Chapter 398 Growth

The light spots diffused from the sky are delicate snowflakes that are constantly falling.

Compared to the beginning of the month, the temperature has picked up, but the snowflakes falling on people's faces still make people feel a clear coolness.

There were not many people on the street, but many shops opened early. The shopkeepers and waiters began to sweep the snow and the road in front of the door to prevent children who often pass by the door from accidentally falling.

A scene of tranquility and peace.

A pair of cloudy but very powerful eyes saw the brand-new atmosphere in the village from the window of the office, and a kind smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

The old man stood by the window, wearing Hokage's imperial robe, his spirit was much more energetic than before.

Although the exhaustion left by work still remains on the face, what is revealed in the eyes is the light called hope.

Seeing such a peaceful and beautiful scene in the village, Hirizhan, who is Hokage, also feels that all this is so hard-won.

Three years ago, the international situation was extremely tense. The Nation of Fire was deeply mired in the quagmire of war in the Nation of Rain.

If the ninja war breaks out at that time, Konoha will not get the opportunity to develop peacefully during the three years of cultivation, and the current peace will no longer exist, and will be destroyed by the war.

Now, Konoha, who has been given the opportunity to develop peacefully for three years, and with the great support of the daimyo, has once again expanded its military power. There are more than ten thousand ninjas who can participate in the war at any time. The number of junin has also increased a lot compared to three years ago. Now even in the face of making things difficult for the kingdom of ghosts, Konoha has the confidence to respond strongly to the opponent.

This is not just Hokage's own credit. For the development of the village, there are countless ninjas who have worked hard and made progress together. This has allowed Rizai to see the bright future of the village's rejuvenation.

This also made Ri Zhan feel that it was a wise choice to give up the momentary honor during the talks in the Land of Rain three years ago.

If the Kingdom of Fire and Konoha continue to insist on the glory of the past, then these three years will not be passed without incident.

Not to mention the persecution from the kingdom of ghosts, the kingdom of thunder will not let it go.

Instead of giving up the glorious act, the kingdom of ghosts cannot stand alone, and it is difficult to unite with other countries to suppress the kingdom of fire. The kingdom of thunder does not deliberately target Konoha as it did in the past.

Combined with the alliance with the Kingdom of Wind, the Kingdom of Ghosts is no longer acting aggressively when dealing with sensitive international matters, but has kept a low profile.

But Ri Zhan knew that the Kingdom of Ghosts had only temporarily died down, and began to recharge its batteries.

Especially after purchasing a batch of new weapons developed by the Ghost Kingdom last year, the danger level of the Ghost Kingdom has not decreased but increased in Hirizhan's mind.

Although Konoha gradually began to follow the example of Oni Nation, focusing on the development of the military industry, and focusing on combining with ninja abilities to form a scientific ninja system in the new era, even imitation requires a strong capital.

Konoha is highly developed in biological science and medical science, but it does not mean that the military industrial system can be developed well.

Not only the lack of matching equipment, but also the lack of corresponding industrial talents.

Even though the daimyo also expressed their support in this regard and approved a large amount of development funds, but lack of relevant equipment and talents, it is difficult for a clever woman to cook without rice. These difficulties cannot be solved smoothly by throwing money at them.

But the deficiencies of the industrial system must be resolved.

To completely get rid of the disadvantages of relying on the industrial weapons of the ghost country.

Once dependence is formed, it means that the kingdom of Konoha and Fire will always be subordinate to the kingdom of ghosts.

Not only the Kingdom of Ghosts, but also the Kingdom of Thunder has begun to improve its own industrial system. Although the industrialization is far behind that of the Kingdom of Ghosts, it can already develop its own weapons, and the situation is worse than that of the Kingdom of Fire.

In the final analysis, it is the lack of industrial talents, which has caused the Land of Fire and Konoha to lag far behind the Land of Demons in this respect.

How to train and expand the recruitment of these talents has become a problem that must be solved by Sunshine.

