Born in Sunagakure, dedicated to antagonizing Konoha for decades

"Sigh! So that's how it is. Then itachi's brother is doomed? He got hit so many times just now."

After recalling for a moment, Karin suddenly realized.

"It's hard to say. Although the Uchiha clan has declined, their strength back then was indeed much greater than that of the Hyuga clan. This Uchiha brat is just the head of the Uchiha clan after all. If he were so easily defeated, the Uchiha clan wouldn't have been able to suppress the Hyuga clan for so many years. Let's wait and see."

Masato ruffled Karin's hair.

Regardless of status or importance, it's practically impossible for the tragic Hinata boy to defeat the second male lead in the Pants. Kishimoto wouldn't have drawn it that way either. The second male lead in the Pants learned to feign strength, not to use the savior's talk-no-jutsu. This feigned strength buff needs to be accumulated little by little after each victory, which is completely different from the savior's talk-no-jutsu. If he loses even once, all the buff effects he has accumulated will be wasted.

The Savior's verbal skills are different. Having rarely won since childhood, the Savior has an exceptionally strong mentality. Even if he loses ten or more times, it won't affect his mindset. However, he can't afford to lose. Therefore, the second male lead will not lose in this battle of the Konoha elites, nor is it possible for him to lose. Otherwise, after Kaguya appears, how can the second male lead, whose buffs haven't been stacked to the maximum level, join the Savior in sealing Kaguya?

The following battle unfolded similarly. The second male lead, dressed as a trouser, fought hand-to-hand with the tragic Hinata boy for about ten minutes. After being hit on several pressure points by the tragic Hinata boy, the second male lead finally realized something was wrong. However, by then it was too late, and his body had begun to become sluggish until he was completely unable to move.

At this moment, everyone thought that the second male lead was going to lose, even the tragic Hinata boy thought so. Perhaps because of the influence of the second male lead's pretense, he did not quickly end the battle when the second male lead was unable to move. Instead, he changed his usual behavior and started to talk about his tragic childhood experiences. This wave of talk really earned him a lot of tears from the audience.

However, this kind of emotional talk-no-jutsu was completely useless against the second male lead, who was immune to everyone's talk-no-jutsu except for the savior's talk-no-jutsu. Instead, it gave the second male lead, who was in a pouch, more room to break through his sealed pressure points. In the end, he was almost killed by the second male lead's Chidori when he was not careful. If it weren't for the timely appearance of green-skinned Guy and Kakashi, the tragic Hyuga boy, who had been driven mad by his own talk-no-jutsu, might have been killed by the second male lead in a heart attack.

Just like Kakashi back then, he killed his own friend and fangirl...

"I never imagined this guy with the rolled-up eyes had such a past. He's so pitiful, sob sob..."

This battle among Konoha's elite families has come to an end, but the impact of the tragic Hyuga boy's talk-no-jutsu is far from over. Karin, who lacked a father's love since childhood, felt it deeply. Although her father was not dead, it was no different from being dead. She only saw her father once when she was very young, and had not seen him in person for many years. So when the tragic Hyuga boy talked about his experiences, Karin was moved to tears, and her tears soaked the shoulders of the elusive Hyuga boy.

"Teacher, why would the Hidden Cloud Village suddenly kidnap the young lady of the Hyuga clan?"

Unlike those who sympathize with the tragic Hyuga boy, Maki's focus is on the kidnapping of the Hyuga clan's young lady by the Cloud Ninja.

Ever since the Third Raikage was killed by Onoki during the Third War, the development of Kumogakure has always been aimed at avenging the Third Raikage. If it weren't for Danzo, the half of Konoha's power, causing trouble, the battle in Kumogakure would probably have ended long ago, and the Fourth Raikage would have gone to avenge his father.

After that, the Hidden Cloud Village remained quiet for many years without making any major moves. After all, the death of the Third Raikage, a warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men, had a tremendous impact on the Hidden Cloud Village. There is no doubt that the Third Raikage was the strongest Raikage in the history of the Hidden Cloud Village. Although the Third Hokage and their Third Kazekage were both called the "strongest in history" of their village, that was just boasting. The Third Raikage's achievements as the "strongest in history" were real. His influence on the Hidden Cloud Village was equivalent to that of the Senju brothers, Hashirama and Tobirama, on Konoha. It can be said that the current Hidden Cloud Village is almost entirely built upon the legacy left by the Third Raikage.

