The circular arena was like a boiling whirlpool, absorbing all the clamor and fervent hopes of Konoha and even the entire Land of Fire.
The scorching sun hung high overhead, but its blazing rays could not diminish the volcanic passion of the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands.
The sound waves, like a tsunami, came wave after wave, buzzing in people's eardrums.
Colorful flags waved in various sections of the stands, bearing the names of different Ninja Villages or popular examinees, interweaving into a restless ocean.
Even more young women, wearing T-shirts printed with the images of their favorite Ninjas, or holding elaborately made signs and glow sticks, formed small cheering squads, hoarsely shouting the names of those they supported.
"Sasuke! Sasuke! Sasuke!"
"Ah~~ Sasuke is so handsome!!!"
Television broadcast equipment was set up at the best vantage points, their lenses constantly sweeping over the boiling stands and the solemn arena below, transmitting this grand occasion to thousands of homes in the Land of Fire and even further places.
On the edge of this sea of clamor, by a relatively secluded railing near the top level, two figures leaned against the cold metal guardrail, maintaining a subtle detachment from the frenzy below.
"Wow..." Boruto widened his azure blue eyes, his mouth slightly agape, looking down at the gigantic venue below, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, and the boiling crowds within.
Even in his era of more advanced technology, a Ninja Competition of this scale, with this much enthusiasm, was extremely rare.
"Master, was the Chunin Exams already this exaggerated in your era? This is several times more lively than the finals venue in our year!"
In his memory, although his own Chunin Exams' finals had also received considerable attention, they had never had this scene of all nations coming to pay homage and the entire city celebrating.
The spectators in the stands, dressed in clearly different styles from all over, the dazzling variety of cheering paraphernalia full of various national customs, all displayed the extraordinary significance of this event.
Adult Sasuke standing beside him, draped in a black coat and wearing a black round wide-brimmed hat with the brim pulled low, did not respond to Boruto's exclamation. His only exposed left eye narrowed slightly, his brow furrowed, his gaze like a hawk's sweeping over the vast scene below, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
In his memory, the third round of the Chunin Exams in the original timeline, although also held in a dedicated venue with quite a few spectators and envoys from other countries, could not compare in scale and atmosphere to what he saw before him.
He remembered that the audience at the Chunin Exams' finals back then had been mostly Konoha's villagers and a few nobles of the Land of Fire. The atmosphere, though lively, had been far from this level of 'national celebration'.
Not to mention these fan-club-style cheering squads.
Moreover, the proportion of people in the stands whose clothing styles clearly did not belong to the Land of Fire was unusually high.
However, upon reflection, he felt a bit relieved.
This Space-Time had already deviated a lot from what he knew. The rise of the Land of Stars, the destruction of the Sunagakure and the Land of Wind, the shaking of the structure of the Five Great Nations... this Chunin Exams had gathered almost all the existing significant Ninja Village forces. Its political and symbolic significance far exceeded ordinary selection.
It was logical for Konoha to take this opportunity to flex its muscles, reassure its allies, deter potential opponents, and elevate the scale of the event to such a degree.
It's just...
Underneath this excessively grand clamor, he always felt there was some kind of unsettling restlessness hidden.
Orochimaru's Konoha Crush Plan...
And that long-missing Urashiki, would he really let such a stage go to waste?
Two merchants in the front row, who had been excitedly discussing, were drawn by Boruto's undisguised exclamation and turned their heads.
They were two typical traveling merchants. One was plump and rosy-cheeked, wearing a silk long gown... the other was lean and capable, with lively, shrewd eyes.
Seeing the attire of Boruto and Adult Sasuke, and noticing that the two seemed quite surprised by the scene, the fat merchant's face showed the kind-hearted smile of someone who had seen the world.
"You two are here for the first time, aren't you?" The fat merchant's voice was loud and clear, carrying the openness of someone who had traveled far and wide. "It's no wonder. Konoha has really made a big splash this time, but they've learned a lot from that Land of Stars to the west."