In addition to this, there are arrangements for the Five Generations of Hokage.

Although the energy and spirit are very good recently, Ri Zhan knows that his physical ability has begun to decline seriously, far from the peak.

While Hizhan was thinking about these issues, there was a knock on the door, which made Hizhan recover from his thoughts.

A middle-aged man wearing a ninja forehead came in.

is a staff member of Konoha Love Communication Department.

Hi Zhan asked the communications staff member, "Did something happen?"

The middle-aged man held a scroll in his hand and said, "Master Hokage, this is a letter sent from the kingdom of ghosts, please read it."

After finishing speaking, he put it on the desk, turned and left.

Ri Zhan sat back at his desk, picked up the scroll left by the staff of the Communication Department, his eyes were full of doubts.

But this doubt didn't last long, he spread the scroll and glanced at the contents.

After reading, Ri Zhan immediately fell into deep thought.

It is written on the scroll that the kingdom of ghosts intends to unite with other countries to hold this year's Chunin exam. To put it simply, it is to let ninjas from various countries conduct a joint Zhongnin test, and show each other the power of the new generation of each country. Because not only ninjas who own ninja villages are invited, but also daimyo, high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen from many countries will appear as spectators.

The ninja power of the new generation means the future of the military power of various countries.

If there is a new generation of Ninja Village who has achieved good results on this stage, it will also be an excellent opportunity for Ninja Village and the country to promote national strength.

Ninja Village, which relies on task rewards to maintain its development, needs this kind of stage to promote its own ninja strength.

Moreover, this is also a good time to test the strength of the ninjas in the kingdom of ghosts.

After thinking about the meaning behind this, Hirizhan placed his fingers on the table and tapped lightly, deep in thought.

Without thinking for too long, Ri Zhan made a decision in his mind.

In the woods where the snow has not yet melted, a voice full of spirit resounded:

"Art fire escape **** fireball!"

The scorching fireball spurted out from the mouth, and moved quickly along the snow-covered ground.

The passing white snow melted in the raging fire, and the fireball rushed towards the enemy ferociously.

Looking at the scorching fireball rushing towards his face, Kakashi did not panic, but moved his feet naturally, easily avoiding the fireball attack.

However, when he shifted his footsteps, a shadow of a fist hit him from a blind spot where he couldn't see.

Kakashi stretched out his arm, spread his five fingers, and smoothly held the opponent's fist.

It seemed that he also knew that this method would not cause any trouble to Kakashi, so Sasuke began to break free from Kakashi's palm, and retreated backwards, preparing to adjust the attack route.

As a result, while he was retreating, Kakashi's figure suddenly disappeared from his eyes.

Sasuke's heart tightened, as before, he didn't see the moving track. However, there was a light sound caused by a change soon behind him, which was made by Kakashi for Sasuke to hear.

Sasuke snorted coldly, turned around and punched, dense lightning gathered on his arms, and the speed was astonishingly fast.

Sasuke, who has mastered two types of chakra attribute changes, not only knows how to use fire escape ninjutsu, although it has not been a long time to master the changes of thunder attribute properties, it can still be used in actual combat.

The strength of Thunder Dun lies in thrust and speed.

After attaching the chakra of thunder attribute, the physical ability will also be increased to a certain extent.

Seeing that Sasuke was able to use the second type of escapism with attribute changes, Kakashi also showed a little surprise on his face.

For Jonin, it is not difficult to master the change of the chakra properties of two different attributes, but it can be said to be a basic skill.

But for students who have not graduated from ninja school, it is as difficult as ever.

Even many Chunin, it is difficult to grasp the nature changes of the two chakra attributes.

However, even so, it is still too tender.

If he hadn't deliberately slowed down the speed of his shots, he could have ended the battle in an instant.

His purpose now is just to give Sasuke some moves, to increase Sasuke's combat experience, so that his abilities are not limited to theory.

Actual combat is the most important part that ninjas need to master.

