"Sentaro!"
Pakura's voice was filled with rage, her eyes radiating murderous intent. "You killed him?!"
The other Sand Ninjas were struck with shock and disbelief. They had considered countless scenarios, but never imagined that Sentaro would meet his end like this.
How could this guy do such a thing in front of Pakura and Ginko, two elite jonin?
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Uchiha Sogetsu asked, his face showing a hint of confusion as he faced the angry glares from the Suna Ninjas. "He intended to harm someone in Konoha, so I stopped him. What's wrong with that? What's the problem?"
"But didn't you save the child?" Ginko's eyes were red, her teeth clenched in anger. "If the child is alive, why did you kill Sentaro?"
"When you put it that way, I don't get it either," Uchiha Sogetsu replied, adjusting his glasses with a smile. "I could save the child because I could. You didn't save Sentaro because you didn't want to. Am I wrong?"
Ginko and Pakura were left speechless, their anger stalling. Didn't they want to save him? Anyone with a discerning eye could tell there was no way to reverse his fate, right?
"Is this how Konoha treats its guests?" Ginko asked angrily, taking deep breaths to calm down. Her chest heaved with frustration, and she clenched her fists.
"This is how Konoha ninjas handle things," Uchiha Sogetsu said coolly as he threw a handkerchief over Sentaro's face, covering his death stare. "If you have complaints, you're welcome to discuss them with the Hokage."
"That's right!" added another Konoha ninja. "These Sand Ninjas need to understand what the strongest ninja village is really like."
"Yes, we are the Konoha!"
The villagers of the Konoha regained their spirit, their cheers growing louder and louder. Even the Uchiha clan emblem, which used to be despised, suddenly seemed more attractive. It was hard to deny—it felt good to stand up for their village.
"Why should we let the other ninja villages' scum come and stir up trouble in Konoha?" they thought, their tempers flaring. The Sand ninjas, however, held their tongues, their eyes brimming with rage. If looks could kill, Uchiha Sogetsu would be in pieces.
"I've always heard the Uchiha clan in Konoha are a bunch of arrogant snobs," Pakura said, her fiery personality impossible to contain. The threat in her voice matched the spark in her eyes. "But I don't know if they're as tough as they claim. Care to prove it?"
From a young age, Pakura had heard stories in her village about the Uchiha clan's prowess. Now that she was in Konoha, she was determined to see for herself if they were really the strongest clan in the ninja world.
What makes the Uchiha so special? Just because they're labeled geniuses doesn't make it true.
Uchiha Sogetsu, unfazed by her challenge, replied calmly, "If this were the battlefield, I'd agree to your little test. But this is Konoha. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Hmph. What's the matter? Are you scared?" Pakura crossed her arms, lifting her chin in defiance. "Dear Uchiha, afraid to take on a simple challenge?"
"Your provocations are quite basic," Sogetsu said with a faint smile. "But if this is what you want, I suppose I can humor you."
As the tension mounted between them, the surrounding air grew thick with anticipation. It felt like a fight could break out any second.
"Hold on, Pakura. Don't be tricked."
Ginko, who'd been silent, spoke up, breaking the stalemate. Despite her anger, she still had her wits. The goal of their visit to Konoha wasn't to start a fight but to gather information and understand the internal dynamics.
Pakura's ninjutsu Scorch Release was notoriously dangerous. It didn't matter who won the challenge; by participating, they were risking the wrath of Konoha. Moreover, this can be regarded as a direct violation of orders of Third Kazekage.
Sensing the rising tension, Ginko intervened, turning back to Pakura with a stern look. "I'll report this to Kazekage as it is," she declared.
"Huh, you're lucky," Pakura replied with a cold smile, backing off from the challenge. She had no intention of pushing further.
"Of course, that's your choice. I have no right to interfere," Uchiha Sogetsu added, shrugging. He glanced at the Sand Ninjas with a casual smirk, "But watch your words and actions. Wouldn't want a repeat of this incident, would we?"
Despite the tense atmosphere, he could still laugh about it. This attitude didn't go unnoticed by Ginko and Pakura—they couldn't forget this cocky Uchiha who seemed to find humor in breaking rules.
Ginkgo frowned, her cheeks puffing slightly, giving her a surprisingly cute appearance despite her anger. She snapped at him, "Don't worry!"
Uchiha Sogetsu, watching from a distance, seemed more intrigued by Ginko. He flashed a subtle smile and said without warning, "I'm more interested in you," before turning to leave.
"???" Ginko looked confused.
"Is he flirting with you?" Pakura asked with a raised eyebrow. Sogetsu's words were definitely open to interpretation.
"Pah! He's just a jerk!" Ginko retorted, turning her head in annoyance.
The brief commotion ended, and they followed Uchiha Sogetsu out of the area. The incident had clearly left an impression, as the Sand Ninjas seemed more cautious and subdued on their journey back.
This group of visiting ninjas from other villages was now positioned near the back mountain. To keep an eye on them, the ANBU had deployed more agents to monitor their every move.
After returning to the room,
Ginko immediately approached Pakura with a serious expression. "Pakura, you were too impulsive today," she said with a hint of concern. "If you start a fight with that guy from Konoha, we're definitely going to be in trouble."
Pakura clenched her fists, her eyes filled with anger. "I know, but I just couldn't let it go!" she snapped. "That guy was so arrogant! He killed Sentaro right in front of us!"
Ginko softened her tone, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "I understand how you feel, believe me, I do. I'm angry too," she said gently. "But have you forgotten the instructions from Lord Kazekage?"
Pakura took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "I remember, Ginko. Don't worry, I'll keep my cool."
Ginko nodded, relieved by Pakura's response. "So, what do you think of that Uchiha Sogetsu?" she asked, still feeling a hint of anger as she recalled the arrogant face of the Uchiha.
"He's a young Jonin with an incredibly fast Body Flicker technique," Pakura replied, her voice edged with caution. "He's clearly among the best of Konoha's new generation."
Even though it was only a brief encounter, Uchiha Sogetsu's presence left a strong impression. He was one of those ninjas who, once they make a move, leave no room for doubt about their skill.
Ginko gritted her teeth as she thought about it. "The Body Flicker Technique is one of the advanced techniques among the three basic ninja techniques. To use it with such mastery shows he's no ordinary ninja."
Pakura nodded, but there was a sense of resolve in her eyes. "It might be tricky, but it's not a problem we can't handle."
Pakura shrugged confidently, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Besides, Ginko, don't forget that I'm a ninja with the Scorch Release. If we end up fighting, there's no way that guy can be my match!"
The Scorch Release is a kekkei genkai that combines wind and fire chakra, yielding a destructive force capable of evaporating all moisture from an opponent's body in an instant, leaving behind a mummified husk.
This deadly technique has earned the young Pakura quite a reputation among the newer generations in Sunagakure, making her one of their most promising ninja.
"This Chunin Exam, hosted by the three major ninja villages, isn't going to be as straightforward as it seems," Ginko said with a grim expression.
Thinking of this, her face darkened, her voice growing quieter as she spoke. "Sentaro was the most talented among the Genin, but it's a pity. That guy is pure evil!"
Not only had he killed Sentaro, but he had also humiliated her! Ginko seethed with anger, her hatred for that Uchiha deepening.
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