Chapter 222

Although Yuzhi launched a heavy‑punch attack outside Leaf Village, the shadows of the various villages in the training ground were also seized by hand.

However, for those ninjas who had already entered Leaf and were taking part in the assault, they were not clear about this information.

They still launched the attack step by step, but such an attack was obviously a good thing for Leaf.

If they collapsed too quickly, it would be meaningless and would not achieve Leaf's goal of training new recruits.

As Yuzhi told Nagato, it is now roughly a "new world"!

"Everyone, be a bit more careful!"

Within Leaf Village, battles were happening everywhere, but Leaf's ninjas had already completely seized the advantage.

The incoming foreign enemies were few, many had already been completely smashed, and the internal personnel were not many either.

After the Police Department fully evacuated the residents, the nature of the battle had already changed.

Uchiha Izumi was leading Kunmaro and Bai against several Rock Village, Cloud Village and Sand Village ninjas, but there were more enemies lying on the ground around them.

Uchiha Izumi had long been a Jonin, and being the same age as Itachi Uchiha, she was already an elite member of Leaf, but she did not join the Police Department, instead becoming a team‑leading Jonin.

Kunmaro and Bai were her younger brothers, so she naturally wanted to continue leading the two kids, and Yuzhi had no intention of refusing.

Their squad had long been an elite team of one Jonin and two Chunin, and they faced these ninjas with great ease.

"Izumi‑senpai, the enemy numbers seem to have increased."

Bai, controlling Ice Release, surveyed the surroundings, then whispered to Uchiha Izumi, causing Izumi to roll her eyes.

"I've already said it, I'm the teacher while leading the team, never mind, but I think the fight should be over."

"Mm, I think so too."

Kunmaro nodded; the earlier chakra tide that had raged like a storm made him instantly realize that Yuzhi had acted!

After all, in his understanding, only Yuzhi could be this strong.

Others in front of Yuzhi were nothing but country chickens and mud dogs.

"Lord Yuzhi has already acted, so I must also do something!"

Kunmaro spoke softly, and his words made Izumi can't help but make a snide comment.

"Although the earlier power burst was strong, it doesn't necessarily mean it was Lord Yuzhi, and are you sure there's no problem?"

"Mm, I'm fine, Izumi‑senpai."

Kunmaro nodded; like Bai, he had no 'teacher Izumi', calling someone 'teacher' felt too familiar, and he didn't like that way of address.

"With Lord Yuzhi and Brother Kakuzu's help, my physical condition is great, I can do everything I am capable of!"

Kunmaro spoke calmly; even as enemies around increased, his expression remained unchanged.

And his words were confident; over the years he never stopped developing his own bloodline limit, and he could already wield the bloodline limit's power.

Of course, he also noticed the bloodline's effect on him, and he didn't hide it but told Yuzhi and the others.

Kakuzu also showed his worth; after some research, conditioning, and even Tsunade's assistance, he could now well control his bloodline limit issues.

After all, Yuzhi had long judged that the Bamboo Cutter Clan represented Light Release, lacking Shadow Release power for balance.

And the best way to balance Bamboo Cutter power is the Hyuga's Byakugan, and Yuzhi certainly had plenty of that in hand.

Now Kunmaro's condition is very good, and he has become accustomed to not relying on his bloodline limit's power.

Not relying doesn't mean not using; when necessary he will still use it without hesitation, like now!

Watching the assembled personnel around grow in number, even though many looked terrified, Kunmaro cared little.

His chakra surged, and the next moment he leapt into the crowd.

"Skeleton Vein·Early Fern Dance!"

In an instant, countless sharp white bones shot up from the ground, instantly riddling the surrounding houses.

Countless people were pierced by the sudden bone spikes, blood flooding the ground.

"Be more careful, Hinata, and remember, when you strike have no hesitation; they are all enemies."

On the other side, Ningci was fighting alongside Hinata, Xiao Li and Tiantian were providing support, and Ya and Zhinuo kept leveraging their strengths.

The convergence of the two squads wasn't strange, and they were quite familiar with each other.

After all, Ningci and Hinata got along well, and Ningci was Yuzhi's disciple, so everyone was willing to listen to his jokes and stories!

