"Drawing out Danzo…"
"Is part of our plan."
Uchiha Sasuke stood calmly on a tree, nonchalantly chatting with Yakushi Kabuto. "From what I've heard, Shimura Danzo has been idling at home for the past four years after the Uchiha clan massacre, and the Root organization was also disbanded by the Hokage…"
"That's correct."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded.
While discussing Shimura Danzo's specific information, Kabuto glanced at Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Karin fishing by the river, smiling at the peaceful scene.
Team 7 looked like they were on a leisurely spring outing.
It was hard to tell that these kids were here to take the Chunin Exams.
"The Root must be rebuilt…"
Sasuke glanced at Kabuto and softly said, "Once the Root is reestablished and power is seized in Konoha, I will become the new leader of the Root…"
"No matter what…"
"We must take control of the Root!"
Following the path of Akihara Kagura was the best option for Sasuke in this uncertain future. Everything, whether it was Karin, Kabuto, or Danzo's Root, had to be under his control.
Even though Akihara Kagura was reviled in the real world, Sasuke always saw himself as Kagura's successor.
In this world…
Everything Akihara Kagura once held…
Sasuke must learn to grasp it too!
Even if Sasuke didn't fully understand Kagura, he believed that Kagura's actions were always justified and had reasons behind them.
"…"
Kabuto was a bit puzzled.
Wasn't…
The Root created by Danzo himself?
Sasuke was obsessed with the Root just like the people in that so-called illusionary world. Why was he so eager to become the leader of the Root?
"This won't be easy."
Kabuto frowned, compelled to mention Danzo's stubbornness: "Danzo will hold all power tightly. Even if you want to kill him, he won't hand over the leadership of the Root to you…"
"Hmph…"
Sasuke's lips curled in a scornful smile, seemingly confident in his plan: "As long as I can enter the Root, its leadership will be mine!"
"…"
Kabuto's frown deepened.
No matter how he thought about it, Kabuto couldn't figure out how Sasuke planned to seize the Root's leadership from Danzo.
"When I become the leader of the Root…"
Sasuke glanced at Karin by the river and then at Kabuto beside him: "Everything else will be easy…"
This world…
Wouldn't be so miserable anymore.
"Someone's coming."
Kabuto looked into the distance.
The figures of several Genin teams were faintly visible.
Among them were teams from smaller ninja villages, and even some Konoha ninjas. They spotted the younger generation from Team 3, Team 8, and Team 10.
"It's Sasuke, indeed!"
Team 3's Rock Lee was the first to see Uchiha Sasuke!
"I've already seen him…"
Hyuga Neji glanced at his companion and couldn't help but speak: "If Team 7 weren't here, you wouldn't be insisting on coming…"
"What are they doing here?"
Tenten curiously poked her head out from behind a tree, cautiously observing Team 7, Kabuto, and Karin: "It seems like there are two others with them?"
Meanwhile, Team 8 was also curious.
"Heh heh heh…"
Team 8's Inuzuka Kiba hid in the corner, watching Naruto, Sakura, and Karin fishing, and couldn't help but snicker: "That idiot Naruto, fishing in such a dangerous place, doesn't he know many are watching?"
"Naruto-kun…"
Hyuga Hinata from Team 8 was worried, veins bulging on her face as she observed everyone nearby, growing anxious: "More and more enemies are approaching, eleven teams…"
"Should we take action after the battle…"
Aburame Shino from Team 8 stood behind his two companions, wearing sunglasses and raising a finger with a tiny black bug crawling on it: "A chaotic battle will certainly ensue here, and one of the eleven teams will have the scrolls we need…"
"Huh?"
Kiba curiously looked back at Shino and scratched his head: "Shino, you're here too?"
"I've been behind you the whole time."
Shino glanced at his teammates.
Is my presence really that low?
While the other new generation ninjas observed the situation, the Team 10 members had already made a decision.
"Get ready."
Nara Shikamaru from Team 10 peeked out from behind a rock and softly reminded his companions: "Soon, a group will attack Naruto and Sasuke, creating chaos. We'll take advantage and grab the scrolls we need…"
"Got it!"
Yamanaka Ino and Akimichi Choji from Team 10 nodded quickly.
