Kinkaku

Juri and the others fled into the depths of the lush forest to put distance between themselves and the sudden attackers.

Feeling the chilling aura of the unknown assailants behind them, the two moved cautiously, leaving no trace of their escape as they swiftly weaved through the gaps between trees.

Along the way, Juri saw trees growing like waves and noticed the appearance of hollows.

Tall trees, upon reaching the end of their lifespan, would fall and decay, becoming nourishment for new life, returning to the earth.

The scattered hollows in the forest were proof of the continuous cycle of life.

"Orochimaru, let's hide in that place for a moment."

But Juri didn't linger in sentimentality; she guided Orochimaru, who was holding Tsunade, into a hollow.

After landing, the two, bent over, settled down.

"What is it, Orochimaru?"

Juri frowned in surprise.

Orochimaru, who had laid Tsunade down, made no move to dispel the genjutsu she was trapped in.

Dispelling genjutsu cast by the Sharingan with one's own power was impossible for an ordinary ninja.

External help was necessary.

However, Orochimaru showed no signs of attempting to break Tsunade's genjutsu.

"Orochimaru, why aren't you dispelling Tsunade's genjutsu?"

"I tried already. But..."

"What...?"

--It wasn't that he wouldn't, but that he couldn't.

Regret flickered across Orochimaru's face.

Such a preposterous thing, Juri immediately reached out and touched Tsunade's skin.

"Impossible..."

Juri's voice cracked with astonishment.

Genjutsu was an advanced ninjutsu that manipulated the target's mind by interfering with "chakra flow."

Chakra was the power generated by the fusion of physical and spiritual energy; thus, having one's chakra controlled was equivalent to losing control of both body and mind for a ninja.

However, controlling another's chakra flow was extremely difficult, requiring peak refinement of skill and, most importantly, an aptitude and talent for the essence of genjutsu.

Genjutsu, belonging to "Yin Release" distinct from the five elemental natures, demanded more personal talent than nature transformation, making it an exceptionally difficult field to master.

Chakra flow being controlled—precisely because of this danger, countermeasures against genjutsu had been thoroughly researched.

If one had already fallen victim to genjutsu, they could be forcibly awakened through pain.

Before falling victim, one could counterattack with "Illusion Reversal."

Therefore, although genjutsu was powerful and difficult to master, it was often easily broken.

Consequently, many ninjas, after learning the minimum required knowledge, would cease their genjutsu training and focus on nature transformation.

--However, when the caster possesses talent and insight into genjutsu, this art transforms into a terrifying ability.

The Dojutsu that could manipulate genjutsu at will—this was the reason the Uchiha clan, possessing the Sharingan, was still hailed as the strongest in the Shinobi World, even after their defeat by the Senju clan.

The Dojutsu Power of the Sharingan, capable of plunging a target into an illusion simply by making eye contact, without needing hand seals, was so potent that even veteran ninjas who had honed their genjutsu for decades could be defeated without resistance by young Sharingan users.

The overwhelming genjutsu talent described by the saying "One-on-One Escape," which allowed no room for argument, truly deserved the praise of being the strongest.

--Genjutsu controlled by a talented individual, to put it metaphorically, creates a state akin to "dreaming."

Just as a person cannot wake themselves from a dream by sheer will, even if they know they are dreaming, so too can a person, even knowing they are under genjutsu, not break free from its bonds on their own.

It even prevents actions that would induce pain, completely suppressing genjutsu reversal.

But every art has its weakness.

That is, no matter how powerful the genjutsu, it could be easily dispelled if a third party intervened in the chakra flow.

This was the reason the Uchiha clan, possessing the Sharingan, lost to the Senju clan during the Warring States Period.

Senju Tobirama, a hero of the Senju clan who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sharingan Uchiha, developed a certain technique to counter the "Sharingan" that had caused him repeated hardship.

That technique was the "Shadow Clone Technique."

The Shadow Clone Technique was an art that could be called the pinnacle of clone techniques, with a completion level that even the Sharingan could not discern from the original.

Tobirama, and the Senju clan ninjas who learned the Shadow Clone Technique from him, always ensured that "the one to dispel genjutsu" was kept close by creating "one-on-many" situations with their shadow clones.