According to this Hyuga clan brat, the time when the Cloud Ninja kidnapped the Hyuga clan's young lady was only a few years after the Nine-Tails' Night in Konoha. Given the circumstances at the time, the Cloud Ninja shouldn't have taken such a big step against Konoha. With the strength of the various villages in the ninja world at that time, it was basically impossible to have another Shinobi World War. Even if Minato Namikaze died, it was wishful thinking for the Cloud Ninja to take on Konoha one-on-one. Although Minato Namikaze was dead, White Fang was still alive, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't too old to fight, and there was also Jiraiya.

He had met the Fourth Raikage once. The Fourth Raikage didn't seem like the type to act so recklessly. Even if the Fourth Raikage did act recklessly, there was still the Azabu clan, wasn't there?

However, he did not expect that Konoha would make such a concession, allowing the Hyuga branch clan head to die so generously in order to avoid war. This would have been impossible twenty years ago.

"...It was probably a test. After all, after Minato Namikaze died, only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sakumo Hatake remained in Konoha. Jiraiya was off having fun again. The Fourth Raikage's nephew wanted to see if Konoha still had any strength, or maybe he wanted to gain some benefits. But they didn't expect that Hiruzen Sarutobi would become less and less decisive as he got older, directly shifting the blame to Hizashi Hyuga. While this approach could quell the conflict, it also showed that Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed lost his decisiveness."

Shinto stroked his chin and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting not far from Rasa.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat indecisive, in reality, this kind of thing would never have happened decades ago. Back then, Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as the "Hero of the Ninja," was quite courageous. The fact that he dared to risk being cornered by villagers at the Hokage Building to help his leader divert attention shows how loyal Hiruzen Sarutobi was back then.

995. The battle for the title of Tailed Beast Leader has begun.

"Why....."

Not far away, White Fang sighed helplessly. In the past few decades, this incident was probably the most humiliating time for Konoha. However, he understood the old leader's actions. Back then, Konoha had just experienced the Nine-Tails Night, and the entire village had become a battlefield between Shiki and the Nine-Tails. Minato and his wife had also sacrificed themselves. At that time, Konoha was at its weakest in decades and simply could not withstand a war. If a war broke out with Kumogakure, Konoha would be in danger of being besieged by the other major villages. It simply could not withstand a war. Even the Hyuga clan itself could not withstand a war. After all, the Hyuga clan suffered heavy losses during the Third Shinobi World War. Back then, Kirigakure was like a mad dog. As one of the main forces fighting against Kirigakure, the Hyuga clan's losses were considerable.

Moreover, Konoha has never been ruled by the Hokage alone; there are three other powerful figures. Given the situation in the village at the time, no one wanted a war, so someone had to take the blame. As the head of the Hyuga branch family and the younger brother of Hyuga Hiashi, his status was definitely high enough, and Kumogakure had nothing to say. However, Hyuga Hizashi became a hero, but the poor child was pitiful.

"Hehehe."

Snake, watching from the shadows, saw his former teacher on the platform and smiled with a particularly sarcastic expression. This further solidified his resolve to make his teacher, whom he considered like a father, a hero, lest his teacher's standing in his heart continue to decline—that would be disastrous...

.......

After the battle for power among Konoha's elite clans concludes, the struggle between Kurama (the Nine-Tails) and Fat Cat for the title of Tailed Beast Leader is about to begin.

Nobody has ever heard of Naruto Uzumaki. The Uzumaki clan has been extinct for decades, and nobody mentions it anymore. But Gaara's name is completely different. He is the son of the Fourth Kazekage. With his previous achievements and the information that some people have gathered, he is definitely a great genius of Sunagakure.

In terms of personal fame, he was catching up with the second male lead, who had the Uchiha buff. Originally, everyone thought that the last match would be between the Uchiha brat and the Fourth Kazekage's youngest son. However, the Uchiha brat had already been played. When Gaara slowly entered the arena carrying a large gourd, everyone thought that the exam was basically a foregone conclusion.

