134: You're a Fake Kazekage, Right?

"Are you truly willing to trade the One-Tail?" After a brief moment of contemplation, Hiruzen was tempted.

Tailed Beasts had always been each village's strategic weapon. 

If Konoha possessed multiple Tailed Beasts, its position as the premier ninja village would be even more solidified.

Of course, this was predicated on control. 

However, the Third Hokage had absolute faith in his Will of Fire. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's bond with Konoha was the direct proof to its success.

Coupled with Konoha's possession of the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Techniques, he was confident in his ability to firmly control the One-Tail. 

Even if it went out of control, in the worst-case scenario, they could seal it and find a new Jinchuriki.

It's just that this Fourth Kazekage was so ruthless that he couldn't let his guard down.

"Naturally.

"While the two summoned beasts on the field are powerful, they still fall short compared to a Tailed Beast.

"So I won't beat around the bush. What I truly want are the Inuzuka Clan's research results that allow ordinary ninken to evolve.

"If you can deliver the research materials now, I will present the One-Tail Jinchuriki on the spot." The Fourth Kazekage said slowly, the conical hat on his head swaying in the wind, obscuring his expression.

The Third Hokage, sitting beside him, twitched his face slightly. 

Research materials? We don't have any damn research materials.

Even he desperately wanted to understand Akamaru's evolution. 

Saying that the Inuzuka Clan had research results was nothing more than a ploy to deceive the Kazekage. 

He was planning to wait until after the Chunin Exams, find some time, and fabricate a document to mislead him.

Hiruzen quickly coughed to cover his unease, and at the same time asked with a hint of doubt: "Cough... so urgent?

"Are you even the Kazekage?

"As far as I know, isn't the One-Tail Jinchuriki your child? And you're willing to part with him here on Konoha?" These words caused Orochimaru's pupils to constrict; he almost blew his cover on the spot.

Fortunately, he was a seasoned veteran. 

As the Third Hokage's disciple, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, Danzo's partner, someone who battled the demigod Hanzo of the Salamander, a commander in the Third Great Ninja War, a former member of the dangerous Akatsuki, the founder of Otogakure, the owner of countless secret bases, and the most renowned scientific researcher in the ninja world, he had nerves of steel. 

He immediately realized that he had been too eager and risked exposing himself.

After all, his plan never involved letting the Third Hokage survive this Chunin Exams. 

That was why he was so anxious to obtain the research data. The Konoha Crush plan he had formulated was intended to use this grand examination as his teacher's farewell ceremony – a way of repaying him for years of nurturing.

However, his subordinates still needed time to prepare; the summoning array for the Three-Headed Serpent wasn't fully complete yet. 

It wasn't the right moment to strike.

Just a little longer. In the blink of an eye, having formulated a countermeasure, Orochimaru unleashed a terrifying Kage-level aura.

It surged forth, then retracted, potent enough for the Third to clearly sense his displeasure, but controlled enough to avoid alarming the surrounding guards.

"The village's interests outweigh everything. What's a small sacrifice?

"It should be my son's honor to contribute to the development of our village." Orochimaru slowly turned to face the arena, his robes billowing around him without a breeze. 

The temperature in the surrounding area seemed to drop several degrees.

He avoided the main point, not needing to over-explain. 

This aura, honed in countless battles, could temporarily quell the Third Hokage's suspicions.

Teacher is getting old after all, becoming more hesitant and timid in his actions.

If it were decades ago, during the era when he was hailed as a God of Shinobi, Orochimaru would never have dared to provoke him in this manner.

As expected, once that Kage-level aura was released, Hiruzen immediately perceived that this was a formidable opponent, no weaker than himself. 

Regardless of whether he was the true Fourth Kazekage or not, now was not the time for a rash confrontation.

His old bones of couldn't handle being tossed around afterall. 

Moreover, the Chunin Exams were still ongoing, with the various Feudal Lords observing the matches. As the Hokage, on his home turf, he couldn't possibly be the first to make a move.

He nodded in agreement, saying, "I never expected Lord Kazekage to possess such resolve. It seems that Sunagakure will flourish even more under your leadership.

"If Lord Kazekage is indeed willing to make the trade, then after the Chunin Exams conclude, I will immediately have the Inuzuka Clan bring the research materials."

Stabilize the Kazekage first, deal with everything else after the Chunin Exams.

"Nova Blast!"

"Howling Blaster!"

Before the Kazekage could respond, Greymon and Akamaru, locked in their fierce battle, had unknowingly reached the edge of the arena. 

Unleashing their ultimate moves, orange and deep blue flames collided with a resounding boom near the Hokage's side of the field.

Half the arena was instantly obliterated. 

The immense heatwave surged towards the main seating area, engulfing the Kazekage and his entourage.

"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!" Several ANBU members materialized on the spot.

Walls of water erupted from the ground, blocking the residual blast.

"...Hey, be careful!

"There are important people here!" one ANBU member shouted urgently.

The power was too strong; his Water Style technique barely held on. 

If he couldn't even block the aftershocks of a mere Chunin battle, they would have been humiliated in front of everyone. 

He would definitely be kicked out of the ANBU afterwards.

"Too bad." Natsuki shook his head inwardly, seeing that his intentional attack towards that side had been ineffective. 

The security at the arena's edge was quite formidable. 

After all, there were quite a few dignitaries and feudal lords present. These individuals, despite their high status, were mostly ordinary people and needed the protection of ninjas.

If it weren't for these defensive measures, I wonder if my attack would have forced Orochimaru to launch his plan prematurely?

"Forget it, let's end this." In the next instant, Natsuki soared into the air, his right hand pointed directly at Akamaru. 

His eyes glowed.

Almighty Push!

An immense repulsive force launched Akamaru skyward.

"Greymon, use Great Horn Attack and send him flying!" As soon as Natsuki's command left his lips, Kiba quickly raised his hands.

"Wait, wait, wait! We forfeit!" He was already overjoyed that Akamaru had successfully evolved and possessed such combat strength.

He hadn't dared to dream of defeating Natsuki.

The previous fight was just a warm-up, allowing Akamaru to familiarize himself with his post-evolution fighting style. 

They hadn't even targeted any weaknesses in a serious fight.

He was more than satisfied.

"The match is over! The winner is Yuhi Natsuki!" Examiner Genma Shiranui hastily announced the results.

It's best to end this fight quickly, these two have already demolished half the arena. 

Although their summoned beasts were ferocious, their fighting was chaotic. Kiba nearly blew up the spectator stands.

Ending this is for the best; otherwise, the pressure on me, the examiner, would be immense.

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