Through this ultimate countermeasure against the Sharingan—that is, "numerical superiority"—the Senju clan subdued the Uchiha clan.

--Therefore, no matter how powerful the genjutsu controlled by the man who cast it on Tsunade, it should have been easily dispelled as long as Orochimaru or Juri intervened in Tsunade's chakra.

"Is Sharingan genjutsu really that strong?"

Hearing Orochimaru's words as he gazed at the still-slumbering Tsunade, Juri denied it: Impossible.

Precisely because Juri was a member of the Uchiha clan, she knew that the principle of "genjutsu being easily dispelled by third-party intervention" also applied to the Sharingan.

Juri turned her attention back to Tsunade's condition.

However, since she couldn't use her Sharingan due to the sealing jutsu, it was impossible to grasp the flow of chakra through her Dojutsu Power.

"..."

Suddenly, Juri extended a finger and touched the back of Tsunade's neck.

She felt the suction-like sensation of Tsunade's skin—beneath the thin layer of skin, she could feel the pulse of her blood vessels.

One second, two seconds—a moment later.

Juri's fingers, which had been on the back of Tsunade's neck, slid down to her jaw, cheek, and eyelids.

Juri gently lifted Tsunade's eyelid, peering into the exposed eyeball.

After a while, she closed Tsunade's eyelid and released her hand.

Next, Juri brought her ear close to Tsunade's understated chest.

A solid heartbeat pounded against Juri's eardrums.

Juri straightened up, grabbed Tsunade's limp arm, and examined the blood vessels in her wrist.

"--Do you understand?"

"..."

Juri, her physical examination complete, quietly stroked her chin.

Orochimaru, unable to remain silent, finally spoke.

"..."

Juri remained silent.

Orochimaru waited in silence for Juri's answer.

"..."

Juri stroked her chin as if deep in thought.

Stroking.

Stroking.

Stroking—

"..."

This is troublesome, Juri groaned inwardly.

She hadn't figured anything out.

Juri had no medical knowledge.

Even if she mimicked Ina and did some seemingly competent... things, she wouldn't be able to grasp anything.

She had only tried it as a precaution, but admitting it would be embarrassing.

"She's alive."

"That's obvious."

Orochimaru's gaze towards Juri seemed to ask, Is that all?

"The genjutsu has been dispelled. There's no doubt about that. Considering that as a premise—it's possible that external powerful interference caused mental damage, leading to a comatose state..."

Juri calmly uttered this perfunctory explanation.

But Juri's words weren't entirely baseless.

Powerful genjutsu could sometimes damage a person's mind.

Even if the genjutsu was dispelled, a person whose mind was damaged might remain incapacitated and unable to recover.

This situation did indeed exist.

However, this wasn't the correct answer.

It was merely stating that such powerful genjutsu existed.

The person capable of wielding such powerful genjutsu was rare even throughout history, likely dating back to the era of the Sage of Six Paths.

"I'm not very good at genjutsu, so I didn't know about that."

In terms of their lack of facial expression and emotional display, Juri and Orochimaru were on par.

The sight of the two staring at each other expressionlessly was rather peculiar, but there were no onlookers.

★

Although they felt it was necessary to have Ina examine her as soon as possible, they had no means of contacting Konoha.

In this unknown land, they had to hide and remain concealed until the effects of the space-time ninjutsu, transmitted from Konoha, wore off.

At the same time, they feared the terrifying attacker.

After a while, Orochimaru spoke.

"--You're from the Uchiha clan. Do you have any leads on someone who can use such powerful genjutsu?"

This core-hitting question made Juri ponder.

"...If my guess is correct, that man is... Uchiha Izuna."

"Uchiha Izuna... Is he a rogue ninja?"

"No..."

Nearly half a century had passed since Uchiha Izuna died in the Warring States Period.

Juri knew of this ninja swallowed by history because she was from the Uchiha clan; it was understandable that the younger generation didn't know his name.

"Hmm..."

Orochimaru looked at Juri's expression, a mixture of complex emotions, with confusion.

In the past Warring States Period, Uchiha Madara, who was called the strongest alongside Senju Hashirama.

