This Is Rigged! Behind-the-Scenes Manipulation.

The night before the Arena Tournament, at the residence of Baki's team in Sunagakure.

"Konoha's Anbu, what do you want here?" Chiyo, looking old and frail, stood outside the house confronting three Konoha Anbu members wearing animal masks.

Despite being an elderly woman, she exuded an aura that was icy cold and terrifying.

The three Anbu were all Jonin, or even Elite Jonin, yet they felt a sense of pressure in front of Chiyo.

One of the Cat-Faced Anbu spoke up, "I'm just here to remind you of the conditions that Sunagakure agreed to."

"Conditions? What conditions? Did our Sunagakure agree to anything from Konoha?" Chiyo said jokingly.

The three Cat-Faced Anbu seemed to have anticipated this, and knowing Chiyo's personality to some extent, they showed no surprise whatsoever.

The atmosphere became tense, yet strangely, neither side made a move to fight.

Chiyo really wanted to kill the three Konoha Anbu in front of her, but that would only vent her anger, and the consequences would be very serious.

The Konoha Anbu were merely there as a routine "reminder" to Chiyo, and naturally wouldn't cause any trouble.

The Cat-Faced Anbu stared coldly at the arrogant Chiyo, his tone turning somber, "You'd better remember, or all the terms of the previous peace negotiations will be null and void."

"Think it over carefully for the sake of Sunagakure!"

As the Cat-Faced Anbu finished speaking, he gave Chiyo a deep look, then Teuchi a gesture and whispered, "Let's retreat!"

Swish swish swish!!

The three members of the Anbu transformed into three black shadows and quickly disappeared into the night.

Chiyo gritted her teeth, a chilling killing One Flash across her face. When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head! The Sunagakure suffered a crushing defeat at Kikyo Mountain and can't afford any more setbacks!

"Konoha..."

One day, Sunagakure will take it all back!

Chiyo turned away with a troubled look in her eyes, but instead of returning to her own house, she walked towards Pakura's house.

At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, Konoha welcomed a day of universal celebration.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, will be officially appointed today!

Even though it was only early morning, the streets were already packed with people, all crowding around the street outside the Hokage Building.

Like a torrent, it spread layer upon layer throughout the entire Konoha.

Everyone was waiting, waiting for the moment when Minato Namikaze would appear, and so was Tōka, who stood with Kakashi and Guy.

As Minato's disciple, Kakashi naturally found himself in a good position.

Standing atop a tree, feeling the bustling atmosphere of Konoha, Tōka's gaze fell upon the platform of the Hokage Building.

"Minato, oh, the Lord Hokage is really popular these days!" Tōka said casually, his meaning unclear.

"The teacher truly deserves everyone's respect," Kakashi replied quietly.

"That's right!" Tōka's lips curled up slightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Kakashi, when is the Lord Hokage coming out?" The single-minded Guy didn't understand the conversation between Tōka and Kakashi at all.

He was so excited that his voice trembled.

Today, in Konoha, Might Duy is about to personally witness Minato Namikaze become the Fourth Hokage!

"It should be soon..." Kakashi gazed at the platform of the Hokage Building, his tone subtly filled with anticipation, and his eyes involuntarily sparkling.

The three of them stared intently at the platform, and none of them spoke.

A morning breeze caressed my face, its cool touch carrying away the fatigue of the night.

Suddenly, a golden figure appeared, and the noisy street fell silent, as if time had stopped.

All eyes were focused on the tall, imposing figure of the man.

Wearing a simple Jonin vest and a white Kage's Ceremonial Robe with red trim, with five large characters printed on the back in a flamboyant manner— Fourth Hokage!

The most dazzling thing is always that head of golden hair, representing a legend— Yellow Flash!

Wow!~~

"Minato, we love you!~"

A sudden burst of frantic screams from a group of women shattered the solemn and serious moment.

Looking down at the colorful girls swarming below, Minato's unusually flushed face broke out.

When he inadvertently caught sight of a red-haired woman in the crowd, all his embarrassment vanished instantly, leaving only a dignified expression on his face.

"Everyone..."

Minato opened his mouth, and as his voice rang out, all the screams and cheers suddenly stopped, and then they all put on a listening expression.

"I, Minato Namikaze, hereby become the Hokage of Konoha!"

"Wherever leaves dance in the air, fire will burn; the fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and new leaves will sprout."

"I will become Big Tree, reflecting the Kakkō, protecting the village!"

"..."

Minato's inauguration ceremony lasted the entire morning, only shortened because of the upcoming third Chunin Ninja Exams Arena Tournament in the afternoon.

If the normal procedure is followed, the Hokage inauguration ceremony can easily take a whole day, from morning till night.

