"Fighting again?"
Minato Namikaze raised his eyebrows in surprise at the scene on the monitor, setting down the ramen he had just bought.
"Isn't this going too far, Jiraiya-sensei? Should we intervene?"
He frowned. Such large-scale alliances had never appeared before. Could it be that the ninja world had grown unstable recently?
"Looks like they've teamed up," Jiraiya said gravely.
For ordinary people unfamiliar with the ninja world, the so-called "Chunin Exams" seemed merely like exercises to "strengthen bonds" and "improve ninja skills." But experienced shinobi knew the truth: the exams mirrored inter-nation warfare. Past allies were often former competitors, and the exams prevented unnecessary losses or mutual destruction.
Becoming a Chunin didn't only happen through the exams. Some shinobi relied on observation, mission completion, and demonstrated talent to gain recognition, albeit more slowly.
"The strength of a nation lies in its village, the strength of a village in its ninjas, and the true power of a ninja only emerges in battle," Jiraiya said. Words once told to him by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
A flower grown in a greenhouse cannot withstand wind and rain.
Minato nodded, seemingly understanding, as he turned back to watch the events on the screen. The images were magnified and blurry, and no sound carried.
...
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Kiyoshi reassured Yuuhi, gesturing for her to stay behind him.
"Okay," she nodded, drawing a kunai from her pouch, ready to respond. It was just a minor skirmish.
Kiyoshi's Sharingan chakra extended through his limbs, enhancing his control over chakra and allowing him to push his "seal" abilities further. This mastery gave him precise control over the newly learned Raiton: Lightning Current, which now surged outside his body like crackling thunder.
"Give up resisting," Kaguya Shoya said confidently.
Kiyoshi observed the crowd surrounding them. "Perfect, time to try the Merciless Iron Hand entry," he thought.
After defeating Yekura, he had obtained the [Merciless Extinguisher (White)] entry, which displayed an advanced route. Completing this entry likely accounted for the majority of overall progress, with the remaining two conditions easily achievable. From the name, it clearly involved hands.
Kiyoshi did not remove his summoning scroll-bound ninja sword but looked across at his enemies, eyes glinting with anticipation.
"We… can give you the scroll," a deep voice spoke from behind.
Turning, Kiyoshi saw it was Hyuga Hiho. His hand trembled slightly, fingers gripping a kunai, forehead beaded with sweat.
The dozens of surrounding ninja radiated oppressive pressure, tension like a bowstring ready to snap.
"First, show us your Hyuga branch's 'Caged Bird Seal,'" a ninja behind Shoya coldly demanded.
Branch members bore this seal; if killed or their eyes stolen, it would destroy the eye and brain, preventing misuse. This was why the Byakugan remained secret.
Hiho relaxed slightly—being a branch, revealing it posed no real danger. Hesitation might raise suspicion of being a main family member—a fatal risk. He quickly exposed the seal, confirming his branch status.
Hyuga Tetsu began untying his band, urging Natsu:
"Alsha, we're branch members!"
Better a little shame than death.
But Natsu remained silent. Memories of last night's humiliation and powerlessness lingered, making her instinctively resist.
"Hurry up," Shoya's accompanying ninja urged impatiently, eyes sharp with threat.
Natsu's lips trembled, still motionless.
A ninja probed, "What? Are you main family?"
The atmosphere froze. Several eyes immediately focused on Natsu, glinting with danger.
Tetsu's face paled. He stepped in front of her, yelling:
"No! We're all branch members!"
He forced a conciliatory smile at the opposition.
"Once you see we're branches, you'll let us go, right?"
Tomei Mei nodded gently, lips curling seductively:
"Of course. We don't waste time on insignificant branch members."
Her gaze shifted to Kiyoshi—his Sharingan also a target. The large assembly was only for bloodline limits. Others had similar goals, trying to snatch abilities before competing for final ownership. No one could guarantee victory over the renowned Uchiha clan; temporary alliance was prudent.
Tetsu encouraged Natsu:
"Alsha, it's okay! Once we survive the second round, half the Chunin Exam is complete. This is for the Hyuga…"
Yet Natsu's eyes stayed downcast.
"This is too much," Yuuhi muttered, frowning. They were clearly targeting the Hyuga Byakugan!
Before she finished, Kiyoshi raised a hand, placing it calmly on her shoulder.
"Don't rush."
Several ninja suddenly attacked Natsu.
Kiyoshi's index and middle fingers came together, sparks of lightning flashing—pzzzt!
He vanished in an instant. Speed reached its peak.
Raiton: Lightning Finger swirled between his fingers. One strike pierced the charging ninja.
"You have obtained the entry: [Merciless Iron Hand (White)]."
[Entry: Merciless Iron Hand (White)]
[Requirement: Defeat ten ninja with your palm.]
[Progress: 10%]
[Effect: The meridian system in your palm becomes more resilient, increased by 5%.]
[Note: Can be further upgraded.]
(End of Chapter)