Even the Uchiha clan now detested him, while on the other hand, his younger brother, Uchiha Izuna, was often described as a hero of the Uchiha clan.

His immense power leading the Uchiha clan in the Warring States Period, and the love for his clan that was said to have lasted until his last moment, were praised within the clan as fitting for a man who truly bore the heavy responsibility of the Uchiha.

This could be said to be the unique emotion of the Uchiha clan, which both believed in power and unconsciously revered the deep love contained within it.

For Juri, Izuna was also a hero she heard about in lullabies as a child.

The thought of why such a man would be like this was strong, and her expression was shadowed.

"Uchiha Izuna was believed to have died in the struggle against the Senju clan during the Warring States Period. It's hard to believe he's appearing now..."

"Are there any other possibilities?"

"He possesses the Sharingan. Since Madara's attack, no rogue ninja has appeared from the Uchiha, so other possibilities are low."

That being said, it went without saying that the reason "because he claimed to be so himself" occupied a large part of Juri's thoughts.

"I see... What are our chances?"

"Honestly, none at all."

Juri's clear statement left Orochimaru speechless.

Although their types were different, sensing Juri's competitive and proud nature, Orochimaru hadn't expected her to frankly admit she couldn't defeat the opponent.

"Uchiha Izuna was a hero the Uchiha took pride in, who had fought against the previous Hokages. Orochimaru, you have no chance of winning..."

A subtle hint of clan boasting, a bit annoying.

The veins on Orochimaru's temples bulged, but he calmed down instantly.

"...There's a presence. Nearby..."

"Is it Uchiha Izuna?"

The two lowered their voices.

To Juri's question, Orochimaru shook his head.

If Juri was correct, then he shouldn't have been detected by Orochimaru's sensory abilities.

In fact, they had just been hit by a perfect surprise attack with no presence.

Peeking from the shadows of the grass, they saw three young ninjas looking around in confusion.

Judging by their appearance, they were new examinees.

Their forehead protectors were from Konoha--

"Are those... Konoha ninjas?"

The three young ninjas seemed confused by their sudden displacement through time and space, looking around in bewilderment.

"In any case... if his goal is revenge for the past, this is no longer a matter of the exam. We must find a way to return to Konohagakure and report this situation to the Third Hokage. To do that, we need to rendezvous with them. Fortunately, they look like Konoha ninjas. Not enemies."

"What about the Iwagakure Genin we confronted earlier?"

"Although Uchiha Izuna's objective is unclear, he would likely want to conceal his presence. In that case--"

"Silencing them."

"Yes. They've likely already been dealt with. Or perhaps a trap has been set for us."

The reason they had shouted for Juri and the others to stop during the earlier attack became clear.

After the exam began, they unfortunately encountered Uchiha Izuna and became the pursued.

Having barely escaped with their lives and hiding, in their fear, unfamiliar Genin from their own village appeared, and it was natural for them to react that way.

Reaching this conclusion, Juri dismissed the idea of seeking assistance from the Iwagakure Genin.

In any case, Juri picked up the unconscious Tsunade and stood up.

Looking closely, Tsunade's sleeping face, so unlike her brother Diejian, looked strange if it was due to mental damage from genjutsu; her mouth was slack, giving an impression of peace.

"Hey, you guys."

"Eek!?"

The genin let out timid sounds.

Their gazes were fixed on Tsunade, who was being held.

From their terrified expressions, it was easy to imagine their malicious speculations.

The blue-haired youth shielded his startled companions and stepped forward.

Juri frowned unhappily.

"Not an enemy."

"Ah, it's Orochimaru-kun."

Seeing Orochimaru standing beside Juri, the genin's shoulders relaxed.

"Hmph."

Juri snorted in dissatisfaction at this obvious preferential treatment.

★

"So, an enemy has infiltrated this examination venue?"

After Juri explained, Orochimaru added and gave a brief explanation.

The boy with light blue hair and slightly longer hair asked Juri for the conclusion.

Juri nodded exaggeratedly, and the remaining genin exchanged glances before looking up at Juri as if they had found a lifeline.

Even the taller Orochimaru was still the height of a boy in his early teens.

