Because Konoha appeared so frequently on television, it had become a dream destination for countless travelers.
As the third stage of the Chūnin Exams drew closer, Konoha grew livelier by the day. Beyond ninja from every village, huge numbers of civilians poured in out of curiosity.
Famous figures, nobles, their entourages, and armed guards arrived one after another, filling Konoha's guest houses to capacity.
The Genin who had passed the earlier exams also returned.
The leaders of the Four Great Ninja Villages, along with their escorts, would arrive during the next few nights.
Bustling. Noisy.Konoha felt like oil poured onto a roaring fire—thriving at its peak.
Every ninja was mobilized. Even Genin were assigned tasks, handling endless trivial duties across every corner of the village.
Naruto, disguised as an Anbu ninja, patrolled leisurely through the streets.
He was watching everything—the corners, the details, the subtle movements.
If something went wrong, he had to ensure one thing above all else:
Konoha would remain safe.No major incident.No room for failure.
That was Naruto's resolve.
"President, all personnel are in position, awaiting the final operation."
"Watch every potential troublemaker. Don't miss a single big fish—or you'll regret it."
"Don't worry, President. We won't disappoint you. This time, we'll do it perfectly."
In the conference room, Uchiha Shisui's voice was firm and confident.
Naruto nodded.
He swept his gaze across the room, an indescribable sense of accomplishment rising in his chest.
Former Uchiha clan head Uchiha Fugaku, calm and imposing, like a tiger waiting to strike.
Former Anbu captain Uchiha Itachi, eyes deep as an abyss, radiating crushing spiritual pressure.
Former Sunagakure hero Pakura of Scorch Style, blazing with a heat that felt ready to burn the world.
Former Kirigakure elite Ringo Ameyuri, petite yet wrapped in violent lightning.
Former Konoha spy turned ninja tycoon Yakushi Kabuto, smiling warmly behind his glasses.
Former Grass Village ninja, now Red Sun TV director Karin, dignified and composed.
Former Konoha spy and now Red Sun Hospital director Yakushi Nono, gentle and kind.
Former Kirigakure villager Haku, now vice director of the hospital, cold and crystalline like ice.
Along with elite Uchiha shinobi and talented youths raised in orphanages.
Every core force of the Red Sun Society was gathered in this room.
If they moved together, the entire ninja world would tremble—and many would proclaim the birth of a sixth great ninja village.
"Remain alert these next few days," Naruto said."When the time comes, act."
The meeting adjourned.
The tension vanished instantly. People relaxed, chatting casually.
Naruto pulled Uchiha Itachi aside.
"Itachi, leave everything else to them. You have only one task."
"Take Sasuke to Shimura Danzō. Capture him. Dead or alive."
"Killing Danzō isn't difficult," Itachi replied calmly."The problem is finding his real body."
Naruto handed him a device.
"Take this chakra tracker. Even if he uses clones, their chakra will return to the original body when they disperse. This will follow the chakra flow and lead you straight to him."
"I trust you'll finish the job."
"I promise," Itachi said coldly.
"One more thing," Naruto added."Danzō uses Izanagi. His bandaged arm is embedded with Uchiha Sharingan. He can resurrect as many times as he has eyes. Don't forget that."
Itachi nodded, eyes icy.
Everything was ready.
All that remained was the day of the Chūnin Exams.
"Orochimaru, Danzō, you claimed Uzumaki Naruto was away on a mission," Rasa said coolly."But I know his mission ended long ago. He's hiding in Konoha. That changes things."
"Relax," Danzō replied. "I've known for a while. On that day, I'll keep him occupied."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Kazekage-sama, have you heard of a man named Genō?"
"Speak plainly, Danzō."
"Genō was an architect—and a former ninja of Iwagakure. He harbors deep hatred for Konoha. Disguised as a builder, he worked inside Konoha for three months."
"So?"
"He planted explosive tags throughout Konoha's buildings—large and small. Once triggered, the entire village will be wiped out."
Rasa's eyelids twitched.
It was brutal.Terrifying.
But what chilled him more was Danzō's expression—twisted, exhilarated—as he spoke of annihilating Konoha.
It made Rasa's skin crawl.
"The plan is set," Rasa said coldly."Don't disappoint me."
His body dissolved into sand—it was only a clone.
"Orochimaru," Danzō continued,"Kirigakure plans to stay neutral. Iwagakure is wavering. Only Cloud Village is fully committed. With Sunagakure alone, is it really enough to destroy Konoha?"
"Aren't you the darkness of Konoha?" Orochimaru chuckled."Shouldn't you know best?"
"Konoha used to be fragile," Danzō muttered."But the current Konoha… I can't understand it."
"Are you backing out?"
"Ridiculous!" Danzō snapped."This time, I'll force Hiruzen to admit his mistake. Once he steps down, I will become Hokage!"
He laughed like a madman.
Then—poof—his body vanished into smoke.
"A traitor's label broke him," Orochimaru said softly."He claims to love Konoha, yet Konoha thrives without him. That irony shattered him."
Orochimaru laughed, eyes shining with madness.
Danzō was insane.
But so was he.
In the Forest of Death, Orochimaru had personally witnessed Konoha's terrifying new generation. Sasuke had forced him to flee. Anko had grown stronger. The Genin in the preliminaries were monsters.
Konoha was powerful now.
And yet—he would still carry out the Konoha Crush.
If madness had a measure, Danzō didn't even come close.
Poof.
Orochimaru vanished.
"Lord Kazekage," Baki said hesitantly."The intelligence you requested…"
Rasa stared into the distant sky.
"It's confirmed," Baki continued."Cloud Village forces are hiding near Konoha. They plan to strike during the Chūnin Exams."
"And the others?"
"Kirigakure brought only the Fourth Mizukage and five Jōnin—clearly neutral. Iwagakure brought more, but not enough for war. They're likely waiting to profit from chaos."
Rasa tapped the stone beside him, silent for a long time.
Too many variables.
One mistake—and Sunagakure would fall into the abyss with Konoha.
Finally, he spoke:
"We'll act according to the situation."
The gamble had begun.
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