The Opening, Fangs Revealed

The sun rose, spilling its light over Konoha without reservation. The clamor of human voices rose from the direction of the Central Arena like a boiling tide. Daimyos and dignitaries from various nations had already taken their seats, while ordinary villagers packed the stands; the air was thick with festival-like excitement and anticipation.

Ling carefully tucked a special kunai engraved with the Flying Thunder God formula into the inner pocket of Naruto's jacket and ruffled his blond hair. "Stick close to Kakashi, and don't go wandering off, you hear?"

Naruto nodded vigorously, his blue eyes shining. "Don't worry, Brother! I'm definitely going to win! I'll show you the results of my training!"

Ling watched his energetic form, the corners of his mouth curving up imperceptibly. He turned and walked toward the contestant tunnel, his silhouette stretching long under the sunlight.

Inside the arena, the atmosphere was fervent. Gekko Hayate stood in the center of the field and announced the first matchup:

Uzumaki Naruto vs. Hyuga Neji

At the highest point of the stands, the Third Hokage and the Kazekage (Orochimaru in disguise) sat side by side, chatting and laughing. Ling sat in the designated Special Observation Seat, his position close to the field with a wide view. His gaze swept calmly across the arena, his perception spreading out quietly like an invisible spiderweb. He "saw" the Sunagakure and Sound Ninja mixed among the spectators, saw the "Dawn Wind" members quietly taking their positions throughout the stands, and felt that cold, obscure chakra fluctuation belonging to Danzo deep underground.

Everything was in place.

Down on the field, the battle had already begun. Neji's Byakugan locked onto Naruto, his Gentle Fist stance carrying a cold sense of oppression. He expounded on his theories of "destiny" and "failures," every word like a sharp blade.

At first, Naruto was beaten back with no room to fight, his chakra points sealed, looking utterly wretched. Yet, he climbed up again and again, his eyes stubborn.

"Stop talking to yourself!" Naruto wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and shouted, "Saying destiny can't be changed... I don't believe that kind of talk! Because someone told me that I am the man who will become Hokage!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly. In the stands, Ling's eyes flickered slightly.

The battle suddenly reversed. Naruto used Shadow Clones as a feint, his real body launching a surprise attack from underground, landing a heavy uppercut squarely on Neji's chin!

Neji collapsed to the ground, looking at Naruto—who stood before him covered in wounds but with bright eyes—while the opponent's declaration that "a failure can defeat a genius" echoed in his ears. For the first time, his rigid worldview, bound by the "Caged Bird," showed cracks.

"The winner, Uzumaki Naruto!"

The entire arena erupted in incredulous gasps, followed by thunderous applause. Naruto raised his arms high, savoring his moment.

Ling watched that small, seemingly glowing figure in the field, and something in his heart quietly settled. This was Naruto; he could always create miracles.

The following matches were uneventful. Temari used her fan to easily defeat Shikamaru, who had underestimated her; Kankuro won without a fight (his opponent forfeited); the battle between Shikamaru and Kin Tsuchi was a contest of wits, with Shikamaru ultimately winning through superior intellect, though he forfeited his advancement due to chakra exhaustion; Aburame Shino also defeated his opponent with ease.

Finally, the electronic screen froze, displaying the most anticipated and unsettling matchup:

Uchiha Sasuke vs. Gaara

However, as time ticked by, Sasuke's figure remained absent. The audience began to stir, and murmurs of dissatisfaction grew louder.

Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, let out a low, cold laugh. "It seems Konoha's ninjas are nothing more than this; they can't even arrive on time?"

The Third Hokage's expression was grim.

Just before Gekko Hayate was about to announce Sasuke's forfeiture—

"Whoosh!"

A blue bolt of electricity, like lightning tearing through the sky, suddenly streaked across the arena! Accompanied by the piercing chirping of a thousand birds, Uchiha Sasuke's figure landed steadily in the center of the field with a stunning and powerful presence!

He wore a black, short-sleeved, high-collared shirt, his eyes sharper than ever, carrying a suppressed sense of power that felt ready to erupt at any moment. Kakashi stood at the edge of the stands, his eyes complex behind his mask.

The match began!

Sasuke's speed was astonishing! He used the Sharingan to copy Rock Lee's taijutsu, moving with afterimages, his storm-like attacks instantly suppressing Gaara! The absolute defense composed of sand could barely keep up with his speed!

"So fast!"

"Is this the power of the Uchiha?"

Exclamations rose one after another.

Ling's gaze, however, grew slightly heavy. He could see more clearly: Sasuke's chakra was abnormally restless, and the Cursed Seal on his neck flickered in and out of view. He was overdrawing, forcibly stimulating his power.

Gaara was beaten back step by step, his Armor of Sand constantly shattering. Kankuro and Temari were frantic in the stands.

"Enough... enough!" Gaara clutched his head, letting out a painful roar. Shukaku's chakra began to leak uncontrollably, and dark red Tailed Beast chakra mixed into the sand; a terrifying aura began to permeate the area.

Now!

A glimmer of triumphant, savage joy flashed in the eyes of Orochimaru (disguised as the Kazekage), and he stood up abruptly!

At almost the same moment, countless colorful feathers drifted down throughout the stands—the Temple of Nirvana Technique! The ordinary spectators and some Genin instantly fell into a deep sleep!

"Move!" Orochimaru (Kazekage) gave the order!

"BOOM!!!"

The Four Violet Flames Formation rose instantly, sealing the Third Hokage and Orochimaru within the rooftop barrier!

The already lurking Sunagakure and Sound Ninja tore off their disguises, roaring as they charged at the surrounding Konoha ninjas! The massive summoning beast Manda and Rasa (composed of a vast amount of sand) appeared at the edge of the village, beginning their frenzied destruction!

The Konoha Crush Plan had officially begun!

Inside the arena, chaos reigned! Baki led the Sunagakure elite in a direct charge toward the center of the field, targeting the rampaging Gaara and Uchiha Sasuke!

"Protect the Jinchuriki!"

"Stop them!"

Kakashi, Guy, Asuma, and other Konoha Jonin instantly moved to intercept!

However, Baki's goal was extremely clear; he bypassed Kakashi, and a wind blade struck directly at Sasuke, who was currently suppressing Gaara!

Just at this critical moment—

"Shikotsumyaku: Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets!"

Dense bone bullets shot out like a torrential rain, precisely intercepting Baki's wind blades and shattering them!

A white figure appeared on the edge of the arena like a ghost, standing between Baki and Sasuke. Kimimaro's gaze was icy, and a chilling killing intent radiated from his entire body.

"Your opponent is me," he said indifferently.

Baki's pupils constricted: "The Kaguya Clan?!"

At the same time, on the other side.

Shukaku, within Gaara, could no longer be suppressed. Sand surged out frantically, forming a massive head of Shukaku that let out a deafening roar! Terrifying Tailed Beast chakra swept across the entire arena!

"Ice Style: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!"

Countless Ice Mirrors formed instantly, surrounding Shukaku and slowing the flow of the sand. Haku's figure darted through the Ice Mirrors, his hands forming seals with a grave expression.

Chaos, slaughter, the roar of a Tailed Beast... all of Konoha was instantly plunged into a purgatory of blood and fire.

Ling slowly stood up from the Special Observation Seat, his black eyes reflecting the chaos. He gently flexed his wrists.

It was time for him to take the stage.