On the other hand, Juri, who was once a mischievous kid with twin-tails, had also grown into a mature woman at some point.

Taller than the average woman and with an outstanding figure, Juri must have seemed incredibly reliable to the children at this moment.

"Th-then, what should we do next..."

Juri turned her gaze to the genin girl who spoke timidly.

The other party was a little girl.

Juri had no intention of squatting down to talk, so her gaze naturally became a sharp downward look.

"Eek."

The girl let out a small cry as if startled.

Hearing the girl's cry, Juri turned her head away as if sulking.

"Is... is something upsetting you..."

Since Tsunade was instantly killed and even Orochimaru, who was considered the strongest of their peers, was powerless against the enemy, upsetting Juri had become a matter of life and death.

It was only natural to be afraid of this woman, who was as famous as Tatami and considered a mad dog in the village.

"Calm down."

The blue-haired youth placed his hand on the trembling girl's shoulder.

"Miss Uchiha Shuri. Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Dan Katō."

"..."

Juri turned her gaze to the boy who called himself Dan Katō.

"This child is shy and is like this with everyone. I know it's rude, but please forgive her."

"...This way. Follow me."

To Dan's frank words.

Juri turned around and started walking.

"You called out to us to protect us, didn't you? Thank you."

"Don't be too loud. We'll be discovered."

"Yes."

Dan bowed his head in thanks to Juri's retreating figure, answering in a low voice after being reprimanded.

Watching Orochimaru follow Juri away, Dan said to his two companions before jogging to catch up with Juri's retreating figure.

"..."

Juri had an unhappy expression on her face.

The ears hidden beneath her supple black hair were slightly flushed.

★

"What did you say?"

Dan and the others, who appeared later than Juri, would also return to the village later than Juri.

The time difference was about an hour.

This happened when Juri returned after setting all the traps she could think of for the genin who seemed unable to shake off their unease about the situation after they left.

"Miss Juri, welcome back."

Tsunade, with a slightly drowsy expression, had indeed regained consciousness and came out to greet Juri.

Juri couldn't hide her confusion at this impossible sight.

--Didn't Tsunade's spirit get destroyed by genjutsu?

Juri swallowed her words and turned her gaze to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru merely shrugged.

After all, Tsunade's spirit being destroyed by genjutsu was just a statement Juri had made to placate them at the time; Juri herself had believed it, but it was merely a hypothesis without any evidence.

Coincidentally, Dan's squad had a member who understood medicine. After that genin diagnosed her, it was determined that Tsunade's inability to regain consciousness was due to drug-induced confusion, and she should recover immediately after taking an antidote.

Seeing Tsunade safely regain consciousness, Juri felt a sense of relief, but an indescribable displeasure lingered in her heart.

"A powerful genjutsu..."

Orochimaru's whisper.

Seemingly beginning to understand Juri's personality, Orochimaru spoke softly to her.

Juri's shoulders trembled.

"Shut up, Orochimaru."

Juri's eyes widened, staring at Orochimaru as if her eyeballs were about to pop out.

Although her Sharingan was still sealed, the oppressive aura was astonishing.

The glared-at Orochimaru instantly turned his head away.

"W-what's going on?"

Hearing Tsunade's words, the intensity of Juri's gaze lessened.

This was no time for games.

Juri sat down, the lingering displeasure still present.

Juri briefly explained the current situation to Tsunade: they were hiding from a remnant of the Warring States Period—Uchiha Izuna.

Since they had no means to contact Konoha, they couldn't act until the exam ended, forcing them to abandon the Chunin Selection Exam.

Tsunade had no objection to the suspension of the Chunin exam.

Her primary objective was to prevent her brother's rampage, which she had heard about from Ina, and that was why she had participated.

At this moment, Tsunade noticed something and gasped.

She remembered that Senju Diejian had been appointed by the Third Hokage as an examiner for one of the exam segments.

"Brother..."

"What's wrong, Senior Diejian?"

Hearing Tsunade's whisper, Orochimaru looked at her questioningly.

Tsunade nodded slightly.

"So that's how it is..."

Seeing this, Juri murmured.

"W-what exactly is going on?"

Unable to keep up with the situation, Dan turned to Juri and asked.

