Blood Pond Chiyo!

When the Third heard Utatane Koharu's question, he furrowed his brow.

Utatane Koharu continued, "Shinji's record of killing Akatsuki Organization members proves that he's the strongest of the new generation. If Yakumo is defeated too, he'll be the only one who can restore the village's honor!"

Mitokado Homura nodded slightly.

He hadn't fully supported Utatane Koharu before because he felt the village shouldn't give Shinji Uchiha too much ground.

But now, the situation had left the village no choice. The Grass ninja's challenge had backed them into a corner, and they had made a complete spectacle of themselves.

If even Yakumo lost, they would have to let Shinji fight and restore the village's honor, no matter what. Otherwise, Konoha's reputation would be ruined.

The Third said, "Let's wait a little longer!"

In the Forest of Death.

Two figures, one ahead of the other, raced through the dense primeval forest.

Perhaps because the Chakra radiating from them was too powerful, the giant beasts that dwelled in the Forest of Death scattered in every direction, desperate to get away.

A moment later, Yakumo, who had been leading the way, chose a fairly large clearing and stopped.

Chiyo, following close behind, also came to a halt.

"Let's do it here!"

As she spoke, Yakumo raised both hands and began forming Hand Seals.

Ryūsetsuna had already told Chiyo that Konoha's Kurama Yakumo possessed the legendary Kekkei Genkai known as Wood Release. So Chiyo held back all the questions in her mind for now and focused her attention on Yakumo.

"Here I come!"

With that, Yakumo completed her Hand Seals in an instant.

Rumble!

As the ground shook, thick vines burst from the earth and surged toward Chiyo.

Facing Wood Release for the first time, Chiyo's heart lurched. Not daring to take any chances, she