"Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation!"
As everyone turned, they saw Erzhuzi forming seals with both hands, taking a deep breath.
BOOM!
A roaring inferno erupted, stopping most of the Twelve Little Strongmen mid-training. The sheer scale of the Great Fire Annihilation surpassed their understanding of Fire Release.
The ocean before them was engulfed in flames.
"Well... even if you have a lot of chakra, you shouldn't waste it like this."
"Kakashi-sensei, can having more chakra really do that?"
"No, having more chakra is just the foundation. You also need—"
Before Kakashi could finish, Sakura cut in.
"Sensei, you also have Kurama's chakra now. Why don't you show us?"
Kakashi: "..."
"Ah! I just remembered another key point in my father's sword techniques. I should go try it."
Lee's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"The genius of the Uchiha Clan... and the genius of the Hyuga Clan!"
"Well... Hinata and Naruto are close, so that's not an issue... Haha."
"Hmph."
Neji's cold snort came from behind, making Lee stiffen like a startled acorn.
On the other side, Erzhuzi's fire finally died down.
He collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, completely drained.
At that moment, the younger shinobi finally understood why Minato and Naruto had brought them to the seaside for training. Given the sheer scale of these techniques, using them near Konoha would immediately raise alarms.
"Good."
Minato patted Erzhuzi on the shoulder in encouragement.
"No..." Erzhuzi shook his head, taking a deep breath before declaring, "This is far from enough!"
"My Fire Release nature transformation is still incomplete!"
Fire Release Nature Transformation: The ability to ignite anything on contact, transforming chakra into searing flames that continue burning. It's akin to Wind Release—enhancing offensive power through nature change.
Minato tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Erzhuzi's obsession with large-scale fire techniques despite knowing this.
Seeing his confusion, Sakura chuckled.
"Uncle Minato, Sasuke wants to create a Fire Release that can engulf thousands—no, tens of thousands—of shadow clones at once."
Minato's gaze softened as he looked at Erzhuzi with sympathy.
So that's it… He's treating Naruto as his benchmark.
But... kid, give up.
The commotion on the other side was even greater, akin to a battlefield of endless explosions.
Naruto was leading a few kunoichi in super strength training.
The sheer power of their strikes even made Kushina's eyes light up with interest.
Excited, she immediately pulled Kurenai and Anko aside, urging them to teach her their methods.
Meanwhile, Naruto was systematically reviewing all the ninjutsu he had learned.
Many forbidden techniques from the Scroll of Seals had been committed to memory, but he hadn't had many chances to practice them.
The Twelve Little Strongmen were improving rapidly.
With Kurama's chakra as a constant source, stamina was no longer an issue.
Even Lee, after undergoing intense special training with Kurama's chakra, had reached the point where he could barely use the Three Basic Jutsu without assistance.
Every day, after completing their morning missions, they would gather at Naruto's house for lunch before diving into afternoon training.
And so, the days passed.
On this particular day, after a long period of silence, Konoha's Four Elders convened a meeting.
One topic was the upcoming Chunin Exams.
The other was far more pressing.
For months now, Konoha had been flooded with an unprecedented number of assessment requests—from Genin, Chunin, and even Special Jonin and Jonin.
The sheer volume of these applications formed a literal mountain of paperwork.
Shimura Danzo closed his eyes, deep in thought.
The Root Organization was in dire need of new recruits.
But as he sifted through the files, his brows furrowed.
Most of the applicants were civilian-born ninjas.
Far too few came from established ninja clans.
Had Hiruzen intercepted them?
Danzo slowly opened his eyes, glancing at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was deep in thought.
Hiruzen, oblivious to Danzo's scrutiny, pointed at the stack of applications and said grimly:
"This is promising, but the numbers are abnormal."
Koharu Utatane, observing Danzo's silence, responded.
"Not necessarily. Many lesser-known clan members have grown stronger, moving out of the shadows."
Mitokado Homura added coldly.
"Hmph. More than half of the Uchiha Clan's wealth vanished mysteriously years ago... I suspect someone has been using those funds."
