Chapter 563: Arriving at the Exam Site
Meanwhile, after finishing his meeting with Danzō, Ishiro returned to Iwagakure and immediately sent an official letter to Kakashi in his capacity as Tsuchikage.
Ishiro stated that Iwa would be sending participants for the third round of Konoha's Joint Chunin Exam.
Furthermore, Ishiro stated bluntly that he himself, the Tsuchikage, would be leading the team to Konoha.
He did not ask for Kakashi's permission; he simply informed him.
It was the perfect "I am the villain, and I am here to make trouble" attitude.
Ishiro then convened an Iwa high-level meeting to prepare for the "Konoha Crush Plan" in one month.
After the meeting, he summoned Riori Uzumaki's three new disciples: Sakura, Shion, and Yakumo Kurama.
Sakura-chan's training didn't require much of Ishiro's oversight. She had been forced to study medical ninjutsu since her first year at the Academy. By now, her only real weakness in medical ninjutsu was her chakra reserves; in terms of technical skill, she was already second to none in the medical department, save for Head Medic Nakata.
Beyond that, Sakura-chan also knew the Chakra Scalpel and how to use poisons.
But Sakura-chan's greatest strength was Yin Release. A single Mind Body Switch Technique could make her unbeatable in a one-on-one fight at her level. The coordination between her "Inner" and "Outer" selves allowed her main body to continue fighting even after using the Mind Body Switch.
Her Yin Release skills weren't limited to the Yamanaka clan's techniques; she also knew genjutsu.
After reviewing Sakura-chan's combat style, Ishiro gave her a few pointers on her genjutsu training and let her figure it out.
Shion and Yakumo Kurama were in a similar situation. They had both spent the last year with Katsumata and Natsuki's help, learning to digest the "monsters" inside them.
The speed of their Yin Release progress was astonishing, even to Ishiro. In terms of Yin Release level, both had astonishingly reached the second stage. This was especially true for Shion, who had reached it months ago.
However, unlike Sakura-chan, their other abilities were abysmal. Their taijutsu and ninjutsu were dreadful, especially Yakumo, who still relied on her Super Beast Scroll animals just to walk.
Ishiro said to the three, "Konoha is hosting a Joint Chunin Exam. I plan to take Sakura-chan and Shion to participate. Yakumo-chan, do you want to go?"
Ishiro had promised Yakumo Kurama he wouldn't make her confront Konoha ninja.
Yakumo thought for a moment and shook her head. "Lord Tsuchikage, I think I'll sit this one out. My physical constitution is too unique. I'll be recognized."
Ishiro nodded and ruffled her hair. "That's fine. Besides, I already promised Neji-kun I'd bring him. I'll just have him disguise himself as a genin.
"But just because you're not competing doesn't mean you're not training. From now until the third round, I will be conducting special training for you."
With that, Ishiro created three shadow clones, and they began sparring one-on-one.
Neji-kun, he was confident in. But Shion and Sakura-chan were still too green. Their skills were high, but they weren't ready to bring honor to Iwagakure at the exam.
Ishiro didn't just spar with them himself; he had experienced Chunin drill them and even assigned them dangerous missions. In short, he was desperately trying to improve their combat experience.
Because of Kakashi's thunderous purge, Konoha's interior had been rapidly unified, turning Danzō's hard-won network into a joke.
Ishiro's "Konoha Crush Plan," which he had hoped would at least cripple the village, now looked much less certain.
Therefore, Ishiro needed to make more preparations.
In the final month before the third round, Ishiro traveled to several places, continuously setting new traps for Konoha.
After a busy month, the time for the Konoha exam's third round finally arrived.
One month later.
Southeastern Land of Fire. Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi were heading toward Konoha.
Suddenly, a white figure emerged from the ground. A White Zetsu clone.
The White Zetsu clone reported, "Lord Orochimaru, we've confirmed it. The Fifth Mizukage is on her way to Konoha. She has two attendants, both in ANBU gear, identities unknown. We have not found any trace of the Fifth Raikage. It seems he will not be attending."
Orochimaru remained silent. Kabuto asked for him, "Any sign of the Tsuchikage?"
The White Zetsu clone said awkwardly, "No. The Tsuchikage's sensory ability is too terrifying. We don't dare get close. The hundred-plus clones we sent to monitor Kumo's search for the Two-Tails never returned. Black Zetsu suspects they ran into the Tsuchikage. Only he understands us well enough, and has the power, to capture that many of us at once."
Kabuto continued, "How did the Tsuchikage know where you were?"
The White Zetsu clone replied, "He didnI't follow us. He followed Kumo. There was an intelligence leak in Kumogakure. The Iwa spies must have stolen the intel on the Two-Tails. The Tsuchikage just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Our clones were just unlucky."
Kabuto mused, "Lord Orochimaru, Kumo is likely wary of Iwa because of the Two-Tails incident. That's probably why the Fifth Raikage isn't coming."
Orochimaru said lightly, "It's normal for them to be wary. It's not just the Raikage; Kiri is also on guard."
