Naruto's Arrival

Yue left gallantly, but it was tough for Ryuga and Yoshitaka.

Because the Konoha 11 had transferred all their anger onto the two of them.

The first day was fine, but by the second day, during the targeted training sessions, such as shuriken throwing and chakra-based physical training in special environments, the two were completely dominated by the Konoha ninjas. They even got injured in some of the competitive events.

This was already the result of Minato Namikaze's intentional protection, otherwise... Ryuga felt that these Konoha boys seemed ready to skin them alive.

The two finally understood what Yue had said earlier about not underestimating these Konoha people.

They were indeed more than just a little bit better than them.

Even someone like Obito, who was considered a slacker in the Ninja Academy, displayed considerable skill in some of his specialized training subjects.

As for Kakashi and Might Guy, in Ryuga's eyes, they were already completely "monsters."

So, upon returning to their lodging that evening, the two complained bitterly to Yue.

Ryuga's Kekkei Genkai ability couldn't be directly demonstrated in combat; strictly speaking, he was a medical support type ninja. If they were to compare basic skill levels alone, Yoshitaka couldn't even match him. Therefore, the two youngsters had already lost confidence for the upcoming matches, feeling utterly dejected.

They were starting to give up.

The two of them then went with some of the Konoha teachers to undertake "simple" trial missions.

The results and mission completion standards were again blown away by the others, placing them squarely at the bottom.

According to Ryuga's account, all the Konoha 11's pent-up anger desperately needed an outlet.

And that outlet was the upcoming sparring matches.

Yue stayed in his lodging, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Ryuga and Yoshitaka didn't have that luxury.

Originally, the two had a good relationship with some of the girls, but ever since Yue's stunt in the classroom, all the Konoha genin of their generation were intentionally keeping their distance, appearing noticeably more distant. It wasn't that the Konoha people were angry or disliked them, but rather that these Konoha individuals had realized they were rivals.

Moreover, although they harbored some resentment towards Yue, the three of them were still a team after all, and Ryuga and Yoshitaka's stance in supporting Yue was clear.

Therefore, in the following days, Ryuga often found himself mocking Obito, who couldn't keep his mouth shut.

He openly declared that no one among these Konoha people could possibly be Yue's opponent.

When it came to admiration, or rather, confidence in Yue, Ryuga was second to none.

This further fueled the Konoha brats' determination to "take down" Yue.

Yue didn't just stay in his lodging, conserving his energy.

He would occasionally wander around Konoha alone.

Of course, he didn't dare to make any rash moves. Firstly, the Third Hokage was a "peeping tom" himself. Secondly, although he couldn't sense the other party's position, he did have the feeling of being secretly monitored.

He could confirm it was someone from Anbu, not Root.

Konoha was currently extremely cautious of all outsiders.

It was fortunate that the Land of Grass, though adjacent to the Land of Fire, posed no threat.

Otherwise, given Danzō's nature... he would likely be in danger.

Yue wouldn't have been able to cause such a stir in the Konoha Ninja Academy so openly.

This was no laughing matter; although Danzō had caused Konoha a lot of trouble, he did have a heart for protecting Konoha. Even if it was mixed with selfish desires for power and his methods were rather insidious and despicable. If the Grass Village were a threat to Konoha, and someone like him, who at least appeared talented, emerged from the Grass Village.

Yue had no doubt that Danzō would not let him leave the Land of Fire alive.

After a few days of wandering, the situation Yue observed also matched his memories.

He rarely saw anyone from the Uchiha Clan on the streets. Even when he did, he noticed that people around them, including civilians, were intentionally or unintentionally keeping their distance.

The way people looked at the Uchiha Clan was also very complex.

Some people clearly showed disgust.

Yue believed that besides the traceable "historical reasons" and the mess left behind by the older generation, the phenomenon was more likely due to an invisible hand manipulating the situation.

To ostracize the Uchiha Clan.

The conflict between the Uchiha and the village had always existed, but by this current period, the "grudges" had accumulated to a certain extent.

