XX-level Hokage

"Why are the Iwa ninja suddenly participating in the Chunin Exams?" Mashiro asked abruptly as they walked behind the house. "I don't know either, it was the Tsuchikage's idea," Kurotsuchi said with a smile.

"Is it because of Deidara? Or because of the culprit who stirred up trouble between Iwagakure and Konoha?" Mashiro asked casually. "You know?" Kurotsuchi's smile faded.

"Don't worry about it so much. Since the message was passed on to the Tsuchikage by the Hokage, it's not surprising that I, as the Hokage's disciple, would know about it. Besides, I actually admire the Tsuchikage quite a bit," Mashiro said, looking at Kurotsuchi.

"Yes, that seems to be the case." Kurotsuchi said with a smile after realizing what was happening. "What do you think of Konoha?" Mashiro continued to ask.

"It's great, the environment is good, the population is large, and the commerce is thriving," Heitu said after thinking for a moment. "That's good."

Mashiro nodded, then suddenly called Kurotsuchi's name: "Kurotsuchi." "Hmm?" Kurotsuchi looked down at Mashiro.

Just as Kurotsuchi lowered her head, Mashiro wrapped her arms around Kurotsuchi's neck and pulled her down sharply.

Their lips touched. After a long while, they parted.

Kuroto's cheeks flushed crimson as he stared at Shinpaku in utter shock. "You, you, you..."

"You kissed me just now, consider this returning the favor, don't worry about it," Mashiro said calmly. "Can this really be returned?" Kurotsuchi was very puzzled, and even began to doubt herself.

"Alright, alright, let's hurry up, it'll look weird if we're too slow." Mashiro said, touching Kurotsuchi's hair. Hmm, the hair quality is pretty good, it feels nice to the touch.

Kurotsuchi didn't know what to say, so he quickly ran off and took Mashiro back to the yard.

"Game time is over. Let's have some snacks and chat. That concludes today's party," Mashiro said, getting off Kurotsuchi.

Everyone had no objections and returned to the long table. Only Heitu said, "It's getting late, let's go back first."

Then he took Akado, who was eating, and Kishimoto, who was sleeping, and left.

"Kurotsuchi seemed to be in a hurry to leave. Was something wrong?" Ino asked. Mashiro shook her head, indicating that she did not know anything about it.

Only Sakura noticed the expression on Kurotsuchi's face; her brows furrowed slightly.

After they finished chatting, the others left one after another. Hinata was also persuaded by Mashiro to return to her room. Now, only two people remained in the courtyard: Mashiro and Sasuke.

Shinji looked at Sasuke, and then the shadow beneath his feet began to change, like mud, sinking Sasuke into it. After emerging from the shadow, Sasuke looked around at the scene.

"This is the Hyuga clan's underground training ground. I don't know when it was built, and it hasn't been used for many years. I only discovered it by chance," Mashiro said as she appeared beside Sasuke.

"Why did you ask me to stay?" Sasuke asked.

"What else could it be? It's the curse mark on you." Mashiro replied.

“But Kakashi-sensei said that this cursed seal cannot be removed,” Sasuke said, touching his neck.

"Do you want to remove this cursed seal?" Mashiro asked, looking into Sasuke's eyes. They stared at each other for a moment, then Sasuke looked away.

“I feel that this cursed seal contains immense power. Although it’s not as powerful as the mask Zero gave me, it can still make me stronger,” Sasuke said, his head bowed.

“I know your thirst for power, so I’m glad you’ve managed to hold out until now without using the power of the cursed seal,” Mashiro said, stroking Sasuke’s hair.

After a year together, especially during Sasuke's most helpless times, he now vaguely regards Mashiro as half a family member. "I can sense an incredibly evil aura within this power," Sasuke said.

The Sasuke in this world is not like the one in the original story. He has a mask and the Shadow Legion, so although he craves power, he is extremely cautious about things like the Cursed Seal, which has obvious flaws.

This cursed seal is called the Sage Transformation Curse Seal. It is a product of natural chakra. After activating this seal, chakra, strength, and speed will increase exponentially. "Mashiro said leisurely.

"Natural chakra?" Sasuke was somewhat puzzled.

"It's nothing, you'll understand in time. Just in case, I need to tamper with the curse mark on your body, and also prevent him from experiencing pain for no reason."

It hurts. "He said, reaching out to touch the cursed seal on Sasuke's neck."

