Chapter 35: Konoha Crush 

Hinata's next opponent was a character who never appeared in the original story.

It seemed that someone from Kurenai's team had replaced Hinata.

"In the next match, Kawahisako will face Hinata Hyuga."

This battle came as a surprise to Ryujiro. This unfamiliar character, Kawahisako, turned out to be a ninja extremely skilled in Genjutsu.

Even Hinata struggled to win.

"Skilled in Genjutsu... It seems Kurenai has taught her own Genjutsu to that girl," Ryujiro muttered quietly.

The next match was between Kankuro and Aburame Shino, but Kankuro announced his forfeiture as soon as he stepped onto the stage.

This elicited murmurs of disappointment from the audience, and even the villagers of Konoha watching were discussing among themselves about the Sand ninjas.

The hidden Sand ninjas in the audience were trembling with rage; if not for the plan, they would've wanted to kill those few individuals.

As soon as Sasuke and Gaara took the stage, the hidden Sand ninjas in the crowd began to stir.

It seemed that things were about to start, and several pairs of murderous eyes were fixed on Ryujiro.

These Sand ninjas were targeting me.

Ryujiro didn't need to think to know that this was a plan Baki had devised against him.

Orochimaru's target was only Sasuke. Although Orochimaru was interested in Ryujiro as a vessel, he wasn't foolish enough to that extent.

Ryujiro's power was no longer something Orochimaru could control.

Gaara enveloped himself in the Sand Armor.

"I will definitely kill that guy."

Gaara's Sand Armor endured multiple attempts from Sasuke, whether it was with kunai or shuriken, without being breached.

"Not enough. Is this all you've got?"

Sasuke's inner rage roared madly as he recalled Ryujiro's slash that had become Sasuke's haunting nightmare.

"Since you're hiding in there, then try this!"

After forming seals, Sasuke's dazzling lightning burst forth like sparks, and the sharp cries of Chidori excited the audience.

"Isn't that Kakashi's move?!" Might Guy exclaimed in surprise as he looked at the Chidori on Sasuke's hand.

Kakashi nodded.

"Incredible, that kid can actually use Chidori. Is that why you trained Sasuke? Kakashi."

Sasuke charged fiercely, and with the cries of Chidori, Gaara's absolute defense was shattered by Sasuke's Chidori.

With Gaara's scream, both Temari and Kankuro on the stage turned pale with horror.

"No way!"

"Is Gaara going to lose control again!"

Something unknown, like a hand, emerged from Gaara's shell, and Sasuke leaped back in shock, staring at the thing before him like a hand, suddenly feeling a palpable sense of dread.

"What's happening!"

"Blood! Why! Why is there blood on me!"

"Damn it! Damn it! I'll kill you all!"

Gaara's voice inside the shell sounded almost insane, and the murderous intent erupting from him was chilling.

And just then, white feathers began to fall from the sky like snow.

The audience suddenly felt dizzy, and soon they fell into unconsciousness one by one.

The plan orchestrated by Orochimaru, the Konoha Crush plan, officially began.

"These are..."

"Genjutsu?"

Neji, Hinata, and Ryujiro all dispelled the Genjutsu, while Gaara's extreme instability had already gone beyond the control of the original plot.

Kakashi jumped from the stage to take Sasuke to a safe place.

"What's happening to Gaara?" Sasuke looked at the changes happening to Gaara with a sense of unease.

Kakashi's face showed an unprecedented solemn expression.

"That ominous chakra... If it's really a tailed beast, then it's trouble."

"Tailed beast?"

Sasuke heard this unfamiliar term for the first time.

"Tailed beasts are giant life forms created from immense chakra. Their power is like that of war machines, and even a Kage has to be cautious when facing a tailed beast."

"Because the power of tailed beasts is too strong, they're sealed inside Jinchuriki , and individuals like that are called Jinchuriki ."

Listening to Kakashi's explanation, Sasuke was somewhat puzzled.

Kakashi's face became extremely grim. His previous concerns had indeed come true.

"That's right! Hokage-sama!"

When Kakashi came to his senses, four of the Sound Four had already activated the Four Violet Flames Formation.

"Damn it, are they faster than Anbu?"

"If the Jinchuriki goes out of control, it would probably be as bad as the Nine-Tails incident back then."

The main problem now was the trouble with Gaara.

Neither Hinata nor Neji understood what was happening.

"What's going on, Ryujiro?"

"The Sound and Sand village have initiated a plan against Konoha."

What?! 

The Sound and Sand village are targeting Konoha?

Hinata and Neji couldn't help but gasp in shock. Did the sand village want to start a war?

It was only at this moment that Hinata and Neji realized that the Hokage had been taken away by Orochimaru disguised as the Kazekage.

"Neji, you protect Hinata and take her back to the Hyuga clan."

"Things are going to get very troublesome here."

"Understood, Ryujiro."

Neji's expression also became solemn.

"Ryujiro-kun."

Hinata couldn't help but look worriedly at Ryujiro.

Ryujiro showed a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll come back safely."

Hinata hesitated for a moment, then suddenly leaned forward and kissed Ryujiro on the cheek.

Seeing this scene, Neji turned his head away, surprised.

When did Lady Hinata become so bold?

Blushing, Hinata lowered her head, unable to look at Ryujiro. "Then, I'll wait for you to come back."

Ryujiro was also stunned for a moment but quickly regained his composure and simply responded with an 

"Hmm."

"Hinata-sama, let's go."

With Hinata in tow, Neji left the arena.

Ryujiro couldn't help but touch the spot on his cheek where Hinata had kissed him.

"This feels pretty good."

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