"Listen carefully? Uchiha Izuna is a man who has been hidden in the shinobi world for about half a century after his presumed death. He didn't participate in the First Shinobi World War and has been biding his time. The reason such a man appears now is only one. Yes... there's no need to even think about it."

"Could it be..."

"Ah, in this very forest. His target for revenge... Senju Hashirama's grandson, the next head of the Senju clan—Senju Diejian."

Hearing Juri's words, the genin stirred.

If they could gain his protection, as the Third Hokage's right-hand man and one of the village's strongest, their safety would be guaranteed—they held such trust.

"Quiet down."

Juri said.

After all, Juri and Tsunade's suspicions were just hypotheses.

They didn't know if he was really here, and even if he was, they might not be able to find him.

Just as the opinion was leaning towards continuing to lie low here as the best course of action—

"You again... I sensed the aura of a Senju..."

"Wind Release: Vacuum Bullet Technique!"

Words cast from above—Uchiha Izuna was looking down at them.

Orochimaru instantly formed hand seals and fired air bullets upwards.

But Izuna suddenly disappeared, and the air bullets fruitlessly sliced through tree trunks.

"Run, go find Elder Diejian."

Orochimaru shouted.

"Haaaaaaah!!"

Using the Body Flicker Technique, Izuna landed above Juri, who swung a massive club down.

Izuna dodged the attack with ease, missing by only half a step, and simultaneously kicked Juri in the side as she landed.

Juri coughed and was kicked flying, and Orochimaru caught her.

"Tsunade, he's after you! Run!"

Dan's companion yelled, his face contorted.

But—.

"--Tsunade?"

From the one-legged stance used to kick Juri away, Izuna slowly placed his foot back on the ground.

Like a beast spotting prey, he turned his gaze to Tsunade.

"I see, that little girl... is Senju Hashirama's granddaughter? I didn't notice because she was too weak."

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

Sensing Izuna's apparent lack of prior awareness of Tsunade, Dan realized his companion had made a grave mistake.

Izuna had likely instinctively sensed the Senju chakra, but didn't know who it belonged to.

In that case, Izuna would undoubtedly focus his attacks on Tsunade next.

To prevent this, Juri tried to pin Izuna down, pouring all her chakra into a Fire Style jutsu.

"Run, Tsunade, remember your fight with Elder Diejian!"

Juri's jutsu created a wall of flame between Izuna and Tsunade.

Tsunade's mind flashed back to the day she fought Diejian a year ago.

At that time, Tsunade had left Orochimaru and gone with Jiraiya to call for reinforcements.

But what was the result of that action, what happened to Orochimaru—?

"No! This isn't like that playful incident back then! You'll die, Orochimaru!"

"Then you die."

Emerging from the heat haze, Izuna struck towards Tsunade's face with a Hand-Pull Strike.

"You wish!!"

At the last moment, Juri lunged at Izuna with astonishing speed.

They tumbled and rolled, disappearing into the grass and trees.

Orochimaru urged Tsunade to leave while she could, but Tsunade hesitated.

"If it's you, you can pinpoint Elder Diejian's location. You're the most likely candidate."

Hearing Orochimaru's words, Tsunade gasped.

"I will definitely come back."

Saying this, Tsunade turned around.

Orochimaru gave Dan a look, and Dan understood, nodding slightly.

Behind Orochimaru, who watched Tsunade and the others leave, a metallic sound rang out.

Orochimaru instantly created distance and turned back, seeing Izuna with a sword and Juri with a club facing off.

"Looking around will get you killed."

"..."

Blood flowed from Juri's forehead and the corner of her mouth, her cheeks smudged with dirt.

Her breathing was also a little ragged.

In contrast, Uchiha Izuna stood unharmed and composed.

It was obvious that Uchiha Izuna was the superior fighter, and Orochimaru nodded slightly, tense and silent.

Izuna's figure vanished in an instant.

"So fast!"

Juri's astonishment.

Izuna, who instantly surpassed Juri and approached below Orochimaru, swung his sword horizontally.

Leaving a shallow cut on Orochimaru's abdomen.