As soon as Minato finished speaking his third sentence, Tōka left behind a Shadow Clone while his Original Body slipped into the Forest Konoha Back Mountain.

Kai kept his eyes fixed on Minato, noticing every word he said, and didn't notice Tōka's actions.

But Kakashi noticed Tōka's actions and his eyes twitched as he watched.

It actually slipped away... such an important ceremony... it slipped away...

Konoha Back Mountain, Tōka walked unhurriedly along the tree-lined path. On the Hokage Rock, a slender figure sat half-sitting on the edge of the cliff.

"Orochimaru is really in high spirits." Tōka slowly approached, knowing that he had been noticed the moment he appeared.

Therefore, they were not worried about being attacked by Orochimaru if they approached from behind.

Orochimaru's gaze seemed to drift both near and far as he watched the uproar over Konoha, as if he hadn't heard Tōka's words at all.

Third Hokage Old Man, this is the Hokage you chose. You certainly did a better job than I did!

Orochimaru pursed his dry lips, his gaze wandering as if his thoughts had drifted off somewhere else.

Tōka stood quietly five steps away, neither approaching nor making a sound to disturb him. Orochimaru had indeed chosen a very good spot!

Overlooking the entire Konoha, the scene of everyone flocking to the village is on full display.

The world suddenly fell silent. One sat, the other stood, as they quietly observed the prosperity of Konoha, a sight that was both somewhat out of place and strangely harmonious.

As dawn broke, the rising sun dispelled the morning light.

"Tōka, I heard you were looking for me?" Orochimaru suddenly asked, his voice still low and magnetic, but lacking a hint of allure.

"I'd like to ask Orochimaru for a favor," Tōka said sincerely.

"Tell me about it." Without agreeing or refusing, Orochimaru seemed somewhat interested in what Tōka was talking about.

"Help me take someone to a certain place." Tōka didn't say the person's name, nor did he say where he was going.

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow slightly, then grinned and chuckled softly.

He stared at Tōka with a strange expression. He had already thought he had overestimated this kid, but he hadn't expected that he had still underestimated him.

"Very well, I've already done you a favor last time, so I'll help you this time." Orochimaru didn't ask Tōka who he wanted to send to where, he just nodded slightly in agreement.

Everyone has a little secret, and those with little secrets are the ones who deserve more attention.

"Thank you." Tōka gave Orochimaru a strange look, thinking he would have to pay a price!

I didn't expect them to be so easy to talk to...

Was it because he saw the Fourth Hokage revered by everyone and wanted to be looked up to in the same way?

Tōka had no idea; he couldn't fathom Orochimaru's thoughts, at least not at this moment.

At 2 PM, following Minato Namikaze's inauguration Fourth Hokage, the highly anticipated final Ninjutsu duel of the Chunin Ninja Exams took place...

Let's begin!

Four enormous arenas were located at the four corners of the venue, surrounded by tall buildings, allowing VIPs from all over the world to have a commanding view of all the matches taking place.

The rules of the competition are simple: if you fall to the ground and can't get up, leave the ring, concede defeat, become unconscious, or die, the loser is the one who loses.

One-on-one single-game match, the winner advances.

The four arenas are divided into four areas: A, B, C, and D. One winner from each arena will advance to the semifinals.

Drawing lots? That doesn't exist.

The system directly extracts the list and groups it.

The names of people from each area are displayed on a huge electronic screen.

Area A: Shisui, Suzumebachi, Baki, Takigakure Koho Kohima Masashi, Takigakure Komori Takuto.

Area B: Kakashi, Zabuza, Wasp, Hidetoshi Konishi from Takigakure, and one person from Uemura from Yugakure.

Area C: Asuma, Yashamaru, Kurobe, Kurenai, and Yugakure Murakami Ryusui.

Section D: Dong Ge, Kai, Terumi Akira, Kisame, Yekura, Yu Shinobu, Murakami Murahiro.

Upon seeing the group assignments, even though Tōka was somewhat prepared, he couldn't help but swear.

This cover-up is outrageous!

Except for Zone D, which has six people, the other three zones each have five people, so there will definitely be a situation where no one gets a turn.

Without even thinking, just looking at the list of those involved in Konoha's behind-the-scenes manipulations, you'll know who's most likely to get a bye.

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts watch the details.

The Daimyō, officials, and wealthy merchants who came purely for sightseeing and entertainment had no idea of the relative strengths of the members of each group.

Most people from the Land of Fire came because of Kakashi's reputation as a genius. The Daimyō of the Land of Fire needs no introduction, and Kakashi, Jonin, was naturally aware of it.

However, this was not a formal Chunin Ninja Exams to begin with.

The Land of Fire Daimyō was eager for the Konoha Ninja to shine, and his attention was mostly focused on Area A.

