SHINOBI EXAM

The ninjas of Iwagakure gathered in front of the strange image that had appeared in the skies. At first, they tried to destroy it with ninjutsu, taijutsu, and even genjutsu, but when those efforts failed, they realized it posed no immediate danger. Hesitantly, they began to watch the broadcast.

"That's Tsuchikage-sama!"

"Yes, it is! But who's that masked man daring to stand before him with such arrogance?!"

"He's just a coward hiding behind a mask," one ninja scoffed.

Another added, "And that man speaking before them—it's Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron!"

The group grew quiet as the image zoomed in on the elderly Tsuchikage, Onoki of Two Scales, floating midair with his arms crossed. His expression was cautious as he questioned the masked man.

The masked man spoke, his tone calm yet menacing: "I intend to resurrect the Ten Tails and activate a specific technique."

Onoki frowned. "A specific technique? What are you planning?"

The masked man's eye gleamed with madness as he revealed his plan: "Infinite Tsukuyomi. I will cast an illusion upon the moon to ensnare the entire world in an eternal dream. In that world, there will be no pain, no conflict, and no division. All will become one under my control."

The Sharingan in his single visible eye radiated determination, and the world watching the image collectively gasped.

"He's from Konoha!" a ninja from Iwagakure exclaimed.

The broadcast shifted to the reactions of the five Kage and their entourages. The Fourth Raikage slammed his fist on the table in outrage. "Peace under your control? Never! I won't let you turn the world into puppets!"

Next to him, a young man spoke up: "Peace has meaning only when achieved in the real world, not through lies!"

The camera panned to a red-haired young man with the kanji for "love" on his forehead. The Sand ninja watching the broadcast gasped.

"That's... Gaara!"

"But how can that monster be there, speaking like a leader?"

The image continued, showing the other Kage rejecting the masked man's plan. "Unify the world?" Onoki sneered. "What you're describing is not unity. It's tyranny under your rule."

The masked man's tone turned icy. "If you won't cooperate, I will take the Eight and Nine Tails by force. And if necessary, I will declare war."

The broadcast ended abruptly as the masked man disappeared into a spiral of space. Silence followed, lasting several tense moments before chaos erupted.

In Konoha, Ibiki burst into Hokage's office to report what he had seen. Across the ninja world, leaders scrambled to understand the implications of the video.

---

Elsewhere in the Akatsuki's hideout

The members of Akatsuki sat in stunned silence.

Uchiha Itachi: "..."

Hoshigaki Kisame: "..."

Deidara: "..."

Kakuzu: "..."

Hidan: "..."

Konan: "..."

Pain: "..."

Obito (the masked man): "..."

Finally, Deidara broke the silence. "Hey, A Fei! That Sharingan of yours... You're Uchiha, huh? You didn't tell us!"

He turned to Itachi. "Is he your brother or something? You don't look alike, though."

Itachi remained silent, unwilling to engage. Obito, however, was seething internally. Brother? In terms of seniority, you should call me ancestor!

Hidan, always impatient, interrupted. "What's this 'Eye of the Moon' nonsense? You trying to steal followers from the Jashin religion?!"

Kakuzu sighed, irritated by the foolishness. "Enough. What's our next move?"

Pain's expression remained calm, though he was equally perplexed by the revelation in the broadcast. "Our mission remains unchanged: collect the tailed beasts."

Deidara grinned. "So that video was the future! Too bad we failed, though. A Fei declared war in the end. Why him? I'd have done a better job, yeah!"

"Shut up, idiot," Scorpion muttered.

Pain ignored the commotion and addressed the group. "We must capture all nine tailed beasts within three years. Failure is not an option."

---

In the Uchiha district

Naruto stood behind Sasuke by the lake. "Why are you hiding? It's your mom—don't you want to see her?"

Sasuke didn't reply, staring at the water. Memories of his childhood flooded back: practicing the Fireball Jutsu, his father's rare praise, and the warmth of the clan.

Naruto, growing impatient, leaned in close. "Hey, Sasuke, are you crying?!"

Sasuke jumped, headbutting Naruto in the process.

"Ow! What's your head made of, idiot?!"

"You're the idiot, dobe!"

The two bickered for a moment before falling into an awkward silence. Finally, Sasuke muttered, "Thanks... for today."

Naruto blinked, surprised. "Huh? Did you just thank me? Who are you, and what did you do with Sasuke?"

Sasuke scowled. "Don't make me regret it!"

Before their argument could escalate, Kakashi appeared, holding his book. "Yo!"

"Kakashi-sensei!"

"Come with me," Kakashi said. "We have something important to discuss."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "A mission? Is it B-rank? A-rank? Maybe even S-rank?"

Kakashi chuckled. "It's more challenging than any mission you've faced so far. Naruto, you've been given a rare opportunity: a chance to resurrect someone."

Naruto froze. "Wait, what? Resurrect someone?"

Kakashi explained. "Because you guessed correctly during the previous question-and-answer session, you've been granted one resurrection. The choice is yours."

Sasuke's eyes widened. A chance to bring someone back...

Naruto scratched his head. "I don't know who to pick. I mean, I don't really know anyone who's... gone."

Kakashi's tone softened. "Take your time. This is a heavy decision."

Naruto frowned, deep in thought. Sasuke glanced at him, his expression conflicted. Despite their rivalry, he felt a pang of envy. What I'd give to have this choice...

---

Meanwhile, in Konoha's streets, villagers buzzed with conversation about the broadcast. Rumors of the Fourth Ninja War and the Eye of the Moon spread like wildfire.

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage stood with folded arms, his face grim. "If this broadcast is accurate, the world is on the brink of chaos."

Ibiki nodded. "The video has been seen across the entire Land of Fire. Preparations must begin immediately."

The Third Hokage sighed. "Summon all available forces. We must prepare for the worst."

---

Back at the lake, Naruto finally spoke. "Kakashi-sensei, I think I know who I want to bring back."

Sasuke and Kakashi both turned to him, their expressions unreadable.

"Alright," Kakashi said. "Let's hear it."

---

---