Konoha Village.
The Chūnin Exam arena buzzed with excitement as bursts of applause echoed through the venue.
"That's Hatake Kakashi's famous ninjutsu, isn't it?" someone exclaimed.
"Raikiri."
"I thought it was called Chidori?"
"It was, but he renamed it Raikiri after using it to cut through lightning. That's why it's called the Lightning Cutter."
"This is the genius of the Uchiha clan?"
"As expected of Uchiha Sasuke, a prodigy among the Uchiha."
The crowd's cheers rose to a crescendo, but Uchiha Sasuke remained focused. His gaze was locked on Gaara, standing ominously before him. Something about Gaara felt wrong—off, even.
Meanwhile, on the highest observation platform of the Chūnin Exam venue, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat with an air of composure. The Third Hokage's mind was sharp, but a faint trace of satisfaction crept into his expression.
Sasuke had learned Hatake Kakashi's Chidori and used it to strike Gaara with precision. This feat alone seemed to declare the competition's outcome—Konoha's ninjas had emerged victorious.
Sarutobi exhaled slowly, a sigh of relief. The earlier matches had been nerve-wracking, especially the third preliminaries of the Chūnin Exams.
Sunagakure's participants—Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō—had performed exceptionally well. Even so, Konoha's young shinobi had proven their strength.
Hyūga Neji, a member of the branch family, had demonstrated mastery of the secret technique Revolving Heaven, an accomplishment few in the branch family could achieve. Yet, despite his talent, Neji was narrowly defeated by Uzumaki Naruto.
The victory spoke volumes about the potential of Konoha's new generation. Neji's loss didn't diminish his brilliance, and Naruto's victory only highlighted his growing strength.
Then there was Nara Shikamaru, whose sharp intellect was on full display. Although he forfeited his match against Temari, his strategic prowess far surpassed hers.
And now, with Uchiha Sasuke defeating Gaara—Sunagakure's strongest Genin—it was clear: Konoha had triumphed.
The aged Hokage glanced at "Fourth Kazekage Rasa" seated beside him. Sarutobi couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride.
This Chūnin Exam, co-hosted by Konoha and Sunagakure, had showcased Konoha's dominance. Their new generation had decisively crushed Sunagakure's shinobi.
As for Kankurō? Sarutobi smirked. If Gaara, their strongest, had fallen, Kankurō was hardly worth mentioning.
Sarutobi's satisfaction grew as he observed the Kazekage's expression. He seemed strangely calm, but Sarutobi paid it little mind.
In truth, Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, harbored sinister intentions.
"I had planned a little surprise for the old man," Orochimaru thought, "but I didn't expect Gaara to get injured so early."
Nevertheless, Orochimaru's sinister plan was set in motion. The true chaos was about to begin.
He glanced discreetly toward Yakushi Kabuto, who had blended in with the Anbu in the stands. Kabuto was preparing to activate the illusion technique to immobilize the crowd.
"It's time," Orochimaru thought, signaling Kabuto.
Just as Kabuto prepared to act, Sarutobi Hiruzen's instincts flared. He frowned slightly.
Then, chaos erupted.
---
The Attack
A loud explosion shattered the atmosphere, and thick smoke enveloped the high platform.
"Protect the Third Hokage!" shouted one of the guards as the situation spiraled into chaos.
Meanwhile, Yakushi Kabuto, hidden among the Anbu, suddenly froze.
"What's going on?" Kabuto muttered. "The chakra I gathered for the illusion has dissipated!"
Before he could react, a loud mechanical voice echoed across the venue:
[Ding! The Viewing System is now online! The live broadcast room is opening, and relevant characters are being loaded...]
Everyone in the arena froze, their attention drawn upward.
Above the Chūnin Exam venue, two massive screens—one bordered in black, the other in white—descended from the sky. The screens floated, emitting a faint hum.
The mechanical voice continued:
[The live chat room is now open. Participants may communicate freely. Answer the system's quiz questions to win rewards! Correct answers will earn ninjutsu, physical enhancements, unique items, or even resurrection of the dead.]
[During the viewing period, the entire ninja world will be under the system's protection. No harm can come to anyone.]
Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd. Even the most experienced ninjas were dumbfounded.
---
Reactions
On the high platform, Sarutobi Hiruzen glared suspiciously at "Kazekage Rasa."
"What is the meaning of this?" the Third Hokage demanded. "Is this your doing? Are you trying to start a war between Konoha and Sunagakure?"
Orochimaru, still in disguise, suppressed his irritation.
"Really, Third Hokage?" Orochimaru thought. "You think I have the ability to summon massive floating screens from the sky? Give me some credit."
Before he could respond, the mechanical voice interrupted:
[Relevant characters have been successfully loaded.]
[You may now begin speaking in the chat room.]
---
The Chat Room
The screens flickered to life, displaying messages from various participants.
Luo Sha: "What is this place? And why am I here? I'm supposed to be dead!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Dead? What is the meaning of this?"
Orochimaru: "Ah, the Fourth Kazekage. How unfortunate that you're still whining, even in death."
Luo Sha: "Orochimaru! You traitorous snake! Is this your doing?"
The conversations spiraled into chaos as more voices joined. Even those from the Pure Land, the realm of the dead, seemed to be participating.
The ninja world was in an uproar.
---
Unprecedented Events
As the smoke cleared, the entire venue fell silent. The massive screens hovered ominously, and the weight of the system's words settled over the crowd.
[During this viewing session, all battles and conflicts are suspended. Focus on the content provided.]
"Content?" Sarutobi murmured, his brow furrowed.
Even the Pure Land shook with anticipation. The dead wondered what this strange event meant for the living—and for themselves.
The system's announcement of rewards added another layer of tension. Ninjutsu? Physical enhancements? Resurrection? These prizes could tip the balance of power in the ninja world.
Orochimaru's earlier plans now seemed insignificant compared to the system's sudden interference.
"What is this viewing system?" Orochimaru muttered.
For now, the ninja world could only wait and see.
---
The stage was set, and the entire ninja world—both the living and the dead—was about to witness an unprecedented phenomenon.
---
To be continued...
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!