Whoever Dares Reach Out, Chop Off Their Claws!

"That's really unexpected."

Kakashi stood behind a pillar and spoke lazily.

Turning his head to look at Hagoromo, who had been watching the arena, he asked, "What's wrong? Aren't you happy for your own disciples? Or are you a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of disciples?"

Hearing this, Hagoromo glanced at Kakashi speechlessly.

"Just be happy for them; almost all the disciples passed anyway."

Kakashi, who was usually quite lazy, couldn't help but roll his eyes upon hearing this. Wow, he's really showing off!

Hagoromo Yi closed her eyes again, looking at the screen full of bouncing rewards, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

Although it wasn't a great reward, his Chakra would increase by about 20,000 more.

As for the others, they're just there to make up the numbers.

It's still mostly Ninjutsu or secret techniques, elixirs, and the like.

Over the years, what he considered a valuable reward back then now seems rather insignificant.

"Do you think that guy who claims to be Madara Uchiha is real?"

After a long silence, Kakashi spoke again.

"I don't know, but... whether it's true or not, this guy is probably more anxious than we are right now."

Hagoromo curled his lips into a smile. The Rinnegan was in his hands. Even if Obito were to directly Impure World Reincarnation Madara Uchiha, he wouldn't be able to summon the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

Given this situation, what could Obito Uchiha possibly use to fight back?

Kakashi assumed that Hagoromo felt he was no match for this person, especially since the Akatsuki was almost completely wiped out.

The only one left was the woman who used paper Ninjutsu.

Even Sasori of the Red Sands, knowing there was no way out, chose to die at Chiyo's hands.

Deidara, on the other hand, appears to have been immobilized on the ground by Kitsuchi's Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique.

Therefore, Kitsuchi actually chose to leave one of the Tailed Beasts in Konoha.

This move really surprised everyone present.

Many people assumed that Deidara was Kitsuchi's illegitimate son.

This is why Kitsuchi didn't speak up immediately after hearing the name Madara Uchiha.

We just managed to save Deidara; if we choose to confront Konoha head-on now, we might lose Deidara as well.

In the stands, the figures had already dispersed, and a host of things awaited their decisions.

It's already a big favor that they took the time to watch the game.

"Teacher Hagoromo!"

Naruto's voice was the loudest, coming from the direction where Hagoromo was.

This time, Kakashi didn't choose to leave; instead, he stood there quietly watching.

"Teacher! We passed!"

Naruto leaped up and landed on the wall, looking at Hagoromo with a happy expression.

The rest of the people jumped onto the wall, first nodding to Kakashi before surrounding Hagoromo.

"Ah, I saw it all. You all did a great job this time."

"Let's go to a barbecue restaurant for dinner tonight, and invite the others too." Hagoromo gestured to Shikamaru nodded in acknowledgment.

The others were none other than Karin, Asuma, and the others.

"Marvelous!"

Choji and Naruto were the happiest, and the two of them were practically dancing around.

"Want to come along?" Hagoromo turned to Kakashi and asked.

"Hmm." Kakashi nodded without pausing.

This surprised Hagoromo for a moment, then she chuckled softly. This guy...

Suigetsu, who was trying to sneak away, was brought directly to Mei Terumi.

At this moment, Suigetsu, who had been so smug just moments before, is now as docile as ever.

In the Land of Water, Mei Terumi initially took good care of him, after all, it was Kirigakure that led to the annihilation of the Hozuki Clan.

However, as Suigetsu continued to act recklessly, Mei Terumi began to increase the intensity of her training on Suigetsu.

This guy becomes incredibly well-behaved whenever he sees Mei Terumi.

Mei Terumi, took a deep breath and changed her tone, saying, "Suigetsu, you did a good job this time, ensuring that Kirigakure didn't end up without a spot."

"That's right! This old master Suigetsu is the strongest."

Upon hearing Mei Terumi's words, Suigetsu immediately revealed his true nature, responding with a smug grin.

Qing, who was standing beside him, was stunned and involuntarily took a step back.

This kid... he's really fearless.

Sure enough, the next moment, Mei Terumi's smile turned into a gloomy one, and she grabbed Suigetsu's head.

"You... I was too lenient with you."

Mei Terumi spoke, she pressed down on Suigetsu's hand and used Boil Release.

"Ah--! It's melting!"

"Then let it dissolve!"

At the Mizukage's guesthouse, Suigetsu's voice rang out like a ghostly wail.

Passersby couldn't help but shudder.

Just as Hagoromo was about to leave with Naruto and the others, Chiyo was walking slowly towards them with Gaara not far away.

"Eh?! The one from Sunagakure?"

Naruto squinted, about to ask Gaara what he was up to, when Shikamaru grabbed him and dragged him away.

"Hello, Sawada Jonin." Chiyo gave a slight Hagoromo to Hagoromo, then stepped aside to let Gaara stand behind her.

"We spoke with the Hokage a few days ago. Sunagakure is willing to pay some price, and all subsequent actions will be dictated by Konoha."

Hagoromo did not respond; this had been discussed a few days prior, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had agreed.

The purpose was to help remove the seal on Gaara so that Shukaku wouldn't be able to escape from time to time.

Hagoromo listened quietly to Chiyo's words until she left without saying a word.

Chiyo isn't actually a bad person.

Gaara watched Chiyo leave before speaking.

"I think you'll be nominated as the Fifth Kazekage after you go back."

Instead of directly addressing the question, Hagoromo asked something else.

Gaara was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

"Remember this: how someone treats you depends on what use you are to them."

"And the worst thing you can do is change your opinion of someone because of their kindness; the shadow is the leader of the village."

"Hagoromo said softly, then patted Gaara on the shoulder."

"When I placed the seal on you that day, even two Shukakus couldn't have broken free."

After saying that, Hagoromo slowly walked away.

Gaara, however, stood there dumbfounded.

Snap--

Chiyo emerged from around the corner and slowly approached Gaara.

When Gaara's gaze finally fell upon her, it was filled with doubt and speculation, lacking his usual manic energy.

"That kid wasn't lying."

Chiyo was very satisfied. After Hagoromo said those words, Gaara was still able to remain conscious, which Chiyo considered to be a great blessing.

This proves that the seal did indeed meet the requirements.

"Gaara."

After saying that, Chiyo turned to leave.

After taking a few steps, he stopped and turned to look at Gaara: "Gaara, when we return to the village, I will diligently teach you how to become a Kage."

"If that brat had said anything else, I might have scoffed, but what he just said was correct."

"When you become a Kage—you don't need to care whether others treat you well or not. Just remember one thing: you must consider Sunagakure as your own!"

"Anyone who dares to reach out will have their claws chopped off!"