Chen Xing withdrew his killing intent.
Temari and Kankuro collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, their eyes filled with fear.
They finally understood—this was no ordinary ninja.
"If I kill you, it would be boring," Chen Xing said calmly. "Let's play a game."
His words made their faces turn pale.
He pressed down on Gaara, preventing him from moving.
"You want to save him? I'll give you a chance."
Temari and Kankuro looked up in disbelief.
"I will kill one of you," Chen Xing continued coldly. "Choose—who lives, and who dies."
Silence fell.
Temari clenched her fan tightly, her gaze trembling but resolute.
"How do we know you'll keep your word?" she asked.
Chen Xing's expression didn't change. Lightning flickered faintly around him.
"Refuse, and all three of you die."
Kankuro's face turned pale.
Before he could speak—
"I'll stay."
Temari stepped forward.
"Let Gaara and Kankuro go."
Kankuro froze.
"Temari…!"
She didn't look back.
"He's our brother," she said quietly. "No matter what he's done… that won't change."
Gaara's eyes widened.
For the first time, he looked at her without hatred.
The silence lingered—
Then Chen Xing suddenly released Gaara.
"The test is over."
Temari and Kankuro froze.
Chen Xing turned away.
"You should talk to each other."
Gaara struggled to stand, staring at Temari in disbelief.
Chen Xing paused briefly, then said without turning back:
"In Sunagakure, your father, the Rasa, treated you as a weapon. That wasn't unique."
"In this world, every village does the same."
He continued walking.
"No one here is completely right or wrong."
"…The only thing truly wrong—"
He stopped for a moment.
"—is this era."
---
After leaving them behind, Chen Xing moved swiftly toward Konohagakure.
A shadow clone dispersed beside him, returning the memories of retrieving the forbidden scroll.
Chen Xing stored the scroll and leapt forward.
---
The village was in chaos.
Flames burned, and battle raged—the aftermath of the invasion.
Chen Xing arrived near the Chūnin Exam arena, no longer hiding his presence.
Nearby, Kakashi Hatake noticed him.
"You're back," Kakashi said briefly while engaging enemy ninja.
"It's handled," Chen Xing replied.
Kakashi nodded and vanished again into combat.
---
Chen Xing's gaze shifted upward.
On the rooftop, the decisive battle had reached its end.
Hiruzen Sarutobi faced Orochimaru.
Despite his age, Hiruzen had already sealed the reanimated Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju.
Now, he used the forbidden technique—
the Reaper Death Seal.
A spectral force tore at Orochimaru's soul.
"Ah—my arms…!" Orochimaru screamed as his arms were sealed, his jutsu ability stripped away.
The pain twisted his face as cold sweat poured down.
Below, Konoha ninja watched in shock.
Chen Xing observed silently.
Hiruzen collapsed.
A generation had fallen.
---
"Retreat!" Orochimaru ordered weakly.
His subordinates immediately withdrew, carrying him away.
The invasion of Konoha… had failed.
---