The White Zetsu clone added, "Aside from the Mizukage, we have no idea where Kiri's other Kage-level shinobi are. Black Zetsu suspects the two ANBU with the Mizukage are suspicious, possibly Terumī Mei and her group in disguise. Black Zetsu wishes to know if Lord Orochimaru wants to test them."
Orochimaru glanced at the Zetsu. "Pointless. We have no conflict with Kiri. Why would we be Iwa's guinea pig? Besides, such an obvious target is clearly fake. Why bother testing it?"
"I understand," the Zetsu replied, sinking back into the earth.
Kabuto said, "Lord Orochimaru, is the Zetsu's intel credible? Was it really a leak from Kumo? Or was the loss of a hundred clones just a fabrication?"
Orochimaru thought for a moment. "The loss of the clones is likely real. But the Tsuchikage loves to be mysterious. The obvious answer is rarely the true one. I suspect the Two-Tails intel didn't leak from Kumo. This seems more like the Tsuchikage intentionally exposing his own spies after getting the intel from another source. He's most likely creating a diversion. And... knowing him... he's probably planning to make a move on Kumo."
Kabuto was alarmed. "Iwa is going to attack Kumo during the Konoha Chunin Exams? Should we warn Kumo? Let them set a trap?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "No need to get involved. Kumo is probably aware. Those 'missing' Kiri shinobi... they're probably Kumo's trump card."
Kabuto was pensive. He still had much to learn.
Just then, Orochimaru said, "Kabuto, you're missing the point. Think. Where is the Two-Tails now? Was it killed, or was it sealed and taken? Will we be facing a new Two-Tails Jinchūriki the next time we fight Iwa? That is the point!"
Kabuto was startled. He had been completely sidetracked by the Zetsu story. He quickly apologized and refocused.
Just as Orochimaru suspected, Ishiro was planning to stir up trouble.
Iwa's armies had not mobilized, but the preparations were complete. Ninja at the village and every branch were gathered by their teleportation arrays, awaiting the signal.
Eight of Iwa's Kage-level shinobi—Ōnoki, Ikura, Kitsuchi, Han, Rōshi, Kawakita, Deidara, and Natsuki—were sitting quietly in the Tsuchikage's conference room, waiting.
(Shinya-kun was at the Moon passage, while Ishiro had taken Sōkai and Izumi.)
They were all waiting for Ishiro's signal.
At that moment, Ishiro's group had already entered the Land of Fire.
He didn't fly straight to the gates, but landed midway to drop off Uchiha Izumi, Karin, Kō, Himeki Suda, and the ninja cat Fūka.
All four were now dressed in Konoha ANBU uniforms.
Ishiro said to Izumi, "Izumi, Konoha's main force should be in the village. Go directly to Nekomata's place. Be quick. Kill all the ninja monitoring the cat tribe, and bring the entire clan back to the village. Karin-chan's sensory ability and Kō's Byakugan will help. Fūka can help you communicate."
"Remember, be careful. If you run into trouble, abandon the mission."
Uchiha Izumi nodded. "Lord Tsuchikage, if I finish early, should I proceed to Konoha to support you?"
Ishiro thought. "You can. But only after you've confirmed the cat tribe is safe on our territory."
Izumi acknowledged the order, and her group of four humans and one cat vanished into the dense forests of the Land of Fire.
Now, Ishiro was left with Kanako and Akino Atsumi (in ANBU gear), and his genin squad, disguised as a four-man cell: Sōkai, Neji, Sakura, and Shion.
He flew the remaining six a bit further, landing about a kilometer from Konoha.
The seven of them then walked slowly toward the main gate.
When they arrived, Kakashi and the Konoha high command were already there waiting.
Ishiro, in his Tsuchikage robes and kage hat, walked smiling toward the similarly dressed Kakashi.
They did not shake hands or embrace, but stopped five meters apart and began a "friendly" exchange.
"Hokage-dono, long time no see. Congratulations on your increase in strength," Ishiro said.
Ishiro noted Kakashi's right arm was bandaged, and his aura felt... familiar. It was the same aura he'd felt from Obito Uchiha and Danzō.
Ishiro instantly guessed that Kakashi had transplanted Hashirama cells.
Kakashi ignored the comment about his strength. He glanced at the sage markings around Ishiro's eyes. "Welcome, Tsuchikage-dono, to Konoha's Joint Chunin Exam."
Ishiro laughed. "As long as I'm welcome! I came uninvited, so I was worried you wouldn't be! I was about to turn around and go home so I wouldn't be a bother. But since you're all being so warm, I think I'll stay for a few extra days and look around."
Kakashi: "..."
Seeing Kakashi was at a loss for words, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped in. "Seventh, please escort the Tsuchikage to the stadium."
Kakashi seized the opening. "Tsuchikage-dono, let us proceed to the stadium."
As Kakashi led the way, Ishiro noticed two ANBU figures flanking him. Through one of their masks, Ishiro could see a Byakugan.
