Naruto: Konoha Spring of the Uchiha Prodigies

“It is a huge war, but it is not the kind of war I want.” Uchiha Touko shook his head.

"With Konoha now, plus your Land of Rain and other allies, although I am confident of winning the war, it will be a very long war," Uchiha Touko said. "The longer the war drags on, the more harm will be done to the civilians. What I want is a quick and decisive war, which is why I use all sorts of means to make things difficult for my opponents and weaken their strength."

"I see." Nagato nodded. Now, he truly began to believe in Uchiha Touko's peace plan. He had deeply felt the harm that prolonged war caused to civilians since he was a child. "I just wonder how much more time Hokage needs?"

“Three years, at most three years,” Uchiha Touko said slowly, holding up three fingers. “Once Konoha has enough power, I can end all the wars and unify the ninja world in just three months!”

When Uchiha Touko spoke, his tone was very enthusiastic. Nagato was also infected by the confidence shown by Uchiha Touko, and nodded and said, "Alright, I believe you."

"But I also want to know, what are your plans for the Land of Rain after the war?" Nagato asked the most crucial question.

"In my plan, after the unification of the ninja world, Konoha will retain a certain degree of autonomy for its allies who are willing to accept the leadership of the Land of Fire. Furthermore, Konoha will also make certain modifications to the natural environment of the Land of Rain, opening up the mountain range between the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth and Wind, allowing the moist monsoon winds of the Land of Fire to pass through normally instead of being completely blocked within the Land of Rain. This will solve the huge impact on your country's agriculture caused by the year-round rainy season. At that time, the people of the Land of Rain will also be able to share the warm sunshine with us."

Uchiha Touko's words made Nagato realize something. For people who have lived in the Land of Rain since childhood, sunlight is indeed a very precious thing.

"Is it only by joining you that I can get all this?" Nagato asked.

“No, we will do all of this after unification is completed. Even if your Akatsuki organization chooses to be enemies with Konoha in the future, our plan to transform the Land of Rain will not change.” Uchiha Touko shook his head and said, “The only difference is whether the Land of Rain can retain a certain degree of autonomy.”

“I understand.” Nagato nodded. “The Akatsuki is willing to go with Konoha.”

……

After both sides expressed their intention to cooperate, Nagato and Uchiha Touko talked until late at night. During the conversation, Nagato was moved by the sincerity shown by Uchiha Touko and took the initiative to propose to release the Five-Tails, whose Jinchuriki had lost all signs of life but was kept alive by the seal, back into the Tailed Beast Nature Reserve in Konoha. Nagato also informed Uchiha Touko of the existence of the Gedo Mazo.

In response, Uchiha Touko invited Nagato to Konoha for a thorough medical examination to see if a way could be found to reduce the enormous burden the Rinnegan placed on his body.

However, all of this had to wait until after the Joint Chunin Exams ended. In the following days, after the ninjas from the smaller countries had all arrived, the ninjas from Iwagakure and Kumogakure who had come to participate in the Joint Chunin Exams also arrived in Konoha under the guidance of their respective Kage.

As for the Sand Village members who came to take the exam in the original timeline? They are still overwhelmed by the matter of the Fifth Kazekage. After Gaara and Rasa exploded, they naturally lost the possibility of becoming Kazekage. However, within the Sand Village, there is currently no one with enough strength and influence to become the Fifth Kazekage. Although the eldest princess of the Sand Village, Temari, has shown her interest in the position of Kazekage in order to save her younger brother's life, her strength is not yet sufficient.

Of course, more importantly, without Rasa as its economic lifeline, Sunagakure's finances are on the verge of collapse. If it weren't for taking over the leftovers from Uchiha Toko's military reforms, Sunagakure's ninjas would already be eating sand, and naturally wouldn't have the leisure to participate in the Chunin Exams.

Onoki and A's convoy arrived almost simultaneously. Konoha naturally attached great importance to the arrival of the two Kage. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was obsessed with using his retirement money to restore the ecology and population of the Naka River system, put on the Hokage robe that he hadn't worn for a long time and came to the village entrance with Touko Uchiha to welcome the two Kage.

After getting off the bus at the entrance of Konoha, Onoki and Ai exchanged pleasantries before stepping onto the red carpet that led directly into Konoha.

After the two arrived at the entrance of Konoha Village, Uchiha Touko and Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted them with smiles.

"Thank you both for coming from afar." Uchiha Touko smiled and extended his hand to Onoki first. "It's been a while, and the Tsuchikage is still as vigorous as ever."