As a Hokage disciple, Ningci's "education" was indeed harsh, but his strength was undeniably great.

"I understand, big brother Ningci."

Hinata nodded, watching the continuously incoming enemies, forcing herself to stay calm, while Ningci pursed his lips.

This girl, why is she so timid.

Of course, that phrasing isn't accurate; more precisely, she seems to always have some mental issues.

Nevertheless, Ningci was too lazy to fuss over it; watching the growing enemy numbers, he took a deep breath.

"Li, coordinate with me; Ya, Zhinuo, watch the enemies' movements, we go!"

"Got it!"

Xiao Li immediately shouted, while Ya and Zhinuo pursed their lips, as if they were about to go solo ignoring them?

But they only muttered a couple of thoughts; after all Ningci's strength was truly great, they really had to rely on him.

Everything that happened today was somewhat unexpected, and they couldn't help recalling the elders' warning—today be careful in everything; if not, stay by a Jonin's side!

At first they were quite puzzled, but now they understand; emotionally everyone knows something big is happening.

"Why didn't they stop it earlier?"

They silently muttered, but only a couple of lines, for they wouldn't guess the adults' intentions; perhaps later they'll know.

"Ha!"

Just as they were pondering, Ningci's whole body emitted white light, and two lions coalesced in his hands.

The next moment he leapt into the crowd, and the invading ninjas were thrown into chaos.

"Damn it, it's all your fault for faking a faint; now we're all trapped here!"

In the training ground, Jingye, Shikamaru and Dingci were pressed back‑to‑back, watching enemies draw ever closer, and Jingye spoke with a strained voice.

Although the enemy Kage had already been defeated, the ninjas grew even more frantic.

Those who could enter here were either direct heirs of their respective Kage or the most loyal ANBU members.

If a Kage were to lose, they would rescue their Kage at any cost, which is why they now launch a reckless attack.

The moment the assault began, Shikamaru had already sensed something was wrong, so he decisively pretended to faint, pulling Dingci and Jingye along.

After all, in their eyes, the Fifth Hokage could end everything with a single hand squeeze, but no one expected that he would simply turn and leave.

"Who could have imagined the Hokage would actually leave?"

Shikamaru felt a bit depressed, wondering how anyone could be so unlucky to encounter this.

Nevertheless, he remained calm and, looking at the crowd around him, spoke quickly.

"But this isn't a big deal; Chief Kakashi and Teacher Akai are here, so we're in a relatively easy spot, don't worry."

"Shikamaru is right."

Dingci quickly nodded, and the two's back‑and‑forth made Jingye almost roll her eyes.

But just as she was about to speak, Shikamaru preemptively cut her off.

"Alright, stop that. What we need to do now is hold off these guys' onslaught and wait for everything to end!"

After all, their Kage have already lost, so we have little to do, and we must adapt to the current situation.

"Adapt?"

Jingye looked at Shikamaru bewildered; she didn't quite understand what he meant by that.

But Shikamaru shook his head without explaining; he's a smart person, so he could see many issues himself.

It's absurd that the overwhelmingly strong Leaf Village could be attacked like this; something feels off, especially since his father subtly warned him to be careful last night.

"Clearly this was all prearranged, and the purpose of the Chunin Exam is to make us see blood, to teach us the cruelty of the ninja world.

Now that the opponent attacks directly, we have a justification to counterattack, so

they will inevitably engage in brutal battles with other villages in the future!"

Thinking of that, Shikamaru felt a bit down, and he helplessly shook his head and sighed.

"What a hassle!"

——

"Wo Ailuo, these are all villagers; have you forgotten who you are?"

"I've always known who I am, and I'm clear about what I'm doing; don't speak to me in a lecturing tone."

On the other side of the training ground, Wo Ailuo stood with his arms crossed over his chest, while yellow sand swirled around him.

And the One‑Tail's power has already blossomed within him!

Wo Ailuo, during his time with Zhangmen, never slacked; he kept Yuzhi's words in mind and continually tried to control the One‑Tail.

The One‑Tail is rather stubborn and not easily subdued, but Yuzhi's seal and Zhangmen's subsequent reinforcement left the One‑Tail with no way out.

Through training, Wo Ailuo gradually learned to manipulate a bit of the One‑Tail's chakra.