After all, many people have never even heard of Naruto Uzumaki. Just by looking at the name, you can tell he's a cheap extra hired to add some scenes. How is he supposed to fight Gaara?

"Naruto, be careful, this kid is different from the others."

Gaara's identity as the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Beast was no secret among the Konoha leadership. Jiraiya, having spent so many years outside, was naturally aware of Rasa's youngest son's identity. Therefore, when the savior was about to make his appearance, Jiraiya's expression became unusually serious.

"Ah, I see. This guy is amazing. I won't lose to him!"

The savior didn't understand what Jiraiya meant, only thinking that Jiraiya was saying that his opponent was very strong and he should be careful.

Since learning how to make dumplings, the savior's confidence has grown, and he waved his hand dismissively.

"Idiot, that's not what I meant..."

Seeing Naruto's nonchalant attitude, Jiraiya was furious, but since Naruto had already entered the arena, there was no point in trying to warn him.

Others might not know, but he did know that the Fourth Kazekage's youngest son was able to borrow the power of the Tailed Beasts, which was no secret in Sunagakure.

Sunagakure didn't make any special effort to keep it a secret; you could find out by simply asking around in Sunagakure.

"Lord Jiraiya, this brat can borrow the power of the One-Tailed Beast?"

Kakashi is currently only in the middle to upper ranks of the village, and his status is nowhere near that of his father. He only knows that the kid with the gourd on his back is the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Beast and has some exaggerated achievements, but he doesn't really know how strong he is.

However, seeing Jiraiya's unusually serious expression, one could tell that the brat was no ordinary person.

"Ah, it's said that Shiki tricked the One-Tailed Jinchuriki into becoming crippled many years ago. After Bunpuku, the previous Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed in Sunagakure, died, the One-Tailed was sealed on the altar and never went berserk. Plus, this kid became the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed right after he was born. Although we don't know what deal Shiki made with the One-Tailed, judging from the momentum this kid has shown over the years, it's safe to say that he can coexist peacefully with the One-Tailed."

Jiraiya nodded. It really was a strange situation. For Jinchuriki from other ninja villages, it was incredibly difficult to coexist peacefully with the Tailed Beasts and borrow their power. Even Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki from Iwagakure, was only skirting the rules. He had to cultivate a relationship with the Four-Tails for countless years before he could borrow its power. Even the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki from Kumogakure, who was known as the perfect Jinchuriki, had to cultivate a relationship with the Eight-Tails for many years. But Rasa's youngest son didn't seem to need to cultivate a relationship with the One-Tails at all, because his rise to power was just too fast. He had never heard of any Jinchuriki who was so powerful at such a young age. He could fight Jonin solo at the age of eleven. The perfect Jinchuriki from Kumogakure was still cultivating a relationship with the Eight-Tails at the age of eleven.

Therefore, he suspected that the One-Tailed Beast had been tricked by Shiki into willingly becoming the Jinchūriki of this brat. Only in this way could he explain why Rasa's youngest son awakened so quickly.

"...This is troublesome. Although the seal on Naruto was reinforced once, I don't know if it will be enough..."

Kakashi frowned. Last time in the Land of Waves, Naruto's self-harm gave the Nine-Tails' chakra an opening, and the sealing array on Naruto's stomach gradually deformed, causing the Nine-Tails to erupt once. Although he had reinforced the seal on Naruto, he wasn't a member of the Uzumaki clan, so his sealing techniques were only so-so. It was fine normally, but if Naruto was injured or the Nine-Tails was provoked, his reinforced seal wouldn't be able to hold. He hadn't experienced the Nine-Tails' night and didn't know how powerful the Nine-Tails really was. Compared to the Nine-Tails, the Four-Tails he had seen on the battlefield was like a son; the difference was just too great.

"Sigh...! Has the Hokage gone senile? He actually paired Naruto with this brat as his opponent. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen. Orochimaru is still lurking in the shadows..."

Jiraiya glanced speechlessly at Hiruzen Sarutobi in the distance, though his old face was hidden by his hat. It was unclear whether his teacher had missed his medication today, letting two Jinchūriki clash like that, without any fear of unleashing the two Tailed Beasts...

