A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Today, Konoha was immersed in a festive atmosphere.
The cries of vendors and the aroma of grilled meat intertwined with the laughter of tourists, rising and falling like waves.
To watch the Chunin Exam finals, which had gathered elites from various nations, not only had high-ranking officials and nobles from the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind gathered, but even key figures and wealthy merchants from surrounding countries had been invited.
Dressed in luxury, they sat high in the stands with the best views, fanning themselves and chatting cheerfully.
In their eyes, the arena below wasn't a site for sacred ninja duels.
Rather, it was more like a giant coliseum.
"Have you heard? That orphan from the Uchiha clan will also be on stage this time."
"Heh, I hope that kid shows some spirit; I've placed a heavy bet on him."
They looked down arrogantly, anticipating the upcoming bloody performance.
Those young ninja killing and fighting each other were merely racehorses for betting and topics for idle gossip in their eyes.
At most, they were tools to display national power and muscle, nothing more.
Inside the contestants' waiting room.
In stark contrast to the roof-shaking clamor outside, it was so quiet here that one could hear a pin drop.
Naruto sat alone in a corner, his eyes slightly closed.
He wasn't resting or refining chakra like the others; instead, he had opened the forum interface.
Naruto had posted a request for help a week ago.
Now, it had accumulated a massive number of replies, and the thread had grown extremely long.
[Help: Suggestions Regarding My Plan to Overthrow the Old Order]
[Description: Hello, seniors. I am preparing to execute the ruling class of this world. Does anyone have good experience or suggestions?]
Floor 1 [Sword of Non-Killing]:
"Overthrowing the old order doesn't necessarily require bloodshed."
"Young man, once the killing starts, it's hard to stop."
"A scent of blood that's too heavy will only invite new hatred."
"If possible, please try to target only the primary culprits and avoid involving the innocent."
[Suggestion Recorded: Do Not Harm Civilians]
[Mission Requirement: In the upcoming turmoil, ensure the civilian casualty rate in Konoha is 0.]
[Mission Reward: B-Rank Treasure Chest]
Floor 2 [Funeral Red-Eyed]:
"Naive! The root of corruption often comes from those in high positions who are incompetent and neglect their duties."
"OP, since you're going to act, you must pull them out by the roots!"
[Suggestion Recorded: Eradicate Root and Branch]
[Mission Requirement: Find the deepest-hidden, darkest wielder of power in this faction and kill them.]
[Mission Reward: A-Rank Treasure Chest]
Floor 3 [Lelouch]:
"Rather than simple slaughter, I suggest you destroy their symbols."
"While executing them, destroy their faith; this is more effective than killing their physical bodies."
[Suggestion Recorded: Collapsed Symbol]
[Mission Requirement: Before physical elimination, first shatter the legitimacy and prestige of the old rulers, letting the world witness the collapse of the old era.]
[Mission Reward: B-Rank Treasure Chest]
...
Floor 8 [Attacking Eldian]:
"If you want to obtain true freedom, then drive out everyone who stands in your way! As long as they stand on the side of the old world, they are the enemy! Do not hesitate, fight!"
[Suggestion Recorded: Leave None Behind]
[Mission Requirement: Annihilate the enemy camp and eliminate all armed forces attempting to block the change.]
[Mission Reward: A-Rank Treasure Chest]
...
Floor 21 [Cyber Rocker]:
"For those high and mighty people, don't talk nonsense—just bring on a big explosion! Let them repent in a sea of fire!"
[Suggestion Recorded: Grand Fireworks]
[Mission Requirement: Nothing announces the end of an era better than an explosion. Please create a massive explosion sufficient to shock the entire venue and be remembered by everyone.]
[Mission Reward: B-Rank Treasure Chest]
...
"Not involving the innocent... that is the luxury of the strong."
"But for those blood-sucking vermin, there really is no need for them to live on."
When Naruto saw the mission regarding the "Malignant Tumor," the image of that bandage-wrapped old man hiding in the dark underground—from Orochimaru's files—surfaced in his mind.
Then he looked at [Grand Fireworks] and thought of Root's underground base.
The corners of Naruto's mouth curled up slightly.
"Perfect, I'll take them all out in one go."
He closed the forum and opened his eyes.
"All candidates, enter the arena!"
With a shout from the proctor, Shiranui Genma, the waiting room door was opened.
Blinding sunlight flooded in instantly.
Following it was the tsunami-like cheering of the audience within the massive circular arena.
The candidates filed out.
Naruto walked at the back of the line, hands in his pockets, his pace leisurely.
The moment he stepped into the venue, he didn't look at his opponent, nor at the audience.
Instead, he slightly raised his head, his gaze crossing the crowd to look directly at the luxuriously decorated noble stands.
Looking at those big shots who were chatting and laughing, Naruto pushed his glasses up, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"Cheer to your heart's content; this is the final celebration."
On the high platform, the Third Hokage, who was smoking his pipe, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
In the center of the exam grounds.
Shiranui Genma, with a senbon dangling from his mouth, scanned the remaining candidates and lazily pulled out a list.
"Before the matches begin, let me explain."
"Since Yakushi Kabuto and two others have withdrawn for certain special reasons, the match table has been changed."
He didn't explain the reasons much, looking directly at the slip of paper in his hand, his voice rising a bit.
"First match..."
"Uzumaki Naruto VS Hyuga Neji!"
"The two contestants, please stay on the field; everyone else, withdraw to the waiting area."
The crowd dispersed.
In the vast arena, only Naruto and Neji remained facing each other.
Neji was dressed in a white dōgi, his signature Byakugan staring coldly at Naruto.
Then he slowly assumed the Gentle Fist starting stance, his face full of cold arrogance.
"Uzumaki Naruto... although you are also a top graduate and called a so-called genius,"
"In front of these eyes of mine, all your efforts are meaningless."
Neji's tone was cold and certain, as if pronouncing a predetermined fact.
"The moment you met me, your fate was already sealed—defeat."
Facing this fatalistic opening, the smile on Naruto's face remained unchanged.
"Senior Neji, you seem to have a morbid obsession with the word 'fate'."
Naruto's voice wasn't loud, but every word reached Neji's ears.
"Because you are locked in a cage called fate, do you think everyone in the world should be like you, kneeling on the ground and accepting fate's arrangements?"
He shook his head gently, a hint of pity in his tone.
As if looking down at a lost child from a higher perspective.
"Truly... the mindset of the weak."
Neji's eyes narrowed, and the veins at his temples instantly bulged.
"Since you're in such a hurry to die, I'll grant your wish!"