"Everyone knows about the Gato incident, Hiruzen. Are you still claiming you weren't involved?"
Hiruzen's face darkened immediately.
"I've said this before: I was unaware of the specifics. I thought it was just a C-rank mission."
"And as for sending forces to the Land of Waves—that's complete nonsense!"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Danzo tapped his cane against the floor, signaling his impatience.
"The real issue isn't the past, but how we handle these excess ninja."
Homura replied indifferently.
"The Chunin Exam slots are already finalized."
"Most of these Genin have been stuck at that rank for years. Waiting a bit longer won't hurt."
"More importantly, what if this power surge is linked to the missing funds?"
The conversation was escalating into yet another argument when Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe.
Huff.
"Enough. I'll assign an investigation."
"It's not a problem if the village has more capable shinobi."
"Those with the best talent and abilities will be assessed early."
"The Chunin Exams are also an opportunity to showcase Konoha's strength."
The other elders nodded in reluctant agreement.
"I'll liaise with the clans."
"More ninjas mean more mouths to feed. The profits must be reevaluated."
"Homura, I want you to draft a detailed plan."
Homura nodded slightly.
But Danzo? Danzo was furious.
Cutting funds from the Four Elders' coffers?
Impossible.
The ninja clans had already been pushed to their limit. If more pressure was applied, rebellion was inevitable.
"I object!"
"Look at what happened with the Uchiha!"
"The clans may seem quiet, but behind the scenes, they are forming alliances."
"We should use this opportunity to bleed them dry and root out potential traitors."
Hiruzen's face turned grim.
If Danzo's paranoia pushed any more, the clans would inevitably revolt.
"That's enough!"
"Danzo, we all know why the Uchiha incident happened."
"This time, we will take the hit."
Danzo clenched his fists.
Hiruzen met his glare and delivered the final blow.
"Danzo, don't forget—I am the Hokage."
"You—!"
"Fine! But you'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
Fuming, Danzo rose, intending to storm out.
But this time, Hiruzen was done indulging him.
Hiruzen had already made his decision regarding the Chunin Exams—Nara Shikamaru, Asuma's subordinate, would be promoted. A capable leader, yet someone who remained within his control.
And when he stepped down…
Danzo and his Root would fall with him.
What Hiruzen didn't know was that Danzo had already begun making moves—he had met with Orochimaru, continuing their secret dealings that had spanned years. But even he remained unaware that their every move was already being monitored.
The walls had ears.
"Well then, let's talk about the Chunin Exams."
Hiruzen spoke calmly, watching as his 'friend' sat back down, clearly displeased. The discussion began, but the weight of hidden schemes loomed over them.
"What?!"
"One of the Legendary Sannin… the student of the Third Hokage… the cold-hearted Orochimaru?"
"Orochimaru is planning to join forces with the Sand Village to invade Konoha?"
"The Fourth Kazekage has already been assassinated by Orochimaru?"
"Konoha Crush Plan… Naruto, how do you know this?"
The room fell silent, all eyes on Naruto.
Naruto shrugged. "It's not that hard to figure out. There are plenty of rogue ninjas out there, and merchants who deal in information. If you put the pieces together, this conclusion is obvious."
"But Orochimaru doesn't really want to destroy Konoha."
Shikamaru frowned. "Then what is his goal?"
Naruto smirked. "Revenge. Reform. A test. Maybe all three.
The Sand Village lost their Kazekage, so they were forced into cooperation. But for Orochimaru, killing his own teacher has a deeper meaning."
Shikamaru leaned forward, deep in thought. "Does this mean Orochimaru's betrayal is actually tied to the Third Hokage?"
Minato, arms crossed, nodded. "Partly. Orochimaru was originally the top candidate to become the Fourth Hokage. But in the end… the Third Hokage chose me."
"The corruption of Konoha's upper ranks was one factor," Minato continued. "Another was Orochimaru's experiments. It's not that Konoha never conducted human experiments before—but Orochimaru experimented on his own people."
Hiruzen tried to stop him once, but in the end, he hesitated. And Orochimaru escaped."