"...Orochimaru, that guy..."

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression wasn't much better. When he saw the battle lineup, he knew it must have been his former beloved student's doing. He drinks a bottle of Brain Gold every morning; he wasn't stupid enough to let two Jinchuriki go head-to-head.

996. Rasa: Minato Namikaze's son, he must also be a genius.

He had already arranged the battle lineup. In fact, the previous battle between Hyuga Neji and Uchiha Sasuke was not his arrangement. He originally planned for Hyuga Neji to be paired with Naruto. He didn't care about the outcome of this exam. He just wanted to use Naruto to influence Hyuga Neji and help him get out of his hatred. After all, Konoha owed this kid a debt.

However, although he was somewhat surprised when the list of opponents for Neji and Sasuke Uchiha was released, he still thought it was a mistake by the Anbu. He didn't even consider the possibility that his beloved disciple Orochimaru was involved. After all, the affairs of the Chunin Exams were very complicated, and it was normal for mistakes to happen occasionally. At worst, he could just deduct a month's salary from them afterward. He couldn't say too much in front of the audience.

It's impossible for two children living in hatred to reform Neji when they meet, but it's not a big problem. He can just find an opportunity to talk to Neji. Although he's old, he's still good at talking. It's easy for him to fool a child. The Hyuga clan isn't as extreme as the Uchiha clan.

But when he saw Naruto fighting Gaara, no one knows a son better than his father. He already knew that it was his former beloved student who was behind it. Although he didn't know why Orochimaru had arranged for two Jinchuriki to fight each other, besides taking a liking to Sasuke Uchiha, he was sure that it was definitely not for anything good.

"Heh, Konoha truly lives up to its reputation as a cradle of geniuses. We've had the youths of the Hyuga and Uchiha clans before us. I imagine this ordinary-looking blond-haired boy is no ordinary person either, Third Hokage?"

When Rasa, who was standing next to Hiruzen Sarutobi, saw the blond-haired boy opposite his youngest son, his eyes flickered, and his expression under the Kazekage hat became serious. He probably guessed the identity of the blond-haired boy.

Although this blond-haired boy doesn't resemble the handsome Minato Namikaze at all, and if you only look at his appearance, no one would associate him with Minato Namikaze, even though they have the same blond hair, the name Naruto Uzumaki confirms the boy's identity.

Minato Namikaze was a commoner, his father suspected to be Lord Shinto... but his mother's identity was a mystery. However, she didn't come to Sunagakure to claim her lineage, so she remained a commoner ninja. He also knew that Minato's wife was the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, a pure Uzumaki clan member. Since Minato was a commoner, he naturally didn't have a surname, so the child would naturally take his mother's surname, Uzumaki. Therefore, he could basically conclude that the child was Minato's son. Although he didn't know why such a handsome man like Minato had such an... ordinary-looking son (he originally wanted to say ugly, but considering Minato's relationship with Lord Shinto, he couldn't bring himself to say it), the matching blond hair and the Uzumaki surname basically confirmed his identity.

However, he really didn't know whether this child was a Jinchūriki like Gaara. Although it was said that only members of the Uzumaki clan could seal the Nine-Tails, this brat had just been born on the night of the Nine-Tails' death. The Nine-Tails was completely different from other tailed beasts. Just one fight between it and Lord Shinto was enough to destroy the entire Leaf Village. Such combat power was incomparable to other tailed beasts. A newborn baby with impure bloodline probably wouldn't be able to seal the Nine-Tails.

He had asked Lord Shinto before, but he never expected that Lord Shinto, who was known for his big mouth, would also value his promises. He always just laughed it off, so he really couldn't guess whether this boy was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Even if he wasn't the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, just based on his status as Minato Namikaze's son, he estimated that the child's talent was quite high, definitely a great genius. Just think of the Yellow Flash who forced him to passively defend on the battlefield back then, Minato Namikaze was such a formidable genius, there was no reason for his son to be mediocre.

Although he had a tail to protect him, he was still not sure if his youngest son could defeat the opponent. This time, he planned to show off his strength. Among the boys who entered the final exam, some won and some lost. His eldest son was even eliminated in the elimination round, which was much different from his previous expectations.