"Hehe, Hokage, you jest. The things that have happened in Iwagakure lately have been giving this old man a real headache," Onoki said. "By the way, that brat Deidara didn't come to Konoha, did he?"

"Of course not." Uchiha Touko lied without batting an eye. "If that child came to Konoha, I would definitely take him into custody immediately and then hand him over to you, Tsuchikage, for your disposal."

"You'd better do that." After nodding, Onoki began catching up with Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was standing to the side.

"The Third Hokage seems to be getting more and more leisurely lately. Retirement seems to be quite dignified." Onoki, this old bastard, was ostensibly greeting Hiruzen Sarutobi, but in his heart, he also harbored a desire to stir up Hiruzen Sarutobi's lust for power and make things difficult for Touko Uchiha.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't exactly a saint either. After hearing Onoki's words, he chuckled and said, "Yes, with a young talent like Touko guiding the village, this old man can finally enjoy a peaceful and leisurely life with his grandchildren. Speaking of which, Tsuchikage should be about my age, right? I wonder when I can invite you to go fishing together?"

The two old men were exchanging cryptic remarks on the side, while Uchiha Touko had already arrived in front of A.

Uchiha Touko looked up at A, who was a head taller than him. At that moment, the towering giant was also sizing up Uchiha Touko.

"Fourth Raikage, it's a pleasure to meet you." Uchiha Touko smiled and extended his hand to A first.

"Nice to meet you." Ai then extended his hand, grasped Uchiha Touko's hand, and slowly tightened his grip.

Uchiha Touko returned the retort without changing his expression.

Then, the lightning-attribute chakra clashed in the palms of their clasped hands. In just a few breaths, countless tiny arcs of electricity exploded in this small area. Although it was painful for both of them, after their hands separated, neither Uchiha Touko nor A showed any unusual signs on their faces.

"The Fifth Hokage is indeed formidable." Ai nodded, enduring the numbness in his right hand.

“The Fourth Raikage is truly remarkable. I heard of your deeds when I was still a genin, and now that I have met you, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved.” Uchiha Touko was also not in a good mood at the moment. Although the power of his Lightning Release chakra was above that of the barbarian Fourth Raikage, in terms of pure strength, Uchiha Touko was still inferior to his opponent. His right hand was also squeezed painfully when they shook hands just now.

"In short, welcome to both of you. Before the Chunin Exams officially begin, you are welcome to wander around Konoha at your leisure," said Uchiha Tokō. "Of course, please keep your ninjas in check. Soon, this will be the first joint Chunin Exams since I took office as Hokage, and I don't want to cause any unpleasantness with other villages on this matter. I hope you can understand."

As Uchiha Touko spoke, his eyes were fixed on the Fourth Raikage, and he exuded a faint killing intent. Onoki was alright; at least the old man was a decent person and knew Uchiha Touko's strength, so he probably wouldn't cause trouble within Konoha. But the Fourth Raikage, A, had a history of such behavior.

"Hehe, Hokage is joking," A said with a dry laugh.

“That would be best,” Uchiha Touko said, narrowing his eyes. “Konoha has prepared a sumptuous welcome dinner for the two of you. Please.”

"Please!" Onoki glanced at Uchiha Touko and A with some regret, disappointed that the two hadn't started fighting directly.

"Please." Ai composed himself and followed Uchiha Touko's steps.

At the banquet welcoming the Kage of the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning, the Fifth Mizukage, Takagi Seiman, who considered himself on par with the two, also arrived and wanted to greet them. Onoki was alright, at least giving the guy some face, but Ai completely ignored Takagi Seiman's outstretched hand and walked straight to the center of the banquet.

Chapter 202 Joint Chunin Exams

After being left standing there by the Raikage, Takagi Seiwan's face twitched slightly. But his greatest strength was his ability to bend and stretch. Despite being humiliated by Ai, Takagi Seiwan simply smiled to himself, withdrew his hand, and followed.

While the leaders of many ninja villages who came to participate in the joint Chunin Exams gathered together, the genin of Konoha were also preparing for the exam.

Inside the Hatake residence, Naruto, who already knew that only one of the three brothers could become a Chunin, felt unusually anxious. He increased his training intensity every day and also asked his older brother, who lived at home, for tips on the Chunin Exams.

Deidara didn't have any good advice for Naruto. After all, Onoki didn't want Naruto to lose face outside the village. The Chunin Exams that made him a Chunin weren't like the Joint Chunin Exams this time. He just threw in a bunch of random attacks and made it to the end to get a Chunin spot. So, if we're talking about advice, he really couldn't give Naruto any reliable suggestions.