Ishiro said with a tone of disappointment, "Ah? Straight to the stadium? I came early specifically to take these kids to the famous Ichiraku Ramen! Ever since I had it that one time, I just can't get Konoha out of my mind."
Kakashi thought, Is it the ramen you can't get out of your mind, or is it Konoha? Could you be any more obvious?
Hiruzen stepped in again. "Rest assured, Tsuchikage-dono. Once we are at the stadium, I will have Ichiraku Ramen delivered to you and your students."
Ishiro smiled. "Sarutobi-senpai, you're too kind. How embarrassing! In that case, could you bring the menu first? These kids behind me don't know what flavors they have."
Hiruzen's expression didn't change. "No problem." He signaled a nearby attendant, who immediately ran off.
Seeing he couldn't get a rise out of them, Ishiro continued, "Has everyone else arrived?"
Kakashi said, "The Raikage is busy and cannot attend. The Mizukage should be on her way."
Ishiro said, "Oh. What about the others?"
Kakashi, walking a few meters away, stiffened, but quickly recovered.
He asked calmly, "Who are you referring to, Tsuchikage-dono?"
"Of course, I mean the Daimyō of the Land of Fire!" Ishiro said. "Our Daimyō said he was busy, but he insisted I pass on his greetings to the Fire Daimyō."
Kakashi, who had been bracing for a question about Danzō or Orochimaru, was caught off guard by the feint and couldn't respond.
Hiruzen stepped in again. "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Tsuchikage-dono. The Daimyō is not coming, but his envoy is here. If you have a message..."
Ishiro waved his hand. "No, no, that won't do. The Daimyō's greeting is too important to be passed on so casually! After the exam, I'll just make a trip to the capital myself."
Hiruzen: "..."
*You ! You want to go to the capital and meet our Daimyō? What are you planning?!
He took a deep breath. "That won't be necessary, Tsuchikage-dono. The Daimyō's envoy is fully empowered. You needn't be a stranger."
Ishiro nodded, looking disappointed. "What a pity. I've never had the chance to behold his magnificent presence!"
As they spoke, the group finally arrived at the stadium.
It was the same one from the original story. However, in the high Kage box, there were three seats, and on a terrace just below, there were three more, each spaced ten meters apart.
One of the lower seats was already occupied by a man-kun who, judging by his skin tone, was from Kumo.
Ishiro knew the other two seats were for Orochimaru and Suna's Baki.
Ishiro was led to the top box and chose the seat on the far right.
Kakashi offered, "Tsuchikage-dono, please, take the center."
Ishiro smiled, "Sitting between the Hokage and the Mizukage... it makes me a little uncomfortable. The side is better."
Kakashi said nothing more and sat in the center.
Hiruzen had returned to the gate to wait for Kisame (the Mizukage's representative).
Ishiro sat down. Kanako and Akino Atsumi, in their ANBU gear, stood behind him.
He looked down at the contestant waiting area below.
Sōkai had already led Neji-kun and the others to their section.
Might Guy, acting as their host, stood near Sōkai with his head lowered.
Unlike the original story, the stadium now had separate waiting areas for each village. Iwa was placed on the far end, with Konoha on the opposite. Sōkai would have no chance to interact with Sasuke.
Ishiro turned his gaze to Kakashi. "Hokage-dono, I wonder who advanced to the third round. May I see the list?"
Kakashi, who felt that every word from Ishiro was a trap, reluctantly had a list brought over.
Kanako took the list for Ishiro, inspected it for traps, and then handed it to him.
Ishiro glanced over it.
This was the second Joint Chunin Exam (the first having been hosted by Ishiro). That time, 42 contestants had made it to the finals, which lasted three days. This exam was similar, with 33 contestants.
He saw many familiar names:
Uchiha Sasuke, Naruto Namikaze, Hinata Hyūga, Shikamaru Nara, Chōji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, Rock Lee, and Tenten. All ten were there.
From Suna, Gaara was there, along with Temari and Kankurō.
(Suna was likely just trying to regain some prestige.)
From the Snake Pit Village, he recognized names like Kidōmaru, and Sakon and Ukon.
From Kumo, no one famous.
From Kiri, the only one he recognized was Suigetsu Hōzuki.
The rest were unknown.
Ishiro set the list aside just as several Konoha ninja brought three bowls of ramen.
He could see Sōkai in the contestant box, holding his own bowl and looking up at him.
There was no table in the Kage box. Ishiro lightly tapped his foot. An earth-release pillar rose from the floor, forming a small stone table in front of him.
He motioned for the ninja to place the ramen down.
He then glanced back at Kanako and Akino Atsumi.
In perfect sync, both women turned their heads away. They had their dignity. This was the Kage box, in full view of thousands. They weren't about to die of social embarrassment by taking off their ANBU masks to eat.
Ishiro didn't mind. He pulled all three bowls in front of himself, picked one up, and began slurping loudly.
Seeing his two bodyguards refuse to unmask, Kakashi was disappointed. Konoha still had no intel on the identity or strength of these two. He had hoped to get a look.
(End of Chapter)
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