Although his eldest daughter and Karin had both won, the results were not as expected. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that the Nara brat had given up a huge advantage in the exam between his eldest son and that brat from the Nara clan. For some reason, the Nara brat had voluntarily conceded defeat. Seeing the look in his eldest daughter's eyes, he couldn't rule out the possibility that the Nara brat was trying to flirt with his eldest son. After all, it's hard to predict the actions of a smart person. However, this made him more vigilant, and he would have to be more careful around that brat in the future.

Just kidding, what kind of decorum would it be if the daughter of the Kazekage married into Konoha? Unless Tsunade herself were to marry into Konoha...

As for Karin's exam, let's not even talk about it. Her opponent was too weak, and she didn't show any of the Sunagakure's style at all, so in the end, they could only focus on their youngest son.

But now that the youngest son's opponent is actually Minato Namikaze's son, things are really hard to say.

......

"Let's go! Gaara!"

Regardless of what Hiruzen Sarutobi and Rasa were thinking.

At this moment, the fat cat inside Gaara's belly had woken up from its dream. It had probably slept for several days. Although it was lying inside Gaara's belly, the fat cat was full of energy. As Gaara walked into the arena step by step, the fat cat inside his belly trembled with excitement. Its long-lost fighting spirit had returned!

It's been hundreds of years!

For hundreds of years, heaven knows how it survived. Whenever it thinks of the unfair treatment it suffered during the struggle for leadership hundreds of years ago, its heart aches. It was the firstborn, the destined eldest brother, but its younger brothers were all unwilling to accept it, and in the end, the Nine-Tails even managed to turn the tables. Every time it thinks of this, it feels that it has failed its Six Paths father's expectations.

For more than a decade, he has worked diligently and conscientiously every day, focusing all his energy on Gaara's education, just waiting for an opportunity, not to prove how great he is, but to let everyone know that he will take back what he has lost with his own hands!

Nine-Tailed Fox is just Shukaku's little brother!

This time, it finally got its chance.

There is a connection between the tailed beasts. Back in the tower, it sensed the presence of its little brother Kurama. However, at that time, it found that Kurama's seal was quite tight, and it seemed that it could not sense Kurama's presence. Moreover, there were not many spectators at that time. Even if it unleashed its power then, it would not have been legitimate to defeat Kurama's Jinchuriki. It would have to defeat Kurama in front of everyone, whether it was the Jinchuriki or itself, to rightfully become the top dog.

Let everyone know that Shukaku is the boss!

997. The One-Tailed War God Destroys the Legacy of the Nine-Tailed Demon King

"Ok!"

The excited fat cat also affected Gaara.

Upon hearing the fat cat's words, Gaara nodded firmly and forcefully, his fighting spirit surging as he looked at the blond brat opposite him.

Having been influenced by the bedtime stories of his grandfather Shukaku in his belly since childhood, he believes that he must inherit the tradition of the One-Tailed God of War defeating the Nine-Tailed Demon King, and absolutely cannot lose to the Nine-Tailed Demon King's jinchūriki.

"(⊙_⊙)?? Don't you guys feel like Gaara seems a little different right now...?"

Kankuro, with his painted face, watched his younger brother slowly enter the arena, one step at a time. Although he was still his younger brother, Gaara felt very different from usual, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was different.

"Hmm, it seems... Gaara is particularly focused today."

It was her older sister who observed more closely; Temari's gaze as she looked at her younger brother also turned serious.

They all know who this younger brother is. Their current opponent is the kid who defeated her other younger brother before. Gaara said that this kid is the same kind as him, so it goes without saying that he is a Jinchūriki.

It is common knowledge that Konoha only has one Nine-Tails. If Gaara's intuition is correct, this kid is probably Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The thought of her younger brother's opponent being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki made Temari worry.

After all, that's a nine-tailed fox!

Although she didn't know exactly how strong the Nine-Tails was, she was very good at math, and the Nine-Tails had eight more tails than the One-Tails!

Although Gaara had shared bedtime stories with them before, there's still an eight-tail difference; who knows if the one-tailed one is just bragging...

"Haha, it's finally starting..."