273

NIGHT BEFORE CHAMPIOSHIP

POV: Hokage and Sakumo

The Hokage sat back in his chair, feeling the familiar weight of leadership pressing down on his shoulders. His gaze drifted out the window, watching the sun dip low on the horizon as the village continued its daily rhythm. The Chunin Exams had always been intense, but this year felt different—more dangerous. Daichi's recovery had been a relief, but it barely scratched the surface of the deeper concerns now weighing on his mind: the upcoming match between Haruto and Pakura.

He turned to Sakumo, who stood beside him with his arms crossed, lost in thought. "Daichi's going to be okay, thankfully," the Hokage began, his voice steady but lined with concern. "But what about Haruto? Your is Jonin Sensi, what should we expect from him in the final?"

Sakumo's expression grew more thoughtful as he considered the question. He had seen Haruto grow, not just in strength but in the mindset that made him a uniquely driven shinobi. "Haruto… he's different," Sakumo began slowly. "He loves the fight, the burn of getting stronger. I've seen him smile during some of the toughest workouts I've ever put a genin through. He enjoys the process of pushing his limits, but he has a trigger…

The Hokage nodded cutting sakumo off, recalling how mission reports highlighted Haruto's ruthlessness, particularly when it came to defending the innocent. "He's also protective. The moment he sees anyone vulnerable being hurt, something flips in him. It's like a switch."

"That's exactly it," Sakumo agreed. "He's triggered by cruelty toward those who can't defend themselves. And when Pakura hit Daichi while he was already down—she crossed a line. I know that switch flipped in Haruto. He's going into this fight with a cold, calculated mind. I wouldn't put it past him to seriously injure—or even kill—her."

The Hokage frowned, rubbing his temples as the gravity of Sakumo's words sunk in. "You make it sound like the fight is already won, and we're just deciding how badly Haruto is going to hurt her."

Sakumo's response was immediate, his voice unwavering. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

The Hokage's frown deepened. "I'm not so sure, Sakumo. Pakura's Scorch Release gives her a huge advantage, even over Haruto. I'd say the fight is still in her favor."

Sakumo met the Hokage's gaze evenly. "Perhaps. But you know Haruto. He's methodical. He's not coming into this fight recklessly. He's likely been planning how to dismantle her step by step."

The Hokage sighed, leaning back in his chair. He knew Sakumo's point was valid, but the risks were still high. If Haruto lost control—or worse, killed Pakura—it could lead to a diplomatic disaster with the Hidden Sand. Pakura was a rising star in their village, and the Third Kazekage himself was in attendance. The repercussions of such a loss could be severe.

"If he kills her…" the Hokage trailed off, his tone grim. "It could create a serious diplomatic crisis. We can't afford to have this escalate. Not with the Sand Village so closely involved. We need to make sure that doesn't happen."

Sakumo remained silent, but his eyes stayed sharp, clearly understanding the Hokage's concerns. Haruto wasn't the type to hold back when his moral line was crossed, and stopping him mid-battle, once he'd committed, would be a challenge. Kid had a knack for doing two things at once.

"We need a judge fast enough to step in and stop either of them before things get out of hand," the Hokage concluded, his voice laced with urgency. "This isn't just a regular match anymore. There's more at stake here than winning or losing."

THE NEXT DAY

POV: Third Kazekage, Shoden

Shoden, the Third Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village, sat in the high stands, his sharp eyes scanning the arena below. The Chunin Exams had been as intense as expected, but the match between Rasa and Shisui had stood out, leaving a mark. Despite Rasa's injury, Shoden had been proud of his pupil's performance. The fight had been nothing short of brilliant, a testament to the power of the Sand's genin, even against the Leaf's prodigious talents.

But now, his attention was firmly on Pakura.

She was the Sand's ace, their secret weapon in these exams. Her Scorch Release was as terrifying as it was beautiful—a rare bloodline that few could stand against once unleashed. Shoden knew the controversy that had surrounded her match against Daichi Uzumaki. Some thought she had gone too far, that she had been too brutal in her victory. But to Shoden, victory was all that mattered. The battlefield was no place for sentimentality.

His gaze drifted to Haruto, the Leaf genin who would face Pakura in the finals. The boy had shown skill, but he had yet to be truly tested. Pakura, on the other hand, had proven herself against one of the strongest contenders in Daichi, and now, Shisui was out of the picture. As far as Shoden was concerned, this fight was already in Pakura's favor.

Pakura had been trained for this moment. She knew how to dominate a battlefield, how to control her opponent's movements, and when to go in for the kill. Haruto might be impressive, but he wasn't prepared for someone like Pakura. Shoden could see that much.

His lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile as he thought about the upcoming match. The Hidden Leaf had basked in their reputation for far too long, their prodigies always in the spotlight. But now, the Hidden Sand had the opportunity to show its strength, to prove that it could stand on equal ground—or even surpass the Leaf's famed shinobi.

As far as Shoden was concerned, this championship was Pakura's to win. Haruto might surprise a few people, but in the end, the Sand Village was prepared to take the victory. This was their moment to prove their strength on the world stage.

The championship match would be the perfect stage to demonstrate that strength. Shoden, sitting in the stands, was ready to watch his village claim its place among the strongest in the shinobi world.