Chapter 104: Whose Disciple Attacked Konoha?

"Passing on Ninjutsu to ninjas from other villages without authorization—this is an act of village betrayal!"

Danzou leaned on his cane, consumed by uncontrollable rage.

But as his peripheral vision caught the tall figure in the sky within the video, a sense of intense fear nearly made him let out a whimper.

He immediately remained silent, ceasing all movement.

He recalled how, after discovering the Akatsuki, he had feared their gradually expanding influence—especially since their promoted ideals ran contrary to his own and they were situated right against the Land of Fire—and had moved to wipe them out.

He had not expected the red-haired brat to actually possess the Rinnegan.

The legendary Sage Eye.

Damn it, if Jiraiya hadn't taught the other party Ninjutsu, he could have obtained the Rinnegan without any effort, and then, once embedded in his chest... a mere Sasuke Uchiha could be killed just by stripping off his clothes.

How did things end up like this, falling to the point where even Wood Release and the Sharingan were lost?

"It's all your fault, Jiraiya!"

Danzou's face remained expressionless, but his teeth ground together with a creaking sound, audible even to the Root members behind him.

He glared at Jiraiya with resentment, temporarily suppressing this hatred.

The video ended.

The screen froze on four frog-shaped signs.

"The moment our dreams come true, even if we are worlds apart, we must return here, the three of us together to offer our blessings."

"We must call Master Jiraiya when that time comes."

"That goes without saying!"

It was a very heartwarming scene; no one had expected that Jiraiya of the Konoha Sannin would have taken commoners from the Land of Rain as his disciples.

Just as everyone was waiting for the question, the video lit up again.

【The second video begins playing】

The second video concerned Sarutobi Hiruzen; it was his time spent raising the Sannin during their youth.

【The third video begins playing】

The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, was also shown spending time with his own disciples.

【The fourth video plays】

Finally, the video shifted to Iwagakure, showing the scene of Onoki teaching the Will of Stone to Deidara and Kurotsuchi; although they were bickering, it still made one feel the bond between master and disciple.

Just as everyone was left scratching their heads, the question appeared.

【Question: Up until the appearance of Otsutsuki Kaguya, whose disciple has attacked Konoha?】

a. Jiraiya's disciple

b. Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple

c. Namikaze Minato's disciple

d. Onoki Ryotenbin's disciple

After this question appeared, the atmosphere in the Shadow's viewing gallery suddenly became oppressive.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the short old man with a hostile expression and asked: "Tsuchikage, your disciple actually attacked Konoha; I need an explanation?"

At the same time, he felt somewhat fortunate for little Naruto's luck in being able to trigger a Golden Critical Hit.

Only then could they know in advance the news of Iwagakure attacking Konoha.

It was just that the timing was unclear.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the answer to this question was the last option; there was no need for further words.

Although he was somewhat worried about Jiraiya's disciple from another village, seeing that sunny and cheerful statement from the blond brat, and knowing the red-haired brat absolutely worshipped the blond one, they certainly wouldn't go against Jiraiya's wishes to attack Konoha.

His own disciple... Orochimaru was a possibility, but given his strength, without the village's defense layout, he had no ability to break into the heavily defended Konoha village single-handedly; excluded.

Namikaze Minato's disciples, Rin and Obito, had already sacrificed themselves for Konoha, and the remaining Kakashi could not possibly commit an act of betrayal against Konoha.

Therefore, after excluding all incorrect options, there was only one answer.

"Jiraiya, is that the pervy old man?"

Naruto pursed his lips, thinking in the manner of Shikaku, and said: "The pervy old man is a Konoha ninja and wouldn't attack Konoha; Third Hokage-gramps is the Hokage, so his disciples couldn't attack Konoha either; Namikaze Minato is the Fourth Hokage, so he couldn't attack the village either. I choose the last one."

The logic was simple and crude.

But none of the players mocked him, because they thought the same way.

This question didn't require any brainpower to begin with; it was practically a free Resurrection Coin.

The word "envy" had already been said until they were sick of it.

【Answer Incorrect】

"Incorrect? Could it not be Iwagakure attacking Konoha?"

"That brat Deidara has long since defected from Iwagakure and has no further connection to our village. Whoever dares to slander Iwagakure again, I wonder if you can withstand my Dust Release."

Onoki said righteously.

It really wasn't Iwagakure?

Everyone's expressions became strange.

That is to say, it was a Konoha ninja who attacked themselves; this was indeed very unexpected.

But it was still understandable; after all, Sarutobi Hiruzen failed to teach his disciples properly, resulting in an S-Rank Missing-nin like Orochimaru, so the village being attacked could only be called reaping what one sows.

"I choose Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple, Orochimaru."

A player rushed to answer.

Everyone cursed them for being cunning and looked one after another at the Kusagakure ninja who had answered first.

【Answer Incorrect】

Hiss...

Everyone was somewhat suspicious and startled; it was actually not the rogue ninja Orochimaru.

After two consecutive waves of monster attacks, only a few hundred players remained in the Ninja God Contest, among whom Kankuro was the quickest to act.