"But if you ask me, Konoha has only learned the superficial layer." He smacked his lips, his face showing a reminiscent expression. "For a truly grand spectacle, you have to see the Land of Stars' triennial [Ninja Sword Tournament]! Now that's what you call a sea of people, a mass of bobbing heads! The entire Star City is like a festival!"
"Ninja Sword Tournament?" Boruto was indeed curious, temporarily pulled away from his shock at the current scene.
"That's right!" The thin merchant took over. His voice was a bit shriller, but he explained in more detail. "The Land of Stars has four legendary Ninja Swords, each with a powerful wielder. Every three years, the Land of Stars holds an open tournament. Any Land of Stars' Ninja who believes they have the strength can sign up. After intense layers of selection, a final winner emerges, earning the right to challenge the current wielder of a Ninja Sword!"
"The winner becomes the new wielder of the sword!"
The fat merchant added, his tone carrying admiration: "But those four current wielders-sama... their strength is truly unfathomable."
"In these past few tournaments, although there have been no shortage of astonishingly talented challengers, no one has yet been able to shake their positions. The matches are exciting, but the results, heh heh..." He laughed and shook his head.
The thin merchant's eyes lit up. Lowering his voice with a hint of sharing a secret, he said, "But it's been different in recent years! Among the younger generation of the Land of Stars, I hear several remarkable figures have emerged! Those kids from the Uchiha and Hyuga Clans... each one is more formidable than the last! At the next Ninja Sword Tournament, there might actually be new faces who can take a sword! I've been preparing for a long time. I absolutely cannot miss that excitement!"
Listening to the two merchants' enthusiastic narration, Boruto became more and more interested in this suddenly risen, mysterious, and powerful Land of Stars.
A Ninja Sword Tournament?
It sounded like a unique system combining honor, power, and spectacle.
And Adult Sasuke, upon hearing the words 'Uchiha', had his single eye flicker slightly.
In this Space-Time, the Uchiha had not only survived but were also, in another way, in that newly risen Land of Stars, continuing to write the Uchiha's glory and power.
His gaze involuntarily turned again towards the direction of the VIP viewing platform.
It was due north of the circular arena, a classical pavilion with overhanging eaves and bracketing, covered with bright yellow glazed tiles. This was the highest-spec VIP viewing platform for today's event.
The view here was excellent, enough to overlook the entire arena, yet maintaining a just right distance from the other stands, highlighting the extraordinary status of those within.
At this moment, in the central seat of the viewing platform, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had already taken his seat.
He was dressed today in the formal Hokage's robe, wearing the Hokage's hat. Although his face could not hide his age, his wrinkles deep, his back was straight, his gaze calm. The authority of his long-held position and the steadiness of having weathered storms naturally radiated from him.
He was slightly turned, speaking in low tones with the two Konoha's advisors and an Anbu beside him, his face showing his usual warm smile that made one feel like spring breeze.
Suddenly, a slight commotion came from the entrance of the viewing platform.
Accompanied by several Konoha's Ninja and two expressionless Otogakure's Ninja, a middle-aged man in a gorgeous silk long robe, wearing a tall cap, and holding an exquisite folding fan, walked in slowly.
This man was tall and thin, his face fair, with a short beard, his eyes gentle but carrying a hint of aloofness from long being above others, the corner of his mouth holding the arrogance of a superior.
It was the Daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields, Shigen Yamamoto.
Seeing the visitor, Hiruzen's smile grew even brighter. He stood up, took the initiative to step forward, his voice loud and full of enthusiasm: "Yamamoto-sama, you must be tired from your journey. Despite your busy government affairs, you have personally come to watch our humble Konoha's Chunin Exams. It truly graces our humble abode!"
Yamamoto also quickened his pace, a slight smile appearing on his face. With a 'snap', he unfolded his folding fan and gently waved it: "Third Hokage-dono, you are too kind. Konoha has organized such a grand event, gathering the young heroes of the Ninja World. I have long yearned for it. It is also my honor to witness the bearing of the future pillars of the Ninja World today."
The two clasped hands and exchanged pleasantries in the center of the viewing platform, their posture intimate, the very picture of good neighborly friendship.