Even a small amount of a tailed beast's chakra is a massive boost for a human,

When faced with Shouju's questioning, he merely shook his head; Wo Ailuo's current strength compared to the original's wild state is truly not just a little stronger!

This makes his handling of the current enemies very easy, and he shows no mercy or hesitation.

After all, Yexama once tried to kill him, his father wanted to execute him, and Yexama claimed his mother also hated him!

He truly harbors no attachment to such family or village, especially now that he has a relative like Zhangmen and a 'life mentor' like Yuzhi.

"Don't worry, I won't kill you; after all, you still have some value."

Wo Ailuo's tone remained calm as he looked at the barely breathing Ma Ji, the disheveled Shouju and Kan Jiulang, and summoned another sandstorm.

The swirling sandstorm made those sand‑hidden ninjas sweat profusely, while Wo Ailuo stared at them calmly and spoke.

"This time, I'll finish the battle!"

——

Fierce battles raged throughout Leaf Village, especially after the Police Department completed evacuations and joined the fight, turning the situation into a one‑sided affair.

Leaf Village wasn't particularly prepared; those in the know were the Jonin of Leaf Village and possibly some clan ninjas who guessed the situation.

However, Leaf Village's response speed is extremely fast; since the Nine‑Tails incident when enemies first truly attacked the village, its counter‑measures have become especially refined.

In the original, Leaf Village's retreat, protection, and counterattack were executed excellently, and now that Yuzhi has become Hokage, none of this will be lacking.

Especially since he once headed Leaf Village's 'Military Police Special', even now as Leaf Village's 'decision‑maker', he still puts the village's safety first.

The invading ninjas are now completely stunned!

Their Kage are nowhere to be seen, reinforcements are scattered, and the main attacking jinchuriki and tailed beasts haven't been spotted at all.

They do have theories; perhaps that terrifying chakra tide earlier indicated someone was targeting the tailed beasts, otherwise such a commotion wouldn't have occurred.

Not only does the sky unleash a torrential rain, the ground also begins to quake wildly, chilling them to the core!

"If this continues, it'll really go bad, not just for us, but for the village."

Many ninjas have already thought of the key, but even that is of no use.

On the training ground's high platform, space suddenly warped, and a moment later a black hole appeared, from which Yuzhi's figure slowly emerged.

Glancing at the current situation, Yuzhi suddenly laughed.

"Looks like I don't need to do anything; you've already solved the problem."

"Honestly, I didn't expect it to be that easy."

Minato touched the back of his head, looking at the three Kage who had been defeated and now bore chakra seals, and he said with a hint of amusement.

Minato himself was somewhat surprised, as he realized the opponent wasn't as hard to handle as imagined.

But thinking carefully, he also finds it natural, after all their growth over the years has been especially great!

Moreover, this growth, more or less, is related to Yuzhi.

For example, Shui Men himself, it was the appearance of the Second Hokage that gave him more ideas and research, and he explored various possibilities together.

Zhang Shou needs no introduction; Yuzhi's Impure Earth reincarnated the First Hokage and also had Zhang Shou undergo a cell transplant, leading to the current results.

As for his teacher, although Shui Men thinks it was likely that he saw those "prophecies" and reinforced his own weaknesses.

But it is undeniable that Yuzhi persuaded his teacher, giving the teacher such motivation!

"Fifth Hokage, were those movements just now caused by you?"

The Third Hokage rubbed his shoulders and came over; his clash with Orochimaru felt extremely satisfying.

Although this battle was nominally a sparring session, neither side intended to stop; aside from a few forbidden techniques, they constantly employed various methods.

Nevertheless, the fight ultimately had to end because of the vast chakra tide, and both sides were fairly satisfied.

It's just that the Third Hokage is indeed old; as soon as he made a move, he already felt his whole body becoming uncomfortable.

But he has no time to care now; what he really wants to know is the external situation—who knows what impact such a shock will have on Leaf Village!

"Um, it's me."

Yuzhi lightly nodded; of course he knew what the Third Hokage was worrying about, and he said with a smile.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing, I can control the force of my own body, and I've also adjusted the spatial flow of power, otherwise

do you think Leaf Village could still be this peaceful now?"

