"It's really lively."
The three walked on the streets of Konoha Village, where the pedestrians were bustling. Yang Tao said with an expression of emotion, "I didn't expect that even without you two, the Chunin Exams would still proceed as scheduled…"
Sasuke calmly said, "The Chunin Exams are a big event for the entire ninja world; it's impossible for them to be canceled just because of the two of us."
Yang Tao did not refute; he just smiled and continued walking towards Ichiraku Ramen.
[World Exploration Value 27.56%]
[World Exploration Value 28.11%]
…
As the exploration value continuously rose, Yang Tao's mood became increasingly joyful. A familiar figure walked from a distance.
Sakura.
The last member of the three-person team.
Compared to when she was in Land of Waves, Sakura had undergone significant changes. Her once childish face now held a hint of maturity, and her short pink hair was tied back, clearly indicating she planned to grow it out.
Yang Tao reached out and stopped Naruto, who was about to go say hello, saying, "Now is not the time. If you go now, you'll only harm her."
"Of course, if you go take out the Third Hokage now, then do as you please…"
Naruto quickly stabilized his excited emotions. Sakura was his goddess, after all, so excitement was inevitable.
"Let's go, there will be time later."
Naruto nodded lightly.
The three brushed past Sakura. Sakura suddenly turned back to look at their retreating figures, muttering, "Was that an illusion?"
"Sasuke, Naruto, where did you two go?"
Following the crowded throngs, the three squeezed into the competition venue. The Chunin Exams were like the Olympics; besides showcasing the strength of various villages, they also generated income.
The crowd attracted by a Chunin Exams was a substantial income for every village.
As soon as he entered, the exploration value immediately jumped to 35%, which was simply his treasure trove.
Naruto was like a curious baby, looking here and there, and occasionally introducing familiar faces to Yang Tao.
"First match! Shikamaru of Konoha vs. Temari of Suna!"
As the referee's voice sounded, two figures appeared in the arena.
Shikamaru walked lazily into the arena with his hands in his pockets, his face full of helplessness.
'This is so troublesome. My opponent is even a woman. If I forfeit against an outside village ninja, my father will definitely hang me up and beat me… Ugh, how annoying. Wouldn't it be better to just sleep at home at this time?'
Just by glancing at Temari, countless thoughts popped into Shikamaru's mind.
Temari, however, had no psychological burden whatsoever. She gripped her weapon, the Three-Star Fan, with high spirits and plunged it into the ground with a bang, the fan directly embedding itself into the solid ground.
"Surrender!"
Hearing the other party's words, Shikamaru sighed and thought, 'Another hot-headed one…'
From the stands, Yang Tao saw the delightful scene and said with a smile, "A clear case of domestic violence…"
"Domestic violence? What does that mean?"
Naruto, leaning on the railing and watching Shikamaru in the arena, showed an envious look in his eyes. Hearing Yang Tao's sudden words, he turned around curiously and asked.
Yang Tao smiled faintly and said, "It's exactly what it sounds like. In the normal future, they will become husband and wife…"
Naruto's jaw dropped in surprise: "They? How is that possible? One is from Konoha Village and the other is from Sand Village. How could they get married?"
"Nothing is impossible…"
In the arena, both sides had already started fighting. Temari's attacks looked quite pleasing to the eye, with gusts of wind constantly flying towards Shikamaru.
However, Naruto had no interest in watching the match at this moment. Instead, he excitedly ran to sit next to Yang Tao and asked with great anticipation, "Will I marry Sakura in the future?"
Sasuke, who had been watching the match, also perked up his ears when he heard Naruto's question.
"No, Sakura married someone else."
Naruto immediately looked as if his biological father had passed away: "This… How is this possible?!"
Then he asked again, "Then who did Sakura marry?"
"Sasuke."
Hearing Yang Tao call his name, Sasuke turned to look at Yang Tao and asked, "Sir, is there something you need?"
Yang Tao said with a beaming smile, "I mean Sakura married Sasuke."
Naruto: "…"
Sasuke's face flushed slightly as he quickly said, "Impossible, I'm not interested in women at all."
Naruto, who was skilled in the Sexy Jutsu, widened his eyes even further and instinctively reached out to cover his butt, saying, "Sasuke, calm down."
Seeing this, Yang Tao immediately fanned the flames: "I have a technique that can turn one of you into a woman. How about you consider it?"
Sasuke's expression froze, and it took him a while to recover, saying, "What I mean is that I'm still young now. I'll consider this matter in a few more years."
He was truly scared. Based on his understanding of Yang Tao's personality, he genuinely worried that when he woke up, either he or Naruto would have turned into a woman.
Sir Yang Tao could definitely do something like that.
Naruto, on the other hand, showed a surprised expression and asked, "Sir, can something like that really be done?"
"Of course!"
In reality, whether it's magic or technology, gender reassignment can be achieved. Theoretically, as long as he wanted to, he could order Professor Connors and Haibara Ai to develop the corresponding potions.
People can turn into lizards, so changing gender should be no problem!
"Oh, by the way, Sir, since Sakura will marry Sasuke, what about me?"
"No wife."
"Huh?"
Naruto's mouth dropped open in disbelief. Yang Tao chuckled and said, "Just kidding."
He scanned the stands but couldn't find Hinata. Suddenly, he remembered something.
Without Naruto's encouragement, could Hinata really have endured against Neji?
"Sir, tell me!"
"Wait a moment, something isn't quite right. After the match, you come with me to the Hyuga clan. This is crucial for you to become the new Hokage."
Naruto wanted to say something more, but footsteps came from a nearby passage, and Naruto immediately fell silent.
[World Exploration Value 36.55%]
Hmm?
Yang Tao curiously tilted his head to look. Soon, two figures, one tall and one short, entered through this relatively secluded entrance.
Two people with distinctive thick eyebrows and bowl cuts.
It was none other than Might Guy and Rock Lee.
Rock Lee was currently wearing a hospital gown, and his limbs were wrapped in bandages. At this moment, he had become a cripple.
Compared to the cost of Yang Tao opening the Eight Gates, the cost of the original Eight Gates was truly too hardcore.
Although Yang Tao had a good impression of Rock Lee, even more so than Naruto and Sasuke, it wasn't for any other reason than Rock Lee's indomitable spirit.
But the most important thing right now was Might Guy, who was currently cautioning Rock Lee. This guy's head actually had a giant golden exclamation mark above it.
Exactly like an NPC with a quest in a game.