He only sustained this much injury because Orochimaru had blocked his abdomen with a kunai, instantly deflecting the trajectory.

Izuna spun the sword he had swung in his palm, changed his grip to reverse, and pulled it back, striking Orochimaru's abdomen, which he had just cut, with the pommel.

Orochimaru, his wound heavily impacted, couldn't help but crouch down.

But Izuna's movements didn't stop.

He used his knee to strike Orochimaru's chin as he crouched.

Orochimaru violently turned his head, falling backward onto the ground.

Almost at the same moment Orochimaru fell, Juri's staff swept across, attempting to cleave Izuna's torso.

"Got it!"

Juri thought.

However, what Juri's full-force strike swept through was a rotten log--.

Substitution Technique--Juri, realizing Izuna had escaped, used the momentum of her staff's sweep and centrifugal force to spin her body around.

This was Juri's desperate counterattack, anticipating Izuna would circle behind her.

Izuna, who had indeed circled behind her, was caught off guard by this unexpected move and his arm took a hit from the staff.

But the fact that he took it with his arm meant he had time to defend.

Izuna, pulling back to confront Juri, shook the arm he'd used for defense as if it were numb.

"Don't underestimate me."

Juri took out two shuriken from her pouch and threw them at Izuna.

Immediately after, she instantly formed the "Tiger" hand seal.

A Fire Release jutsu traveled along the steel wire attached to the shuriken, heading for Izuna.

Izuna stood between the two shuriken, easily dodging them, then formed the exact same hand seal as Juri.

The flames spat from Izuna's mouth engulfed Juri's flames and flowed back.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

A powerful breath was exhaled from Juri's mouth.

The flames flowing back along the steel wire, amplified by Great Breakthrough, transformed into a massive torrent that surged back, attempting to swallow Izuna.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

The approaching hot wind was blocked by a suddenly appearing earth wall.

The out-of-control explosive flames, having lost their target, backfired onto Juri, the caster.

Juri was blown away by the blast, flying through the air--or so she thought, when the blast suddenly vanished, and Juri, having lost momentum, was simply thrown to the ground.

The impact of hitting the ground seeped into Juri's internal organs.

Her sliding arm was injured, bleeding.

Juri spurred her injured, aching body, propping up her upper half.

--An earth wall had been created, blocking the blast.

"O-Orochimaru..."

Turning her head, she saw Orochimaru, who had somehow assumed a prone position, his palms flat on the ground.

He had likely used his last bit of strength to protect Juri.

Juri activated the Shadow Clone Technique and sent a clone towards Orochimaru.

The clone, carrying Orochimaru on its back, sped off in the direction Tsunade and the others had left, breaking away from the battle line.

Juri's breathing suddenly became rapid.

She could barely support her body with her elbows.

The Shadow Clone Technique was an advanced ninjutsu that divided one's chakra equally.

With her chakra severely sealed, this was no different from a life-consuming technique.

The earth wall collapsed with a crash, revealing Izuna on the other side.

Izuna cast a pitying gaze at the already battered Juri.

"I don't want to kill Uchiha."

Hearing Izuna's words, Juri, her breathing ragged, furrowed one of her brows.

"My objective is the Senju blood. Call that young girl back. If you do that, I won't kill you."

Izuna's expressionless gaze fell upon Juri.

At the same time, Izuna's blade pointed at Juri.

"Ugh..."

Izuna's proposal was one that could save Juri's life.

Juri's face, contorted with hatred, was stained with anger by these words, but it suddenly changed, becoming a look of timid pleading.

"You are a Uchiha ninja, standing alongside the Senju. There's no reason for you to help the Senju."

"That may be so... but will you really, really spare me?"

Izuna narrowed his eyes, probing at Shuri's words and attitude.

"For the sake of our shared Uchiha blood, I shall keep my promise."

"If I call Tsunade back, will you really, truly spare me...?"

Shuri's voice gradually lost its strength, growing faint.

"Enough chatter."

Watching Shuri like this, Izuna narrowed his eyes even further, as if in contempt.

His tone was flat, yet the irritation laced into the end of his words remained unconcealed.

Shuri's expression shifted, looking as though she were about to burst into tears.

She repeated the words, desperate to confirm the guarantee of her own life.

