"Another fight?"
Minato looked at the scene on the monitor with surprise, setting down the ramen he had bought from outside.
"Isn't this going too far, Jiraiya-sensei? Should we intervene?" Minato frowned.
Such a large-scale alliance was unprecedented.
Is it because the ninja world has been turbulent recently?
"It seems they've united." Jiraiya said in a deep voice.
To ordinary people who don't understand the ninja world, the so-called "Chunin Exams" appear to be superficially about "deepening friendly relations" and "improving the strength of ninjas."
But any ninja with a bit of experience knows that this is actually a microcosm of war between countries.
If you look at past history, you will find that today's allies were all competing neighbors in the past.
To avoid unnecessary attrition and a lose-lose situation, the Chunin Exams were established.
Therefore, the way to become a Chunin is not limited to participating in the Chunin Exams.
Or rather, the ninjas who participate in the Chunin Exams do so to become Chunin faster or to showcase their talents in order to gain the village's attention.
The other way to become a Chunin is through daily observation and the number of missions performed.
These are used to assess a ninja's intelligence gathering, willpower, survival ability, and individual combat power, among other things.
This method just takes more time.
"The strength of the country is the strength of the village. The strength of the village is the strength of the ninjas. And the strength of the ninjas… can only be unleashed in battle." Jiraiya said.
These were the words Sarutobi Hiruzen had once told him.
Flowers grown in a greenhouse cannot withstand the harsh wind and rain.
"I see."
Minato nodded, seemingly enlightened.
He turned his head and continued watching everything happening on the screen.
Unfortunately, because the scene was too far from the cameras, the video was a bit blurry, and no sound could be heard.
…
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Kiyoshi comforted Kurenai and told her to get behind him.
"Okay."
Kurenai nodded, but still took out a kunai from her pouch, ready to fight.
All of this was just a small scene.
The Sharingan's pupil power was still extending from his eyes to his limbs.
Kiyoshi's control over chakra was increasing, quietly pushing the function of hand seals even higher.
As a result, Kiyoshi's control over the newly learned Lightning Release: Lightning Current became more and more effortless.
An electric current spread around his organs. Its sound was like thunder.
"Give up resisting."
Kaguya Katsuya said confidently.
Kiyoshi glanced around, there were quite a few people, surrounding the place.
'It's a good opportunity to try to get the Ruthless Iron Hand Trait.' Kiyoshi thought to himself.
When he had defeated Pakura, he had obtained the Trait [Merciless Fire Extinguisher (White)].
The first Upgrade route was also displayed.
The upgrade route is probably shown by taking overall progress in consideration.
Since Kiyoshi has already acquirer [Merciless Fire Extinguisher (White)], it means that he has completed the majority of the total progress
The remaining two conditions would be easy to achieve.
Judging from the literal meaning, this trait is probably related to hands.
Thinking of this, Kiyoshi did not take out the scroll on his waist to summon his sword.
Instead, he looked at the opposite side, revealing an eager look.
"We… can give you the scroll."
A low voice sounded behind Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi turned around, the speaker was Homura.
His hands slightly trembled, and his fingertips tightly clenched the kunai.
Cold sweat seeped from his forehead.
The aura of dozens of ninjas around him pressed down on him, making him as tense as a bowstring that could snap at any moment.
"First, show us the Hyuga clan's Caged Bird Curse Seal."
A ninja behind Kaguya Katsuya spoke coldly.
Members of the Hyuga clan's branch house have a curse seal engraved on their foreheads.
Once they die or their eyes are taken, the curse seal will immediately destroy their eyeballs and brains, making them completely unusable by others.
This is the fundamental reason why the Hyuga clan's Byakugan has never been leaked.
Hearing this, Homura's expression slightly relaxed.
Anyway, they were all from the branch house, so it wouldn't hurt to show it to the other party.
If he hesitates, he will be suspected of being from the main family, which will be a dead end.
Homura quickly revealed the Caged Bird Curse Seal, indicating that he was from the branch house.
Tetsu was also starting to untie his headband.
Seeing Natsu's hesitant look, he quickly said, "Natsu, we are from the branch house."
Compared to this humiliation, it was better to save one's life.
Natsu was silent.
The experience of last night still lingered in her mind.
The feeling of powerlessness of being teased by Kiyoshi made her subconsciously resist.
"Hurry up."
The ninja beside Kaguya Katsuya urged impatiently, his eyes threatening.
Natsu's lips slightly trembled, but she did not move for a long time.
A ninja's eyes turned sharp, and he said tentatively, "What? Could it be that you are from the main family?"
The atmosphere suddenly stagnated, and several ninjas' eyes instantly focused on Natsu, their eyes flashing with a dangerous light.
Tetsu's face changed drastically, and he hurriedly stood in front of Natsu, saying anxiously.
"No! We are all from the branch house!"
He took a deep breath, quickly put on a flattering smile, and looked at the people on the opposite side.
He said, "As long as you confirm that we are from the branch house, you will let us go, right?"
Terumi Mei nodded lightly, her red lips slightly raised, her charm overflowing.
She said, "Of course, we won't waste time on unimportant branch house members."
Her gaze slowly fell on Kiyoshi. The Sharingan was also one of her goals.
The reason why she had organized so many people was all for the sake of the Kekkei genkai.
The purpose of the others was also similar.
They wanted to fish in troubled waters, get the Kekkei genkai first, and then compete with others for the final ownership.
No one was confident of defeating the Uchiha clan, who enjoyed a great reputation in the ninja world, so temporarily uniting was the best option.
Seeing this, Tetsu did not hesitate to persuade, "Natsu, this is nothing! As long as we get through the second round of the exam, half of the Chunin Exam will be completed. This is for the Hyuga clan…"
But Natsu's eyes were still lowered.
"This is too much."
Kurenai frowned and said.
This was clearly an attempt to attack the Hyuga clan's Byakugan.
Before she could finish speaking, Kiyoshi suddenly raised his hand and pressed on her shoulder.
"Don't worry."
His voice was calm and unwavering.
Suddenly, several ninjas were seen attacking Natsu.
Kiyoshi's index finger and middle finger slightly joined together, and lightning flashed.
Crackle!
Kiyoshi disappeared from the spot.
His speed soared at this moment.
Lightning Release: Lightning Finger swirled between Kiyoshi's fingers.
He struck the incoming ninja with a palm, instantly piercing through the opponent's body.
"You have triggered the trait: [Ruthless Iron Hand (White)]."
[Ruthless Iron Hand (White)]
[Requirements: Defeat ten ninjas with your palm.]
[Progress: 10%]
[Effect: The chakra pathway system on your palm will be more resilient, increasing by 5% on the original basis.]
[Note: Can be upgraded.]
***
55 Advanced Chapters on
patreon.com/alex_1000