Konoha Collapse Plan.

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The night passed quickly, and morning came.

By this time, the arena for the Chunin Exams in Konoha was packed with an enormous crowd of spectators. The audience was seated according to their social status.

The lowest level was reserved for Konoha's civilians, the middle tiers for wealthy businessmen and representatives from various nations, and the uppermost levels for influential leaders.

At the very top, in the central stand overlooking the entire field, sat the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and other high-ranking officials of Konoha.

Hiruzen, now clad in his Hokage robes, waited patiently for the arrival of the Kazekage. Moments later, the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, representing the Sand Village, entered the stand. Unbeknownst to anyone, this was Orochimaru in disguise.

Hiruzen, unaware of the danger at his side, greeted Rasa respectfully. The two exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats.

But as Hiruzen sat, his intuition stirred—a vague unease gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Meanwhile, one of Hiruzen's legendary students, Jiraiya, had left the village the day before, indifferent to Konoha's internal struggles. This fit Jiraiya's personality perfectly, and Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh in exasperation.

Standing beside Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, was a picture of serenity. But inwardly, Orochimaru seethed, his hatred for his former teacher burning fiercely. Still, his disguise was flawless, and his performance impeccable.

Below, in the crowded stands, a man in sunglasses and a windbreaker sat with a relaxed demeanor, enjoying the warm sun. This was **Kirito**, an enigmatic and powerful figure in Konoha. Next to him stood Kakashi, with his iconic silver hair.

The day before, Kirito had approached Kakashi with a request to train Sasuke Uchiha, specifically in mastering the Lightning Style: Chidori. Kakashi had agreed, and Sasuke had spent the night immersed in intense training.

Now, all the participants had gathered except for Sasuke. The youthful energy in the air was infectious, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation.

Kakashi turned to Kirito. "The Hokage has issued your punishment," he said casually. "Your rank has been demoted to Chunin, and you've been docked three months' salary. You'll be reinstated after that."

Kirito gave a nod, his face unreadable, though the mention of a salary cut made him wince inwardly.

As Kirito mulled over his financial woes, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood at the forefront of the high platform. His old but commanding voice boomed across the arena as he addressed the crowd:

"I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, extend my congratulations to all the Genin who have advanced to the selection round of the Chunin Exams. This exam is not merely a contest but a microcosm of the battles that occur among nations.

"While we strive for peace in the ninja world, we must also prepare for its uncertainties. This is why we hold these exams, to test our ninjas and assess their strength. Remember, this competition is one of friendship—but also one of life and death."

With these words, Hiruzen officially declared the Chunin Exams' final round open.

The crowd erupted into cheers. The energy of youth radiated from the young participants as their blood boiled with excitement.

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### The First Match: Naruto Uzumaki vs. Neji Hyuga

The proctor, Moonlight Gale, stepped forward. "First match: Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga!"

Naruto, brimming with confidence, glanced at Kirito in the stands, raising a fist before walking onto the field. On the opposite side, Neji Hyuga entered with his usual cold demeanor.

Naruto taunted him. "Give up, Neji. You can't beat me."

Neji raised an eyebrow, unamused. "Destiny has already decided this match. You, a dropout, do not belong here."

Ignoring Neji's scorn, Naruto formed hand seals. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Dozens of Naruto clones surrounded Neji. But Neji's Byakugan, the famed dojutsu of the Hyuga clan, easily saw through them. Employing the gentle-fist style, Neji dismantled the clones one by one, leaving Naruto vulnerable.

"Accept your fate," Neji sneered, unleashing his Eight Trigrams Palm attack. But as he struck Naruto, the figure before him dispersed—it was a clone.

The real Naruto appeared behind him. "Rasengan!"

With a surge of energy, Naruto's chakra-filled sphere slammed into Neji, sending him flying. The crowd watched in awe as Naruto stood victorious.

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### The Second Match: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Gaara

The crowd grew restless as Sasuke failed to appear on time. Moonlight Gale began counting down. Just as the timer approached zero, a gust of wind signaled Sasuke's arrival.

Appearing in the arena, Sasuke nodded toward Kirito, who smiled faintly in return.

Moonlight Gale started the match. Sasuke wasted no time, hurling kunai at Gaara while forming hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

The massive fireball collided with Gaara's sand defense, dispersing harmlessly. As the smoke cleared, Sasuke dashed forward with incredible speed, activating his Sharingan. Lightning crackled around his hand.

"Chidori!"

The sound of chirping birds echoed as Sasuke's lightning-coated hand pierced Gaara's sand armor, striking his chest and drawing blood. The crowd gasped.

But Gaara's expression twisted with rage. Sand erupted around him as his transformation into the One-Tail Shukaku began.

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From above, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked on in alarm. Before he could react, Orochimaru attacked, his sinister plan finally set in motion. Kirito, observing the chaos, muttered to himself, "Just like in the original story…"

A massive three-headed serpent burst into the arena as the Chunin Exams descended into pandemonium.

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