"As, as long as I call Tsunade back..."

"That is correct. As long as you call that little girl back, I will no longer harm you. I will also take care of the witnesses. That way, no one will know of your actions. Go on and call her back, rest assured."

Izuna gestured with his chin, urging her to hurry.

"But I refuse."

In an instant, Shuri's expression underwent a radical change.

The timid look from before tightened, and her trembling gaze turned resolute.

Within those pitch-black pupils, a fighting spirit burned clearly.

"One of the things I, Uchiha Shuri, love most is to look at guys who think they're all that and say 'NO' to their faces."

Shuri's lips curled into a twisted, savage grin.

Even if she had lost the battle, in terms of making her opponent miserable, this was Shuri's complete victory.

She watched Izuna's face flush red with fury.

At this moment, Shuri was filled with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

"Pfft, hahahahahahahaha!! Serves you right!! Did you think I would betray my comrade? Don't underestimate the Uchiha of later generations!! Pfft, hahahaha!"

Finally... Shuri burst into loud laughter.

Ignoring the pain radiating from every part of her body, she shook violently, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes as she continued to laugh.

The despair of having her hero betray her and the thought that her life might end here were cast to the back of her mind; Shuri simply laughed at the top of her lungs.

"--Honestly."

"...?"

Suddenly, the rage on Izuna's face vanished.

This strange change caused Shuri to involuntarily cut her laughter short.

"To be frank, I really wanted to punch you... but it seems this is where it ends."

Rustle. The forest swayed.

The presence of the surrounding animals gradually faded away.

Terrified by something, the creatures fled into the distance, further and further away.

The peace and tranquility felt earlier were gone, replaced by blades of chilling, icy air that pricked at her skin.

Facing the sudden shift in Izuna's aura, Shuri could not comprehend what was happening.

She could not hide her confusion at the murderous chill permeating the surroundings.

Could it be, Shuri wondered.

Perhaps Diejian was rushing toward this location.

Having learned the situation from Tsunade and the others, Diejian must be rushing to protect his best friend who had been left behind.

It was only natural that he would be radiating such killing intent.

"A guy like you deserves to be taken out by Diejian!!"

"Oh, oh I see..."

At Shuri's words, which sounded like a final threat, Izuna's eyes widened.

"In any case... until we meet again."

With a bitter smile, Izuna began to weave hand signs.

With a poof, the surrounding area was shrouded in smoke.

When the rising smoke dissipated, Shuri's figure was gone, and Uchiha Izuna's figure was gone as well.

All that remained there was the back of a man bearing the Senju Crest.

Black hair, slightly long at the nape of his neck.

Two strands of hair hung down like antennae, crossing over the forehead protector wrapped around his head.

Beneath his fluttering purple coat was blue armor, patched and bearing scars...

Yes, Uchiha Izuna was a phantom enemy, transformed by Diejian using the Transformation Technique to infiltrate the exam.

Of course, the reason for the transformation was not limited to this; it involved multiple factors.

Diejian mused that Ina was probably notifying Juri of her "passing" right now, and wondered what expression she would have when they met next.

He would likely face a barrage of questions.

She might blush furiously, curse him, and pounce to grab him.

Of course, he would dodge.

He didn't need to think hard to realize he had done quite a bit of excessive things to Juri.

But he had merely fulfilled his duty as an examiner; there was no reason for him to be beaten.

Rather, his final provocation had angered him, making him want to bully her severely.

In any case, he was looking forward to the playful scuffle with Juri that was bound to happen later.

Precisely because of this, there was something he had to do now--

"Come out."

"--You sensed it."

"Your killing intent was exposed to that extent. It would be strange not to sense it."

From the bushes behind Diejian, a tall man with long golden hair appeared.

The man had two horns growing from his forehead and three whiskers on each cheek.

In the past year, Diejian had not forgotten this face for a single day.

The men who had killed Diejian's master a year ago and defiled the peaceful will of his grandfather—their leader.

"Let's finish this quickly. I don't want to see your face anymore."

"Don't talk nonsense! You were just a brat who could only run away a year ago!"

"Times change. When you were lured into this forest, your era ended—Kinkaku."