Kakashi did not use moves to block, but continued to keep a distance from Sasuke, and flew out a few shurikens from his hands, hindering Sasuke's actions, constantly squeezing Sasuke's physical strength, and keeping his body in a state of being close to the limit.

Doing this will help Sasuke break through his physical limits.

Seeing that his attack failed, Sasuke was not discouraged, dodged Kakashi's flying shuriken, and stood aside panting.

Compared to Kakashi who only needs to dodge and block, he not only has to think about how to attack, he has performed all ninjutsu, illusion, and physical skills, and his physical strength is naturally consumed quickly.

But even so, after exhausting all the means available, he still couldn't touch the corner of Kakashi's clothes.

Is there such a big gap with Jonin? Sasuke wondered if he was the chief student of the ninja school.

Obviously, in the past few years, he felt that his own strength was obviously rising rapidly, but the more so, the more he could appreciate Kakashi's unfathomable strength.

Although he is an uncle who likes to read H books and magazines and is usually lazy, his strength is really not something to brag about.

Thinking about it, the person who can become the head of Anbu, even if he looks not very serious, is definitely real.

"It seems that this is the end. It's a pity that you couldn't touch the corner of my clothes today. It seems that there is still a big gap between you and Itachi."

Kakashi saw that Sasuke was exhausted, so he didn't mean to provoke Sasuke by saying this, but to tell the truth.

"It's just touching the hem of the clothes. I can do it soon."

Sasuke took a deep breath, and looked at Kakashi calmly.

When he touched the corner of his clothes, it was the graduation project Kakashi assigned him.

On the contrary, if he can't even touch the corner of the opponent's clothes, he will always be an unqualified 'student' with Kakashi.

After all, Kakashi has suppressed his strength to a very low level.

If he can't even do this, he probably won't be able to forgive himself for his incompetence by then.

Continuing like this, how can we avenge the sinners who exterminated the clan and revitalize the future of the clan?

So, Sasuke was also very calm when he heard the name 'Itachi' from Kakashi.

Three or four years ago, once I heard this name, it was absolutely impossible to maintain such a calm state.

"Oh, it seems that the aggressive method is not very effective."

Seeing the clear and bright look in Sasuke's eyes, Kakashi also showed approval in his eyes.

Although Sasuke couldn't control his emotions perfectly, at least he wouldn't fall into distracting thoughts of revenge at every turn.

This is harmful to ninja practice, but not beneficial.

In this world, most ninjas practice step by step, and the growth of strength cannot be achieved overnight.

If you blindly immerse yourself in the vortex of hatred, not only will your personality become extreme, but you will also become blind and lose your calm heart.

For future revenge actions, this state is very unfavorable.

Sasuke looked at Kakashi speechlessly.

This aggressive method has been used for three or four years, even if it was effective at first, but after these years of day and night nurturing, he has long been used to Kakashi's aggressive method.

Unless Itachi himself appeared directly in front of him, it might make him lose control.

But using Itachi to verbally provoke him is of little use to him.

Although in order to achieve this, he suffered hundreds of nights before barely breaking free from the nightmare of genocide.

From this point of view, he is very grateful to Kakashi and Hokage, and asked Kakashi to teach him.

Without these two people, I must still be struggling in the vortex of hatred and wasting time.

Relying on one's own superficial cognition to explore and practice is nothing more than sitting in a well and watching the sky.

Hokage-sama is a kind old man. Sasuke's heart was filled with the warmth of being cared for.

However, as his strength grew, new doubts naturally arose in his heart.

My own tribe, who has not even awakened Sharingan, has been able to surpass most of the regular ninja before graduation.

Then, when they grow up, there are not many people in the clan who have Sangouyu Sharingan, but there should be quite a few.

Itachi, no matter how strong a person is, can he really destroy the entire family with one person?

Reminiscent of what Itachi once said, if he can also open the Kaleidoscope Sharingan, there will be four people.

four people?

Kaleidoscope Sharingan?

