Chapter 129 The Final Test
Chapter 129 The Final Test
Chapter 131 The Final Test
August 1st, morning, Konoha Arena, rest area.
Akaishi arrived relatively late, and it looked like it was finally about to begin.
Because it was an open lounge, not a private room, Akaishi noticed Minato at a glance because—Minato's hairstyle had changed. What was originally just a carefree little blond hair now looked more like a hedgehog, and two strands were left hanging down on his temples outside the Konoha protective shield.
Instead of wearing a white hoodie, she wore a white shirt with a cape-like outer layer.
"Ah—Minato, this new hairstyle of yours, you didn't do it to try and win over girls, did you?" Akaishi teased deliberately.
"Not really—" Minato scratched his face a little embarrassed.
"It's as if Minato wasn't popular with girls before he changed his hairstyle," Lan Wu's voice came from behind Akaishi.
Akaishi turned around—
Akaishi:————
Lan Wu also changed her look. The small braids that used to be tied at the back of her head were replaced with a high ponytail, and her clothes were more capable than usual.
Okay, okay, you two changed your skins without telling me, huh?
fine----
I changed mine too!
Shinnosuke Sarutobi, who had been holding back for a while, finally got his chance to complain: "Akaishi, why are you wearing a Chunin vest?"
"? It didn't say only Chunin could wear it, did it?" Akaishi said matter-of-factly.
"That's what they say—" Shinnosuke's lips twitched.
"Doesn't this make it seem like I, the champion, am determined to win? Hahaha—" Akashi laughed loudly.
Everyone: ————
"Speaking of which—it's August, no wonder it's so hot today." Akaishi said, picking up the Uchiha fan that was taller than him and awkwardly fanning himself.
Fugaku, standing to the side, was already awkwardly doing eye exercises—pressing the Jingming acupoint.
"Isn't that right, Lanwu?" Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Akashi also started fanning Lanwu, who was right next to him.
Lan Wu hesitated, seemingly unable to speak.
"Don't you recognize the Uchiha fan?" Akashi couldn't help but ask.
Lanwu: ————
"I know it. It should be made by my great-grandfather, right?" Lan Wu had never met her great-grandfather, but she had heard of the Uchiha fan.
"That's right! There were only sixteen in total, and the clan leader gave me one!" Akashi immediately added.
Well, Akaishi deliberately didn't mention it, but it's already ruined ten times over. We ninjas have to keep our mouths shut.
Zhiwei, the oil-producing woman standing to the side, watched with envy and couldn't help but touch the large gourd behind her.
He also changed to "new equipment," and it seemed that no one noticed, but—he just couldn't bring himself to take the initiative to steer the conversation like Akaishi did!
The stands surrounding the arena were now packed with spectators, mostly local Konoha "villagers"—though called "villagers," their presence was immense, numbering in the thousands.
In addition, there are many wealthy merchants from the Land of Fire and even neighboring countries in some prominent VIP areas. These are all major clients of the Hidden Village.
Of course, the most prominent seats were occupied by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Mizukage, and the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki. All three "Kage" were formally wearing haori and straw hats symbolizing "Kage".
Behind the three were, as usual, "guards," while those in a slightly lower row in front were officials dispatched by the three major powers.
In the ninja world, "Kage" is already the strongest title. However, in diplomatic situations, "Kage" are always accompanied by bodyguards, and these bodyguards often symbolize "deputy" or "successor".
Just like the three Kage sitting there, they all served as "guards" of the previous generation or the generation before that.
"Since the Five Kage Summit, there hasn't been a time when the three Kage have gathered together, has there?" In, squinting, said, looking somewhat old.
Of the three, Ina is the oldest—after all, he was once chosen as the second Mizukage candidate by the first Mizukage, but later became the third Mizukage due to a series of changes.
During the Five Kage Summit, Ino was the bodyguard of the First Mizukage, and he is now over sixty years old.
However, this time, Ina's situation might be a little different. Standing behind him is a middle-aged man with brown hair and pink eyes. Judging from his hair and eye color, one can guess that he is none other than Yagura's father, Genkura Yagura!
Konoha now understands the situation in Kirigakure —
Genkura is definitely not the person the Mizukage trusts the most, and the Mizukage is even quite opposed to him being his successor. However, the next Mizukage is not something that Tora can decide on his own!
"Yes, back then it was thanks to the First Hokage that the Five Kage Summit was able to be convened. Now it's the third generation, but we can no longer sit down and have a proper talk," Onoki remarked.
Of the three Kage, Onoki's physique was the most comical. Although he was not yet fifty years old, he looked like a little old man because of his short stature and big nose.
However, no one dares to underestimate this "two-scaled" woman.
He inherited the position of the Third Kage from the Second Kage, who died suddenly in battle shortly after taking office. However, Iwagakure became increasingly powerful under Onoki's leadership, especially in his diplomatic maneuvering, which earned him the nickname "Two Scales".