He asserted confidently, "I choose Jiraiya's disciple. Although they seem to have a deep master-disciple bond, they are from another village after all, and it is very likely they would attack Konoha for the sake of the Land of Rain."

Everyone nodded repeatedly, finding the analysis very logical.

【Answer Incorrect】

Hiss...

All the Konoha ninja in the Duel arena couldn't help but turn their heads to look at the innocent-looking Kakashi.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi wore an expression of deep distress.

"Kakashi, I never expected it to be you!"

Might Guy let out a sharp cry, tears of pain streaming down.

He was viewed as his lifelong rival, someone he constantly tried to surpass, and he had even developed techniques like Night Guy to leave for him—did it look like he was going to use them now?

"I... it wasn't me..."

Kakashi was visibly flustered, waving his hands repeatedly.

Although his father's death had left him very lost for a time and he had entertained many thoughts, he had long since let them go.

His close friend Obito died for Konoha and entrusted his Sharingan to him, asking him to protect Rin, yet he failed to protect her; now, only the Memorial Stone engraved with their names remained.

He had absolutely no intention of attacking Konoha.

"If it wasn't you, could it be the deceased Rin, or Obito?"

Danzou slammed his cane in anger, wishing he could get out of the prison right now to gouge out Kakashi's Sharingan.

"I choose Kakashi."

Watching the players eager to try after all the wrong answers had been eliminated,

Fang Yi felt it was a bit of a loss; he should have set it up as an auction system, letting whoever offered the most Reward Points answer.

【Answer Incorrect】

Chojuro was dumbfounded.

He had clearly smelled the intoxicating scent of the Resurrection Coin, yet there was still a twist.

All four answers were wrong?

Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I told you it definitely wasn't me, Guy, don't go acting recklessly."

Shikaku frowned and analyzed, "Is it possible that this is a multiple-choice question?"

As soon as these words were spoken,

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face showed astonishment, followed by a bitter smile; there were actually so many villains coveting Konoha.

"I choose Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple Orochimaru, and Onoki Ryotenbin's disciple Deidara!"

Temari gave her answer.

【Answer Incorrect】

If it were a multiple-choice question, there would be many possible combinations, but the ones with the highest accuracy were just those few.

And the ones with the lowest accuracy were definitely a, b, and c.

How could it be that the hostile Iwagakure didn't attack Konoha, but instead got riddled with holes by their own people?

"I choose Jiraiya's disciple, and the disciples of the Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage, attacking Konoha Village."

Gaara, with his thick dark circles, answered the question.

Kankuro and Temari exchanged helpless glances.

They knew this was a way for Gaara to vent; the way their father treated the jinchuriki was indeed too twisted.

It was only two hundred Reward Points, so they would just treat it as a way to soothe Gaara's mood.

In any case, it couldn't be correct...

【Answer Correct】

What!?

Hiruzen Sarutobi's old face turned red, then liver-colored, feeling as if he were in a trance.

He sat upright, eyes fixed straight ahead.

Facing countless mocking gazes, he quickly returned to normal; this was the composure of a long-time Hokage.

Onoki couldn't suppress the smile at the corners of his eyes, stifling his laughter: "Hokage, it is just as you said, Konoha loves peace and never easily attacks other countries."

They only attack their own people.

If not for the concern for his serious image as Tsuchikage, he would have wanted to burst into laughter; the pent-up frustration of many years was finally cleared.

Back then, Namikaze Minato, who was still an Elite Jonin, had single-handedly overturned the entire battlefield between Iwagakure and Konoha, killing countless Iwagakure ninja and destroying Kannabi Bridge, causing Iwagakure to lose its best opportunity for expansion.

Raikage Ai couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud: "Is this a Konoha tradition?"

Terumi Mei maintained her lady-like demeanor and did not mock them.

She felt slightly comforted inside.

Although Kirigakure had many rogue ninja, no one had managed to attack Kirigakure Village; unlike Konoha, where everyone was an elite capable of attacking a Ninja Village.

【Rewards Distributed】

A gleaming coin fell into Gaara's palm.

He was not a player, so he had no inventory slot.

"I am willing to pay twenty thousand Reward Points, how about selling it to me?"

The speaker was a participating player, but he looked more like a calculating merchant, and his attire was completely different from that of a traditional ninja.

This Chunin Exam seemed to involve not just ninja, but even merchants.

"Baki, is your village willing to part with this Resurrection Coin and sell it to Konoha?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's breathing grew slightly heavy, and he inwardly lamented the missed opportunity.

An item capable of resurrecting the deceased,

is exactly what Konoha Village needs most; once the Shodai could be resurrected, all problems would be solved.

Furthermore,

the Shodai had a kind nature, so there would be no need to worry about him shaking Konoha's political structure or causing chaos; he would absolutely be the strongest Shield to protect the village.

"Lord Hokage, I am truly sorry, but our Sunagakure is also in great need of Resurrection Coins."

Baki cursed inwardly.

The resurrection skills sold in the Game Mall are either prohibitively expensive, requiring the sacrifice of a Shadow-level expert, or have complex redemption conditions; the prerequisite for the Samsara Heavenly Life Technique is to purchase the Rinnegan.

