Uchiha Shunichi's Plan

"Uchiha Shunichi, watch your words! Are you trying to provoke a conflict between the two clans?" Kakashi Hatake keenly noticed what was happening and hurriedly spoke up to warn him.

"Two clans? No, the Uchiha Clan has long since ceased to exist. Right now, it is only me declaring war on the Hyuga clan. If you have a problem with that, come find me!" After saying that, Uchiha Shunichi headed straight back to the stands.

At that moment, everyone who heard Uchiha Shunichi's words was somewhat dumbfounded. That included Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been watching the situation closely.

Staring at Uchiha Shunichi's departing back, Neji Hyuga slowly rose to his feet and left. Might Guy was worried about his state, so he could only say a few words to Rock Lee before chasing after him.

Because of Hinata Hyuga's incident, the exams were paused briefly. They soon resumed, and the next match was Rock Lee versus Gaara.

Uchiha Shunichi was somewhat interested in this battle. After all, he had also trained in the Eight Gates, though he had not learned the corresponding taijutsu. Thus, activating the Eight Gates merely enhanced his chakra and physical strength.

Gaara was the Sand Shinobi's current Jinchūriki. Unlike Naruto Uzumaki, Gaara had been created entirely as a biological weapon.

His childhood experiences had twisted Gaara's personality. Though he could barely be considered obedient, he often lost control.

Compared to Naruto Uzumaki, Gaara could only be considered a failed product.

At Gekko Hayate's command, Rock Lee launched the first attack. Taijutsu specialists were fast, but every punch and kick he threw was blocked by Gaara's sand.

If Temari's ninjutsu countered Tenten, then Gaara's sand techniques severely countered Rock Lee.

Rock Lee's strength could be considered high among his peers at this stage. If he activated the Eight Gates, he might very well become the strongest.

However, such uncontrollable power could not be considered his own strength.

In the arena, Rock Lee's speed kept Gaara's sand from attacking him, but all of his own attacks were blocked by the sand surrounding Gaara.

The battle reached a stalemate for the moment, but Rock Lee knew very well that if this continued, he would certainly lose. Remembering what Might Guy had said before leaving, Rock Lee finally decided... to use the Eight Gates.

First, he removed his weights. The heavy crash stunned everyone who had previously dismissed him. Even Jonin rarely used weights that heavy, much less a child who had only graduated a little over a year ago.

"Guy-sensei said it was time to use it." Rock Lee muttered to himself before immediately activating the Eight Gates.

The Eight Gates placed an immense burden on the body. Rock Lee's body was still too weak to use it properly. Only a small amount of green chakra surrounded him, while his entire body turned crimson, making him look extremely terrifying.

After activating the Eight Gates, Rock Lee resumed the battle.

His incredible speed left Gaara's sand unable to react in time. Relying on that speed, Rock Lee finally landed a hit on Gaara.

But unfortunately, Gaara had already anticipated this and had formed a layer of Sand Armor around his body in advance.

Although the armor greatly hindered Gaara's movements, its defensive power was formidable. Since he could not attack right now anyway, defense was also an excellent response.

Because of the earlier battle, Rock Lee's body was already under immense strain. Combined with the Eight Gates, Rock Lee knew that he had only one chance.

"Reverse Lotus!"

Rock Lee's figure moved at extreme speed, kicking Gaara's body into the air...

"Rock Lee... has already lost! Not because of strength, but because of observation." Uchiha Shunichi suddenly spoke from the stands nearby.

"How could that be? Right now..." Sakura heard him and was about to refute him, but in the next instant, the Gaara whom Rock Lee had defeated in the arena turned into sand.

"Sand Substitution..."

Ignoring the shocked looks around him, Uchiha Shunichi slowly walked over to the recently returned Might Guy and handed him a syringe of medicine.

"If Rock Lee wants to gamble, inject him with this. It can heal his injuries, but there is a fifty percent chance that he will die." After saying that, Uchiha Shunichi left without waiting for Might Guy to ask further questions.

Outside, Tenzō was waiting for him.

"Why did you say something like that in the arena?" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Shunichi with a headache. In only a short while, the Hyuga clan had come directly to the Hokage.

Though the Hyuga clan usually appeared peaceful, that was only because no one had touched their bottom line. (Though their bottom line was very low.)

"I merely voiced some of my own opinions. If the Hyuga clan wants to cause trouble, they can come to me." Uchiha Shunichi spoke without the slightest fear.

His actions had naturally not been an impulsive decision. He had chosen the right moment to establish his position.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had not died yet, stirring things up now was still better than doing it after his death.

As long as he made his name known, along with the medicine he had just leaked, once Tsunade arrived, Uchiha Shunichi would be confident in getting Konoha to fund the construction of a laboratory for him.

Of course, that was assuming Uchiha Shunichi dealt with Danzo first.

"Shunichi, I know very well that you wish to revive the Uchiha Clan, but making enemies of a major clan within your own village is not a good habit." Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke earnestly.

After observing him for several years, Sarutobi Hiruzen believed he had grasped Uchiha Shunichi's personality. Yet he had never expected something like this to happen now.

"I merely spoke my mind." Uchiha Shunichi's expression remained calm.

Suddenly, Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, "Is this because of Orochimaru?"

Uchiha Shunichi paused for a moment before answering, "It is somewhat related, but not much! In the past, I would not have spoken about such matters, but now I have discovered that a person's reputation is actually very important."

Hearing that, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and said, "I will handle Uchiha Sasuke's situation. Rest assured, as long as I live, Orochimaru will not be able to take Uchiha Sasuke away."

"Mm, I believe that." Uchiha Shunichi replied casually.

That was true, but you were about to die! What happened after your death would naturally no longer be your concern.

"Forget it. Go on now. I will handle the Hyuga clan's matter. Do not do this again in the future." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, looking quite helpless.

Upon hearing that, Uchiha Shunichi turned and left without the slightest hesitation.