Yuzhi's words were simple, yet they left Shui Men and the Third Hokage a bit bewildered; however, the matter was truly uncomplicated for Yuzhi.

Perhaps his strength has reached this stage; many things require only a single thought, after which he can easily modify them according to the 'material rules' and finish immediately.

However, these so-called 'material rule' alterations must be abilities Yuzhi has already mastered, and being able to 'modify' is merely the tip of the iceberg; otherwise he couldn't achieve it.

But that is already sufficiently exaggerated; know that the abilities he commands include the two terrifying powers of time and space!

Even a 'simple modification' of these two abilities yields awe‑inspiring results; at least such a power tide won't truly crash onto Leaf Village.

After all, Yuzhi's power is indeed excessively strong now; even his shockwaves are harmful to people.

Such shockwaves are not like those superficial injuries that merely graze the outside; they can directly blast a person into carbon‑cycle material damage!

If such damage and power are left unchecked, it would be akin to Yuzhi's previous life's American‑style 6,000‑degree summer festival in Hiroshima—only a few people would have to die.

"However, my attack does affect the terrain a bit, but it's no big deal; the impact is just that the road becomes a little harder to walk."

Yuzhi glanced at the distant ground affected by his power and felt that Leaf Village's big business was about to return.

Although he made some 'rule modifications' for the village side, ensuring the village and its people had no issues, he had no interest in managing the battlefield.

Don't be fooled by his apocalyptic destruction—'black clouds blotting the sun, rivers drying up, wildfires scorching mountains'—in reality, the ground collapses at most a hundred meters.

It doesn't even reach a kilometer; it's nothing major.

Yuzhi isn't sure whether the ninja world is the same as Earth, but it's highly probable there's no difference.

The Earth's diameter is over 12,000 kilometers; even if he smashed the ground down ten thousand meters.

Viewed as a basketball, that's like poking a 0.2‑millimeter hole on its surface—still just a graze.

"That's fine."

The Third Hokage still felt a sore back, and after hearing Yuzhi he nodded without further comment, though he truly lamented his old age in his heart.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have become like this after only a brief clash with Orochimaru.

Yuzhi then walked up to Da Ye Mu and the others, their faces ashen, and gently shook his head at the few prisoners.

"Why bother? Are you only satisfied by making yourselves look like this?"

Yuzhi's voice was calm, but Da Ye Mu and the others remained silent.

They all knew they had lost, and they had lost terribly!

Because they truly didn't expect anyone would betray their own village to aid Leaf Village!

Entering a battle in Leaf Village is indeed risky, but a large‑scale force infiltration, whether intentional or not, can certainly hurt Leaf Village.

As long as the effect is achieved and an orderly retreat follows, denying Leaf Village any chance to recover, a multi‑front war will tie down Leaf Village, and even your strongest troops can only defend passively.

That's why they dared to act, and to prevent Yuzhi from causing chaos inside Leaf Village, they even summoned a jinchuriki.

As long as a tailed beast ravages Leaf Village, it can both restrain Yuzhi and destroy all valuable targets.

But now everything has become a mirage; all they did can be said to have been in vain.

"Don't look at me that way; even if Yuan Shi doesn't make the right choice, you have no chance."

Yuzhi gently shook his head, waved his hand, and in an instant the surrounding barrier vanished; with its disappearance, countless Leaf Village ninja gathered here.

"Indeed, you shadows acting together might astonish and embarrass me, but restraining me still seems difficult."

Besides that, with Leaf Village teeming with talent, do you really think your fantasy can be realized? Clearly, you haven't woken up!

But I can understand your fear; rather than being silently worn down or not knowing when I'll strike, it's better to take the initiative and hope for a victory, right?

Yuzhi's words left Da Ye Mu and a few others in silence; they truly thought that if a major scheme could succeed, they wouldn't have to 'rise to the four realms while Leaf Village already arrives.'

If it fails, the multi‑front entanglement would drain Leaf Village's energy, at least they wouldn't have to worry about 'losing five towns today, ten tomorrow,' since Leaf Village can't open that many fronts.

However, sometimes they can only say they overthought.

They truly are like innocent zeros, encountering a cunning one, always finding a way to show them what 'wrong' is!

