Chapter 40: Uchiha Obito!
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"The battle is over."
As the entire examination hall fell into dead silence, Haruta silently retracted his kunai. At the same time, he extended a hand toward Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi seemed to still be in a daze, staring blankly at Haruta, who was helping him up. His mind was completely empty.
Haruta paid him no mind. He simply patted Itachi on the shoulder—a gesture akin to an elder encouraging a junior—before turning around and walking toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But at that moment, the previously silent examination hall erupted into a deafening roar of cheers, like a tidal wave crashing down!
"Flying Thunder God! That was the Flying Thunder God Technique!"
"Incredible! Absolutely incredible!"
"Unbelievable!"
Amidst the thunderous cheers, countless people began fervently discussing what they had just witnessed.
Although the Flying Thunder God Technique wasn't as symbolic to Konoha as Wood Release, its importance was undeniable—especially for the ninja who had experienced the Nine-Tails incident firsthand. They could never forget the sheer power of the Flying Thunder God.
To them, that night was proof that the Flying Thunder God Technique had saved Konoha.
The rampaging Nine-Tails had been ready to unleash a Tailed Beast Bomb on the village. If not for the Fourth Hokage teleporting it away with the Flying Thunder God, the explosion would have devastated Konoha.
And if not for the Fourth Hokage transferring the entire Nine-Tails out of the village, the casualties that night would have been far worse.
Many ninja even believed that while Wood Release was a powerful symbol of Konoha, the Flying Thunder God was its most practical and formidable power at present.
Now that the technique had reappeared in Konoha, how could they not be excited?
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"Lord Hokage, the mission is complete."
Though Haruta's expression remained calm as he listened to the cheers, deep down, he was quite satisfied.
If he wanted to inherit Danzo's "legacy," he had to demonstrate sufficient strength and garner some degree of prestige.
The Chunin Exams had provided him with the perfect opportunity, along with a corresponding mission.
If he didn't take full advantage of this, it would be a waste of an opportunity that had practically fallen into his lap.
"Hmm…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was still reeling from shock, his mind buzzing. He truly hadn't expected Haruta to have actually mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique!
When he had given Haruta access to the technique, it was partly because of the boy's exceptional performance in missions—he needed to be rewarded appropriately.
Beyond that, Hiruzen had also hoped to fully win over Haruta, a member of Root, and bring him under his direct influence.
After much deliberation, he had felt that the Flying Thunder God—a technique representing the Hokage's power—was the most fitting choice.
But now, he was dumbfounded.
Because he realized that Haruta's talent was even greater than he had anticipated!
Not only had he learned it, but he had done so in just a few short months!
"Well done!"
Hiruzen quickly collected himself. A wide smile appeared on his wrinkled face.
Haruta mastering the Flying Thunder God was undoubtedly great news for Konoha!
The village was currently in a weak position, so having someone like Haruta as a morale booster was a much-needed advantage for everyone.
With that in mind, Hiruzen decisively reached out and gave Haruta two firm pats on the shoulder.
"Well done, Haruta!"
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Haruta watched as Hiruzen's expression shifted from shock and confusion to excitement and satisfaction. For a moment, he wondered if he was witnessing some kind of face-changing performance.
But Hiruzen didn't seem to mind his reaction. He simply continued speaking with a smile.
"The Flying Thunder God isn't an easy technique to master. I never thought I'd have the honor of seeing it again after Minato."
"Haruta, I must thank you, and at the same time, congratulate you!"
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Haruta smiled and nodded. Look at that—this was how a leader should talk. He was leagues ahead of Danzo in this regard.
"Go and get some rest for now. The exams are still ongoing, though I doubt anyone will be paying much attention after this."
Hiruzen chuckled and gestured toward the cheering crowd, shaking his head.
"Kakashi and the others are watching. I'm sure they're just as excited. Don't keep them waiting too long.
Also, once the exams are over, I have something for you."
At this, he paused briefly before continuing.
"It's a collection of insights and notes on the Flying Thunder God, written by my teacher, the Second Hokage, and the Fourth Hokage, Minato.
I believe they'll be of great use to you now."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Haruta nodded without hesitation.
Though his proficiency and combat applications of the Flying Thunder God could be improved directly through his skill system, having these notes would help cover up the fact that he had advanced too quickly.
After all, he had instantly obtained a Level 6 Flying Thunder God Technique thanks to his Shinobi Scholar ability!
Haruta wasn't entirely sure to what extent Minato had mastered the technique, but he did know one thing—
He could sense every single Flying Thunder God mark that the Fourth Hokage had left behind!
And right now…
As Haruta smiled and walked toward the cheering Yuugao and the others, he glanced subtly at a distant tree.
His sensory perception told him that there was a Flying Thunder God mark at that very spot.
"Uchiha Obito, huh? What's he doing here?"
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"Hmm… This kid doesn't seem ordinary."
Hidden behind the tree, a strange, pitcher plant-like creature murmured softly to Obito.
"I've looked into his background. He's just a regular orphan who ended up training in Danzo's Root division.
He's extremely skilled in Earth Release, possesses notable talent in Water Release, and, as we've just seen, has now mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Hmm…"
Obito's gaze darkened as he watched Haruta laughing and chatting with Yuugao, Kakashi, and the others. There was an unmistakable trace of hostility in his eyes.
Kakashi? He didn't care about him. Ever since Rin had died by Kakashi's hand, his heart had died along with her.
His only dream now was to complete the Infinite Tsukuyomi and create a world where Rin, and the real Kakashi, could exist once more.
What irritated him was the Flying Thunder God Technique.
He could never forget how, back then, Minato had utterly crushed him with it.
"But the plan remains unchanged. This kid's background and his Flying Thunder God Technique have actually given me some new ideas."
"Oh?"
Black Zetsu glanced at Obito with intrigue, but quickly understood what he meant.
"You want to use his status in Root and the Flying Thunder God to stir up trouble?"
"Exactly."
Obito nodded, his voice calm.
"I know Danzo holds deep resentment toward the Uchiha. I've been watching his actions for years.
Since this kid came from Danzo's Root, it wouldn't be surprising if he bore some hostility toward the Uchiha as well.
And considering that he now wields the Flying Thunder God Technique…
If a young Uchiha were suddenly attacked, with no traces left behind—tell me, who do you think they would suspect?"
The answer was obvious.
There was only one person in Konoha capable of such an assassination.
Obito's gaze shifted toward Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui in the distance.
Those two… they were his true targets.
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