A stream of green chakra flowed from Shiro's hand, coalescing into threads that flowed into Sasuke's neck.

Since receiving the reward of mastering medical ninjutsu, Mashiro has been able to do many things that she couldn't do before, such as blocking pain receptors in a part of her body.

"Now, your neck shouldn't hurt so much anymore. I need to study the seal for a while, and I'll help you fix it once I have some results." Mashiro said, withdrawing her hand as she injected all the green threads into Sasuke's neck.

Sasuke touched the cursed seal, and the strange feeling had indeed disappeared.

"Alright, you can go back now. I don't think I need to see you off," Mashiro said with a smile.

"Um, I have a question for you." Sasuke said after a moment's hesitation. Mashiro looked at Sasuke, signaling him to continue.

"You're only a year older than me, so why are you so strong? How can I become as strong as you?" Sasuke's eyes revealed an intense longing.

"It's very simple. It's because you haven't realized it. You've never truly believed in Lord Zero. All my power comes from him. You should understand how powerful the power Lord Zero bestows is now. Believe in him, revere him, and he will naturally give you even more power," Mashiro said in a provocative tone.

Sasuke didn't say anything and disappeared into the shadows.

He was wavering. Mashiro watched Sasuke's disappearing figure. In his previous life, he had used a similar method to brainwash Sasuke. "Next, it's time to add some bait."

Mashiro muttered to herself as she disappeared into the shadows.

The ninja from other villages who came to participate in the Chunin Exams were all arranged by Konoha to be housed in special accommodations in different locations. At this moment, in Kurotsuchi's room at the Iwagakure residence.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Heitu's face with a serene and beautiful glow. The windowpane cast a long shadow in the moonlight, revealing a pure white figure within it.

Looking at Kuroto on the bed, Mashiro's eyes on her chest suddenly opened, and the kaleidoscope began to spin. Kuroto's dream thus changed.

In the dream, Kurotsuchi was strolling around the village when suddenly Mashiro walked over.

"What are you doing in Iwagakure?" the dream version of Kurotsuchi asked, puzzled. The dream version of Mashiro didn't answer, but instead wrapped her arms around Kurotsuchi's waist. "What are you going to do?" the dream version of Kurotsuchi suddenly asked, extremely tense.

“You are beautiful, darling,” Mashiro said gently in the dream.

"I've already made up for what I did before, what else do you want to do?" Kurotsuchi in the dream looked at Mashiro's beautiful face and said, blushing. Then, Mashiro in the dream slowly lowered her head and kissed Kurotsuchi's lips, their lips and tongues meeting and wandering around.

A moment later, Kurotsuchi in the dream collapsed due to her weak legs, and Mashiro in the dream also collapsed. The two did not fall to the ground, but fell onto the bed. Kurotsuchi in the dream blushed, and Mashiro in the dream smiled and reached out her hand.

Seeing Kurotsuchi's condition, Mashiro used illusion magic to project her image into Kurotsuchi's dream. However, what kind of dream it would be, Mashiro herself didn't know.

It was beyond my control, but judging from Kurotsuchi's expression, it must have been a good dream.

"Short hair actually looks pretty good too."

Mashiro touched Kurotsuchi's hair as she slept, then disappeared into the shadows. Only Kurotsuchi remained, sleeping peacefully, her face flushed.

Chapter 30: Official Match

In the second round, all the candidates who had passed the preliminary rounds arrived at the venue.

The venue was incredibly eye-catching, with both the Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage present, along with all the team leaders in the stands, and the audience was packed.

Genma Shiranui arrived at the arena and began announcing the match roster.

"After the first written test, the second survival battle, and the third preliminary round, congratulations! You are now only one step away from passing the exam. I will now announce the list of participants for the official competition:"

Match 1: Naruto Uzumaki vs. Neji Hyuga; Match 2: Gaara vs. Sasuke Uchiha; Match 3: Shino Aburame vs. Kankuro

Fourth match: Takagi vs. Nara Shikamaru; Fifth match: Hinata Hyuga vs. Kurotsuchi; Sixth match: Ino Yamanaka vs. Akatsuchi.

Before each match begins, the two contestants have two days to prepare. The first match will be held two days later. Following this, Genma Shiranui left the stage, and the Third Hokage rose to begin his speech.

After the speeches, the Third Kazekage left, followed by the Fourth Kazekage. Then the audience members left one after another, and the examinees in the hall also left one after another.

