"Why aren't you speaking? This is exactly why you've gathered here in Konoha, isn't it? The so-called 'genin' sent by various ninja villages are actually all elites."
"Some were deliberately left behind after elimination to stay in Konoha on standby. Others continued participating in the exams specifically to target Konoha's new generation. Am I right?"
"There are also some squad leaders and a few ninjas disguised as civilians. You've brought quite a few heavy hitters with you, haven't you?"
Seeing Onoki remain silent, Izumi Uchiha continued.
"Konoha's known about all of your plans for a long time now."
Hearing this, Onoki finally changed expression.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"You can only succeed with my cooperation. Otherwise, it's a dead end. Konoha is far more powerful than you imagine."
Onoki couldn't help but scrutinize her carefully.
He just couldn't see what gave her the right to talk so boldly.
Besides, she still had Konoha's forehead protector on her head—could she really be here to cooperate and not to fish for secrets?
Onoki deeply doubted her intentions.
"If I'm not mistaken, the major villages plan to assassinate the Fifth Hokage during the official competition one month from now, in front of all the daimyos."
"This way, you can severely damage Konoha while reestablishing your authority before the lords."
As soon as she spoke these words, Onoki was completely stunned. "How could you know so much about this?"
"Under normal circumstances, even for something as important as the Chunin Exams, you wouldn't expect all five Kage leaders to gather together. With so many people rushing into Konoha this time, naturally she would investigate. Your plans have already been discovered..."
"Konoha wants the same thing as you do—to settle things once and for all during that event! From their perspective, you're simply walking into a trap."
"Could it possibly be... White Zetsu?" Onoki muttered thoughtfully. After a moment, he shook his head again. "Impossible. Each village has sealing formations; they simply cannot get inside."
Izumi Uchiha smiled slightly and silently stared at him without speaking.
"After leaving those places, we never discussed sensitive topics anymore..."
Onoki kept talking to himself, then looked up and met Izumi Uchiha's meaningful gaze, suddenly realizing something.
"You mean..."
"One of your so-called allies has betrayed you."
"Who is it?" Onoki quickly asked.
Izumi Uchiha chuckled softly, then turned to leave.
"Wait."
She stopped.
"Let's talk about this cooperation you mentioned," Onoki said.
After briefly understanding the progress of the Chunin Exams from Tsunade, Hiroki and Kaguya returned to the Hyuga Clan courtyard.
The Ten-Tails Chakra 'core', painstakingly cultivated by Orochimaru, he casually shoved into the ground.
"Hey, Kaguya, how big can this core grow? Could it ever become like the Tailed Beasts?"
"It's difficult and will take a very long time. By the way, Hiroki, aren't you worried about her at all?"
"Hmm? Her? You mean Moon (Tsukiko)?"
"You've asked so many times already, Kaguya. You're even more worried than I am. It seems like there's nothing wrong with your relationship."
"Hiroki..." Hiroki gently coughed. "It might be too late now. Let's do it some other time instead."
Looking up at the sky, Hiroki nodded. "You're right. Lingering around those frogs' swamp for too long leaves us smelling like them too. We should clean ourselves first."
The two exchanged knowing smiles and walked toward their rooms together.
Night fell.
Onoki also entered Rasa's room.
Alone together in the same room, Rasa felt slightly awkward.
"Is there something important at this late hour?"
Onoki let out a deep sigh. "Rasa, the operation will move forward earlier than planned."
Upon hearing this, Rasa instinctively glanced around. "Tsuchikage, is this decision made unilaterally by Iwa, or did you consult with Kiri first before finally informing me?"
Onoki shook his head. "Don't worry about that woman. She's not one of ours."
"What do you mean?" Rasa frowned in confusion.
"Walls have ears," Onoki's tone turned serious.
Instantly understanding his meaning, Rasa actively released a basic genjutsu.
Though only an instant had passed in the outside world, the conversation between the two had already concluded.
"I understand."
...
As in the original plot, the first part of the Chunin Exams was a written test.
The second round was a survival-based team competition.
The examination site was the Forest of Death.
There was no rest period between the first and second exams.
After learning the rules from the proctor, all the advancing teams entered the Forest of Death through different entrances.
Deep into the night, most teams found safe spots, set up traps, and prepared to rest and regain their energy.
Of course, some teams also lay in wait at key spots, ready to ambush their targets.
In a hidden location known to none but themselves, all the successful Iwa, Sand, and Mist ninja teams gathered.
They totaled nine teams—three from each village, with three ninjas per team.
From the very beginning, their Kage had assigned missions to them: eliminate as many gifted shinobi from Konoha and Kumogakure as possible, especially those heirs to notable clans.
If they encountered outstanding prodigies from lesser-known villages, they could also eliminate them.
Actually, among rival ninja villages, wherever competitions exist, similar events take place—each trying their best to suppress the future talents of opposing villages.
"Shall we act together?" Temari, carrying a large fan, took the initiative to ask.
"You're scared, aren't you, lady heiress?" a Rock ninja sneered.
The other Rock ninjas jeered along.
Truth be told, the Tsuchikage didn't care what the Kazekage thought. When the top doesn't care, it's no surprise lower-ranked ninja looked down on Sand too—even though she was the Kazekage's descendant.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kankuro snapped. "You shouldn't underestimate Konoha shinobi."
"Let's split up. It'll be more efficient that way," a Mist ninja said, completely ignoring him.
The Rock ninjas nodded in agreement.
Then someone provocatively added, "How about we turn it into a game—whoever scores the most kills wins..."
They grinned like wolves before the hunt, scattering in different directions. Their eyes held only a deadly chill.
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