I, Uchiha: Split Konoha

Chapter 272 A Bet on Next Year's Chunin Exams

Rooftop.

"My name is Hinata Hyuga, I..."

Hinata Hyuga, shy and bashful, introduced herself in a soft, gentle voice, followed by Haku from Mizuki.

"I am Mizuki Haku from the Land of Water. I possess the Ice Shield Bloodline Limit and am skilled in medical ninjutsu. I hope to heal everyone..."

She has a gentle personality and always wears a gentle smile.

The last student, Yamanaka Ino, with her golden ponytail and a spirited demeanor, introduced herself with a very determined personality.

"Yamano Ino is skilled in medical ninjutsu and mountain secret techniques. She likes... and dislikes..."

When Yamanaka Ino mentioned her disgust, she clearly glanced at the trio on the other side of the rooftop, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

After all four classes had introduced themselves, Sarutobi Asuma, the teacher leading the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, smiled at the three of them with a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

"Tonight, I'll treat you to barbecue."

"Yay!" Choji Akimichi, who was already quite overweight at a young age, cheered excitedly. Hiya Yamanaka, who had replaced Ino as the ninja, was also all smiles.

Although Yamanaka Hi had some ulterior motives, they weren't many. All of this was observed by Nara Shikamaru.

At this moment, Nara Shikamaru, who looked lazy, yawned, but he had already analyzed everyone.

"This is such a hassle."

Although he kept saying it was troublesome, it was obvious that Sarutobi Asuma's eyes never left Shikamaru, as if the two had known each other for a long time.

"You all wait here, I'll go invite them to come along."

Sarutobi Asuma found an excuse, stubbed out his cigarette, and headed towards Kakashi.

Seeing all this, Nara Shikamaru secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Asuma-sensei was calm and knew that he should bow his head at this time.

Of the four elite Jonin on the rooftop, Kakashi is clearly a confidant of Uchiha Yoru, second only to the two Fifth Kage in terms of prestige and strength.

Kurenai Yuhi goes without saying; she is now a renowned genjutsu ninja in Konoha.

Another one is Zabuza Momochi, an infamous demon and an elite Jonin of Kirigakure. His class assignment this time is quite obvious.

"Kakashi, tonight's at the yakiniku restaurant."

Sarutobi Asuma greeted the three of them with a smile, and Kakashi Hatake and Kurenai Yuhi, being classmates, naturally didn't refuse.

When Zabuza Momochi saw that Kakashi was going, he naturally chose to go as well, since someone else was treating him.

Q-Shop Barbecue.

In the evening, in a luxurious private room, four Jonin sat alone at an exquisite small table, while their students sat down at a large table.

Having just graduated from the ninja academy, they didn't understand these things, or rather, even after experiencing some missions, they didn't understand the political implications.

Of the group, only Nara Shikamaru understood the reason, after all, in recent years, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Sarutobi trio had been relocated to the outskirts and had not lived a good life.

"Cheers."

They were young and not yet at the age where they had worries; they excitedly ate barbecue and drank juice.

However, there were also some incongruous scenes, such as Yamanaka Ino looking at Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji with a disdainful sneer.

"Hey fat pig, even though it's your teacher treating, please still maintain some manners."

His parents sacrificed their lives for the family, but in the end, he was abandoned by the family. Yamanaka Ino's personality became more independent, and he could be said to be the most mature among them.

Seeing Akimichi Choji wolfing down his food without any manners, Yamanaka Ino wouldn't tolerate such bad habits.

After being retorted with one sentence, Choji Akimichi's face immediately turned red, and there was a look of anger in his eyes. The world of children is so simple: you call me a fat pig, and I get angry.

Choji.

Nara Shikamaru, oblivious to life and death, tugged at Akimichi Choji's collar, while Yamanaka Hi, standing nearby, awkwardly gave Akimichi Choji a wink.

Yamanaka Ino is different now than before. Having successfully become Tsunade's disciple, she is someone they can no longer afford to offend in the future.

Only the simple-minded Choji Akimichi was holding back his anger; if he weren't outmatched, he would have truly exploded.

When Yamanaka Ino saw this, she gave a disdainful sneer. With elegant manners, she slowly placed a few slices of meat into Shiro's and Hinata's bowls, while a lot of grilled meat was still roasting on the charcoal fire.

It's obvious that so many classmates want to eat, it's not like you're eating alone. What kind of person are you to only care about eating yourself and not leave anything for others?

If you've already eaten it, just keep grilling it. Do you expect others to watch you eat it?

Ino.

The gentle Shiro, like a kind older sister next door, gave Choji and the other two an apologetic smile, then turned to Ino with a gentle smile.

