three members of the Nagato family bowed in unison.

Hoshino Hideaki handed them three forms: "Chunin Exam Application Form!"

Upon seeing this, Yahiko immediately became excited: "So, I can finally become a Chunin?"

Xingxia Xiu said, "That's not necessarily true."

"This Chunin Exam isn't being held in the village, it's being held in Konoha."

Leaf Village?

Yahiko and the other two looked at Hoshino Hide with suspicion.

Hoshino Hideyoshi said, "Konoha has invited the village to the Chunin Exams, and the village has accepted. You will represent the village in Konoha to participate."

"At that time, you will be competing with the genin of Konoha."

Upon hearing this, Yahiko immediately patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Ms. Shu, we will definitely not let you down."

Nagato whispered a reminder from the side: "The teacher is a ninja from Konoha."

"Forehead……"

Yahiko was a little embarrassed, then forced an explanation: "That's not important. Anyway, we are our teacher's disciples, so we absolutely cannot embarrass him."

Hoshinobi Hide laughed and said, "This time, Konoha invited not only Amegakure, but also Kusagakure, Takigakure, Yugakure, and Sunagakure."

Upon hearing this, Konan couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, didn't the Sand Village and Konoha just end their war not long ago?"

Xingxia Xiu said, "But we've already signed an alliance, so it can be considered an alliance, even if it's only temporary."

Yahiko looked at Hoshino Shu with admiration and said, "Is it because the Third Kazekage was killed by our teacher, and he needs to lie low?"

Xingxia Xiu nodded: "That's the idea."

"Alright, take these forms back, fill them out, and hand them in."

"Also, focus on your cultivation during this time."

"Just so you know, I also have a few disciples in Konoha."

Upon hearing this, Yahiko's smile vanished instantly.

Nagato and Konan also became solemn.

Being a teacher's disciple must be taken seriously.

at the same time.

Konoha, on the rooftop.

Hoshino Hide also handed each of the three, including Namikaze Minato, a form: "This is the Chunin Exam application form."

"This is a joint assessment by several ninja villages, so you guys go and give it a try."

"Minato, since there's a team battle, why don't you join in too!"

Minato Namikaze nodded: "Understood!"

Hoshino Hideaki then reminded them, "There are also geniuses from other ninja villages this time, so don't be careless."

Whirlpool waved his fist and said, "Don't worry, Teacher Xiu, with Minato here, there won't be any problems."

Minato Namikaze smiled modestly and said, "Kushina, it's not that exaggerated."

Kushina Uzumaki scoffed, "Minato, you're good at everything, except you're too delicate."

Minato Namikaze scratched his head and gave an embarrassed laugh.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke watched the play from the sidelines.

Hoshino Shu admonished, "Minato's behavior is called restraint."

"Alright, there's still some time before it starts. Even while resting, we can't slack off in our training. Go!"

"clear!"

Kushina and the other two acknowledged the order in unison, and then disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique.

Xingxia Xiu then disappeared from the rooftop.

Time quickly came to January 6th.

Konoha Village began to bustle with activity.

Ninjas from various villages, including Sunagakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure, Takigakure, and Yugakure, appeared in Konoha.

At this time, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan also arrived in Konoha under the guidance of a Jonin named Kiyu from the Rain Village.

"This place seems much more prosperous than the village!"

Walking down the street, Xiao Nan couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Yahiko said, "After all, it is the most powerful ninja village, and the Land of Fire is the richest country."

"However, I believe that the Land of Rain and the village will be able to become like this in the future."

Nagato and Konan nodded in agreement.

"It seems like something's happened up ahead."

Xiao Nan suddenly said.

Yahiko and Nagato looked away and saw a large group of people gathered around, all of them young ninjas.

"Let's go take a look."

Yahiko immediately stepped forward quickly.

The three walked over and discovered that it was a standoff between Konoha ninjas and Sunagakure ninjas.

"That guy is a puppeteer."

Yahiko whispered.

Nagato and Konan's gazes also fell on the ninja carrying a puppet wrapped in bandages. He looked to be about eight or nine years old, similar to them, but at this moment he was exuding a cold killing intent.

On the opposite side stood Nawaki, Erika Uzumaki, and their companion, Kei Hyuga.

Rope Tree frowned: "This guy is very different."

They were just discussing powerful individuals when they were inexplicably targeted by this Sand Ninja.

He sensed the killing intent emanating from the other party.

"Konoha's White Fang... My name is Sasori, and I will challenge him and defeat him!"

Scorpion said coldly, then turned and left.

The three of them, including Rope Tree, were stunned.

"Does this guy have a grudge against Senior White Fang?"

Rope Tree muttered.

Hyuga Kei said, "Perhaps our parents were killed by Sakumo-senpai, after all, we just ended a war with them."

"However, it's a bit too early to say such things now. Senior White Fang is a powerful elite Jonin."

