199.Battle in Death Forest

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At the Five Kage Summit, the Fourth Hokage had high hopes for peace negotiations to lift the blockade against Konoha imposed by other nations. However, Mizukage Yagura constantly opposed these efforts, showing no willingness to negotiate.

The Fourth Hokage couldn't help but suspect Yagura of deliberately targeting Konoha for reasons beyond his understanding, as this stance did not seem beneficial for Kirigakure. Throughout the summit, Yagura remained expressionless, appearing to seek conflict for its own sake.

The other Kages, Rasa, the Fourth Raikage, and Ōnoki watched, somewhat amused by the situation, as Yagura's hard stance removed the need for them to confront Konoha directly. Despite their own domestic political concerns, they found the deadlock an opportunity to observe without getting involved.

Ultimately, the summit ended without a resolution to lift the blockade, but the Fourth Hokage remained hopeful. He believed that showcasing Konoha's strength through the Chūnin Exam could potentially sway the other nations' opinions and facilitate future negotiations.

The second exam took place in the Death Forest, notorious for its dangers. Anko, overseeing this phase, announced, "Everyone, keep your scrolls ready. The Death Forest awaits!"

As the participants entered the forest, Anko mused, "It's finally about to start. Let's see how they fight!"

Inside the forest, Naruto's team encountered a less fortunate Konoha team. Naruto, with a grin, said, "Sorry, guys, but we need your scrolls. Hand them over!" He then summoned multiple Shadow Clones, quickly overwhelming the other team.

After securing a Human scroll from their opponents, Sasuke noted, "We have the Heaven scroll; now we need the Earth scroll to complete the set."

Meanwhile, various battles erupted throughout the forest. Rock Lee and a Sand Shinobi named Kazuto exchanged blows, each demonstrating formidable strength. Zura utilized her sand to launch attacks, and Tenten summoned a flurry of ninja tools.

One of the most intense confrontations was between Neji and Gaara. Neji, closing in, launched a Gentle Fist attack, which Gaara countered with his Magnet Style defense. Neji then prepared a powerful technique,

In a dramatic moment, the battlefield intensity soared as Gaara's transformation and a powerful palm strike left an imprint on his jade-infused body armor. Reacting swiftly, Gaara countered by forming a sharp metal cone from the gravel, aiming it directly at Hyuga Neji's back. However, Neji, with his Byakugan providing a complete 360-degree vision, effortlessly dodged the attack, creating a gap between them.

"Pause for a moment, Kazuto, Zura!" Gaara suddenly commanded.

Both Kazuto and Zura, though initially puzzled by Gaara's request, complied without question, retreating as instructed.

"What's the meaning of this, opponent from the Sand?" Rock Lee questioned, visibly confused but still in high spirits.

Gaara, revealing his Earth Scroll, proposed, "We both have Earth Scrolls. What do you say we call a truce and each retreat?"

"Why? We've finally met worthy opponents," Rock Lee objected, unable to hide his disappointment.

Gaara, maintaining a serious tone, explained, "This is a strategic decision. Engaging in a prolonged battle with equally matched opponents will only result in unnecessary losses for both sides. It's better for us to conserve our strength for the challenges ahead. Do you agree?"

After a moment of consideration, Neji agreed, understanding the practicality of avoiding a futile confrontation when both parties held Earth Scrolls.

Accordingly, both teams withdrew, honoring the mutually beneficial truce.

Meanwhile, Suigetsu looked to Karin, "It's your turn to make a move!"

"Understood, just give me a moment," Karin replied, focusing her unique abilities.

Employing her exceptional sensing technique, Karin scanned the vicinity for Chakra signatures, reporting, "Powerful Chakra sources to the east and south; the north and west are less guarded."

Choosing their path, Jūgo decided, "We head north, closer to the central tower."

The Cloud Shinobi, including Omoi, Karui, and Atsui, demonstrated their prowess with a series of swift attacks, easily overcoming a group of Rock Shinobi.

Similarly, Kurotsuchi showcased her Earth Style technique, defeating a team from Konoha.

"Hurry, we need to find Naruto's team," Sakon urged, his intentions clear.

"I'm particularly interested in Sasuke," Kidōmaru mused, considering his options.

"We should prioritize gathering scrolls, as per Master Nagato's instructions," Jirōbō reminded, focused on the mission's objective.