Under the gentle smile of Mizuki Haku, and with Hinata's sweet gaze beside her, Yamanaka Ino finally gave in and couldn't help but pout helplessly.

"Okay, okay, can you eat properly now?"

It was common knowledge that Ino Yamanaka had always been at odds with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio in the class, so it was no surprise to everyone.

The girl with long black hair, Qin (the sound ninja "Gold"), was clearly unfamiliar to everyone, and they all showed curiosity.

Kiba Inuzuka, with his hot-blooded personality, excitedly slapped the table and introduced, "This is Koto, our teammate. She comes from Otogakure and is a ninja under Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, remains outside of Konoha. What he does and where he is are unknown, but everyone knows that he has his own faction in the ninja world.

However, in recent years, every year during the ninja graduation season, ninjas under Orochimaru's command have come to join, which can be seen as proof of their existence.

"Hello everyone."

With her long black hair, Koto calmly nodded to everyone and introduced herself. Kiba Inuzuka, who was excitedly about to say something, was immediately interrupted by Koto.

"Ninjas only like the strong."

Qin's words immediately embarrassed Kiba Inuzuka, who was standing to the side, causing him to scratch his head in embarrassment.

Then, Shino Aburame, who had the lowest profile, suddenly blurted out a sentence, causing an awkward silence.

"The strongest in the ninja world right now is God Night, also known as Lord Uchiha Night."

Good grief! Shino Aburame truly lives up to her reputation as a conversation killer.

"Of course."

There's always someone stronger who can outdo the strong. In the awkward silence, the usually arrogant Uchiha Sasuke actually spoke up, with a proud look on his face, as if to say, "Don't you know who you are?"

"Arrogant Sasuke, I will definitely surpass the so-called Night of the Gods in the future!"

Sure enough, the hot-blooded and thick-skinned Naruto Uzumaki shouted excitedly, as if telling everyone about his goal.

Some people laughed, while others turned indifferent. For example, Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, and Haku Minazuki all looked rather unpleasant.

Gin, who hails from the Sound Village, coldly retorted, "Shut up, you golden-haired brat! You're so arrogant. You'll understand how insignificant you are, like an ant, when you die on a mission."

When faced with attacks from his teammates, Sasuke Uchiha responded with an equally indifferent nod.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Yoru-sensei's strength is beyond your comprehension. As for surpassing him? Heh."

Naruto Uzumaki was completely baffled by the scene before him, wondering why everyone was acting so hostile.

Even Kiba Inuzuka sneered at him, as if mocking his overestimation of his abilities. Shino Aburame silently pushed the grilled meat away, as if to avoid the awkward atmosphere, and pointed at the grilled meat, saying, "The grilled meat will burn if you don't pick it up soon."

"Ouch, my barbecue!"

Naruto's shouts seemed to restore the atmosphere, but it was clear that the group had split into three smaller groups.

Most of them now represent the rising new forces of the village, while the Ino-Shika-Cho trio represent the marginalized old forces, leaving only the neutral Naruto Uzumaki who knows nothing.

Nara Shikamaru, who clearly knew about Naruto's situation, had a glint in his eyes.

A table of Jonin.

The atmosphere was somewhat calm. Zabuza Momochi remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kakashi and the barbecue, while Kurenai Yuhi glanced at the students' table from time to time, clearly not paying attention to them.

Sarutobi Asuma sighed inwardly at this scene. Kurenai Yuhi was trying to avoid trouble, after all, she was Uchiha Yoru's woman.

She can be capricious and throw a tantrum, but when it comes to political matters, Kurenai is extremely clever; she never asks about them or gets involved.

A man can tolerate a lot from you, but he will never tolerate you interfering in his career.

Kakashi, however, lazily gazed at Asuma, raised his glass, and said softly, "Asuma, don't overthink it."

"Hasn't it gradually slowed down in the last two years?"

Under Kakashi's encouragement, Sarutobi Asuma also showed a smile. Yes, in the past two years, after Uchiha Yoru completely seized power, he did slow down the suppression of their Sarutobi clan.

Otherwise, why would he and Kakashi be arranged to lead the students this time? The fact that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio of this generation entered Class A proves everything.

Thank you.

Sarutobi Asuma's hosting this dinner was a political gesture to connect with everyone and ease tensions.

Although he didn't say anything, Kakashi's relaxed smile signaled that the village was lowering its guard, and the Sarutobi clan could slowly repair their relationship and regain mutual trust.

It has to be said that this is extremely ironic.

The once-powerful Uchiha clan has been marginalized and, when they tried to repair relations with the village, all they received was increased wariness and distrust.

It's just that now it's the Sarutobi clan's turn.