After all, the Nara clan's wisdom was well-recognized among Konoha ninjas. Lacking the courage for direct combat, they followed Shikamaru's plan to profit amidst the chaos, using their abilities to stealthily grab the needed scrolls.
"There are enemies…"
Karin by the river felt tense.
Her sensing abilities were sporadic but she did sense a large amount of chakra approaching.
"Sasuke-kun, many are coming…"
Kabuto looked at the advancing Sand ninjas, smiling at Sasuke beside him, waiting for Sasuke's reaction.
"Just prepare lunch."
Sasuke instructed Karin not to worry too much. His gaze was directed at the concealed ninjas: "They're just a bunch of insects…"
"How arrogant!"
The new generation ninjas continued hiding while other ninjas cared less. Three Sand teams coincidentally met there and decided to attack Team 7 immediately!
"Kids!"
"Hand over your scrolls!"
Three teams from the Sand Village charged directly towards Team 7!
Although they didn't know what had just caused such a commotion here, since they rarely gathered in the Forest of Death, they decided to join forces!
Even though everyone in this forest was an opponent, being from the same village inherently gave them a basis for alliance compared to other enemies!
The three teams would form a major force sweeping through the Forest of Death. Their combined strength of nine people could easily take down any team!
In the next moment!
A black-haired youth suddenly blocked their way!
Uchiha Sasuke calmly raised his hand, looking indifferently at the nine Sand ninjas rushing towards him, with not a hint of panic in his eyes.
"One person wants to stop us?"
"Or is he trying to cover for his teammates' escape?"
The Sand ninjas were puzzled but didn't stop their attack. The nine genin immediately scattered, planning to encircle and annihilate these kids!
"Should we go help?"
The new generation of Konoha ninjas became nervous.
Even they couldn't confidently say they could handle nine genin of the same level!
Although the genin from Team 10 and Team 8 were not very bold, seeing their classmates in crisis made them want to step up at this moment!
However…
In the next moment…
Team 7 didn't need any help at all!
Uchiha Sasuke watched the nine Sand ninjas spread out. His figure flashed quickly, and the ninja sword on his back was drawn, instantly slashing down the two Sand ninjas attacking him. Blood splattered on the ground!
"Watch out for that kid!"
"Take care of that troublesome kid first!"
The remaining seven Sand ninjas immediately realized the trouble posed by Uchiha Sasuke and quickly threw shuriken towards him. Some even hastily formed hand signs to use ninjutsu!
"Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique!"
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
Uchiha Sasuke leaped backwards, dodging the shuriken while his fingers quickly formed two hand signs. His eyes fixed on the group of Sand ninjas, with cold determination and the heat of ninjutsu simultaneously appearing!
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
A stream of flames spewed from Uchiha Sasuke's mouth, instantly turning into a massive wave of fire sweeping towards the seven Sand genin!
"Not good!"
"Run!"
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Some Sand ninjas fled in terror, while others tried to maintain their composure, using Wind Release to defend!
However, the flames of Great Fire Annihilation were overwhelmingly fierce. A bit of Wind Release was powerless to stop it. The fiery waves engulfed everything in front of them, completely enveloping the bodies of the seven Sand genin in flames!
"Ahhhhh…"
Cries of agony came from within the flames.
The cries of the seven Sand ninjas echoed through the forest, the grass burned black by the fire wave, leaving a charred scar in the Forest of Death!
Both the Konoha new generation ninjas who wanted to help and other genin teams hiding and hoping to take advantage were all stunned by the towering flames, not daring to move!
"That kid…"
A Waterfall ninja collapsed to the ground in fear.
After seeing Uchiha Sasuke's power, the genin from other villages dared not stay any longer, quickly fleeing as far as possible!
At this moment…
They just wanted to get far away from the black-haired boy!
Uchiha Sasuke watched the fleeing genin in the distance. His eyes remained calm until he saw a team with Grass Village forehead protectors among the fleeing genin, finally showing a flicker of emotion.
"Found them."
Uchiha Sasuke's eyes moved slightly.
Chakra burst out from his body instantly!
A mass of purple chakra enveloped Uchiha Sasuke, instantly transforming into the towering Susanoo. The purple giant appeared once again!
"Die…"
The purple Susanoo raised its hand, a giant bow appearing in its hand, and a chakra arrow forming on the bow!
Whoosh!
The purple arrow shot out instantly!