Looking at the list of "Hinata VS Kuroshi," Mashiro sighed. She really should have moved the list earlier. However, Mashiro wasn't worried; she estimated that the Konoha Crush plan would be activated before the fifth match even began.

Mashiro looked at the spot where the Fourth Kazekage had just sat. "How long can you endure this?"

"What are you talking about?" Red asked, walking up to Shiro. "Nothing," Shiro replied calmly.

"Is something about to happen?" Kurenai asked, looking at Mashiro's face. "Kurenai's guesses are always so accurate," Mashiro said, not hiding anything.

“Your expression tells me you’re excited. Although I don’t know you very well, I still feel that when you’re excited, something big must be about to happen,” Hong explained.

"Be careful these next few days, and you can remind your friends too," Mashiro whispered in Kurenai's ear as she hugged her. "What is it?" Kurenai asked in Mashiro's ear.

"Who knows?" Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, Mashiro gave the red, perky buttocks a hard slap, then turned and left.

The burning pain in her buttocks made Hong feel a little sorry for herself. By the time she came to her senses, Mashiro was already gone. "Next time I'll definitely get my revenge," Hong thought angrily.

Having spent several years together in her previous life, Mashiro understands Kurenai very well. Although Kurenai appears to be an independent and forthright person, she actually likes strong people, a fact that even she herself seems unaware of.

This is why Mashiro was able to steal Asuma's love in her previous life.

Only when you establish a strong image in Red's heart will everything you do make Red feel shy and eager.

Back at the Hyuga clan residence, Mashiro went to Neji's quarters. Neji's yard was filled with various training equipment, and he was currently driving wooden training dummies into place. "Master..."

Seeing Mashiro approach, Neji stopped what he was doing and bowed.

"Neji, I heard you didn't go to learn ninjutsu," Mashiro said softly.

"I'd rather learn the Hyuga clan's taijutsu than ninjutsu," Neji replied.

I know what you're thinking. You're still struggling with your status as a member of the branch family, and you want to prove yourself. So even though you know that learning ninjutsu would improve your abilities...

"Even with your strength, you still cling to jujitsu." Mashiro said somewhat sarcastically.

Neji remained silent and quietly bowed.

"Truly, utterly ridiculous." Mashiro flicked his finger, and the wooden stake shattered instantly.

"You never seem to crave great power, even if that power could allow you to transcend the boundaries of the main family and branch families, even if that great power could avenge your dead relatives. You have always been wallowing in self-pity."

Despite your exceptional talent, you're still just a branch family member. I wonder what Uncle Hizashi would think if he knew. "Mashiro said, Neji's hand clenched tighter and tighter.

"Master, please be careful with your words." Neji finally couldn't help but say when Hizashi was mentioned.

“Neji, you don’t seem convinced. How about we make a bet? I bet you’ll lose the first round,” Mashiro said with a smile. “Yes, Master,” Neji accepted the bet.

"See you next time, Neji." Mashiro turned and left.

Neji stared at Mashiro's retreating figure, momentarily flustered. He remembered that he and Mashiro were very close when they were children. Why had things turned out this way? Was I really too obsessive?

Neji turned to look at the broken wooden stake, somewhat dazed.

On the other side, Naruto walked down the street with Subiki, looking very unhappy.

He originally sought out Kakashi-sensei to ask for special training, but Kakashi-sensei said that his training methods were not suitable for him and then recommended him to Subiki.

Following Subiki, Naruto looked around listlessly.

"Shubiki-sensei, it looks like someone's peeping into the women's bathroom," Naruto said, noticing a strange figure near the women's bathroom. Naruto and Jiraiya had officially met.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and Naruto and Neji both arrived at the arena. Genma Shiranui then announced the start of the competition.

The duel between the two finally began. At first, Neji had the upper hand, forcing Naruto to dodge. Helpless, Naruto had to use the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. A dozen Narutos rushed at him, but Neji defeated them with a single Rotation.

Looking at Naruto the wolf, Neji couldn't understand why Mashiro thought he would lose. But as time went by, Neji gradually realized that Naruto didn't seem to feel tired at all. No matter how many times he was knocked down or repelled, he could always cheer up and continue to attack.

Neji defeated one of Naruto's clones with a single palm strike. Why?

Neji kicked Naruto away. Why?

Neji unleashed his power once more, instantly defeating all of Naruto's clones.