"Orochimaru still has feelings for Konoha," Naruto stated. "Killing his teacher? It's his way of bringing a fresh start to the decaying system."
"He's also giving my teacher a favor," Naruto added with a smirk. "Letting him die a hero protecting Konoha."
Kurenai suddenly asked, "But how will he get close to the Third Hokage?"
Naruto grinned. "During the Chunin Exams, people from various nations will gather…"
Minato's eyes widened as he immediately connected the dots. "The deceased Fourth Kazekage!"
Shikamaru caught on instantly. "Orochimaru will disguise himself as the Kazekage to get close to the Hokage! That's how he makes his move!"
Mitarashi Anko slammed her hands on the table. "That bastard! No matter what, I'm taking him down myself!"
"Anko, sit down," Kurenai quickly pulled her back before her rage got the better of her.
At that moment, Kakashi spoke up. "Sensei… my father…"
Minato's expression darkened. "His actions threatened the interests of the higher-ups."
Shikamaru sighed. "Choosing personal morals over the village's 'greater good'—that's what got him ostracized. And let's not forget… who 'redefined' the Will of Fire in the first place?"
Kakashi looked down, silent.
Minato nodded. "Your father was a great man. But back then, no one stood up for him. The ninja clans were silent."
Kushina, having had enough of the brooding atmosphere, suddenly punched Kakashi, sending him flying across the room.
"Stop sulking!" she scolded. "You mope around all day with that depressing aura—it's bad for the kids!"
The younger generation sat wide-eyed. They had always heard about Konoha's darkness, but now, faced with the ugly truth, the Twelve Young Warriors felt the weight of reality settle upon them.
The more they learned, the more their hatred for the Hokage's system grew.
Even his own student wanted to end him personally—and make sure he heard some final words before he did.
Rare, indeed.
But the real monster among them wasn't just the Hokage.
Konoha's Hidden Menace—Shimura Danzo.
"So, little brother," a voice spoke, "when the Konoha Crush Plan begins, you must show them your strength."
"Sister, I'm looking forward to it," Naruto grinned. "We'll cleanse Konoha of its rot."
Rot. It wasn't just the elders who sat in power without progress or merit.
It was also the villagers—the blind, obedient civilians who cheered for the Will of Fire, no matter how many lives it destroyed.
The Nine-Tails attack, Orochimaru's invasion, Pain's assault… time and time again, the villagers suffered. And yet, they always played their role—paying the price while the ninja took the credit.
Reflect on themselves? They never would.
A man might only reflect upon his sins once he's revived by the Impure World Reincarnation.
So why spare these villagers?
In Konoha, those who disobeyed were silenced. ANBU, public opinion manipulation, Root assassinations—compliance was absolute.
Sing praises to the great Will of Fire.
Let the flames consume the village.
Living in Konoha meant living under a caged bird seal, whether they saw it or not.
If Naruto and his allies moved against the village's leadership, wasn't that the same as taking down the Hyuga Main Family?
The Branch House could still be saved. But the villagers? They were lost.
Sakura hesitated. "But Naruto… after Konoha falls, what's left?"
She regretted asking the moment the words left her mouth.
Naruto smirked. "Countless wandering ninjas can serve as mercenaries. We'll issue missions. Efficiency increases, costs decrease, market share expands."
Silence.
"These are matters for later," he waved off. "As for villagers? The world is filled with small, impoverished nations. Refugees who would be far more grateful than the current population."
"I already have a candidate for the Fifth Hokage."
Everyone leaned in. "Who?"
Naruto grinned. "The Slug Princess. Senju Princess. Konoha's Princess. Fire Country's Princess…"
Realization dawned.
"Tsunade."
Kushina scoffed. "She's also a big fat sheep."
Naruto chuckled. "With her status, we don't need a Daimyo system siphoning our resources anymore. The Hokage will no longer hold absolute power."
"After the Konoha Crush Plan, we begin the First Five-Year Plan."
He turned to Shikamaru. "You'll take the lead. Dad, start working with the ninja clans."
"The world is ours. But ultimately—it belongs to the next generation."