A fleeing Grass Village ninja's body was pierced instantly, spewing blood from his mouth, his body pinned firmly to the ground by the purple arrow!
"Ah?"
The remaining two Grass Village ninjas were terrified by their companion's fate!
But they had no time to be afraid as the second and third purple arrows followed, piercing through the bodies of the remaining two Grass Village ninjas!
One Grass Village ninja's body was pinned to a tree, and the last one's body was nailed to a rock by the purple arrow!
This gruesome scene shocked everyone!
The ninjas from other villages who wanted to escape were too frightened to move!
"So… so strong!"
Hyūga Neji of Team 3 stared in shock at the towering Susanoo, seeing everything that happened in the battle with his Byakugan!
Is this…
A joke?
Clearly just a kid a year younger than them, yet possessing such terrifying power, killing twelve ninjas in an instant!
"Amazing…"
Tenten's eyes flashed with awe.
"..."
Rock Lee's heart was pounding, his eyes widening involuntarily, nervously staring at Uchiha Sasuke enveloped in Susanoo, sweat dripping from his forehead…
This is…
The genius of the Uchiha?
Such terrifying ninjutsu and overwhelming fire techniques were beyond Rock Lee's imagination!
"Too… strong…"
Inuzuka Kiba couldn't help but swallow.
"Indeed impressive…"
Aburame Shino's fingers began to tremble.
"Sasuke-kun… is too strong!"
Yamanaka Ino looked at Uchiha Sasuke with a face full of admiration!
"Is this a joke… that guy…"
Nara Shikamaru's forehead was covered in cold sweat, staring at Susanoo in shock, unable to believe his eyes!
They were classmates after all…
Even if Uchiha Sasuke had excellent grades in school, Nara Shikamaru didn't think their peers could surpass them by much…
Now it seems…
Uchiha Sasuke was clearly no longer on the same level as them!
"Come out, all of you."
Uchiha Sasuke waved away his Susanoo, nonchalantly calling out to his classmates: "I've seen you all for a while now…"
"Sasuke-kun!"
Yamanaka Ino ran towards Uchiha Sasuke!
"..."
Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chōji emerged from behind a rock, their faces still in shock, nervously watching Uchiha Sasuke.
Teams 10 and 3 also emerged, each with complex expressions, unable to hide their amazement at Sasuke's power!
"Is there something you need?"
Uchiha Sasuke waved away Yamanaka Ino, looking at the others: "You aren't planning to take our scroll, are you?"
"..."
The new generation of Konoha felt this guy had a sense of humor.
What a joke!
Regardless of their identities, the immense power gap between them was enough to make anyone wary of approaching Team 7. Outside the Forest of Death.
Uchiha Sasuke's combat prowess not only stunned a group of Genin ninja but also left a group of Jonin ninja wide-eyed with shock, even frightening the leading ninja from other villages.
All the Jonin ninja watching this Chunin Exam were shocked as they saw the black-haired boy finally appear on the display screen, displaying his terrifying power.
"Kakashi…"
The cigarette in Sarutobi Asuma's mouth dropped to the ground, but he ignored it, slowly turning to look at Hatake Kakashi beside him. "Is that… your student?"
"…"
All the guiding Jonin ninjas turned to look at Hatake Kakashi.
"Ah…"
Hatake Kakashi felt a bit embarrassed, reaching up to adjust his ninja forehead protector to hide his expression. "Sasuke's strength… is not bad, right?"
"…"
Sarutobi Asuma couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth.
Not bad?
"Alright."
Yūhi Kurenai patted her boyfriend's shoulder, her eyes fixed on the new generation of Konoha ninja gathering on the screen. "It's not us who should be worried now. It seems Sasuke will definitely have a promotion spot in this Chunin Exam…"
"I've already prepared to submit his Jonin promotion report…"
Hatake Kakashi pulled out an application form, speaking nonchalantly. "In terms of strength alone, Sasuke is already capable of being promoted to Jounin…"
"He's as much of a genius as you were at twelve!"
Might Guy enthusiastically patted Hatake Kakashi's shoulder, giving a thumbs-up. "Kakashi, your student is as outstanding as you were, becoming a Jonin at twelve!"
"…"
Sarutobi Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai's expressions turned subtle.