The prerequisite for purchasing the Rinnegan is to purchase the Power of All Things...

To obtain a true resurrection without side effects, the difficulty is extremely harsh.

Therefore,

the Resurrection Coin in Gaara's hands could easily sell for a sky-high price; how could the dignified Third Hokage have the nerve to offer only 20,000 Reward Points?

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with disappointment, "Then I cannot force you."

On the bottom bleachers of the Duel arena,

Might Guy was full of dejection, tears and snot streaming down his face as he sighed, "Kakashi, I never thought you would actually betray Konoha."

"It wasn't me, I didn't do it, don't talk nonsense..."

Even Kakashi himself began to doubt: could he really betray the village?

Inside the prison, Danzou's eyes were splitting with rage as he gritted his teeth, "Cowardly Hiruzen, kill Kakashi quickly!"

【Do you wish to view the analysis video? (10,000 Reward Points per segment)】

"Yes."

The other Ninja Villages gloated; although they were curious about the cause and effect, they were certainly unwilling to pay.

But this Reward Point fee, Konoha must pay.

Since it involves the video of Konoha being attacked, if the reason cannot be clarified, it is like a malicious viper lurking in the dark, capable of causing casualties to Konoha at any time.

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt deep regret.

Back when the auction took place, he should have listened to Asuma and been tougher, gathering the funds of the Ninja Clans to purchase the Resource Map.

Now,

players' strength is growing rapidly, with levels, skills, and Life Skills all improving...

All items related to the Samsara Game require Reward Points, but relying solely on one Ghost Iron Mine (Medium) is a state of living beyond one's means.

Asuma, was I really wrong?

Recalling the resolute look in his youngest son's eyes when he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt very exhausted.

【Answer analysis playing】

There are two segments in total.

Shimura Danzou disguised himself as a Rock Ninja, framed the Akatsuki, and incited the Rain Village Leader Hanzo to kill the hopeful young boy who went to form an alliance, causing the red-haired boy to go berserk and reveal the terrifying power of the Rinnegan.

The entire venue was silent.

"The Rinnegan, it actually exists?"

"Idiot, can't the game merchant exchange for the Rinnegan?"

"I mean, the ninja world originally had the Rinnegan, and it was almost obtained by Konoha."

The atmosphere became strange again.

Onoki frowned deeply and rebuked, "Hokage, the Hokage Advisor actually disguised himself as a Rock Ninja to frame others; I require an explanation."

Why is an explanation needed again?

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a splitting headache; how many things had Danzou done behind his back? He said, "Danzou has already been stripped of his status as Hokage Advisor and locked in prison; can this be considered an explanation to the Rock Village?"

So that was it; then it is not hard to understand why the peace-loving student of Jiraiya would attack Konoha.

If he asked himself, he probably wouldn't let it go either.

His palms gripped the armrests of his seat tightly.

It was clearly possible to approach the Akatsuki through gentle means, and with Jiraiya as a link, there was even hope of bringing the talented Rain Village orphans into Konoha.

The Rinnegan!

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt remorse in his heart; it seems he should properly reorganize the Root.

The most critical thing is that once one makes a move, one must cut the weeds and eliminate the roots; leaving behind a disaster led to the later attack on Konoha. Danzou was truly too foolish.

Second segment,

the already dead Yahiko appeared in Konoha, slowly rising into the air, spreading his arms at the very center.

"Let the world know pain."

Ears went deaf in an instant.

A force like a mountain collapse and a tidal wave pushed away all buildings; the entire Konoha was destroyed by one Ninjutsu, leaving only broken walls, ruins, and deep craters.

Shocking!

Is this the power of the Rinnegan?

Raikage Ai widened his eyes and whispered, "After selling the materials produced by the Ghost Rock Mine and Ghost Sand River, a portion of the Reward Points will be used as reserve funds for purchasing the Rinnegan."

Although they were tricked by Sunagakure and failed to auction the Family Token, they were blessed by misfortune and obtained five Resource Maps; after deducting rental and mining costs, the monthly output of Reward Points is 150,000.

They can be considered wealthy.

"Yes!"

The guards knelt on one knee and quickly left the Duel arena stands.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned blank, followed by fury; he crushed the armrest into powder and gritted his teeth, saying, "How dare they..."

"Shikaku, after the joint exams end, you must gather intelligence on the Akatsuki Organization; we absolutely cannot let them do anything to harm the village!"

No matter what, if anyone dares to harm the village, they must absolutely not be forgiven.

Following that was the second segment,

Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple attacks Konoha.

Watching Orochimaru appear in the video, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not the least bit surprised and sighed, "As expected, is it Orochimaru?"

The disciple he had once valued the most was actually wielding a butcher's knife against him.

An inexplicable sorrow.

It was all his own negligence for failing to teach Orochimaru well, and so on...

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly widened his eyes,

Inside the video,

The scroll in Orochimaru's hand flashed by; most people didn't pay it any mind, but he saw it clearly.

That was a defense map of Konoha, engraved with the mark of Root!

Danzou, you actually dare to collude with rogue ninja!

"Evil Shimura Danzou, this old man can no longer continue to tolerate..."

(End of this chapter)