In the bustling heart of Konoha, within the Sarutobi Clan's territory.
Swish, swish…
Two figures purposefully Body Flickered through the night towards a certain location, arriving shortly at a spacious mansion.
"What's the matter?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, dressed in pajamas, hurried out from the courtyard, his sharp gaze falling upon the two ANBU members before him. Just one look made the two ANBU members tense up, and fine beads of sweat appeared on their faces beneath their masks.
This was the current Lord Hokage of Konoha—Sarutobi Hiruzen!
At this time, he was in his prime, not only holding a high position but also having reached the peak of his strength. Every word and action revealed the majestic aura and presence of a 'Shinobi God'!
"Lord Hokage, the Chunin from Hyuga and Uchiha have engaged in battle deep within the outskirts of the Death Forest…"
One ANBU quickly spoke under Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze.
Upon hearing it was Hyuga and Uchiha, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately frowned, then quickly said, "Tell me the important information at once!"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
After responding, the ANBU quickly summarized the intelligence regarding Hyuga and Uchiha in the Death Forest, then awaited Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said nothing after listening. In less than a minute, he returned to his room, changed into casual clothes, then gave instructions to the two ANBU before instantly vanishing into the silent night sky. His Body Flicker Technique was so fast that the two ANBU couldn't react; Sarutobi Hiruzen's figure had already disappeared from their sight.
The two ANBU exchanged glances, both shaking their heads helplessly. They had thought that by being promoted to elite Chunin, they would be a step closer to Kage-level strength, but they found that the chasm between them still seemed so out of reach…
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"Alright, since we've finished sparring, I should head back. Lest you Hyuga be sore losers and complain to Lord Hokage about us Uchiha…"
Uchiha Shinji clapped his hands and said this in a sarcastic tone, then completely ignored whatever reaction the two Hyuga Chunin might have had and turned to leave. This left the two Hyuga Chunin frustrated yet helpless. They did want to complain to the Hokage about the Uchiha, but doing so would undoubtedly be a tacit admission that the Hyuga Clan was inferior to the Uchiha Clan. Therefore, such matters could not be spread, as it concerned the overall honor of the Hyuga Clan.
Thus, whenever there was a 'clash' between Hyuga and Uchiha in secret, both sides would tacitly agree not to spread it, instead holding their breath and waiting for the 'next' 'encounter.' This was also why Shinji dared to 'attack' his fellow villagers from Hyuga so openly…
Seeing Uchiha Shinji actually leave, the frustrated two Hyuga Chunin could only take several deep breaths to calm their agitated emotions, finally settling down after a long while.
"We should go find Ketsuna!"
One Hyuga spoke.
"Mm."
The other Hyuga companion nodded, then directly Body Flickered away from the area, heading towards the Hyuga Clan's compound. Although they hadn't held Uchiha Shinji back for too long just now, Ketsuna's Body Flicker Technique speed was enough for him to leave the Death Forest and return to the Hyuga Clan's compound.
This was also why the two Hyuga Chunin didn't seem particularly anxious after seeing Uchiha Shinji leave…
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"Brat, I finally caught you!"
Uchiha Shinji now stood in front of Ketsuna, blocking his path out of the Death Forest.
Seeing this, Ketsuna's brows furrowed involuntarily, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face. Although the two Chunin dispatched by the clan head to protect him weren't too strong, they shouldn't have been unable to hold out for even a few minutes, right?
"Don't worry, my Shadow Clone is stalling them. This bit of time is enough for us to 'play'…"
Shinji seemed to have read Ketsuna's thoughts and explained to him. When he used the Great Fireball Technique earlier, causing a surge of heat and dust, he took the opportunity to use the Shadow Clone Technique for a 'cicada shedding its shell' maneuver. His Shadow Clone confronted the two Hyuga Chunin, while his true body had quietly followed Ketsuna.
"There are hidden cameras set up by the village here."
Ketsuna completely ignored Shinji's topic and instead calmly pointed to a nearby tree.
The Death Forest was often used by the village as a training ground for the Chunin Exams. To observe the examinees' behavior and reactions in real-time, it naturally had many cameras for monitoring purposes.
"… …"
Shinji's intended words were suddenly choked back. He hadn't expected Ketsuna to blurt out something like that.
"Don't think that just because your Byakugan observed these hidden cameras, you can use them to escape this predicament."
Shinji slowly walked towards Ketsuna, speaking faintly, "Unless you can withstand the genjutsu of my Three-Tomoe Sharingan!"
Uchiha Shinji had never harbored any ill will towards Ketsuna. His purpose in finding Ketsuna was only one: to 'teach him a lesson,' and of course, not just to avenge the child Mingxi, but also to understand more of Ketsuna's strength.
As the saying goes, 'know yourself and your enemy,' and you will 'win a hundred battles.'
To ensure Mingxi surpasses this boy from Hyuga in the future, he must know his limit!
Of course, giving him some 'lessons' in the process was only natural…
A scarlet light 'burst forth' from Shinji's pupils, instantly falling deep into Ketsuna's eyes, enveloping him in Sharingan genjutsu, causing him to fall into a dazed state.
"How could a mere six-year-old brat withstand my Three-Tomoe Sharingan…"
Before Shinji could finish the word 'genjutsu,' he saw a sapphire blue light flash in Ketsuna's Byakugan. Immediately after, he instantly regained consciousness, then stared at Shinji with a cold, emotionless gaze. That chilling gaze made Shinji unconsciously take a small step back!
Uchiha Shinji, who possessed Jonin-level strength, was certainly not a novice ninja. He was an elite ninja who had experienced the baptism of blood and war. If it weren't for the Konoha high command controlling the number of Jonin in the Uchiha Clan, he would have been promoted to Jonin long ago and wouldn't still be stuck with a 'Chunin' title.
Yet, this elite ninja, who had experienced blood and war, was just now intimidated by the gaze of a six-year-old first-year Academy Student, even if it was just a small step!
"How is this possible?"
Uchiha Shinji felt humiliated, so the Three-Tomoe in his eyes rapidly spun, his ocular power surged wildly, and he launched Sharingan genjutsu at Ketsuna once more…