The white-haired old man sitting in the Hokage's seat said with a melancholy expression.

Looking back, it's clear that it was our side that was constantly making underhanded moves throughout the past:

From the initial Kirigakure letter that gave them that ridiculous reputation, to Danzo's persecution on the northern border, to the night of the massacre, to the recent Amegakure trip, the eastern border conflict, the Akatsuki assassination in the Land of Snow, the probing by Kumogakure and the Land of Iron, and now the final all-out attack by Iwagakure.

Recalling everything, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Over the years, the persecution we have inflicted on that boy who was not yet eighteen is beyond description. Now, it would not be unreasonable for that guy to use any means to retaliate.

But even so, they cannot allow such a thing to happen!

Otherwise, what would happen to the innocent Konohamaru?

What will happen to the Sarutobi clan behind him?

None of this is possible!

Most importantly, the internal strife of five years ago has been avoided, coupled with the current favorable environment in the surrounding region:

With Kirigakure in self-imposed seclusion, Kumogakure in serious turmoil, and Iwagakure also in seclusion, Sunagakure, the only village that can be said to have complete combat power, is now facing the dual constraints of its own harsh environment and the Daimyo's government!

This is the best of times for Konoha!!

Of course, it could also be called the worst of times.

Because the creator of most of these favorable conditions can be said to have benefited from one person: Uchiha Ara.

in case,

If, after promising to carry out the operation on the night of the massacre, he had then won over Uchiha Ara, who was appointed as the new clan leader in a time of crisis; or if he had disregarded all feelings and nipped the ten-year-old in the bud, eliminating all future troubles, wouldn't this awkward situation have been avoided?

The former could eliminate all potential enemies for Konoha and restrain Itachi Uchiha; the latter would at least prevent the whole situation from falling into such a predicament.

Silence, oppressive silence.

Mitokado Homura was speechless. He tried to open his mouth as if to say something. After all, the former was the Kage of this village, the visible will of this force, and had a certain command authority over all the ninjas belonging to Konoha. How could he say that the situation was not right and the initiative had been lost?

But thinking about it more deeply, this is the reality, because this is a world where strength reigns supreme.

That evil boy possessed a powerful and unknowable strength, and even the Hidden Stone Village, which was of the same level, was defeated by his power. How could Konoha possibly fare any better after completely tearing off its mask?

If we insist on doing this, then everything will truly be over.

"Shirakumo Hayama, Tekuno, and that guy named Kimura Suke?"

"Did the sensory ninjas find any information about that battle in their minds?"

Mitokado Homura finally found a crucial entry point: if she could find the memories of that battle, she could analyze Uchiha Ara's combat strength and the special powers he possessed.

This also provides some openings for future confrontations.

"No, their mental world is under a restriction, and the consequences of touching it are unpredictable."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had already considered this, and even arranged for the best medical ninjas to treat this rebellious team as soon as they returned.

Of course, just like before, this medical ninja group also had its own private soldiers planted within it.

However, the powerful restriction placed on the minds of the three made it impossible for the elite members of the Dark Guard who had infiltrated them to make a move.

"Then let's force it open!"

"We can keep Shirakumo Hayama and Tekuno, but Konoha can afford to lose just Kimura Suke!"

Koharu suddenly burst into the room, her face filled with urgency, like a drowning person grasping at a straw.

"The garrison commander who guarded the northern border did not die on the battlefield, but after returning to the village and receiving treatment, he went insane, became mentally unstable, and even suffered brain death."

Do you really think everyone is a fool?

Hiruzen Sarutobi emphasized the words heavily; his old friend, already consumed by fear, was beyond saving.

The best approach would be to imprison him to prevent him from causing any trouble.

【call. 】

The Third Hokage closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief before opening his tired eyes again after a long while.

"Moreover, what we need to consider now is not Uchiha Ara, but the Chunin Exams in two weeks."

"All three exams will be held in Konoha."

"Lord Rasa of Sunagakure is clearly unable to restrain himself any longer."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled out a letter from among the many documents, addressed to the Third Hokage. The main content of the letter was the confirmation of the joint examination date.

"And that's not all. The Sand Village's army has already been deployed to the border between us and the Land of Earth."

"Although it's presented as a routine exercise, I think you all know what it really is."

"So, let's deal with this Chunin Exam first before thinking about anything else."