Thinking of this, Sasuke lowered his head, an extremely rare haze appeared in his eyes.

Perhaps, the Uchiha extermination event is not as simple as I imagined.

In this genocide, there must still be some secrets that I accidentally neglected.

Because the more he grows, the more Sasuke can feel the strength of the Uchiha clan, how powerful it is.

Such a wealthy ninja is definitely not a behemoth that Itachi can solve alone.

The night Itachi exterminated the clan, there must have been accomplices.

Uchiha's traitor is probably not just Itachi.

"What's the matter, suddenly put on a serious look?"

Sensing that Sasuke's state seemed a little strange, Kakashi asked suspiciously.

"Nothing, just thought of something I missed before, I'll figure it out myself."

Although he is grateful to Kakashi, Sasuke doesn't want to involve irrelevant people in his revenge.

Moreover, it is not what I want to achieve revenge in the hands of others.

The matter of the Uchiha clan will eventually need to be resolved by the person who inherits this surname.

"Really? So, let's stop here today, I still have things to deal with. Regarding the graduation exam in March, it should be fine, right?"

Kakashi asked such a question before leaving.

"The graduation exam is like a child's play."

Sasuke told the truth.

What is usually taught in the ninja school is something that cannot be based on the basics.

Such as basic physical skills, basic illusion skills, and basic three-body skills.

Therefore, no matter how the graduation exam is conducted, it cannot be separated from these.

For Sasuke, this kind of graduation exam is like playing house with a child, and it is not worth mentioning. When the time comes, you can pass the level smoothly by going through the scene.

Compared to the graduation exam, his next goal is to master the second type of chakra attribute change as soon as possible, that is, thunder escape ninjutsu.

He has been coveting for a long time the series of esoteric ninjutsu such as Chidori and Raikier that Kakashi spontaneously created.

If Sasuke understands all those mysteries, Sasuke can be sure that his strength will be improved by leaps and bounds.

His foundation has been polished enough, what is lacking is the accumulation of experience and the way of cultivation at a higher stage.

This is also what he learned from Kakashi.

It is not advisable to quickly become stronger, which will cause a lot of load on the body. Kakashi also seemed to complain that he practiced too much when he was a child, and now he suddenly started to have back pain.

However, Sasuke believes that Kakashi's backache is caused by reading too many pornographic books than the reason of over-cultivation when he was a child.

A sullen man with a mask.

"It's good if you have confidence. Then you can practice alone. I'll come back in a few days."

Kakashi nodded and disappeared from Sasuke.

Sasuke didn't care about Kakashi's departure, and began to practice alone in the woods.

In the conference room, there were five figures sitting.

They are Naruto Sarutobi Hiruzane, root leader Shimura Danzo, two advisors Koharu and Mitomon Yan, and the Jonin class leader Shikahisa Nara.

Because of the invitation of the Kingdom of Ghosts to hold the Joint Chunin Exam, they gathered together to discuss the matter.

"United Chunin Exam? What do the rest of the villages think about this matter?"

Turning to Xiaochun who has no idea, hoping to learn from other villages.

Although the joint Chunin exams have been held in the past, Konoha was the main venue. This time, the Kingdom of Oni took the lead in speaking out, obviously intending to take this opportunity to expand its international influence.

So she was hesitant about it.

"I don't know yet. It is estimated that other villages are also discussing this matter now. Over the past few years, the comprehensive power of the ghost country has been rising rapidly, and even Konoha cannot ignore this. According to my speculation, there are probably not a few villages that agree to the joint Chunin exam."

Ri Zhan pondered for a while, then spoke.

This is inevitable.

Xiaoguo Ninja Village has no possibility of refusing. Whether it is out of fear or wanting to please the Ghost Kingdom, they have to send a symbolic ninja to take the Zhongnin Exam.

And this forms a trend.

There is nothing shameful about following trends.

"If you can take this opportunity to test the strength of the new generation of ninjas in the land of ghosts, I think this joint Zhongnin exam is a good opportunity."

