Nighttime.
Kakashi used the ring to contact Chinya, who was at the inn, and informed him about the problem Sasuke Uchiha had encountered.
Chinya was also puzzled. "His movements, breathing, and chakra release are all correct—yet he still can't pull it off?"
Kakashi replied, "That's right. I don't know what else is wrong with Sasuke."
Chinya thought for a while—after all, he himself had never experienced such an issue. Neither Kakashi nor Uzumaki Sōnagi had encountered any problems when practicing Thunder Breathing; they had progressed smoothly without facing anything like what Sasuke Uchiha was experiencing now.
Suddenly, Chinya considered a possibility. He turned to Kakashi and said, "The Second Form through the Sixth Form of Thunder Breathing—all these sword techniques essentially serve as distractions or supplementary moves. However, the first form—[Thunder Flash]—is a one-strike killing technique. Compared with other forms, [Thunder Flash] is not only the most fundamental of Thunder Breathing, but also its hardest-to-learn move.
This is because using [Thunder Flash] requires perfect synchronization between mind and body; you must eliminate all distracting thoughts. Unfortunately, Sasuke currently cannot do that—he has far too many messy thoughts in his head. To successfully use [Thunder Flash], unless Sasuke clears away every distraction, even if he tries the First Form or Seventh Form, he might not be able to master either."
Kakashi understood: "So that's why. If this condition prevents him from learning the First Form properly, then I guess there's nothing I can do to help him."
"Yeah, it depends on him now. We've got three more days—we should all prepare ourselves."
After reminding Kakashi, Chinya cut off communication.
The next day, when Kakashi saw Sasuke Uchiha again,
he told him, "I've already talked to Chinya about it. He explained why you're failing to cultivate [Thunder Flash]. Although [Thunder Flash] is the first form, it's actually the hardest among all forms—it requires your mind and body to work perfectly together. Therefore, when you attempt [Thunder Flash], you need to clear your mind completely and stop thinking too much.
[Thunder Flash] is a straightforward sword technique. Too many thoughts will interfere with your execution, preventing harmony between your mind and body, which leads to losing control.
Therefore, if you want to successfully perform [Thunder Flash], you need to figure out how to empty all those scattered thoughts from your mind."
Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Sasuke Uchiha felt it didn't sound too difficult—just stop thinking.
However, after trying several more times, he failed again and again.
Kakashi reminded him, "Getting rid of distracting thoughts is a complex and ongoing process. It isn't something you achieve simply by telling yourself 'don't think' or 'empty your mind.' These distractions often stem from deep inside your own mind—they're embedded in your thoughts.
Eliminating them entirely is extremely hard, so you need to understand clearly exactly what kind of distracting thoughts you're carrying."
Sasuke Uchiha started trying to understand his own distractions, but he couldn't quite figure out what they really were.
Could it be the hatred toward Itachi Uchiha?
For Sasuke, this wasn't just a distraction—it was his main goal. If he abandoned it, he'd lose all motivation to grow stronger, and everything would become meaningless.
So then… what was it exactly?
Noticing Sasuke's deep frown, Kakashi advised him, "Sasuke, there's no use rushing this matter. Take your time. Let's keep working on other forms first. Maybe during the process, things will suddenly click for you."
Sasuke nodded and continued training while still deep in thought.
Inside the Root Base:
Danzo asked Aburame Tatsuma, "Are we fully ready?"
Aburame Tatsuma reported, "Everything is set. Our ninja have already been notified and will assemble at once when the chaos breaks out to carry out Lord Danzo's orders."
"Good." Danzo turned toward Umara beside him. "Now comes the moment to test whether my years of grooming you have paid off. When the plan begins, you will move together with Tatsuma and the others. The target is Minato Namikaze!"
Umara replied expressionlessly, "Understood! Lord Danzo!"
Danzo narrowed his eyes as he stared at the flickering candlelight on the table.
If this upcoming operation succeeds, the flame will burn even more fiercely.
But if it fails, not only will the flame die out—the very candle itself will be crushed.
On the day before the official start of the second exam.
At the inn, Chinya faced Uzumaki Sōnagi and the others, reminding them, "The plan is about to begin soon, so all of you must prepare yourselves. Sakon, Kidomaru, Tayuya, Jirobo—you should! When the plan starts, go straight to Master Orochimaru and follow his instructions.
As for Sōnagi, Kimimaro, and Jugo, I've got a special mission for you three."
Uzumaki Sōnagi thumped his chest confidently. "Father, just tell us already! We'll definitely get it done right!"
Chinya explained, "Once the plan starts, Neji will begin his own mission. You're in charge of helping Neji. If there are pursuers, help him take on his clan members and escape to meet up with Ruiga and the others outside the village. That's your mission. If you pull it off well, then I'll approve that personal request of yours, Sōnagi!"
Upon hearing Chinya's words, Uzumaki Sōnagi immediately vowed to complete the mission.
Finally, Chinya added, "Once the plan begins, we might not be able to look after you, so focus mainly on staying safe. Got it?"
"Understood!"
...
Time passed quickly.
Today marks the official start of the second exam.
All participants had already entered the arena, surrounded by numerous spectators filling the stands.
In the main section of the audience area, three seats were reserved.
Present among them were Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the central seat, with Minato Namikaze seated to his right. The remaining empty chair was naturally reserved for Kazekage Rasa.
This was also the first major public event Minato had attended since awakening from his long, dreamless slumber.
Minato Namikaze looked around and said, "This place sure is lively. Still the same old Konoha... Still buzzing with life!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "You bet. I believe Konoha will keep thriving like this."
Orochimaru appeared, pretending to be Rasa, dressed in full Kazekage robes and wearing a Kazekage headdress.
Hiruzen greeted him, saying, "What an honor to have you here, Kazekage-sama."
Minato also welcomed him, saying, "You honor us by coming here, Kazekage-sama. Please, have a seat."
Orochimaru sat down in the empty seat reserved for him, to the left of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>