Chapter 19: The Third Round of the Chunin Exams

Gaara responds, "Teacher, I will definitely handle it."

Temari asks, "Then, Boss, what will you do?"

Mukaze answers, "I'm going to meet a friend. After that, I'll find you, and we'll clean up the mess together."

As for the friend, it is none other than the great scientist, Orochimaru.

Mukaze has always wanted to develop a long-distance communication device similar to a mobile phone. However, all his attempts have been unsuccessful.

He strongly suspects that the interference of the individual's powerful spiritual energy in the ninja world is the reason for the signal disruption. Perhaps using the moon as a signal generator can achieve a network that covers the entire ninja world, allowing the ninja world to enter the era of networking.

This is just his current speculation, and whether it can be realized will require further experimentation in the future.

Gaara says, "Okay, I will definitely capture the Konoha's pursuing ninja."

Mukaze laughs and advises, "Haha, don't force yourself, and remember not to kill anyone."

There is a hint of ruthlessness in the hearts of Sand Village ninjas. If they lose control and accidentally kill Naruto, things will go awry.

After the three of them promise, they depart.

They will stay in Konoha until the start of the third round of the exams.

Baki rushes back to the Sand Village.

In the Kazekage's bedroom, the lighting is dim.

The Kazekage, Rasa, sits behind a gauze curtain, flanked by bodyguard shinobi on both sides.

Baki reports on the situation of the Chunin Exams.

"Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro have all reached the finals."

"Hmm."

The Kazekage, Rasa, only replied with a single word.

His voice was somewhat unclear behind the veil.

Baki said, "Lord Kazekage, I have confirmed with the Sound Ninja that their personnel are in position. They will launch the attack during the exams."

"I suggest immediately concentrating the remaining forces at the border. Once successful, we can launch a full-scale attack on the Land of Fire."

Baki's suggestion was very reasonable.

If the center of Konoha Village is under attack, the external guards will undoubtedly fall into panic without anyone commanding them.

Taking advantage of this, the Sand Village can achieve significant results in advancing their forces.

Unfortunately, the Kazekage they were facing was actually Orochimaru in disguise.

Orochimaru's only intention was to teach the Third Hokage a lesson through Sasuke.

As for everything else, he didn't care and wasn't interested.

Furthermore, commanding a large number of Sand Village shinobi was a troublesome matter that he would never do.

He preferred to stay low-key and do as little as possible to avoid revealing his true intentions.

"No need."

Orochimaru firmly refused.

Baki was stunned.

He looked at Rasa, but the gauze curtain and veil obstructed his view, making it impossible to see the Kazekage's expression.

Orochimaru said, "You may leave and attend to your duties."

Baki reluctantly withdrew.

His heart was filled with confusion.

Why did the Kazekage not listen to such a reasonable decision?

Could the several hundred gathered Sand Village and Sound Village shinobi in the Land of Fire really defeat Konoha?

Baki found it highly unlikely.

He walked on the deserted streets of the Sand Village, looking back at the elliptical Kazekage building.

Was the person inside really the Kazekage?

No, it couldn't be.

I must protect Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro.

Baki's inner goals underwent a change.

---------

The time arrived for the third round of the Chunin Exams.

The sun was shining brightly, and the weather was clear.

White clouds dotted the sky.

In Konoha today, the barriers were wide open, and teams from various daimyo were arriving one after another.

The daimyo sat in their exclusive ox-drawn carriages, accompanied by samurai and attendants, exuding an imposing aura.

The daimyo attached great importance to the Chunin Exams because it allowed them to assess the strength of the respective villages, making it easier for them to issue missions and hire ninja in the future.

Konoha also took this matter very seriously as the host.

They took good care of the visiting daimyo, dispatching ninja escorts along the way to maintain security.

This resulted in a decrease in the village's internal strength.

Hiruzen Sarutobi would never have imagined that Orochimaru, the traitor, would disguise himself as the Kazekage and launch an attack during the exams.

The third round took place in a circular arena.

The ten participating contestants stood in the center of the arena.

Gaara was recognized by Orochimaru for his strength, so he was spared from the unfortunate fate of being experimented on by Kimimaro.

The daimyo, spectators, and ninja from various villages sat scattered on the walls and elevated platforms.

Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kazekage Rasa sat on the main elevated platform, each in a high-backed chair, showcasing their status.

Hiruzen Sarutobi tried to strike up a conversation with Rasa, wanting to communicate and deepen their alliance.

Orochimaru casually exchanged a few words and then fell silent.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru was dressed as the Kazekage, with a large-brimmed hat, face veil, and long cloak covering himself thoroughly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi could only see Orochimaru's eyes.

The cold, piercing gaze of Orochimaru made the Third Hokage uneasy.

Could there be something going on?

I hope my intuition is wrong.

Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew his gaze.

Under the face veil, Orochimaru licked his lips.

"Old man, let me show you the surprise I've brought for you."

The chief examiner for the third round, Hayate Gekkō, stepped into the arena and announced the first match-up.

Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga.

Soon after, the other contestants returned to the elevated platform, leaving only Naruto and Neji in the arena.

A showdown between Naruto and Neji, a fight that would soon begin.

In a seemingly inconspicuous corner of the spectator stands, Mukaze let out a yawn.

The intense battle between Naruto and Neji, filled with passionate verbal exchanges, didn't affect his good mood for sleeping.

What a wonderful day today!

Mukaze exclaimed.