SHINOBI EXAM

Nara Shikaku's gaze sharpened as he pieced together vital information from the Cloud Shinobi's outburst:

1. Killer Bee's attacker survived:

As a Jinchūriki of the Eight Tails and an elite ninja of Cloud Village, Killer Bee was formidable. To harm him and escape required Kage-level strength or higher.

2. The attackers weren't alone:

The assailants included a masked figure wielding the Sharingan and possibly another individual. This suggested an organized effort. The latter might be Uchiha Itachi, a known Akatsuki member and Konoha's rogue ninja.

3. Raikage's injury wasn't minor:

The masked individual—or someone else—inflicted damage severe enough to cost the Raikage his left arm.

Shikaku lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke rings. "What a hassle. Why do so many Kage-level ninjas defect? The Uchiha are always at the center of these upheavals, even back to Madara's era." His musings brought up an old thought: Second Hokage Tobirama was an expert on the Uchiha. Maybe I'll ask Third Hokage to arrange a meeting... He sighed, frustrated. "I'm just making things harder for myself."

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The Growing Chaos

[The video continues, showing tension escalating among the ninja alliance. The Sand and Rock Shinobi begin arguing again. Quarrels erupt across different factions, and words turn into threats.]

["I can't stand Iwagakure!" a Mist ninja snaps.]

["What did you say about us?!" A Rock ninja grabs him by the collar.]

["Don't act like victims! You betrayed us at the Battle of Yuan Pass. I won't forget that tragedy!"]

["Yuan Pass? Don't make me laugh. That was decades ago!"]

The 80,000-strong Ninja Alliance was in chaos even before engaging the enemy.

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Reactions Across the Villages

Earth Country · Iwagakure

"This alliance is a joke! Mist Shinobi have always been backstabbers!"

"They call us barbarians? Aren't they the 'Blood Mist' killers?"

Water Country · Kirigakure

"Yuan Pass… those Rock Shinobi traitors!"

"Mist Shinobi cannot cooperate with Iwagakure—it's impossible!"

Wind Country · Sunagakure

"This has to be Konoha propaganda! How could that monster Gaara become Kazekage and lead the alliance?!"

"Fourth Kazekage-sama would never allow it! Konoha better not think about blaming us for the Third Hokage's death!"

Lightning Country · Cloud Village

"No way someone injured Raikage-sama's arm! Konoha is spreading lies!"

"Still, we need more security for Killer Bee. Double the guard!"

Fourth Raikage: "Make sure Killer Bee doesn't leave the island."

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Akatsuki's Perspective

Deep within their hideout, only Pain, Konan, and Uchiha Obito remained of the original Akatsuki.

Pain turned to Obito. "What's your take on this?"

Obito's voice dropped to a menacing tone. "White Zetsu reports that these videos are being broadcast worldwide. Our plans have been exposed."

Konan asked, "Do you know who's responsible?"

Before Obito could answer, White Zetsu emerged from the ground with a sly grin. "Madara, there's exciting news~!"

"What is it?" Obito frowned.

"Konoha's Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, has been resurrected!~"

Pain and Konan stiffened, their expressions darkening. "How? Impure World Reincarnation?"

White Zetsu giggled. "No~ This is a genuine resurrection. He even looks younger. Amazing, isn't it? I wonder if I looked that good in my youth…"

Ignoring Zetsu's babbling, Obito's mind raced. "Second Hokage... This changes everything. I'll go to Konoha and confirm this myself." With that, he vanished into his Kamui space.

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Konoha's Response

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, a panicked messenger knelt before the Second and Third Hokage.

"Hokage-sama! We've received troubling news…"

Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart sank. He already felt the weight of the videos being broadcast worldwide. If not for Tobirama's presence, he would've been overwhelmed.

Tobirama, however, remained composed, a faint smile on his lips. "It seems the Five Kage Summit will come earlier than expected."

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Author's Notes

Ahhhh! I can't believe it! My first big fan interaction! I received 588 points and a bunch of monthly passes today. Thank you so much!

Today's update is complete (1/3). Please continue to support me with collections, flowers, monthly tickets, and rewards. Your encouragement keeps me going!

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Reflection on the Ninja Alliance

The formation of the Ninja Alliance wasn't smooth, as the video revealed. Old grudges and distrust simmered beneath the surface. Sand and Rock Shinobi couldn't forget their mutual betrayals. Mist Shinobi harbored resentment against the Rock Village. And Cloud Shinobi still blamed Konoha for their Raikage's injury.

The chaos threatened to tear the alliance apart even before the war began. Tobirama's resurrection, however, might provide a glimmer of hope. As a seasoned strategist and leader, he could guide the alliance through its early turbulence.

The looming Fourth Ninja War required unity, but it was clear that achieving it would be no easy task.

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