The surrounding other VIPs, like envoys from various countries, big merchants, representatives of nobles, also turned to pay their respects, either smiling or talking in low voices.
Among all the VIPs present today, the Daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields was the only 'head of state'-level figure to arrive in person. Although the Land of Rice Fields was medium national strength, in the status-conscious and hierarchical Ninja World, the identity of a Daimyo was naturally the most prestigious.
Therefore, his seat was arranged to the right hand of Hiruzen.
The host and guest took their seats.
Servants served tea and exquisite refreshments.
Hiruzen and Yamamoto continued their nutritious yet necessary social niceties, the topic slowly turning to today's event.
Yamamoto picked up his teacup, used the lid to gently skim off the scum, his gaze seemingly casual as it swept over the examinees who had begun to line up and enter the arena below, lingering a moment on Konoha's teams in particular. In his gentle voice, he said, "Third Hokage-dono, you rule effectively, and talented people emerge in abundance. I heard that among the eight teams that made it to the final assessment, Konoha alone holds three spots. Truly astonishing."
Hiruzen chuckled, humble yet proud: "You flatter me, sir. It's merely the children's luck, and the fact that the elite teams sent by other villages were few to begin with, which makes our Konoha numbers seem advantageous."
"Those who have reached the finals are all elite among the new generation of their respective countries, not to be underestimated. The outcome of today's battles is hard to predict. What's more important is to let these young people gain experience and expand their horizons."
Yamamoto nodded slightly, indicating agreement. But his eyes, hidden beneath their gentle smile, were deep as a pool.
He gently shook his folding fan, and the topic seemed to turn casually: "With the Third Hokage-dono at the helm, Konoha is naturally as stable as a mountain, a gathering of talents. Speaking of which, Third Hokage-dono is not young anymore. Have you considered the matter of a successor? I heard that Konoha has not yet clearly designated the next Hokage?"
This question was quite direct, even somewhat presumptuous.
"Thank you for your concern, sir." Hiruzen's smile did not change. He picked up his own teacup, took a leisurely sip, and then said slowly, "Although I am aged, I feel these old bones can still hold on for another ten years."
"Perhaps... I will be able to watch these children below truly grow into towering trees, take over from us old folks, and continue to protect this village." His gaze cast towards the vibrant young faces below, his tone carrying expectation.
"Hehe... I see." Yamamoto chuckled softly, the laugh low, carrying an indescribable meaning.
He asked no more, simply turning his gaze back to the arena, as if truly drawn by the match about to begin.
'In that case, Sensei... then let me, your disciple, personally see you off on your final journey.'
Just then, an even more rousing cheer rose from the arena below.
Led by Hayate, the eight teams that had passed the second exam, twenty-four examinees, had all entered the arena and stood in formation in the center of the wide arena.
Sunlight shone on their young faces… some nervous, some excited, some cold and stern, some eager… all written with a desire for victory and a longing for the future.
Hiruzen slowly rose from his seat.
Without using any amplification equipment, he simply stepped forward a few paces to the railing at the very front of the viewing platform. His voice, not particularly loud but steady and powerful, clearly reached every corner of the vast arena:
"I hereby announce—"
His voice paused slightly, and the tremendous sound waves subsided a little as tens of thousands of gazes focused on the aged figure under the bright yellow tiles.
"The Joint Chunin Exams, the third round, the finals—"
"Officially begin!!"
"Ooooh—!!!"
The final announcement was like a fuse igniting a powder keg. The enthusiasm that had been building up in the stands exploded!
Applause, cheers, whistles, shouts...
All kinds of sounds converged into a frenzy that swept over everything, almost turning the arena over!
Streamers and petals were tossed from somewhere, fluttering down in the sunlight.
The curtain of the grand event had been fully drawn.
And the undercurrents beneath the feast had begun their final surge.
To the left of the VIP viewing platform, a relatively independent area was the seating for the Land of Stars' diplomatic mission.
The position here was excellent, both allowing a clear overview of the arena and maintaining a polite distance from the Hokage and other VIPs.