No…
The twelve-year-old Kakashi and the twelve-year-old Uchiha Sasuke can't be compared, right? At least the twelve-year-old Hatake Kakashi couldn't finish battles so decisively…
"Uh…"
Hatake Kakashi also felt a bit ashamed.
In terms of strength alone, he was still quite behind his student. Not to mention his twelve-year-old self, even compared to his current self, there was a gap…
"Let's go have some barbecue."
Sarutobi Asuma stood up, no longer watching the live test in the forest. "The second exam shouldn't be a problem. I hope they each go their own way to fight… Let's go, Kakashi, you're treating!"
This group of new-generation kids stuck together, if they acted collectively in the Forest of Death, no one could defeat them. There was no need to continue watching the battles in the Forest of Death.
However…
The new-generation ninja didn't choose to act with Team 7.
Because each of them had their own pride, they chose to search for their own scrolls, and Team 7 didn't waste any more time.
After all…
Both teams of Grass Ninja participating in the Chunin Exam were already killed.
On the seventh day, the survival challenge in the Forest of Death ended. No one dared to provoke the Team 7 along the way, and they didn't bother others, directly submitting the Heaven and Earth scrolls to pass the exam.
"How was it?"
"Fairly comfortable and enjoyable?"
Hatake Kakashi greeted his three students.
"This autumn outing wasn't bad…"
Uchiha Sasuke nodded slowly, his eyes showing a trace of killing intent when he saw the Grass Village lead ninja waiting there.
"Trash!"
The leading ninja of Grass Village rushed over angrily upon seeing Karin, raising his hand to slap her!
Damn it!
This little girl survived on her own!
All the other participants from Grass Village were killed, leaving him empty-handed in this exam. How could he report back to the leader of Grass Village!
Clang!
The sound of a ninja blade being drawn was crisp!
Uchiha Sasuke's ninja blade was surprisingly fast, slicing off the lead ninja's raised hand in an instant!
"Sasuke!"
Hatake Kakashi's eyes flashed with shock, trying to stop Uchiha Sasuke, but couldn't keep up with his student's speed!
Thud…
A hand fell to the ground…
The lead ninja of Grass Village looked at his severed hand, blood spurting from his wrist, pain engulfing his nerves!
"Ahhh… My hand!"
The lead ninja of Grass Village wailed miserably.
"Cry all you want…"
Uchiha Sasuke coldly stared at the wailing ninja, as if looking at a corpse: "Even crying counts as your last moments alive…"
In the next moment, Uchiha Sasuke swung his ninja blade again, decisively beheading the lead ninja, blood spurting from the headless body!
"!!!"
Hatake Kakashi's face twitched.
Other villages' ninja looked over with wary and uneasy eyes. They were here to participate in the Chunin Exam, essentially as emissaries. One of them was killed by a Konoha ninja!
"…"
Hatake Kakashi held his forehead, looking at his student sheathing his blade, feeling a headache.
Why act here?
Grass Village was an apparent ally of Konoha. Such behavior would bring huge diplomatic trouble. His student acted too rashly, risking Konoha's reputation…
"Kakashi-sensei."
Uchiha Sasuke looked at the pale-faced Hatake Kakashi, nonchalantly offering a reason: "The Uzumaki clan is our ally. Grass Village insulted the Uzumaki clan. Killing them should be justified, right?"
"But…"
"The Uzumaki Village has been destroyed for years…"
Hatake Kakashi rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply, unsure how to explain the complex relationship between the Uzumaki clan and Konoha.
The destruction of Uzumaki Village meant the disappearance of the Uzumaki clan's military power. They no longer qualify as Konoha's ally, only remembered through the Konoha forehead protector's symbol. Konoha had long ceased to care…
This kid…
Using it as a reason even after killing, trying to blame Grass Village!
"Hey, Konoha people! How could you kill a Grass Village Jonin!"
"Is Konoha trying to break the alliance!"
"This kid went on a rampage in the Forest of Death!"
Other village Jonin gathered, pointing at Uchiha Sasuke, demanding an explanation from Konoha.
"I just killed him. How dare you still come to trouble me?"
Uchiha Sasuke looked at the gathered ninjas, gripping his ninja blade, frowning: "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you too?"
"!!!"
The Jonin's faces changed!
They had seen Uchiha Sasuke's rampage in the Forest of Death!
Not good!
This kid is a maniac!
~~~
Buhwhahaha