Saving the Uchiha clan starts with becoming the clan leader.

"Huh? No way? Sakura's already resting? I'm going to participate in the finals tomorrow, and I'm the first one to go. If I don't get a good rest today, won't I be doomed when I go on stage tomorrow? My opponent is that super tough Sand Ninja." Hozuki Suigetsu kept nagging.

"It's because your opponent is exceptional that we're making you train extra now!"

"What kind of logic is this? It's too cruel!"

"Enough with the nonsense, Suigetsu. You still have the energy to waste here... Looks like I'll have to do it myself." Hozuki Mangetsu took down the twin swords Hiramekarei from his back and strode towards the training ground, brandishing the swords as he charged at his shouting younger brother.

"······Dude, are you serious? No! Please don't…"

Hozuki Suigetsu's screams echoed across the training ground. Sakura, who had walked to the tree, was terrified and asked anxiously, "Are they... okay? Suigetsu is really going to be the first one to play tomorrow."

"It's okay, don't worry."

Bubble said nonchalantly, "The Hozuki clan's water transformation technique is very special. As long as I replenish enough water, there won't be any problems, and it won't affect tomorrow's final. Compared to that, are you confident about tomorrow's final? Your opponent is a girl from the Hyuga main family?"

"I will win."

Sakura said confidently.

"Really? Then I'll be watching tomorrow."

at the same time,

In other parts of Konoha, the boys and girls listed on that matchup were either training hard or conserving their energy, all preparing for tomorrow's final match in their own ways.

[Chapter 459. The Arrival of the 'Shadows']

At eight o'clock in the morning, opening the window reveals a sky covered with dark clouds. The cold air rushes into the room through the open window, making one shiver and instinctively wrap oneself tighter in clothes or blankets, while a deep sense of worry arises in one's heart.

In such weather, snow could fall at any time

It's not very suitable for hosting large-scale events.

"I hope it doesn't snow today."

Uchiha Shisui stood on the rooftop, holding onto the railing, gazing at the distant arena. He sighed heavily, looking worried and brooding. He wondered how a month had passed so quickly, and what the ninja world would be like after today.

He couldn't help but turn his head to look at Zongxian beside him.

"Zong Xian..."

"Shut up, Shisui."

Zongxian rudely interrupted Shisui, looking at him with a headache, and asked, "Are you, the head of the Anbu, very free? Instead of wasting time talking nonsense here, why don't you go check the village's defenses? Don't just think about me taking back the Tailed Beasts. We still have an ancestor who is dead but not dead, who may jump out and cause trouble at any time. Don't forget that!"

For the past two days, Shisui has been hovering around him, constantly sighing and muttering about how they couldn't use gentler methods to retrieve the tailed beasts, etc., which has made his ears feel like they're about to fall off.

"...It really can't be..."

"Go do what you're supposed to do, don't make me angry."

Under Zongxian's coercion, Shisui sighed and could only reluctantly go to inspect the work of his subordinates.

"That guy Shisui... he's a real headache."

After Shisui left, Zongxian let out a long sigh of relief.

"That's just how Shisui is."

Uchiha Arashiyama chimed in.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Arashiyama, I'm leaving the village's security to you." Sogen turned to look at Uchiha Arashiyama. "Have Itachi accompany you. If any unexpected situations arise, handle them directly. In short, try not to interfere with this Chunin Exam."

"Don't worry, with Itachi here, I'm not afraid even if our ancestor comes looking for me."

Uchiha Arashiyama laughed and gently patted Uchiha Itachi's shoulder beside him. "Itachi, I'm counting on you from now on."

"I will do my best."

Uchiha Itachi replied.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the distant arena. To be honest, he really wanted to go and cheer for Sasuke, but... the Hokage's orders could not be disobeyed, and his father, mother, and sister would also be there to cheer for Sasuke. Maybe... he could send a shadow clone over to check it out?

Putting aside Itachi's ulterior motives,

Zongxian turned his gaze to Uchiha Chihaya, who had been quiet and silent. "Chihaya, you will be my bodyguard today. Be prepared to fight at any time. Although I hope to end things peacefully as much as possible... things in this world don't always go according to my wishes. It's better to be prepared than not. Be ready to fight."

"Should I say... that's exactly what I've been hoping for?"

Uchiha Chihaya frowned, somewhat puzzled.

"Chihaya, you... never mind, never mind." Zongxian shook his head helplessly. Luckily, he had chased Shisui away in advance, otherwise Chihaya's attitude would have made Shisui jump up and down in anger. "Alright, enough nonsense. Everyone go do what you're supposed to do. Chihaya, let's go to the Great Arena now."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The time is 8:10.

Mei Terumi knelt in the uncomfortable palanquin (Japanese sedan chair). To be honest, she would rather walk than kneel in this cramped space, but... as the Mizukage, she couldn't act recklessly. Riding in the palanquin was the rule, a way to show the dignity of the 'Kage'.

Despite its abysmal comfort, this thing is not something ordinary people are qualified to ride in. Only nobles are entitled to ride in it. Apart from the four people responsible for carrying the carriage, there are dozens of Mist Ninja following behind. The grand procession passed through the main gate of Konoha and entered Konoha Village.

"Lord Mizukage."

Greetings came from outside the cage.

Is it a full moon?

"it's me."

