One hour later, the Chūnin Exams came to an end.
Compared to Itachi's performance, the other participants paled in comparison.
Every match ended in a one-shot, leading him straight to first place.
Without a doubt, Itachi would be promoted to chūnin without opposition.
This would also mark a turning point in his life as a ninja of the Uchiha clan.
He would soon join... the Military Police Force.
"So, Uzumaki Naruto, wasn't that tournament impressive?" Sasuko, proud of her brother, wore a satisfied smile.
"Yeah."
Naruto nodded.
Uchiha Itachi truly was Kishimoto's "golden boy." He was in a whole other league compared to everyone else.
The two friends walked through the crowd, leaving Konoha's stadium.
"I want to become a ninja too... As soon as I'm old enough, I'll enroll in the academy."
Sakoshared her hopes for the future.
"Alright. I'll go to school too."
Naruto agreed, declaring he would also join the academy to become a proud student of Konoha.
"Yes, you really do need to go to school."
Sakonodded, fully in agreement.
An idiot like you needs to study just to keep up.
The dense crowd moved slowly toward the exit.
Itachi, caught among the spectators, couldn't reach his sister and saw her walking off with that "blond brat."
"Itachi~, Itachi~!"
Behind him, Uchiha Izumi called out to her beloved.
She was with Mikoto.
Both had planned to properly celebrate Itachi's victory.
By the time Itachi managed to force his way through the crowd, Sakohad already disappeared.
At that moment...
Konoha's Administrative Building.
Jūzō lazily glanced up at the sun. Judging by the shadow's angle, it must have been around 10 AM.
Everyone had left to attend the Chūnin Exams.
Even the Hokage had vacated the premises.
With all obstacles out of the way, the operation could begin.
However...
The confidential documents they intended to steal were not located in the main building.
According to their intel, the Hokage's paperwork was transported daily to a storage facility down the street.
Its name: "The Document Archive."
"Attack!"
In a flash, Jūzō sprang into action.
His cleaver-like blade pierced the guard posted at the entrance.
The first guard, dying, couldn't believe what was happening.
"Gah... gah..."
The sword, absorbing his blood, began to regenerate.
It visibly lengthened, stabbing through his torso and emerging from his back.
The second guard finally reacted—but his opponent was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
He was cut down in an instant.
Blood-soaked, Jūzō proudly brandished his now-restored Hoshigaki blade.
The six elite ninjas from Kiri, hidden in the shadows, along with reinforcements disguised as spectators, sprang into action.
"Hidden Mist Technique!"
A thick fog immediately enveloped the area around the administrative building.
Within seconds, visibility dropped to zero.
"What's going on?!"
"What's happening?!"
Panic erupted, with shouts and the sounds of battle echoing around.
The Kiri ninjas infiltrated the warehouse and began stealing the documents.
Shortly after, the ninjas carrying the scrolls fled.
Nara Shikaku, arriving quickly with his men, observed the scene grimly.
"Contact the ANBU immediately! And... bring in Morino Ibiki!"
"Yes!"
After giving orders, Shikaku locked his eyes on a figure in the mist.
When he spotted the silhouette wielding the Hoshigaki blade, he immediately recognized the legendary ninja.
"Hoshigaki... Jūzō!"
Without hesitation, Shikaku formed hand seals.
His shadow extended, connecting with Jūzō's.
"We got him!" one of his allies exclaimed.
"Heh... Too bad…"
You're not my target, otherwise I'd have had some fun today.
Jūzō's expression made Shikaku uneasy.
Suddenly, Jūzō collapsed into a puddle of water.
"A water clone?!"
"Normally, water clones are only used at short range... His real body must be nearby."
But Jūzō wasn't your average Kiri ninja.
He was one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist—and Shikaku knew it all too well.
---
A remote corner of Konoha.
The real Jūzō, who had long since distanced himself from the document storage facility, had not fled with the other Kiri ninjas.
The one with them had only been a shadow clone.
Because he had another, secret mission to accomplish—the true goal of this operation:
Kidnap the daughter of Uchiha Fugaku.
"So, Zetsu, where is the girl now?"
Jūzō fixed his eyes on the white face before him.
"Hehe... She's in the mountains behind Konoha, with a rather impressive kid..." Zetsu replied with a sly grin.
An impressive kid?
How impressive?
"Take me there..." Jūzō lifted his giant blade and quickly followed Zetsu.