Today, the third stage of the Chunin Exams was about to begin.
Konoha residents and visiting tourists poured into the arena in an endless stream.
The crowd was so massive that the Third Hokage ordered dozens of extra rows of seating to be added on the spot, barely enough to accommodate everyone.
In the VIP section, famous nobles and dignitaries took their seats one by one.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped onto the high platform together with the other four Kage and sat down.
"Hokage-sama, you still look as strong as ever."
"You flatter me. I can't compare to Tsuchikage-sama."
"Hmph. Why haven't you old fossils died yet? Living this long is just stealing from the world!"
"Raikage brat, I heard that. Want to fight?"
"Fight? You think I'm scared of you?"
"Please, Lord Tsuchikage, Lord Raikage—calm yourselves. This is the Chunin Exam. Let's not make a spectacle in front of the crowd."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at the center, with Tsuchikage Onoki and the Fourth Raikage A on his left and right. Behind them were Mizukage Yagura and Kazekage Rasa, with the outermost seat reserved for the final representative.
Each Kage's guards stood straight behind them.
Onoki and A clearly despised each other, and tension flared instantly. Sarutobi had to step in quickly, afraid they might actually start a Kage-level fight on the spot.
Eventually, the conflict subsided.
Sarutobi surveyed the entire arena. The noise was deafening, the atmosphere boiling. It made him feel as if he had reached the peak of his life.
Pride and ambition swelled in his chest.
The world is in my hands.
"Next, we begin the Chunin Exam jointly hosted by the Five Great Ninja Villages…"
His voice rang through the entire venue. Even ninjas stationed outside subconsciously turned their heads toward the arena.
"Remember your objectives. Once the signal appears, immediately destroy the designated nodes and cripple Konoha's defenses."
"The village must fall into chaos—the more chaos, the better."
"If anyone tries to stop you, kill them."
"The roaming ninja units outside the village are your responsibility. Use summoning techniques immediately and have the giant summons destroy Konoha's barrier."
"Prepare yourselves. Wait for the signal."
In a hidden corner of Konoha, a group of ninjas gathered briefly, exchanged words, and vanished.
Deep within Anbu headquarters, a large group of Anbu shinobi stood silently on standby.
A young Anbu ninja stepped forward, pointed at several members, and curled his fingers.
"You. Step out."
"Who are you? On what authority do you command us?"
The Anbu shinobi bristled.
With a sharp motion, the young ninja unfurled a warrant.
"This is a direct order from the Hokage. Today, Anbu is under my command. My orders are equivalent to the Hokage's. Understood?"
Several Anbu exchanged glances.
Whoosh!
They suddenly bolted, attempting to flee.
The remaining Anbu were stunned, unable to understand why their comrades reacted so violently.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Figures flew back one after another, crashing to the ground with cries of pain.
The young ninja seized the last escapee and slammed him down hard.
"Bind them and send them to Interrogation for a thorough review."
"Yes!"
A few Anbu stepped forward, restrained the traitors, and dragged them away.
The young ninja lifted his mask, revealing his face.
The surrounding Anbu fell silent. The moment he struck, they had already guessed who he was.
Only one person could suppress elite Anbu this effortlessly.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Whether you knew me before doesn't matter. You know me now."
"Today, I'm in charge. You need to remember one thing—my orders are absolute."
"I don't want defiance, excuses, or delays just because I'm young."
"If that happens, I'll personally make sure you spend half a year in Konoha Hospital."
Naruto smiled brightly—like sunlight itself.
The Anbu shuddered in unison.
The name Smiling Devil was infamous in Konoha.
"Good. You understand your position."
"Now, your assignments."
"Today, Konoha is hosting a grand event. But there are idiots who don't want us to enjoy it. They plan to destroy the village."
"Your job is simple—stop them."
"I will not allow a single loss in Konoha. Not one tile. Not one blade of grass. Do you hear me?"
"Yes! Loud and clear!" the Anbu shouted.
They had already sensed something wrong in the village recently and had captured several spies. But they hadn't expected the situation to be this severe.
It felt like a slap across Anbu's face.
Worse—how did Naruto possess such detailed intelligence unless he commanded a force even stronger than Anbu?
"Come forward and receive your assignments."
Naruto pulled out a thick stack of files.
"Defense Node A, Northern District. Three enemies—one Jonin, two Chunin. Photos included. Move quietly and take them down."
"Defense Node B, Eastern District. Six enemies—two Jonin, four Chunin. Two teams will work together. No escapes. No civilian involvement. Understood?"
"Defense Node C, Western District. One Jonin target. Photo included."
"Defense Node D, Southern District…"
He assigned teams one by one, handing over dossiers containing photos, patrol routes, and power assessments—so detailed it was shocking.
As they read, the Anbu grew increasingly grim.
There were far too many enemies.
How could Konoha have been infiltrated so deeply without them noticing?
Shame burned in their chests.
"The intelligence is in your hands," Naruto said coldly.
"If anyone escapes, that will prove Anbu's incompetence. Don't disappoint me."
"Yes, Uzumaki-sama!"
The assigned teams departed immediately.
The remaining Anbu waited, eyes fixed on Naruto.
"The Hyuga unit, step forward."
Eleven Anbu moved out.
"The next mission is led by the Hyuga. You will accompany them, disguised as civilians."
"Search every building in Konoha and remove all explosive tags."
"Priority targets—critical facilities. Start with the Ninja Academy."
Naruto spread out a detailed map of Konoha, marked with red circles and routes.
Everyone went pale.
Explosive tags.
Buildings.
All of Konoha.
The implication was terrifying—one mistake, and the entire village could vanish.
"Move out."
"Yes, Uzumaki-sama!"
The Anbu dispersed rapidly.
Within moments, the headquarters was empty.
The curtain had risen.
And beneath the surface, a storm was already raging.
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