The reception banquet that evening passed without incident. The various factions itching to act restrained themselves and quietly waited for dawn.
At the borders of the nations, however, chaos reigned. Numerous ninja squads concealed their identities and traveled light, racing toward the Shadow Organization.
Not long after they left, another squad of ninjas appeared and raced back the way they had come. It was all about heading toward each other.
The following day, the Chunin Ninja Exams officially began.
Everything proceeded according to the rules and procedures, without a single mishap. The teams from the Lands of Wind, Earth, and Water behaved themselves impeccably, looking very much like ordinary competitors.
The reason was that their assault forces had yet to signal that they were in position. They could not make any rash moves yet.
The thrilling yet scientifically sound Chunin Ninja Exams were about to draw to a close. With all preparations complete, the nations finally could no longer sit still.
The closing ceremony of the Chunin Ninja Exams.
The Five Kage sat on their elevated seats, enjoying the pleasing song-and-dance performances at the closing ceremony. The Kazekage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage exchanged glances, then, without any warning, brazenly attacked Xihuo in the central seat.
They unleashed their trump cards, every one a killing move.
"Watch out!"
Tsunade, the Fourth Hokage, furrowed her brow and gave a sharp warning, blocking the Kazekage's attack for Xihuo.
But Xihuo remained utterly unmoved, sitting right where he was as though completely unaware of the approaching danger.
Members of the Shadow Organization tried to come to his aid, but they reacted a step too slowly. The other two attacks had already struck Xihuo!
Boom!
Boom!
Dust filled the air, and delight surged through the Tsuchikage and Mizukage. They had seen with their own eyes that