After all, under absolute power many things become straightforward and simple.

"Plainly put, you're a dog desperate enough to jump over a wall."

Yuzhi gave a faint smile, and his gaze began to change.

"But that's fine; although I've never considered using forceful means to unify the ninja world, if the opportunity arises and I don't seize it, I'd be betraying myself.

Perhaps I truly should thank you; you brought this opportunity before me, and if I do nothing, I'd indeed be letting you down."

At this point, Yuzhi paused briefly, looked at the growing crowd of Leaf Village ninja below, raised his chakra lightly, and the next moment his voice resonated across all of Leaf Village.

"Leaf Village officially declares war on Cloud Village, Rock Village, and Sand Village, as well as their allied nations!"

"You have arbitrarily provoked conflict and started a war against us; therefore you will reap the consequences!"

Accompanied by Yuzhi's voice, the entire Leaf Mountain erupted like a tsunami in an instant.

Only a few ninjas know the truth; the overwhelming majority of Leaf ninjas now have only anger in their eyes. They opened the gates and invited everyone to join the grand Chunin Exam.

But those guys used it to launch a shameless ambush, causing such chaos in their own homeland, which made every Leaf ninja furious to the extreme.

They will inevitably take revenge for such deeds; they cannot let this situation go unpunished and must launch a sanction against those villains!

"War declared!"

"War declared!"

"War declared!"

The shouts of the Leaf ninjas were deafening, and the ninjas from other villages who had not yet been completely cleared turned pale; they knew they were truly doomed.

"You will regret it; no one will truly obey you. Rock Village, Cloud Village, Sand Village, and all the places you have invaded will resist your tyranny!"

Seeing the Leaf's morale so high and hearing the repeated shouts, Da Ye Mu could no longer remain silent.

He clenched his teeth, stared at Yuzhi, and then roared loudly.

"You will never be able to swallow us; we have our own will!"

"Perhaps there is, I also know that forced melons aren't sweet, but..."

Yuzhi tilted his head, and looking at the Da Ye Mu before him, he suddenly let out a light laugh.

"But to quench thirst, as for those who resist me, rest assured, you will meet in the Pure Land.

However, the difference is that they go down first, and you will go down later; I will make you see the village you love.

Or rather, I am gradually destroying the foundation of your rights; you, in desperation, just want to preserve the power you hold, don't you?

Of course, it may also be that you don't want the so-called seniors' hard work to be destroyed in your hands at once, but you are all adults; making mistakes must be paid for.

"I am a good person; I will let you watch me destroy everything with my own hands, no need to thank me."

Although Yuzhi smiled, his voice was as cold as iron, and that chilling glare resonated in Da Ye Mu and the others' hearts.

In that instant, they truly realized Yuzhi was not human; this guy was indeed a demon that crawled out of hell—

"The Leaf side should be finished then, so"

Outside the Leaf, Changmen, accompanied by Xiao Nan, continued toward the Rain Country, tightly gripping several scrolls in his hand.

And inside those scrolls was entirely the chakra of the tailed beasts!

He did not capture the jinchuriki, because it was unnecessary for him; the chakra alone was sufficient, and he didn't care about those guys' fate.

What he now intends to do is to pour this chakra into the heretical golem; successfully activating that guy is enough!

"Then, an idiot will act; it would be best if he acts during the war, and I also need to prepare well."

Changmen thought to himself, his speed began to increase, and his heartbeat kept accelerating.

"Finally, the day has arrived; everything is about to begin!"

——

In the Earth Country, within Rock Village, Tuan Zang was anxiously waiting.

Since the Impure Earth Reincarnation, he arrived at Rock Village and disclosed a great many secrets to Da Ye Mu, enabling Da Ye Mu to launch an attack.

Now he is also awaiting the outcome so he can make further judgments.

"Hope it succeeds, but also hope it doesn't succeed"

Tuan Zang felt conflicted at this moment; Leaf Village is his, and he doesn't want things to get too messy, yet he also wants it all over, so let Leaf Village collapse outright.

However, while he waited anxiously, a mournful bell rang, and at that moment his expression became exceedingly complex.

"Lost? Or have we lost?"

And the next moment he heard an even more terrifying news—Leaf Village declares war on all villages!