Mito Menyan suggested.

He tends to participate in the Joint Chunin Exam.

For a long time, the kingdom of ghosts has adopted the closed Chunin exam. The outside world has always only had a vague concept of the strength of the new generation of the kingdom of ghosts.

But none of Ninja Village dared to underestimate it.

Gathering Uchiha, Hyuga, and Uzumaki clan's ghost country, the strength of its new generation is difficult for even them to accurately estimate.

"As the elder said, I also think this is a good opportunity to test the potential of the Oni Nation. If you give up, it will be very difficult to find such an opportunity next time. Speaking of the new generation, I think our Konoha is not bad in the Oni Nation. There will be many high-quality students graduating from the ninja school this year."

Lu Jiu also spoke at the side.

Then, he turned his gaze to Danzo.

Compared to the still hesitating Zhuanshu Koharu, Danzo, the root leader, has more weight in his decision.

Danzo also quickly gave his own answer: "You can participate, but you don't have to rely on the kingdom of ghosts. Send people to negotiate with them."

"What's the meaning?"

Hiichi considers the intention in Danzo's discourse.

"Since it is a joint Chunin exam, wouldn't it be too unreasonable to arrange all the test venues in the Kingdom of Ghosts? Therefore, I suggest that different stages of the exam be arranged in different locations. The Kingdom of Ghosts is only one of the stops and cannot cover all the test venues."

This can not only test the strength of the new generation of the ghost country, but also smash the ghost country's strategy to further expand its international influence.

"Will the Ghost Country agree?"

Returning to bed Xiaochun doubts this.

"If you don't agree, then you will refuse together with Sha Yin and not participate in the joint Chunin exam held by the kingdom of ghosts."

Danzo has a well-thought-out plan for this.

The relationship between Konoha and Sand Yin is in a good alliance. As long as you explain the reasons to Sand Yin, you will definitely choose to support Konoha's decision.

Once Konoha and Sagakure made a choice, the conservative Iwagakure would inevitably make a careful choice, and the possibility of rejection would increase.

As for Yunyin and Wuyin, their attitudes are not yet clear.

But the six major countries are short of three, and the Ghost Kingdom will not really ignore the plan proposed by Konoha, and will definitely make a new decision after internal discussions.

Danzo's proposal caught the eyes of Hirizan and the others.

This is indeed a feasible solution.

Since the Kingdom of Ghosts wants to use this to expand its international influence, they, as ninjas of a great power, can also change from invitees to one of the organizers to increase their prestige.

The power of the kingdom of ghosts cannot reach the point where it can cover the sky with one hand, so it is necessary to seriously consider the suggestions put forward by the other big countries.

"The joint Chunin exam held by the kingdom of ghosts is scheduled for mid-September this year. Even a jinnin who has just graduated this year will have about half a year to grow. If the other party agrees with our Konoha proposal, then follow the time set by the kingdom of ghosts, and let the village's jinnin take the joint zhongnin test in mid-September. If it is rejected, then we will hold our own chunin test in early July this year."

Ri Zhan made a final decision.

"Let me handle the matter of negotiating with the kingdom of ghosts and joint Chunin exams."

Lu Jiu volunteered.

Regarding Lu Jiu's enthusiasm, Hirizhan nodded, agreeing to let Lu Jiu take care of this matter.

He believes that with Lu Jiu's ability, he will not let himself down.

However, today is different, Konoha, who has the full support of the daimyo, has gradually increased his military power, and can pull tens of thousands of ninjas to fight at any time, which is the most powerful confidence of Hizawa.

The spies in Anbu have been investigated by Kakashi and cleaned up, and everything is moving in a direction that is beneficial to Konoha.

If the Kingdom of Ghosts tried to threaten the Kingdom of Fire like it did three years ago, it would end up shooting itself in the foot.

Thinking of this, Ri Zhan felt much relieved.

(end of this chapter)