Even he, an outsider, could clearly sense it.

The Uchiha Clan's compound was also located in a remote area on the village map, and very few people visited it.

Yue naturally didn't dare to approach it rashly.

The calamity that befell the Uchiha Clan was entirely due to the Sharingan's immense fame in the ninja world, as well as the emergence of many powerful individuals. This made the Uchiha Clan very arrogant; they looked down on others outside their clan and couldn't tolerate any slight... which eventually led to their ambition.

Naturally, Konoha's overly forceful suppression methods and approach were also somewhat inappropriate.

This was the fault of the Second Hokage, Tobirama.

From the Warring States period onwards, from Madara's generation to the present, the Uchiha Clan's characteristics had been very distinct and unified, showing a strong sense of similarity.

Sasuke, in Yue's opinion, was a replica of Madara.

Without Itachi's intervention, Sasuke would absolutely not have been redeemed; a person like him would only go down one path to the very end.

Furthermore, the number of ninja activities within the village was relatively small when considering the population base.

This means that most of the ninjas have already been dispatched.

After a few days, Yue could only say that every family has its own troubles.

Grass Village has its chaos, and Konoha has its chronic ailments.

The essence is the same.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the 'friendly match' finally arrived.

In the morning, Grass Village brought their three people to a venue in Konoha.

The experiences in Konoha over the past few days had made the Jonin clearly understand the vast difference in strength between the two villages.

They had no chance of winning.

The Jonin had discovered this when he was a substitute teacher at the Ninja Academy; the ninja qualities and talents displayed by these Konoha children were too exceptional.

This was mainly due to the influence of the village environment and resources.

Although Yue was a genius in Grass Village, compared to these monstrous kids from Konoha, it was probably...

The Jonin was also aware of Yue's 'boastful words,' but he didn't know what to say.

Yue was a person personally invited by Konoha, and he was from Grass Flower. Furthermore, Fuma Ryoma was currently a small squad leader in the village... so he did have some background.

Besides, Konoha hadn't said anything.

He had received a temporary mission to escort Yue's three-person team. He didn't know Yue's strength, only thinking that although Yue was somewhat famous in Grass Village, this was Konoha after all... it wasn't the same level.

"Yue... just do your best."

After thinking about it, the Jonin said a word to Yue before entering the venue.

It's okay to lose, after all, there's no shame in losing to Konoha.

"Yue, teach them a good lesson!"

On the other hand, Ryuga was fanning the flames.

The encounters of the past few days had also ignited his temper.

He couldn't count on Yoshitaka, but he still had Yue as a trump card.

Yue must get revenge for the suffering and hardship he and Yoshitaka had endured, and vent their anger.

Even a clay figurine has some spirit, let alone the two of them.

"Hey, stop reading that darn book... you won't understand it anyway."

Seeing Yue constantly holding a book and reading even while walking, as if he couldn't hear him, Ryuga urged him.

Yue paid no attention.

With a real fight about to begin, Yue still had the leisure to read?

Ryuga gritted his teeth in anger.

A moment later, the four of them entered the venue and, led by a Konoha ninja, walked along the corridor into the inner arena.

"They're here."

As soon as they stepped into the venue, they saw Minato, who had been waiting there, waving with a smile.

"Hiss..."

The scene inside made the Jonin from Grass Village gasp.

He thought it was just a small event for some junior disciples to spar, so why was the scale so grand?

His eyes shifted, and his pupils instantly shrank.

He saw someone standing next to Minato.

The unmistakable Kage robe indicated the person's identity.

The Hokage...

The Third Hokage?

Even the village's Kage had come?

The Jonin's heart was churning; this was completely different from what he had expected.

Was it necessary?

Was it a bit of an overreaction...

He swallowed, his heart pounding the moment he saw the Third Hokage.

The Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages... these were beings standing at the pinnacle of the entire ninja world.

He hadn't received any notification that the Hokage would be present to observe.