Rope Tree nodded in agreement, then raised his fist and said, "If we run into this guy during the assessment, we'll teach him a lesson."

At this point, the onlookers dispersed, some disappointed that it was just a few harsh words.

However, Konoha's White Fang is very famous, and now that he has declared that he will defeat Konoha's White Fang in the future, Sasori of Sunagakure has become famous among the genin of various ninja villages.

Some people scoffed, some were indifferent, and some felt that Scorpion was not simple at all.

As Yahiko watched Sasori's retreating figure, he said to Nagato and Konan, "The killing intent emanating from this guy is so strong, it's definitely not just about hatred. He's probably already seen blood. We need to be careful when we encounter him."

Nagato and Konan nodded in unison, and then they began to discuss how to deal with the puppeteer.

Although they often engage in combat training and have carried out many missions with Xingxia Xiu's clones, and have some combat experience, they have never fought against a puppeteer before, so they are very enthusiastic.

On the other side, the three of them, including Nawaki, couldn't help but start discussing it.

Especially Rope Tree, whose left leg is a puppet prosthetic.

Meanwhile, at a more distant alley entrance, Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Shinnosuke Sarutobi watched the spectacle from afar.

At that moment, Kushina Uzumaki was complaining, "Minato, it's all your fault for being too slow. We should have gone over to help Erika and the others."

Minato Namikaze smiled wryly: "We won't fight in a place like this."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke withdrew his gaze from Sasori and asked, "Minato, do you know that guy?"

"They actually dared to claim they would challenge and defeat Senior White Fang."

In Sarutobi Shinnosuke's mind, his teacher was a strong person in the same tier as his father and Danzo, belonging to the strongest group in Konoha.

And next up are powerful figures like Konoha's White Fang.

Then there were the younger generation of Jonin, such as Jiraiya.

Therefore, Scorpion is really arrogant.

Minato Namikaze shook his head: "I don't know him."

"Judging by her age, she probably didn't graduate for very long."

"Senior White Fang was incredibly strong; he killed far too many Sand Ninja on the battlefield, perhaps even his parents?"

"But being able to represent Sunagakure means he must be a genius. We need to be careful when we encounter him."

Kushina Uzumaki raised her fist: "As long as we take care of his puppets first, he's a toothless tiger."

Minato Namikaze cautioned, "His puppet may not only be the one on his back."

……

"Scorpion, you should learn to hide your hatred."

Luo Sha suddenly appeared.

Sasori glanced at Rasa: "Sensei, will Konoha's White Fang care?"

Luo Sha frowned slightly.

Scorpion said calmly, "Hatred doesn't need to be hidden."

"This is one of the motivations that drive me to improve."

Rasa shook his head: "Of course Konoha's White Fang wouldn't care about a brat like you."

"But just because you're a genius and Konoha's White Fang doesn't care doesn't mean other organizations in Konoha won't care."

Scorpion said nonchalantly, "I believe in your abilities, teacher."

Luo Sha said with a hint of helplessness, "I don't have your kind of confidence."

"However, a genius who doesn't grow up through trials and tribulations isn't a true genius."

"A genius who dies young is not a true genius."

"Scorpion, perform well this time and show the people of Konoha that Sunagakure is not without geniuses."

Scorpion nodded slightly.

Luo Sha then looked at Scorpion's two companions: "You too."

The latest novel is first published here!

The two nodded quickly, "Yes, Teacher Luo Sha!"

……

From the rooftop, Star Show took in everything.

Beside him were Ryoma Aburame and Ryo Inuzuka from Root.

The two were sent by Danzo to find Hoshishita Hide.

"What do you guys think?"

Xingxia Xiu asked.

Ryoma Aburame said, "Rasa is said to have also mastered Magnet Release, and has the potential to become the Fifth Kazekage in the future."

Inuzuka Ryo nodded, then said, "That brat named Sasori is the grandson of the Fourth Kazekage. His parents were killed by Sakumo Hatake during the Fourth Shinobi World War. According to intelligence, he is a genius puppeteer."

Root's business is extensive.

Gathering intelligence on the geniuses of rival ninja villages is also part of the task.

Because of Yakushi Nonou, information about Sunagakure is relatively easy to gather.

So even though Sasori is just an 8-year-old kid, he still gets a share of the intelligence.

"If nothing unexpected happens, he will become the Fifth Kazekage."

Xingxia Xiudao.

Inuzuka Ryodo said, "Sunagakure also has a Scorch Release user, so they might have a chance, right?"

Xingxia Xiu said, "The Scorching Release technique can't suppress the One-Tailed Beast."

Luo Sha became the Wind Shadow not just because he could find gold mines.

Let's go!

Hoshita Hide withdrew his gaze, turned and left, with Aburame Ryoma and the other person quickly following.

After a while.

In a place filled with Buddhist statues, Hoshino Shū stood opposite Danzo.

This place gave Xingxia Xiu a sense of déjà vu.