The guard behind him was a ninja from Class 1 who was tall and strong, the complete opposite of his physique. He wore a straw hat, a mask, and unusually, armor.
It's a class, not a spot.
Originally, Yin had the intention of acting like a senior figure, but Onoki directly invoked the First Hokage to increase the sense of closeness to Konoha.
After all, Iwagakure and Kirigakure have a long-standing feud. Although they are meeting in Konoha, Onoki instinctively tries to involve Konoha and antagonize Kirigakure.
"We in Konoha have always believed that the ninja world can and should be at peace, and this is the original intention behind the establishment of the Five Great Hidden Villages," Sarutobi emphasized Konoha's stance from the outset.
Of the three Kage present, Sarutobi was the youngest. Even Onoki was six or seven years older than Hiruzen Sarutobi. For a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was in his prime and had a tall and strong physique, really gave people a sense of vitality.
The feeling of everything bursting forth —
Behind Sarutobi was a fair-skinned and delicate Orochimaru as his bodyguard.
Danzo originally volunteered to be a bodyguard, and even used the excuse that "Sarutobi is still young and doesn't need to consider a successor" to try to become Sarutobi's second-in-command. However, Sarutobi rejected him and chose his own disciple instead.
Despite being the youngest, Orochimaru showed no stage fright and remained calm and composed.
Sarutobi also weighed his options for a moment, since the conflict between Iwagakure and Kirigakure really had nothing to do with Konoha.
Their battle, for Konoha, took place in the far sea. As is well known, the ninja world is round, and one can sail from the western sea area of the Land of Earth to make contact with the Land of Water, only the distance at sea is much greater.
The war in which the two second-generation Kage perished together took place in the West Blue.
"Peace would be best, of course, but—I'm afraid the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. The Third Hokage, there was some unexpected incident during the Chunin Exams, wasn't there? I wonder how Konoha's investigation is going. Was it the work of some other great hidden village?" Yin then directly revealed the matter.
Regarding the previous attack, Lao Zi and Tong Kusano were certainly aware of it, but they were unaware of the details and secretly suspected that it was either Kumogakure, Sunagakure, or Amegakure.
Fortunately, there were no casualties in Iwagakure and Kirigakure, so Konoha was able to appease them.
"Just some petty thieves. What a pity for three excellent Kawanin," Sarutobi said ambiguously.
After all, when it comes to the River Ninja, Amegakure is currently attacking the Land of Rivers.
Upon hearing Sarutobi mention the Land of Rivers, Onoki immediately changed the subject, saying, "The format of this final competition is interesting. All three of us happen to have a champion among them. What do you think of the kids?"
The Tsuchikage shifted the topic back to the Chunin Exams, since mentioning the Land of Rain would inevitably lead to discussions about Iwagakure and Konoha, and Onoki didn't want Kirigakure to interfere.
"They are all outstanding young people, and I believe they will be the backbone of protecting the peace of the ninja world in the future," Sarutobi said succinctly.
Yin then deliberately said, "However—both of Konoha's tournament champions are from the Uchiha clan. The Uchiha are truly growing stronger every day. I wonder if this is good or bad for the ninja world?"
Yin Geng wanted to say that he didn't know whether it was good or bad for "Miyo" — but he felt that saying it like that would be too obviously provocative!
"The Uchiha clan is one of the founding clans of Konoha, and has always produced many talented individuals." Sarutobi ignored Tora's provocation.
When it comes to dealing with the "Great Ninja Clan," Yin has his own experience.
However, it now seems to be just a lesson learned from failure!
At the same time, the three chief examiners, including Sakumo Hatake, personally went on stage to serve as the host and commentator for the final showdown.
While the three Kage were outwardly united but inwardly at odds, Sakumo Hatake had already finished his opening remarks, and the crucial moment had arrived—
"Next up, please welcome our first champion, a genin from Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) named Yagura Karatachi!"
Following Hatake's announcement, Karatachi walked up, clearly also sporting "new equipment."
At this moment, Yagura was carrying a black staff on his back, with a green flower at the top and a hook, which was obviously something special.
On the platform of the Three Kage, Onoki turned directly to Genkura Karatachi and asked, "Karatachi Yagura—isn't he your son?"
"That's right, it's my son." Genkura Kojiki bowed slightly.
"He even handed over the Coral Staff to him. Jonin Karatachi is really eager," Tora remarked.
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi couldn't help but turn to look at him—this old man really doesn't hide the internal conflicts of Kirigakure at all, and he's already clashing with his own guard?
"The Hokage is right, the future belongs to the young!" Genkura Kuraki didn't take the bait.
-
"Now, those who wish to challenge the genin Karatachi, please step forward. If multiple people issue challenges, the reigning champion will decide the order," Hatake announced.
Minato immediately wanted to go up, but—
"I'll go first!" Shinnosuke said first.
Seeing this, Shuimen stopped his attack.
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