"Kakashi, I heard you've picked up your swordsmanship again?"

The usually taciturn Zabuza Momochi suddenly uttered a sentence, immediately eliciting curious glances from everyone.

Kakashi smiled lazily and nodded. "I used to have limited energy, and some people said that it was better to specialize in one thing than to practice everything, so I used to focus on ninjutsu. But now I'm old."

"At our age, our body's chakra has almost reached its limit and entered a plateau period. We can only pick up the sword techniques we left behind back then."

However, upon hearing this, Zabuza Momochi snorted coldly, "White Fang Sword Technique, you seem to have made it commonplace in your mouth. Let's spar another day."

At this moment, everyone looked at the huge guillotine that Zabuza had placed next to his seat. Kakashi's eyes twitched. Goodness, no wonder you have such an unapproachable personality. You're obviously here to show off.

"Oh, so Juzo Biwa is actually willing to hand over the Executioner's Blade?"

Kakashi asked the question out of curiosity, but Zabuza Momochi, who usually had a deadpan expression, revealed a barely perceptible smile.

"I heard that a while ago, Juzo Biwa and Karin were sparring together, and Juzo used the Executioner's Blade to split the Tailed Beast Ball. As a result, the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, was furious and gave him a good scolding. Now he is the master of the Exploding Blade Spray."

It was obvious that Zabuza Momochi's eyes flashed with a hint of schadenfreude, and everyone fell silent upon hearing this.

Especially Kakashi Hatake, whose mouth twitched even under his mask, speechless. He cleaved the Tailed Beast Ball with his greatsword, which was indeed brave.

"It seems the Seven Ninja of the Mist are about to appear."

At this moment, Kakashi rarely showed a hint of curiosity, looking at Zabuza and asking, "Could you tell me who the owners of these seven swords are?"

Seeing that even Kakashi had been aroused and asked questions, Zabuza Momochi's lips curled up under his bandages, and he let out a cold snort.

"It's a secret! But you'll find out during next year's Chunin Exams."

Seemingly realizing his words had sounded a bit abrupt, Zabuza Momochi added, "However, I can tell you that not all seven swords' owners are from Kirigakure this time, but Konoha is one of them!"

At this moment, Zabuza Momochi looked at Kakashi and mocked, "You can even put aside White Fang's swordsmanship. It seems difficult for you to choose a sword master from Konoha."

Good grief, Zabuza Momochi is really ruthless; he seizes every opportunity to provoke Kakashi.

Kakashi, however, was already used to it and nodded in sudden realization, "I knew it. I knew it. Konoha ninjas never rely on external forces."

Good heavens! Kakashi won't suffer the slightest loss.

"Alright, if you two and Matt Kai are added to the mix, I can hardly imagine what next year's class reunion will be like."

Kurenai Yuhi interrupted their banter, chuckling as she said, "Starting next year's Chunin tournament, any ideas?"

A glint instantly appeared in Kurenai's eyes, a sight that made Kakashi awkwardly say, "Kurenai, I think you should reduce your contact with Lady Tsunade. After all, gambling is not good."

"I think it's pretty good."

Zabuza Momochi spoke calmly, but his eyes were fixed on Kakashi, clearly indicating that he wanted to participate in the fight.

"However, Kakashi, your two students cannot be counted."

It's obvious that Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki are special cases, and Zabuza Momochi isn't stupid either.

Kurenai Yuhi suddenly perked up, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she said, "I heard Kai and the others missed it; next year's competition is going to be fierce."

"However, Kai has found his successor. So this time, let's focus on the successor's performance, not the students he's training. Let's make it clear beforehand, no violations allowed."

Kurenai Yuhi's line of reasoning clearly refers to Ino, Hinata, Haku, and Naruto, since they've already undergone specialized training and, frankly, aren't really her disciples or successors.

Upon hearing this, Zabuza Momochi fell silent for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Sure, since the Chunin Exams start next year in July, there's plenty of time, and I might already have a suitable candidate in mind."

Seeing the curious gazes cast upon him, Zabuza Momochi remained silent, but the fighting spirit in his eyes was impossible to conceal.

Kurenai Yuhi smiled and looked at the little girl from Otogakure on the table, saying, "Zabuza, I've looked at this girl's information. She's a promising genjutsu talent."

The meaning is quite clear: she wants him to take good care of her, and she will personally train her in her spare time.

"no problem."

Fair and reasonable, Zabuza, an honest man, nodded directly, and even solemnly patted his chest, saying, "Don't worry, I will treat all three of them equally."

Good heavens, everyone's up now, except for Sarutobi Asuma and Kakashi, who both look helpless.

Please support me.

(End of this chapter)