Well, this is just complete mockery!
But it was hard to say anything about it, since the other side wanted a battle based on personal grudges, not a conflict between villages. Even the Third had no reason to interfere in this.
If he interferes, wouldn't that just show that Konoha is just being cowardly? You don't even dare to have such a personal fight?
Everyone looked at Naoki.
He glanced at the Kumo shinobi, nodded, and said, "I agree to this battle!"
Everyone from Konoha's side was stunned, and some even admired Naoki's bravery. After all, if he didn't want to fight, he could have still refused, but then Konoha would have lost face.
"Naoki-kun, you have to be careful!" the Third warned.
Naoki agreed to this battle, which could be seen as a solution to Hiruzen's problem. As Hokage, he could not say anything more than encourage him.
"Excellent! Then I'll be waiting for you at your training ground tomorrow morning at eight o'clock!" the Kumo jonin smiled and walked away with satisfaction along with the others.
With Hizashi volunteering to sacrifice himself, Kumo no longer had a chance to obtain the Byakugan, but by taking the life of Hizashi and another promising newcomer, they were in the black.
Although Naoki had only recently been promoted to jonin, he had already made a name for himself during the Third Shinobi War. Kumo had long had its eyes on him, this young genius. And if there was a way to kill such a genius, it might be even more valuable than the death of the Hyuga clan head's brother.
After the Cloud Shinobi left the conference room, Hiashi Hyuga returned with Hizashi to arrange the funeral, and the others also left with depressed expressions. After all, it was truly a disgrace to Konoha.
The Third Hokage walked up to Naoki and said with a serious expression, "Naoki, Date is a famous elite jonin of Hidden Cloud. He is a master of kenjutsu and is an excellent raiton user. You are not inferior to him in lightning techniques, but swordsmanship is your weakness. If you need any weapons, just tell me and I will prepare the best we have for you."
"Hokage-sama, I understand everything. There is no need for weapons, I have them," Naoki said with a smile.
"Okay, you have to survive!" Hiruzen said seriously.
"I understand," Naoki nodded.
At this time, Kakashi said from the side: "Naoki, I can give you some advice on lightning techniques!"
Naoki smiled, "Don't worry, I never do anything I'm not sure about."
"Well, I believe you!" Kakashi nodded.
However, like the Third, he still had a serious expression on his face. Everyone felt that Naoki said this on purpose so that they wouldn't worry.
The third one secretly decided in his heart that even if he risked his reputation, he would still save Naoki's life at the critical moment.
. . . . . .
In the evening.
News spread through the streets of Konoha that Naoki was going to have a life and death fight with a powerful Kumo shinobi. This news was apparently spread intentionally by a group from Kumo to weaken Konoha's momentum after they killed Naoki.
Naoki, however, remained completely calm, as if he didn't care about this fight at all.
…
The next day.
After Naoki had tidied himself up, he materialized his Zanpakutō, sheathed it, and attached it to his back.
The entrance to the training grounds was closed. Martial law was currently in effect around the area, and Konoha had strictly ordered that no villagers were allowed to come near it. Only the Third Hokage, two advisors, and senior clan representatives and the Jonin elite were present.
Date was already standing in the field and waiting. Naoki came up with his sword on his back and entered the arena.
"Naoki, you're finally here. I thought you were going to run away." Date chuckled as he saw the boy arrive.
"Well, I'm not late, am I?" Naoki asked calmly.
"It's true that you're not late, but no matter if you come earlier or later, you still can't avoid dying today, just accept your fate," Date continued to undermine Naoki's confidence.
"Okay, since you want to die so badly, I'll help you." Naoki got tired of chatting with this guy and drew his zanpakuto.
Date saw Naoki draw his blade as if he wanted to compete with him in swordsmanship. He couldn't help but be taken aback, and said in surprise, "Oh? You dare to play with a sword in front of me? Aren't you good at ninjutsu? It seems you've decided not to fight back."