As a ninja, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already reached an advanced age. Although he still held the position of Hokage, he knew his body could no longer hold on.
Though he had considered several candidates for the next Hokage, none of them satisfied him.
More importantly... because of Danzo, the next Hokage might very well be reduced to a figurehead, just as Minato Namikaze had nearly been made one back then.
Minato... what a pity.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed for no apparent reason, then slowly walked outside.
At this moment, he was already considering his own final affairs.
Sarutobi Hiruzen understood his disciple Orochimaru very well. Orochimaru definitely would not let this matter rest, so Sarutobi Hiruzen had decided to bring an end to everything.
When he stepped out of the room, the air of a Hokage returned to his face. Uchiha Shunichi paid no attention to Sarutobi Hiruzen's change, waiting there like an ordinary Genin participating in the Chunin Ninja Exams...
"The second exam has now concluded. However, because too many people passed the assessment, a preliminary round will be held... cough, cough..." The pale-faced Gekko Hayate stepped forward and began explaining the upcoming preliminaries.
For some reason, Gekko Hayate seemed even weaker than before. His body, which broke into coughs from time to time, was completely different from how he had been in the Anbu.
This left Uchiha Shunichi somewhat puzzled. Back in the Anbu, Gekko Hayate had been extremely quiet. Though he had looked just as gravely ill, he had never made a sound.
Before long, Gekko Hayate finished his explanation, and Sarutobi Hiruzen began a long-winded speech.
Older people liked reminiscing about the past, and naturally enjoyed rambling when they spoke. Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to realize he did not have much time left and wanted to express all his thoughts.
But the result was that many people became extremely impatient. No one cared about what he had to say.
After a long wait, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally finished speaking, and Gekko Hayate quickly began arranging the contestants' match order.
The drawing method involved a display screen that would show the names of the two contestants. It looked rather high-tech.
But in truth, television and movies already existed in this world; they simply were rarely seen in Konoha.
"First match: Uchiha Shunichi versus Yakushi Kabuto." As Gekko Hayate made the announcement, Uchiha Shunichi looked at the display screen in surprise.
Sure enough, his name was clearly displayed on it, while Yakushi Kabuto had unexpectedly not withdrawn as usual.
The other contestants and the referee moved to the stands, while Uchiha Shunichi and Yakushi Kabuto faced each other on the field.
"You actually didn't withdraw. That's rather surprising. Is it really wise to expose your strength so soon?" Uchiha Shunichi drew his sword. A startling chill radiated from its somewhat damaged blade.
"I have something I want to ask you. No matter what, you're still my junior." Yakushi Kabuto held a kunai, looking as though he truly intended to fight desperately.
"At a time like this? Senior Kabuto, you really are surprising." A trace of mockery appeared at the corner of Uchiha Shunichi's mouth. With a flick of his left hand, a kunai flew straight toward Yakushi Kabuto.
Thanks to the Sharingan, the Uchiha Clan excelled at controlling ninja tools. Even though Uchiha Shunichi had not devoted much effort to it, its power was still considerable.
The kunai pierced Yakushi Kabuto's shoulder, and blood immediately began pouring out. At that moment, Yakushi Kabuto truly seemed like nothing more than a Genin, his eyes full of panic.
Seeing this, Uchiha Shunichi could not help frowning. Yakushi Kabuto was still useful. Even if he was acting, he could not be crippled.
"Since you're unwilling to fight seriously, then surrender on your own!" Uchiha Shunichi sheathed his sword and said.
At that moment, a smile appeared on Yakushi Kabuto's face. Taking advantage of Uchiha Shunichi sheathing his sword, he rushed in front of him at high speed, mercilessly swinging the Chakra Scalpel in his hand toward Uchiha Shunichi's neck.
The Chakra Scalpel was a form of Medical Ninjutsu. Yet Yakushi Kabuto had used it in combat, leaving everyone present somewhat surprised.
In truth, medical ninjas in the Shinobi World were extremely dangerous. All ninjas followed one principle in battle: kill the medical ninja first.
Therefore, the vast majority of medical ninjas did not fight.
But in reality, they did not understand that healers who saved lives were also the most dangerous killers.
Because of their extreme understanding of the body, they could achieve unexpected results in battle.
Yakushi Kabuto's attack had perfectly seized upon a weak point in Uchiha Shunichi's movements. Uchiha Shunichi had not only let down his guard, but had also exposed countless openings while sheathing his sword.
"I really underestimated you. That was inexcusable." By the time Uchiha Shunichi noticed Yakushi Kabuto, he was already right in front of him.
Facing the Chakra Scalpel that was about to pierce through his head, Uchiha Shunichi's gaze remained calm. He lightly held his scabbard sideways and struck Yakushi Kabuto's arm aside.
Though Yakushi Kabuto appeared powerful at the moment, he was still constantly maintaining his disguise. The strength he displayed was only slightly above that of a Chunin.
"Lightning Release—Current Split!" Uchiha Shunichi did not use his sword again. Instead, he opened his left hand. Without forming hand seals, Lightning Release electricity appeared in his palm.
This was one of the byproducts of cultivating Lightning Body Flicker. Its power was not particularly strong, but it was quite convenient to use.
Lightning released from Uchiha Shunichi's palm instantly struck Yakushi Kabuto. Though it was Lightning Release formed from chakra, the numb, aching sensation it inflicted on the body was not weakened in the slightest.
"Ah!!!"
Yakushi Kabuto began screaming amid the electric light of the Lightning Release, then Uchiha Shunichi kicked him flying.
"The winner has been decided. The match is over." Gekko Hayate quickly appeared on the field. He first gave Uchiha Shunichi a curious look before announcing the result.
Meanwhile, Yakushi Kabuto struggled to his feet, refused the medical ninja who came to examine him, and walked away unwillingly.
Although Yakushi Kabuto had not used his full strength in this match, he had felt his own helplessness.
If he truly fought Uchiha Shunichi, he would definitely be the one to lose.
"Kabuto, you seem quite lost." Orochimaru's voice sounded behind him, and Yakushi Kabuto's expression became even uglier.
"Lord Orochimaru, what did you come to see me for?"
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