Chunin Ninja Exams

Whew.

A mountain breeze swept by. Dozens of people had gathered in a circle in Otogakure, with Orochimaru in the middle, explaining his plan.

Suddenly, something rustled in the trees nearby. Everyone went on alert and turned to look.

It was Feng Yao, who had just returned from Shikkotsu Forest.

Feng Yao slowly surveyed the group. His piercing gaze made everyone around him avert their eyes.

"Yao-kun, you're finally back. Heh heh heh. I thought you'd changed your mind about getting revenge."

Orochimaru relaxed when he saw Feng Yao. After returning, he had heard that Feng Yao had left and had even sent people out to look for him.

They had come back empty-handed. If Feng Yao had run off, Orochimaru would have lost a peerlessly perfect vessel.

"Hmph. Has the plan begun?"

Feng Yao glanced at Orochimaru and got straight to the point. It was already nearly July, and the Chunin Exams were fast approaching.

According to the story, Orochimaru would first send three Sound Ninja to take part in Konoha's Chunin Exams. He would also impersonate the Fourth Kazekage, then launch the Konoha Destruction Plan during the exams.

"Of course. In a few days, Konoha will be holding its Chunin Exams. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enter Konoha openly. I'll send my subordinates in as well. Then, working together with the Sand Ninja from within and without, we'll destroy Konoha. By then, Yao-kun, you'll surely get what you want."

Orochimaru gave Feng Yao a faint smile.

Strange. How had Orochimaru impersonated the Kazekage back then?

Kimimaro was here, and Kabuto should be in Konoha. By all rights, Orochimaru ought to be in Sunagakure at this point.

Could my arrival have caused the Fourth Kazekage to survive his encounter with Orochimaru?

"Of course. From now on, there won't be a Konoha Ninja Village anymore."

Feng Yao answered in a cold voice. He hadn't spoken loudly, but everyone present could feel the murderous chill in his words.

Their expressions varied. Some of them didn't know Feng Yao, while Tayuya clasped her hands together, looking like a starstruck fan.

"Oh, right. Let me introduce the Otogakure ninja who'll be heading to Konoha this time." Beaming, Orochimaru pointed out a few of those who would be going.

First were the entire Sound Four. Kimimaro wasn't gravely ill yet, which also proved that he hadn't clashed with Orochimaru when he met the Fourth Kazekage.

There were also Zaku, Dosu, and Kin, who would take part in the exams.

"Congratulations, host. You've triggered the mission: Claim First Place. Mission requirements: Take first place in the Chunin Exams held in Konoha. Reward: One random draw."

Slogan: Young man, other people are already Chunin by now, while you're not even a Genin. Go prove yourself.

Feng Yao was furious as soon as he heard it.

"Seriously? You have no idea what's going on during these Chunin Exams? It's dangerous everywhere, and a fight could break out at any moment. Why the hell do you want me to take part in the exams?"

But the system ignored him. He silently flipped it off. He already had three missions piling up.

He could only grit his teeth and speak up.

"I think I need a legitimate identity too. One of you three can give up your spot for me."

Feng Yao spoke in a low voice to the three Sound Ninja, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Zaku, Dosu, and Kin exchanged glances. Feng Yao usually kept to himself, and they had no idea who he was.

"Why should we give you our spot? Who do you think you are? This is Lord Orochimaru's command."

Dosu stepped forward and directly challenged Feng Yao.

"Hmm. You'll do. You're already wrapped in bandages, so it'll be easy for me to disguise myself as you."

Whoosh.

Before Dosu could react, Feng Yao was behind him. He grabbed the back of Dosu's head and slammed him straight into the ground.

The sharp crack of his Forehead Protector striking the ground rang out.

Shattered stone and blood sprayed everywhere. Orochimaru frowned at the sight.

He didn't care much about the life of this subordinate, but Feng Yao had attacked someone right in front of him. Still, it wasn't time to fall out with him yet.

"Heh heh. Yao-kun, spare him. He didn't mean to offend you. I'll grant your request."

At Orochimaru's words, Feng Yao released the back of Dosu's head. Dosu had been knocked unconscious by the forceful blow.

The people around them should have been outraged by what they'd seen, but under the influence of Feng Yao's charm, no one said a word. Or perhaps they were simply frightened of him...

It was late at night. The sky was gloomy, and low-hanging clouds gave the impression that a storm was about to break.