"How about you take some of the explosives I developed?" Deidara said, wiping his mouth after finishing his ramen and drinking all the soup.

“That doesn’t seem like a good idea.” Naruto was unusually clever this time. “The Tsuchikage is in the village. If I use the explosives you gave me, wouldn’t that expose you?”

"That's true. Well, all I can do is offer you moral support then," Deidara patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "Keep going! Believe in yourself!"

"Alright! Let's surpass Sasuke by becoming a Chunin before him!" Naruto said confidently, slapping his palm.

Uchiha clan territory, Fugaku residence.

After finishing his training, Sasuke returned home, greeted his mother Mikoto who was still busy in the kitchen, and then went alone to the room where Itachi Uchiha's portrait was displayed. After offering three incense sticks for Itachi, Sasuke gazed at his brother's photo for a while, and then slowly said, "Brother, in a few days I will become a Chunin. Although I can't compare to how quickly you became a Jonin at my age, I am now on the right path. You are in the Pure Land, watching me carefully as I write my story."

After Sasuke left the room where Itachi's portrait was placed, he saw Fu leaning against the wall in the hallway as soon as he stepped outside.

"You're about to take the Chunin Exams, haven't you done any special training?" Fu asked with a smile.

"With my strength, securing that Chunin spot will be a piece of cake," Sasuke said.

“Is that so?” Fu said. “Since you are so confident, then I will not tell you the information about your teammates that Chongming told me.”

"What did your companions say to you?" Sasuke frowned slightly.

"Call me 'sister' and I'll tell you!" Fu said with a grin.

"Fine, don't tell me then." Sasuke shrugged. The information Fu mentioned about his teammates was nothing more than information about Naruto and Kurama. He also knew that the tailed beasts could communicate with each other remotely.

"You're really not cute!" Fu said irritably.

However, although Fu did not achieve her goal of getting Sasuke to call her "older sister," she still shared the information Chongming gave him with Sasuke.

"Fine, for Aunt Mikoto's sake, I'll tell you. Your teammate and his tailed beast companion have reached a certain consensus, so he can use the Nine-Tails' power to a certain extent."

“So what? Our clan’s Sharingan is naturally able to counter the power of the Tailed Beasts,” Sasuke said. “Besides, my genjutsu was personally taught to me by Shisui, and by my teacher…”

Sasuke realized he had said something wrong as he finished speaking, and quickly shut his mouth.

"You were just trying to test the Hokage's genjutsu skills, weren't you? I've caught you red-handed." Fu chuckled.

"No, no, don't talk nonsense!" Sasuke immediately denied it three times in a row. Naruto had been beaten up a lot because of this, and he didn't want to follow in Naruto's footsteps.

"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. Although the Sharingan can suppress Jinchuriki, your three-tomoe Sharingan can only deal with imperfect Jinchuriki at most. Unless it's a Mangekyou Sharingan, it has a negligible effect on suppressing Jinchuriki if your Tailed Beast companions are willing to help." Fu reminded her, "So, you should be prepared to face him head-on."

Upon hearing this, Sasuke took a deep breath and began to feel a headache coming on. It was alright to go head-to-head with Naruto, as their taijutsu and ninjutsu skills were basically evenly matched. He had an advantage over Naruto in shurikenjutsu and genjutsu, but now that genjutsu was no longer effective, and Naruto had an extra advantage, it seemed that he really wouldn't be able to defeat him without some strategy.

……

Sungai tribe.

After the Uchiha clan achieved their dream of becoming Hokage, their tradition of holding clan meetings whenever they had nothing to do became a thing of the past. On the contrary, the elders of the various branches of the Hyuga clan have been holding clan meetings for many years. The content of these meetings has remained unchanged for many years: the selection of the main family successor and the branch family successor for the head of the clan. With Neji already a sure thing to be the young clan head, the old fogies' thoughts are obvious: to put Hinata and Hanabi in the caged bird trap.

Basically, every now and then, the uncle and nephew Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Neji would be questioned by these elders. The old guys had never given up on putting Hinata and Hanabi in the Caged Bird Seal, especially with the Chunin Exams approaching. After all, if someone from the main family of the clan could avoid being put in the Caged Bird Seal, the branch family members under their command would become restless, which would be detrimental to their management.

"Neji, now that you've become a Chunin, it's time to put your sisters in the Caged Bird Seal."

Inside the Hyuga clan's shrine, Neji knelt beside Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the clan, and the uncle and nephew remained silent.