The Great Nations has its the Great Nations rumors, and who is powerful is just hearsay; true strength is not proportional to reputation.

Tōka glanced at the list of groups in District D, and his brows furrowed deeply.

"They're all tough nut to crack, not easy to deal with!" Even if Pakura could easily pass the first round, the others...

Neither Mei Terumī, who possesses two Kekkei Genkai, nor Kisame, who is proficient in Water Release and Swordsmanship, are easy to deal with.

"Who the hell is this Kamimura Hane from Yugakure? The intelligence only says he's a ninja proficient in Lightning Release."

Tōka didn't understand why such a minor character would be assigned to Group D.

Is it merely a smokescreen? To make people believe that these partitions are really just randomly assigned by the system?

"Tōka, what are you thinking about?" Kakashi nudged Tōka with his elbow and asked.

"I'm thinking... how to survive!" Tōka's expression was calm, but his tone was unusually serious.

Kakashi pursed his lips and remained silent. He understood the strength of each team, and seeing this division, he naturally knew it couldn't have been randomly assigned by the system.

However, Kakashi couldn't say much about the inside story, because it wouldn't have been possible without Minato's consent.

Although Kakashi's initial purpose in approaching Tōka was not pure, and was more for surveillance, he still hoped that Tōka could become "one of his own" after spending time together.

"After this test, Tōka will truly be recognized by Konoha." Kakashi's mind echoed with Minato's words.

After a moment of silence, Kakashi stared intently at Tōka.

Tōka... I believe in you!

"Oh." Tōka responded expressionlessly. Even I don't believe myself, and you actually believe me?

At that moment, Minato and wearing Kage's Ceremonial Robe, stood in front of the Hokage's exclusive seat at the highest point.

"The much-anticipated third round of the Chunin Ninja Exams is now beginning!"

Minato didn't waste any time; with just a simple sentence, he ignited the lively atmosphere.

The host, being a sensible fellow, gave a brief opening speech and, amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd, announced...

The Arena Tournament has officially begun!

D Zone Round 1: Kai vs. Kisame!

Standing on the high platform, Tōka raised an eyebrow when he saw the two names on the signboard. Was this a fateful duel?

"Oh my god!! Is the first match going to be a test of youthful energy?" Kai yelled, as if he had been injected with adrenaline, and with a somersault, he leaped high into the air.

His Green Skin and Watermelon- shaped haircut instantly dazzled everyone.

"This... could it be the legendary Kappa?" The princess of a certain country covered her mouth with a small fan, revealing a pair of astonished eyes.

"Your Highness, this is Might Guy, a Might Guy from Konoha." The attendant beside him replied, his eyebrows twitching.

"Oh? They're ninjas from Konoha!" The princess exclaimed, a look of realization dawning on her face...

"..."

Kisame stood on the high platform, utterly exasperated. To be honest, he really didn't want to go down. Why couldn't he have a proper opponent?

Hozuki Mangetsu's gaze fell from the Viewing Stand to the side. Kisame nodded slightly, while simultaneously reaching out to wipe the massive weapon wrapped in white cloth behind him.

He cannot lose, and he will not lose!

The thought flashed through his mind, Kisame's eyes hardened, and he secretly made a decision: to finish off Gai with a single, all-out attack!

"You two, come to the center!" The person in charge of the exam was also an acquaintance, Tōka and Kai's teacher from the Ninja Academy — Furuya Daisuke.

"On the left, Might Guy from Konoha!" Furuya Daisuke shouted, lifting Might Guy's arm.

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched, and then they turned their faces away to look at the other arenas.

After speaking, Furuya Daisuke raised Kisame Hoshigaki's arm again, and shouted loudly to the people on the surrounding high platforms.

"On the right, Kisame Hoshigaki from Kirigakure!"

This immediately drew cheers from the crowd.

Furuya Daisuke remained silent for a moment, and the cheers gradually subsided.

"You should all understand the rules. If you don't understand, you can ask me now!" Furuya Daisuke then asked the two if they were ready.

"No problem!" Kai clasped his hands in a fist salute and responded loudly.

"Let's begin," Kisame replied, his eye twitching slightly.

"Disperse!" Furuya Daisuke glanced at the two of them, raised his hand to signal, and Kai and Kisame immediately flashed away from where they were.

The distance between the two sides increased to a full twenty paces.

Furuya Daisuke raised his arm high and swung it down sharply, shouting, "The match begins!"

Whoosh!

Furuya Daisuke's figure had just disappeared from the ring.

Kisame drew Giant Weapon wrapped in layers of white cloth from his back, his body slumped, and he unleashed a terrifying force as he charged toward Gai.

"Well done!" Kai shouted, adopting Opening Stance with one hand in front and the other behind, combining offense and defense.

The battle is about to begin!!