Konoha's Training Ground No. 7.
"The Hokage..."
Itachi Uchiha's words echoed through Sasuke Uchiha's mind, refusing to fade for a long time. Even while training, Sasuke would occasionally recall the yearning that had appeared on his older brother's face when he said those words.
After standing there in a daze for quite some time, Sasuke seemed to make up his mind and began training in earnest.
The roster for the final round of the Chunin Exams had been confirmed. The Genin qualified to take part in the finals were all making their last preparations. Yet during this period, an accident still occurred—one that could not be avoided.
Inside the Hokage's office, an Anbu wearing a Death God mask knelt on one knee before Minato Namikaze and delivered his report.
"Lord Hokage, Gekko Hayate's body was discovered early this morning." The Anbu's tone was grave, and his words instantly ruined Minato Namikaze's previously decent mood.
"Gekko Hayate?"
"What happened?!"
Minato Namikaze looked up at the Anbu and asked in a low voice. Gekko Hayate was a special Jonin of Konoha. Minato had not assigned Hayate any missions lately; previously, he had merely assisted Uzumaki Kuming with the Forest of Death examination. Under normal circumstances, there should have been no chance for Hayate to encounter danger within the village.
"During an Anbu patrol before dawn, Gekko Hayate's body was found on the roof of a residential home."
"There were signs of a fight at the scene, but not many."
"Hayate's body was struck by a powerful Wind Style attack. The cause of death was excessive blood loss."
"Not only that, the body of a Sound Ninja was found roughly seven hundred meters from Hayate's corpse."
"According to the investigation, the Sound Ninja died after extreme compressive force ruptured his internal organs."
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