Chapter 39 : Konoha’s collapse plan is officially launched!!

Today is the final stage of the Chunin Exams. The Third Hokage woke up early and went to the Hokage's office.

He proceeded to organize the patrol areas for the Anbu ninjas and gave instructions to ninjas like Asuma and Guy, hinting that something significant might occur during today's Chunin Exams. 

He advised them to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

In response to the Third Hokage's hint, Asuma and the others did not say much but nodded solemnly to show that they understood.

Originally, the Third Hokage had planned to make some arrangements for his old friend Danzo. 

However, upon realizing that Danzo did not come to the Hokage's office, he abandoned the idea. 

The Third Hokage felt that if a conflict were to arise, Danzo would not simply stand by and watch.

With the time approaching, the Third Hokage, having completed all his arrangements, went to the Konoha viewing stand with several guards, including Raidō Namiashi.

After waiting for a while, he saw Orochimaru disguised as the Fourth Kazekage.

"Hokage-sama is so old, but he is still in such good health."

"Haha, Fourth Kazekage, thank you for the compliment."

The Third Hokage, with a complex expression, greeted the disguised Fourth Kazekage. They then took their seats on the left and right respectively.

The view from here is excellent, providing a panoramic view of the arena below.

"The first match will be between Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Neji."

Orochimaru appeared quite interested in the first match. He remembered that in the Forest of Death, Uzumaki Naruto had unleashed the Nine-Tails' chakra in an attempt to save Uchiha Sasuke from him. 

Unfortunately, it was to no avail.

Without revealing any of the Nine-Tails' chakra cloak, Orochimaru had only needed to make a slight movement with his fingers and use the Five Elements Seal to defeat Uzumaki Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

He possesses strength, but it is not substantial.

Regarding Hyuga Neji, Orochimaru knew that he was a rare genius in the Hyuga branch family.

It's just a pity that he is a member of the branch family and has been branded with Caged Bird, so he cannot become the vessel for him.

Otherwise, during his time in the Forest of Death, Orochimaru would have chosen him without hesitation.

"It was an excellent fight."

Soon, the battle between Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Neji began. Naruto unleashed the Nine-Tails Chakra, used a shadow clone to outwit his opponent, and then employed the Friendship Face-breaking Fist to defeat Neji.

"Yes, Naruto and Neji are both outstanding young men. Seeing them reminds me of my three useless students."

"The Hokage thinks these two are on par with the legendary Sannin?"

The Third Hokage chuckled, looked at the Fourth Kazekage, and said, "Whether they can be compared depends on how these youngsters develop in the future."

"Haha, then I'll be looking forward to it."

"The second match will be between Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara. Please, both players, come up to the stage as soon as possible."

In the competition venue below, the referee, Genma Shiranui, was calling for the participants of the second match to come forward.

But at this time, Uchiha Sasuke and Kakashi were still on their way.

After Genma Shiranui called several times with no response, he was about to announce Sasuke's forfeiture when the Fourth Kazekage spoke.

"Why don't we have the next match first? There's no need to rush."

"Alright, I'll follow what Lord Kazekage has said."

Following instructions from above, Genma Shiranui skipped the second match and began the third.

Unfortunately, Kankuro of the Sand Village chose to forfeit in order to conserve his strength.

Thus, the fourth match will proceed next.

If Uchiha Sasuke hadn't arrived before the game ended, Genma would have no choice but to announce Sasuke's surrender.

Fortunately, Nara Shikamaru had managed to buy enough time during his match against Temari.

At the moment the fourth game concluded, Uchiha Sasuke had just arrived.

"Did we arrive too late?"

Seeing Kakashi and Sasuke appear, Genma Shiranui sighed in relief, ushered Kakashi away, and left the competition stage for Sasuke and Gaara.

The match was intense. Sasuke emulated Rock Lee's techniques, making Gaara lose his composure. The crowd was thrilled and cheered loudly for both competitors.

On the viewing platform, the Fourth Kazekage glanced at the Third Hokage with a hint of curiosity and asked, "Hokage, are you keeping an eye on the time?"

"Yes."

The Third Hokage admitted he was indeed checking the time and appeared somewhat anxious.

"Is it something important?"

"It is indeed very important."

The Third Hokage didn't elaborate on what it was.

The Fourth Kazekage, recognizing the Third Hokage's reluctance to divulge more, chose not to press further.

"In that case, then..."

The Fourth Kazekage intended to suggest that the Third Hokage should address his own matters first. 

However, before he could finish his sentence, a masked Konoha ninja suddenly appeared between him and the Third Hokage.

"Hmm?"

The unexpected appearance shocked not only the Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage but also the younger version of Danzo, who had been teleported there.

Fortunately, all three quickly composed themselves.

"You foolish Sarutobi, you're still so slow at handling things."

Danzo's remark immediately revealed his identity to the Third Hokage.

He puffed on his pipe and replied, "I'm trying to minimize the damage to the village."

Indeed, the reason the Third Hokage had stayed behind to face Orochimaru was to force Orochimaru to activate the Four Violet Flames Formation, allowing them to shield themselves together. Without Orochimaru's top combat strength, the remaining Sound and Sand Ninjas were mere nuisances in the Third Hokage's eyes.

The image on the screen is very clear.

In this battle, apart from the fact that he and Orochimaru (his hands) died together, the loss of the entire Konoha Village was not too significant.

If Orochimaru's movements cannot be restricted and he is allowed to roam freely in the village, it will suffer immense losses.

"You're right."

Danzo pondered for a moment and agreed with the Third Hokage, but instead of falling silent, he continued, "So, what do you suggest we do now?"

"How about we just pretend nothing happened? Let nature take its course?"

"Alright, let's pretend nothing happened."

At this point, the Fourth Kazekage couldn't help but interject, asking, "Hokage-sama, what are you two discussing?"

Clearly, he was confused by their conversation.

The Fourth Kazekage did not understand why the Third Hokage was being so indecisive and why he was focused on minimizing the village's losses.

He vaguely sensed that something was amiss.

"It's nothing, let's continue."

The Third Hokage smiled, attempting to smooth over the situation.

However, Danzo, still harboring resentment for not being made the Fourth Hokage, interrupted without showing any respect. He pointed at the Fourth Kazekage and said sternly,

"You've been caught, Orochimaru. Just surrender."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's pupils contracted as he failed to understand how his identity had been exposed.

He had used the face-changing technique to swap his own face with that of the Fourth Kazekage. Logically, no one should have noticed he was an imposter.

Fortunately, Orochimaru was quick to act. The moment his identity was revealed, he sent a covert signal to Kabuto Yakushi, instructing him to cast an illusion.

Coincidentally, Gaara, who was outside the main battle, was struck by Uchiha Sasuke's Chidori and fell into a frenzied state.

His violent transformation was pushing him to the brink of becoming a tailed beast.

And thus, the Konoha Collapse Plan was set into motion!

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