The white-haired old man tapped the table lightly; the rapidly changing situation left him no room for distraction.

"Moreover, we still have one chip left."

"Don't panic too much."

Seeing his two old friends looking somber, Hiruzen Sarutobi still managed to throw out a slightly encouraging message.

"What chips?"

Almost immediately, Koharu, who was turning the dorm, couldn't wait to ask.

"Is it the weapon that's been passed down in Sunagakure?"

"You want to borrow the power of Sunagakure for this Chunin Trial?"

"However, I heard that the best record that weapon has achieved so far is only completing a B-level mission without taking any damage, which is still far behind Uchiha Ara."

A genuine look of sorrow replaced the fleeting hint of joy that had just appeared on his face. Although he was reluctant to admit it, that was indeed the case.

The missions accomplished by that descendant of the evil clan are all Super S-level!

The so-called absolute defense is just a rumor within the Sand Village itself.

"No, quite the opposite, we must not allow the Uchiha clan to make contact with Sunagakure."

"Otherwise, if the two sides reach an agreement directly, Konoha will face the predicament of being attacked from both sides."

"Make it clear that although we have formed an alliance and Iwagakure has suffered heavy losses, creating an opportunity, Sunagakure has never given up its covetousness for the Land of Fire!"

"Beware of his feints, or his attempts to get rich quick."

Hiruzen Sarutobi denied the other party's guess.

This also serves as a warning, cautioning the two against contacting Sunagakure through their own channels.

"The real bargaining chip is Uchiha Sasuke."

"The only thing that can directly confront the Mangekyou Sharingan is the Mangekyou Sharingan."

He also said this in order to reassure his companions and prevent them from continuing to speculate.

.........

.........

The Land of Fields is a small country bordering the Land of Fire.

There were no official ninja villages, but there were many ninja clans located there.

Each clan has its own duties, cooperates with each other when things happen, and does not interfere with each other in normal times, so the ninja clans are relatively harmonious.

The most famous of them are probably the Fuma clan, who are skilled at developing special ninja tools.

However, ever since that arrogant daimyo launched a reckless war against a neighboring country and ultimately suffered a crushing defeat, the country's national strength has rapidly declined, and even the ninja clans involved in the incident have fallen into ruin.

Some ninjas left their homes, while others became outlaws.

Even the renowned Fuma clan in the Land of Fields could not escape this fate of decline.

This was the situation in this small country when Huang first carried out his mission.

However, due to the arrival of a certain man who promised the daimyo of this country to strengthen the nation's power, a ninja village named 'Otogakure' was officially established.

The remaining ninja clans in the area were thus bewitched and incorporated.

Today, this seemingly peaceful and tranquil little country welcomes an old guest.

Chapter 446 Seven Years of Waiting: The Wind Demon Clan

【Fuumakoji Street.】

A relatively bustling hotel district in Tanokawa.

It may not be bustling with people, but at least the local customs are simple and honest.

Thump.

Look, another poor guy who's been stripped of all his money is being dumped on the street.

Due to the influence of the simple and honest folk customs here, people seem to have long been accustomed to such things. Pedestrians on the road and food vendors do not give it a second glance, let alone step forward to help uphold justice.

Of course, Huang also chose to follow local customs and avoided the obstacle that had landed on his path, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

After all, from the moment he stepped into this hotel street, no fewer than a dozen meaningful gazes had lingered on him, or even followed him.

Perhaps because of the ninja sword he carries on his back, he has only been following him until now, and nothing special has happened.

However, in secret, news of a young samurai whom no one had ever met setting foot in the hunting grounds had already spread in the town's 'underground'.

One of the most striking messages is that the prey is clean-cut, looks young and doesn't resemble a native of the Land of Fields, and the custom-made weapon it carries must be very expensive.

Of course, his seemingly harmless and naive appearance is also an important label.

In summary: They have money and can be ripped off.

As you walk through the town's commercial district and into a secluded section of the street, the gaze fixed on Huang does not diminish but rather increases.

At the same time, he sensed a faint aura of chakra lurking around, likely appearing behind the scenes in this town after being informed by some minor figures.

However, these chakra auras were far too weak, roughly equivalent to the level of a Konoha genin after a few missions.

Moreover, those who possess these auras do not seem to be of the same ilk; rather, they appear to be a motley crew acting independently.

Is being in a remote area not a prerequisite for taking action?

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