The Second Five-Nation Chunin Exams officially began under the gaze of thousands.
Among the participants were the main forces of Konoha, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure, with smaller villages filling the remaining spots. In total, over 1,200 genin gathered in Konoha.
It was like gathering half of the entire shinobi world's power, a true assembly of heroes.
The older generation of Konoha villagers, watching this grand event, couldn't help but think of the Fourth Hokage, whose legacy burned like a shooting star across the sky, leaving an indelible mark.
Even though that genius had passed away over a decade ago, in the hearts of the Konoha people, his importance only grew stronger.
Moreover, Konoha even dedicated a day every year to commemorate the Fourth Hokage. Many of the former genin and chunin still regarded him as their lifelong idol.
In Konoha, the Fourth Hokage's status was only second to the First Hokage, who founded the village.
"Sogetsu, it looks like they really admire you."
Erii licked her apple candy, her eyes sparkling as she listened to the surrounding villagers' discussion.
"No, you're mistaken, Erii."
Uchiha Sogetsu spoke calmly, his expression unreadable, and said softly: "What they admire is only the person they imagine me to be. As for the real Uchiha Sogetsu, it no longer matters. He has become more of a symbol, a tool to unite and rule."
"Like Herzog?" Erii, not foolish, instantly understood.
"Exactly. People need a hero, so they create one."
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled as he ruffled her hair. "As for the truth, who even cares? Just like Herzog, who was once the leader of the Yamata no Orochi, a hero who sacrificed himself to drive out darkness. But who knew that he was the one who orchestrated all the evil from the beginning?"
"I think I understand now."
Erii nodded, coming to her senses.
Yes, those people didn't really understand the true nature of Sogetsu. They just needed an emotional anchor, a shining, majestic 'hero' without any flaws.
As for what this 'hero' they had created was really like, they didn't care at all.
"So, the truth doesn't matter."
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled gently, his lips curling up. "People don't want to know the truth. People only believe the facts they want to believe, and that's what's most important."
The Spectator isn't bound by external appearances, and the deeper meaning is that they've understood the essence of the 'self.'
Only by truly knowing oneself can one understand the deeper layers of 'human nature' and even the hearts of all beings.
Throughout history, many have been able to see through others, but those who can truly see through themselves and understand the essence are rare.
Only those who have reached the level of saints might be able to do so.
While they were talking, Sogetsu and Erii arrived at the first exam site.
Sasuke had already gone ahead to meet her teammates, so she arrived early. When she saw Erii, she waved her hand enthusiastically. "Erii, I'm over here, come quick!"
Most of the Konoha genin had gathered in the plaza, waiting for the examination to finish so they could enter one by one.
When they saw the genius 'Uchiha Sasuke' so excited, many of them couldn't help but look at the girl, who looked almost like a fairy, with surprised gazes.
Her long crimson hair cascaded like a waterfall, tied up with a pure white ribbon.
The unique red and white priestess outfit added a divine aura to this slender girl, making her seem like an artwork created by the gods, perfect and exquisite.
The genin were immediately captivated by her appearance.
"She's so beautiful!"
A certain blonde-haired boy, upon seeing Erii, suddenly felt guilty, as though he had fallen for someone else.
Yes, he suddenly wasn't as interested in Sakura anymore. Compared to that violent girl, this one was clearly more attractive!
Cough
"I advise you not to get any ideas about her."
Lu Mingze's eyes twitched, and he quickly spoke to warn, "I warn you, stay as far away from her as possible, understand?!"
"Huh?"
The blond-haired guy was stunned.
Lu Mingze coldly continued, "Don't blame me for not warning you. If you even think about it, I'll kill you on the spot. No joke."
"???"
The blond guy's mouth twitched, "Are you out of your mind? I just think she's pretty. I never said I wanted to chase her!"
After the commotion, things soon calmed down.
However, the appearance of Erii still caught the attention of most of the Genins, including some of the women.
After all, such an outstanding girl was enough to make even female ninjas lose their composure.
"Sasuke. Who is this?" Sakura, feeling competitive, was about to compare when she saw the girl's face and immediately drooped her head, feeling defeated.
"Let me introduce her. This is Uesugi Erii, a ninja from Takigakure." Sasuke proudly puffed out her chest and introduced her "close friend," then glared fiercely at a few male Genins, "Stop staring with those disgusting eyes. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"
While speaking, she clenched her pink fist and gave a warning glance at the Genins.
Her status as the top freshman still carried weight.
The Genins present had all been dealt with by Sasuke during their school days, so seeing her stance, they immediately shrank back, afraid to provoke her.
"Eh? Is she alone?"
Naruto scratched his head, puzzled, "But shouldn't there be three people to participate in the exam?"
"The Hokage allowed me to participate alone."
Erii's voice was cold, almost emotionless.
She was always indifferent toward people she didn't know or simply didn't care about. She had long grown used to keeping that expression.
"Ugh, so cold."
Naruto shivered, suddenly feeling that Sakura was the better option after all.
At least, it's not that cold.
"Go ahead, but be careful," Uchiha Sogetsu lightly patted the girl's back and reminded her.
"Okay."
Erii nodded obediently.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you!" Naruto stepped forward, confidently patting his chest. "Even though we just met, since you're friends with Sasuke, you're my friend too!"
"Heh, you should take care of yourself first, dead last," Sasuke scoffed, knowing something deeper in Mr. Uesugi's words.
It wasn't about Erii being careful of them; it was about her being careful not to go too hard on the others and leaving them with psychological scars.
"First round of the exam, please enter the exam hall in the order your names were called."
While everyone was chatting, the Chūnin in charge of the exam came out and began calling people by the order on the list.
"Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Exam Room 1."
"Erii, Ishida Nojin, Matsushita Nagoya, Exam Room 2."
Due to the large number of participants in the Chūnin exam, Konoha decided to implement separate exam rooms.
"Such a shame, we're not in the same room," Sasuke said, feeling a little down.
"It's okay, we'll meet in the second round," Erii smiled gently and comforted her.
"Right, let's meet in the second round then!" Sasuke perked up, waving goodbye to Erii with a smile.
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