Before he could think further, Danzo asked, "Shu, are you confident you can take down the other tailed beasts?"

Ok?

Other tailed beasts?

Hoshino Hide's eyes twitched, then he said, "Taking it is no problem, but the village is currently unable to withstand a joint attack from other ninja villages."

He did kill the Third Kazekage, but the Third Tsuchikage, the Third Raikage, and the Third Mizukage working together... even if Hiruzen Sarutobi could hold off one of them, it would still be troublesome if two of them joined forces.

Especially if the Third Tsuchikage and the Third Raikage team up.

What's wrong with Danzo?

Xingxia Xiu was secretly puzzled.

Danzo replied, "Of course I know that."

"Are you confident of victory if you don't use Wood Release?"

"That child brought back from Kusagakure, who also has the bloodline of the Uzumaki clan, is suitable to become a Jinchūriki."

"I would suggest that Hiruzen bring her into the Root."

"Let's start with Takigakure, take down the Seven-Tails, and make Erika the Seven-Tails' Jinchuriki."

"I'm afraid the Third Hokage won't agree," said Hoshino Hideaki.

Danzo scoffed, "You're right. The Tailed Beasts were originally separated from the First Hokage, so it's only right that the village takes them back."

"By secretly collecting the tailed beasts and combining them with your Wood Release, we are fully capable of subduing other ninja villages, just like the First Hokage back then."

Danzo deliberately ignored the existence of Madara Uchiha.

Hoshino Shu didn't expect Danzo's heart to suddenly become so big.

He almost thought that Danzo had been secretly tempted by Madara Uchiha and was going to take down the Ten-Tails!

It's not that the Star Show is just wishful thinking.

Now that he has changed many things, it is no longer entirely certain what kind of schemes Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu will plot in the shadows.

It's not impossible that Danzo could be used to stir up trouble in the ninja world to facilitate the collection of the tailed beasts.

"Hiruzen will agree."

"With you here, Konoha can completely restore the glory it had when the First Hokage was alive."

Danzo said quietly, "If he doesn't agree, I will fully support you in becoming the Fourth Hokage."

"Once you take over, you will naturally be able to propel Konoha forward and eliminate all of Konoha's enemies."

Hoshita Hide immediately declared confidently, "Lord Danzo, you are the most suitable person to lead Konoha."

"The third generation was indeed too weak."

"However, if we don't use the power of Wood Release, dealing with the Tailed Beasts won't be a problem, but it won't be enough to capture them alive."

"My skill in sealing techniques is far from sufficient."

Danzo frowned, then said, "Then we should train Kushina properly."

"If she can master the power of the Nine-Tails, and with the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan, you two should have no problem cooperating."

"There's no need to rush this; just prepare accordingly."

"As for Hiruzen..."

Danzo paused for a moment and said, "Don't resort to extreme measures like assassination unless absolutely necessary."

"Given the current situation, there are other ways to obtain the Hokage position."

Hoshita Hide replied insincerely, "Yes, I understand. I will not act without Lord Danzo's orders."

Danzo nodded in satisfaction, then left with his men.

Hoshino stood there, but in his mind he was thinking about how to kill Danzo, his old boss, in a fair and square way.

Killing Danzo would not be difficult.

However, killing Danzo without a legitimate reason would only alienate Konoha from the village.

Unfortunately, the relationship between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo was far too complicated. Otherwise, if Hideaki Hoshishita had told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Danzo was going to kill him, Danzo would generally have been finished.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi is no ordinary man.

"Although Konoha is doing very well now, the loss of Danzo will not have much of an impact, but it will affect Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule. Hiruzen Sarutobi probably won't kill Danzo."

Xingxia Xiu pondered carefully: "Perhaps we could try to sow discord?"

"But Danzo has not yet made up his mind to assassinate him."

"Wait a little longer."

Of course, there are benefits to Danzo being alive.

That's taking the blame.

"Do I need this pot?"

The Star Show pondered a very important question.

"Yes, we still need it now."

After reaching a conclusion, Xingxia Xiu temporarily suppressed his murderous intent.

Sigh, playing the loyal character is hard to fake.

Sure enough, no matter what, once a persona is established, it can always crumble.

As for the position of Hokage.

I really don't want to sit in the Star Show; it's too much trouble.

It would be so nice for Tsunade to sit there.

Hoshino felt that Danzo's words earlier were a test for him.

The death of the Third Kazekage instilled a great sense of crisis in Danzo.

"However, the reason I've developed even greater ambitions is probably not because of my strength, but rather because of my Wood Release experiments, right?"

The secret passage under the stars.

With the information he provided, Danzo's Wood Release experiments will definitely proceed much faster than originally planned.

However, Danzo will probably be disappointed in the end.

Because transplanting Hashirama cells may not necessarily allow one to flexibly utilize the power of Wood Release.

How will Danzo's mindset change at that time?

I'm suddenly really looking forward to the Star Show.

(End of this chapter)