Shisui stood before the railing, his arms casually crossed over his chest.
Today he wore the blue-gray uniform of the Land of Stars. The five-pointed star on the Star Ninja's forehead protector bound to his brow gleamed coldly in the sunlight. His posture was straight, his expression calm.
But his gaze did not linger too much on the young Genin below who were about to fight for the honor of the Land of Stars. Instead, it crossed the arena and, as if faintly, drifted several times towards the Daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields sitting beside the Third Hokage on the main platform, the one waving his folding fan.
As the leader of this operation, Shisui naturally knew of Orochimaru's Konoha Crush Plan and guessed that the abnormal Daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields was likely Orochimaru in disguise.
And beside Shisui gathered the elite who had accompanied him on this trip.
This included members of the Ninja Swordsmen like Sato, Shunji, as well as Ai, Neji, Kimimaro, and other Special Jonin and Jonin.
Shunji was stout, with black hair and black eyes, his arms crossed, commenting on the venue in a big, straightforward manner: "This place is solid enough. Fighting here should be pretty exciting!"
Neji was much quieter. Wearing the blue-gray flak jacket of the Land of Stars, his white eyes calmly surveyed the entire arena. His gaze lingered especially on the Hyuga main family's seats and on Hinata below, his expression complex.
Kimimaro was dressed simply in white, his temperament cold and clear. Beside him, Haku smiled gently, occasionally softly applauding a certain examinee's spectacular appearance, such as Naruto clownishly waving to the audience.
The youngest, Toneri, sat quietly on a seat slightly behind, curiously observing the Hyuga main family's seats.
The petite Yashiro Chino stood at the very front, almost leaning on the railing.
Her white short hair was very eye-catching in the sunlight. Her purple eyes were fixed intently below, her small face full of joy and longing. She raised her fists and shouted encouragement loudly to her companions: "Go! Karin! Kurotsuchi! Ranmaru!"
And as the Jonin Instructor for the two Land of Stars' Genin Teams, Iida Yusuke and Yukimi were also present.
Yusuke was more steady, his gaze sharply sweeping over the examinees from other villages beside his own students, assessing the opponents' strength.
Yukimi was much more lively. Her medium-length brown hair was tied in a neat ponytail, the small freckles on her face seeming even more pronounced in her excitement. She shouted downwards: "Gaara, Temari, Kankuro! Give them a good thrashing!"
This drew glances from members of other diplomatic missions nearby.
Just then, Kimimaro, who had been silently observing, stirred slightly.
He raised his hand casually, as if to adjust the micro-communicator by his ear, receiving encrypted information transmitted via Chakra Fluctuations.
The faintly cool expression on Kimimaro's face disappeared instantly, replaced by an extreme gravity.
He immediately turned, quickly walked to Shisui's side, leaned slightly, and spoke in a low, quick, clear voice audible only to the two of them: "Shisui-sama, urgent communication."
"Intelligence indicates that new high-risk targets may intervene in today's event. The opponent is extremely strong."
"Shura-sama orders that our coordinated actions related to the original Konoha Crush Plan proceed as planned, but all personnel must raise their alertness to the highest level."
"In the event of sudden powerful enemies, the top priority is to preserve effective strength and evacuate key personnel, avoiding direct confrontation with the enemy. Pay special attention to the enemy's possible possession of Space-Time Abilities!"
Hearing this, Shisui's crossed arms tightened slightly. The gentle calm on his face changed.
'An enemy that would make Shura-sama use the word 'extremely strong' and specifically issue an instruction to avoid confrontation that was nearly a command to retreat...'
'It was probably not just ordinarily strong!'
Shisui was confident that the team he led possessed the power to destroy a country!
Even if the Third Hokage suddenly turned hostile and worked together with Konoha's Elite Jonins, they could still calmly and unhurriedly fight their way out of the encirclement, perhaps even leave a deep wound on Konoha.
"What enemy?" Shisui's cold voice was extremely low.
Kimimaro raised his eyes, his pure white irises meeting Shisui's, and uttered one name:
"Otsutsuki!"