Preliminaries... and the Battle with Yakushi Kabuto

As a ninja, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already reached an advanced age. Though he still held the position of Hokage, he knew his body could no longer hold on.

He had considered several candidates for the next Hokage, but none of them satisfied him.

More importantly... because of Danzo, the next Hokage was very likely to be stripped of real authority, just as Minato Namikaze had nearly been stripped of his authority back then.

Minato... what a pity.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed for no apparent reason, then slowly walked outside.

At this moment, he was already thinking about his own final arrangements.

Sarutobi Hiruzen understood his disciple Orochimaru very well. Orochimaru would certainly not let this matter rest, so Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to put an end to everything.

When he stepped out of the room, his face once again regained the bearing of a Hokage. Uchiha Shunichi paid no attention to Sarutobi Hiruzen's change and simply waited there like an ordinary Genin taking the Chūnin Exams...

"The second exam has now concluded. However, since too many people passed the assessment, a preliminary round must be held... cough, cough..." The pale-faced Gekko Hayate stepped out and began explaining the upcoming preliminaries.

For some reason, Gekko Hayate seemed even weaker than before. His body, which coughed every so often, was completely different from how he had been in the Anbu.

This made Uchiha Shunichi somewhat curious. In the Anbu, Gekko Hayate had been exceptionally quiet. Though he had looked just as seriously ill, he had not made a sound.

Soon, Gekko Hayate finished his explanation, and Sarutobi Hiruzen began a long-winded speech.

People of advanced age liked reminiscing about the past, and naturally, they also liked making long speeches. Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to realize that he did not have much time left and wanted to express all his thoughts.

But the result was that many people grew extremely impatient. No one paid any attention to what he was saying.

After a long wait, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally finished speaking, and Gekko Hayate hurriedly began arranging the contestants' match order.

The drawing method involved a display screen that would show the names of the two opponents, making it seem rather high-tech.

But in truth, television and movies already existed in this world. They were simply rarely seen in Konoha.

"First match: Uchiha Shunichi versus Yakushi Kabuto." At Gekko Hayate's announcement, Uchiha Shunichi looked at the display screen in surprise.

Sure enough, his name was clearly displayed there, and Yakushi Kabuto had unexpectedly not withdrawn this time.

The other contestants and the referee went up to the viewing platform, while Uchiha Shunichi and Yakushi Kabuto faced each other on the field.

"You actually didn't withdraw. That really surprises me. Is it really wise to expose your strength so soon?" Uchiha Shunichi drew his sword, its somewhat damaged blade emitting a startling chill.

"I have something I want to ask you. No matter what, you can be considered my junior." Yakushi Kabuto held a kunai, as though he truly intended to fight to the death.

"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 shot directly toward Yakushi Kabuto.

Because of the Sharingan, the Uchiha Clan excelled at controlling ninja tools. Even though Uchiha Shunichi had not put much effort into this aspect, his attack was still quite powerful.

The kunai sank directly into Yakushi Kabuto's shoulder, and blood immediately began pouring out. At that moment, Yakushi Kabuto looked like nothing more than a Genin, his eyes filled with panic.

Seeing this, Uchiha Shunichi could not help frowning. Yakushi Kabuto was still useful. Even if this was an act, he could not cripple him.

"Since you're unwilling to fight seriously, then surrender on your own!" Uchiha Shunichi sheathed his sword and said.

Just then, a smile appeared on Yakushi Kabuto's face. Taking advantage of Uchiha Shunichi sheathing his sword, he dashed before him at high speed, the Chakra Scalpel in his hand slashing mercilessly toward Uchiha Shunichi's neck.

The Chakra Scalpel was a form of Medical Ninjutsu. Yet Yakushi Kabuto used it in battle, leaving everyone present somewhat shocked.

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 what they did not understand was that healers capable of saving lives were also the most dangerous killers.

Because of their deep understanding of the human body, they could achieve unexpected results in battle.

Yakushi Kabuto's attack had perfectly seized the weak point in Uchiha Shunichi's movement. Not only had Uchiha Shunichi been somewhat careless, but sheathing his sword had also left him full of openings.

"I really underestimated you. That was quite improper." By the time Uchiha Shunichi noticed Yakushi Kabuto, he had already reached Uchiha Shunichi's front.

Facing the Chakra Scalpel that was about to pierce through his head, Uchiha Shunichi's gaze remained calm. He slightly turned his scabbard sideways and knocked Yakushi Kabuto's arm away.

Though Yakushi Kabuto appeared powerful at the moment, he was still constantly mindful of 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 directly opened his left hand. Without forming any hand seals, Lightning Release electricity appeared in his palm.

This was one of the byproducts of training Lightning Body Flicker. Its power was not particularly great, but it was quite convenient to use.

The lightning released from Uchiha Shunichi's palm instantly struck Yakushi Kabuto. Though it was Lightning Release formed from chakra, the numb, tingling sensation it inflicted on the body was no weaker.

"Aah!!!"

Yakushi Kabuto began screaming amid the flashes of 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. He refused the medical ninja who came to examine him and walked away somewhat unwillingly.

Though Yakushi Kabuto had not used his full strength in this match, he had felt his own powerlessness.

If he truly fought Uchiha Shunichi, then he would certainly be the one to lose.

"Kabuto, it seems you're quite lost." Orochimaru's voice sounded from behind him, and Yakushi Kabuto's expression became even uglier.

"Orochimaru-sama, what do you want from me?"