"What's going on? We're not late, are we?" Mei Terumi asked.

"It's still early! There's still more than an hour before the finals start, and the Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Kazekage haven't arrived yet. Mizukage-sama, you're the first one here." Hozuki Mangetsu, who came to greet them, naturally blended into this huge group, squeezing out the kid named Chojuro's place, and accompanied Ao to the left and right of Kagoro.

"The first one? That's good, I can talk to the Sixth Hokage beforehand... Full Moon, what have you gained in Konoha? What exactly is Konoha trying to do in this Chunin Exams?"

Mei Terumi, kneeling in the cage, asked softly.

"This... I'm sorry, I'm incompetent." Hozuki Mangetsu's face showed a bitter smile. "I've tried everything to gather information during this time, but I haven't gotten anything out of it. Even many people in Konoha are speculating about what that Hokage is up to."

"It seems we can only deal with things as they come."

"It's my incompetence."

"It's alright, it's alright. Such things can't be forced. Your identity is public knowledge, so it's understandable that Konoha would be wary of you... Anyway, there's no need to blame yourself. From now on, Man Yue, you'll be following me. You're quite familiar with the situation in Konoha, so please remind me if there's anything amiss."

"Yes, Lord Mizukage."

Hozuki Mangetsu responded with a reply.

Now Chojuro, who was following behind, had to find another spot.

"Oh right, Mangetsu, I almost forgot to congratulate your brother on getting a ticket to the finals. Suigetsu really brought a lot of prestige to our Kirigakure this time!" Terumi Mei suddenly changed the subject and offered her congratulations to Mangetsu.

"No, no, no, Lord Mizukage, you flatter me. That kid Suigetsu just got lucky, and his opponent in the finals is quite extraordinary. Suigetsu might not even be a match for him."

"As long as I do my best on this stage, winning or losing is important... but not that important. As long as I can have a brilliant performance, that's enough."

"Hopefully that kid won't mess up today."

Hozuki Mangetsu sighed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

8:23.

Another group appeared outside the main gate of Konoha Village. The flag of Sunagakure was raised high. The moment they saw the flag, everyone knew that the Kazekage had arrived. This was another long group, not much different from the group from Kirigakure. The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was also kneeling in a cage.

Maki, who had been waiting at the door for a long time, quickly went to greet him.

"Kazekage-sama."

"Maki, you've worked hard this time."

Rasa gently comforted his loyal subordinate. After all, as his father, he knew very well that taking care of Gaara was no easy task. Gaara hadn't lost his temper even once during the month he stayed in Konoha, and Maki, the Jonin who was in charge of guiding him, had definitely put in a lot of effort.

"How is Gaara doing now?"

"Very stable."

Maki said softly, "Thanks to a Konoha genin, Gaara has been in good condition lately."

He spoke rapidly yet clearly, recounting the battle that had taken place in the Forest of Death to Rasa. This was information he had gathered from Temari and Kankuro. He also carefully asked Gaara a few questions, piecing together the full picture of the conflict with Kurama Yakumo and the other two.

"Kurama... the disciple of the Sixth Hokage... Gaara is quite lucky."

A rare smile appeared on Luo Sha's face as he knelt in the riding cage. However, this was related to the enclosed environment of the riding cage. If he were in front of others, he would probably maintain his cold and aloof persona.

"Lord Kazekage, about what Kankuro said..."

After much deliberation, Machi brought up this unpleasant matter again.

"Maki, you don't need to worry about this anymore. I'll negotiate with the Sixth Hokage later." Rasa's mood unsurprisingly soured when this matter was brought up. In order to get Sasori back to the village, he had already had several conflicts with the village's powerful clans these days, and he still hadn't been able to resolve the issue before he left for Konoha.

but,

He had already contacted Sasori through his advisors Chiyo and Ebizo, and learned the truth about the lost puppet technique—a very infuriating truth—that he still hadn't figured out how to negotiate with the Sixth Hokage.

"Yes, Lord Kazekage."

Although Maki still had deep doubts in his heart, since the Kazekage had spoken, he naturally wouldn't hold on to it stubbornly.

His curiosity wasn't that strong yet.

"By the way, Maki, was I the first person to enter Konoha?"

Luo Sha asked.

“No, the Fifth Mizukage has already passed away, and the Raikage and Tsuchikage have not yet arrived,” Maki replied respectfully.

"The Mizukage...she runs pretty fast. The Fifth Mizukage, is that little girl named Mei Terumi? I want to see what this Fifth Mizukage is capable of compared to that Yagura guy." Rasa's mood worsened at the mention of the Mist Ninja.

The relationship between Sand Village and Mist Village is... quite delicate!

He used the help of the Mist Ninja to get rid of Pakura, but that doesn't mean he had a good relationship with the Mist Ninja. Rasa had absolutely no good feelings towards the Mist Ninja. If I remember correctly, Gaara's opponent was a kid from the Hozuki clan of the Mist Ninja.

Just right,

This time, let the Mist Ninja know how powerful the Sand Ninja are.

Thinking of this, Luo Sha's mood finally improved a little.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

8:42.

The Konoha ninja guarding the gate noticed two flags coming into view at almost the same time in the distance, the flags of Iwagakure and Kumogakure respectively... It wasn't until the two large groups approached together that they realized the Tsuchikage and Raikage had actually appeared together.