The great battle was about to begin.

The next day.

Feng Yao, Zaku, and Kin walked along a mountain path.

Feng Yao's face was now wrapped in bandages. He wore a Sound Ninja Forehead Protector and left one deep blue eye exposed.

"Tor—Lord Dosu, are you hungry? I have some food here."

Kin came over and asked Feng Yao warmly. Since he was in disguise, Feng Yao had told them to call him Dosu too.

Kin had also been won over by Feng Yao's aura and had been fawning over him nonstop along the way.

"Hey, system, can I turn off this passive effect? It's so annoying. Everyone wants to cling to me. What if I lose my virtue one day..."

"Host, you probably can't turn it off just yet. This is a privilege other people could only dream of."

The system's voice wasn't as cold as usual. It sounded a little teasing.

Even I don't want everyone throwing themselves at me... Feng Yao sighed inwardly.

After turning her down, he quickened his pace. Soon, a large village came into view.

Feng Yao gazed at it for a while.

His eyes filled with memories and remorse. Then he suddenly closed them and knelt on the ground.

He was bowing toward the direction of his home.

Zaku and Kin had no idea what Feng Yao was kneeling for.

Feng Yao has returned. There are two people he must kill, and one village he must destroy. I hope Father and Mother can rest in peace in the afterlife. Your son will give you both an answer.

After those words in his heart, he led the puzzled Zaku and Kin toward Konoha.

At the village gate, an Elite Jonin and several Chunin were checking the passes of those entering and leaving Konoha.

Most of the others were stationed around the village on guard, ensuring the exams would be secure.

Feng Yao stepped forward and handed his pass to the guards. Once they confirmed it was valid, he entered Konoha openly.

Not long after they continued on, he heard an argument up ahead.

"Hey, kid, that hurts!"

"Damn fatty, let him go!"

That was Naruto's voice! Feng Yao recognized it at once. It looked like he'd run into Gaara's team.

He jumped onto a tree and watched what was happening ahead.

"Stop embarrassing me here..."

A calm, cold voice came from a nearby tree. The speaker was a pale boy with dark circles under his eyes. Most distinctive of all was the word "love" carved into the left side of his forehead. It was Gaara.

"Lord Dosu, those seem to be ninja from Sunagakure," Kin whispered from beside him.

But Sasuke heard her. He sent another pebble flying at them.

"Who's there? Stop hiding!"

Feng Yao caught it easily and had no choice but to land and reveal himself.

"That Forehead Protector... Is he a ninja from Otogakure?" Temari studied it thoughtfully.

When Naruto saw Feng Yao, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to remember something.

Then he suddenly shouted, "Aren't you that kid who rescued Zabuza in the Land of Waves the other day? How did you get so tall? Why did you come to our village?"

Sasuke and Sakura stared wide-eyed at Feng Yao, looking him over again. His height and build had changed, but they couldn't mistake those deep blue eyes.

He really was the ninja who had even defeated Kakashi-sensei.

Feng Yao was at a loss. Was his plan to attack Konoha about to end before it even began?

But Naruto seemed merely surprised. He didn't seem to know that Feng Yao was Feng Yao. Had Kakashi not told Danzo what he looked like?

"Ahem. I think you've got the wrong person. We've only just met."

Feng Yao kept up the denial. He wouldn't admit it outright, not with who knew how many spies in the village.

But Sasuke clearly had no intention of listening to his explanation. Ever since that encounter, he'd been desperate to become stronger.

Especially after seeing Feng Yao, who was about his age, in the Land of Waves, Sasuke had become even more determined to grow stronger. He charged straight at Feng Yao and kicked at him.

"Let's test him and find out."

But how could Sasuke possibly be a match for Feng Yao now?

Feng Yao caught Sasuke by the ankle and yanked him forward. The force spun Sasuke around, and Feng Yao seized him by the back of the neck.

"Don't be rash. We're only here to take part in the exams."

Once Feng Yao had restrained him, Sasuke quieted down.

The pure aura around Feng Yao eased the darkness and hatred within Sasuke. For a moment, he didn't even struggle.

The man behind him had said something that calmed him. For no reason he could explain, Sasuke wanted to do as he said.

"Don't hurt Sasuke!"

Seeing Sasuke caught, Sakura cried out anxiously.

Naruto's gaze sharpened too. He rested his hand on the Kunai at his waist, ready to fight.