"That's right, neither of them is particularly talented. Being caged is a form of protection for them."

"Do you think I don't know whether a caged bird is for protection or confinement?" Neji raised his head and said with a cold smile.

“Neji, this is the tradition of the Hyuga clan. This is how the clan has always done things for so many years,” an elder said impatiently. If Neji didn’t have the identity of the Hokage’s disciple, these people probably wouldn’t have listened to him properly. But there was nothing they could do. After the last purge of the main branches of the clan, these remaining people clearly understood that although the ninja clans had a certain degree of autonomy in this village, the Hokage still had the final say on some key issues.

Therefore, they didn't dare to push Neji too far.

"Hehe, to tell you the truth, Hinata is very close to my teammate, Naruto Uzumaki, the orphan of the Fourth Hokage and the head of the Uzumaki clan. My uncle and I both agree to this marriage. I think it goes without saying what that means," Neji said.

Although he was usually very unhappy that his younger sister was getting so close to that blond guy, at this moment, Neji felt that the blond guy's identity was actually quite useful as a shield.

Although Neji said that, he didn't reveal Naruto's most important identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. But these old guys seemed to understand what he meant. What, what are you trying to do by putting the Caged Bird Seal on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's future partner? Are you trying to imitate Danzo's old tricks?

These old fogies promptly shut up on the Hinata issue, but then another person turned their gaze to Hyuga Hiashi. Hyuga Hiashi merely snorted coldly, a flash of killing intent crossing his eyes. What, he couldn't handle his eldest daughter, so he set his sights on his youngest? Did they really think Hyuga Hiashi had no temper? Although the great purge within the Hyuga clan was ordered by Uchiha Touko, he was the one who carried it out.

"Hehe, Neji, I wish you good luck on your exam." After the group of clan elders backed down, they could only laugh and end the farcical clan meeting.

"Neji, during the Chunin Exams, if possible, protect your sister." After the clan elders dispersed, Hiashi Hyuga sighed and then said to Neji.

“I will.” Neji nodded. “However, Uncle, you should also trust Hinata more. After all, Hinata’s Byakugan purity may even be higher than mine.”

……

Konoha, Training Ground No. 5.

Lee, Karin, and Sakura Haruno entered the training ground led by Might Guy.

The three of them formed a temporary team to participate in this Chunin Exam.

The three of them were quite familiar with each other, so Xiao Li didn't do anything embarrassing like confessing his feelings in the middle of the day, as was the case in the original timeline. The main thing was that Xiao Ying wasn't dressed up as meticulously as she was in the original timeline. She had faint dark circles under her eyes that she couldn't get rid of, and her pink hair looked messy. The only thing she was stubborn about was to comb her bangs to cover her hairline.

Having received Tsunade's meticulous training since childhood, she has already mastered the basics of learning superhuman strength, and she began accumulating Yin Seals several years ahead of schedule. Her current combat power can be said to far exceed her combat power at this time in the original timeline. However, this time, she no longer needs to chase after anyone.

"My name is Rock Lee. I specialize in taijutsu, and my dream is to become a great ninja using only taijutsu," Rock Lee said energetically, dressed in a green bodysuit.

Since the experience of the Three Pure Ones Training Corps, where a whole team of people in green bodysuits ran laps around the village, Konoha Village is now much more accepting of the strange costumes worn by Might Guy and his apprentice.

"Since we all know each other, let's skip the self-introductions. I'm good at taijutsu and medical ninjutsu. *yawn*" Sakura said after yawning.

“That’s right, you all know I’m good at sealing techniques,” Karin added at this moment.

"If the three of us team up for the Chunin Exams, we should have no problem making it to the final round. If we make it to the semifinals, that would be a success. That's the only task Tsunade gave me," Sakura said.

"You can still aim for the top four, but I'd probably be pretty much in the top eight. I'm not quite proficient with my Adamantine Sealing Chains yet, and Isobu isn't really keen on communicating with me. I don't think I have a chance against him in a head-on confrontation. If I were to run into Sasuke and that idiot clan leader of mine earlier, I'd probably be in trouble even with the top eight," Karin said.

"Girls, if you think you'll lose before you even start, that's not youthful at all!" At that moment, Might Guy descended from the sky, stood in front of the three, grinned, and gave them a thumbs up, saying, "You all have boundless potential, and I believe you will shine brightly in this Chunin Exams!"

"You're right, I will definitely strive for the championship! Teacher Kai!" Xiao Li suddenly became excited.