Chapter 273: Orochimaru is racing on the road of playing tricks! Strength determines vision!
"Nara Shikaku versus Shiranui Gen'en."
"Uchiha Qingfeng versus Senju Shangcheng."
"Hyuga Hiashi versus Hyuga Hizashi."
"Kurama Yobu versus Uchiha Shinji."
"Aburame Kana versus Inuzuka Osamu."
…Under the scorching sun, the promotion assessment battles grew increasingly fierce.
It must be said, Orochimaru's unexpected move.
Made the third day of the assessment much more interesting.
The old rivals, Uchiha versus Senju.
Hyuga Main Family versus Hyuga Branch Family.
The Kurama Clan, who boasted the best genjutsu and could manipulate the five senses, against the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan.
All sorts of popular old tropes in Konoha were practically exploited by Orochimaru.
Although dozens of meters away.
Fujiwara Tetsuya could still clearly see the elders of the Hyuga Clan's Main Family and Branch Family.
The moment they heard Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hiashi were assigned to the same group.
Their expressions visibly darkened.
That look of suppressed anger, unable to speak due to the Hokage's authority, was truly amusing.
"Hizashi."
Looking at his younger brother in front of him.
Hyuga Hiashi's face also showed some disappointment.
What kind of situation was this?
Hyuga Main Family versus Hyuga Branch Family?
And it was the two of them, brothers.
It seemed the blessings from the higher-ups were going to be ruined.
"Brother…"
"Hizashi, calm down. No matter what, just do your best."
"After all, this situation is not something you or I can control."
"Do not hold back at all…"
"Let me see your growth, Hizashi."
"Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms!"
"I understand, Brother. Be careful."
"Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms!"
The battle between Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi instantly drew the attention of many spectators.
Whether for the Ninja and Villagers of Konoha, or for the dignitaries who had traveled from afar.
The name Hyuga alone carried enough appeal.
"Gentle Fist Art, huh?"
"Truly worthy of the Hyuga Clan. Simply by relying on a set of palm techniques, they can generate such terrifying power."
"Uchiha Shinji."
"I've heard of you. Rumor has it you awakened your Three Tomoe Sharingan two months ago."
"You barely qualify to fight me."
Whether as the strongest of the new generation in the Kurama Clan, or simply as a woman.
Kurama Yobu presented herself with sufficient assertiveness.
"Kurama Yobu! Don't be so arrogant just because you killed some weaklings from Hidden Rain Village on the battlefield."
"Today, I will make you understand that the bloodline you are so proud of is nothing before these eyes."
"Genjutsu: Sharingan!"
"Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings!"
"A genjutsu showdown right from the start?"
"Truly worthy of the Kurama and Uchiha Clan geniuses, such powerful spirit."
…"Senju Shangcheng, a loser from the past."
"I never expected even someone of your caliber to step forward."
"It seems the Senju Clan has truly declined…"
"Uchiha Qingfeng! I know you are strong, so… I will bet everything I have."
"Fight! Uchiha Qingfeng…"
…"Shikaku! It seems my luck is a bit bad this time."
"I never expected to run into you among these four hundred people."
Shiranui Gen'en clearly understood Nara Shikaku well.
While other groups were fighting fiercely.
He was still chewing on a slender toothpick, constantly scratching his head with a wry smile.
Strictly speaking.
He would rather encounter Ninja from the Uchiha or Senju Clan.
Than face an opponent with superior intelligence.
"Hey… you two brats."
"Hurry up and fight, there are people waiting below."
"If you don't make a move soon, don't blame me for forcibly disqualifying you."
Seeing Nara Shikaku and Shiranui Gen'en still showing no inclination to fight.
The Jonin responsible for judging the battles couldn't help but frown.
What kind of oddballs were these?
At this point, they were still trying to be lazy.
Didn't they see all those adults watching from above?
"Gen'en, it seems we have no choice but to fight."
"Ninja Art: Shadow Imitation Technique!"
"Shikaku! You're as cunning as ever!"
"Ninja Art: Thousand Needle Rain!"
…From the beginning of the first day of assessment, Danzo adhered to the principle of keeping a low profile.
He silently observed each battle, secretly selecting Ninja who met his criteria.
He even casually acknowledged Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado's greetings.
He was a little scared.
Afraid that these two former teammates, after learning of Hiruzen Sarutobi's promise to him, would jump out and interfere again.
If it really came to that.
The revitalization of Root could only be postponed indefinitely.
After Fukurō's death, the current Root, apart from him, simply had no Ninja capable of carrying the Root banner.
He had to personally attend to everything… This feeling was truly too low-level.
"Hiruzen! This round's quality is quite good."
"Whether it's the Hyuga brothers, Hiashi and Hizashi, or Kurama Yobu of the Kurama Clan… they are all extremely excellent juniors."
"If they can continue to grow, they will definitely become pillars of the Village."
Seeing the battle progress to such an intense degree.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado each cleared their throats.
And leaned forward.
With the battle at this stage, the Ninja from the Torifu Clan and Mito Clan.
In previous battles, either narrowly won or were tragically eliminated.
Strictly speaking, they hadn't brought any prestige to either of them.
At this point, they could only rely on themselves to seek a sense of presence.
"Indeed! Hiashi, Hizashi, Yobu… they are indeed extremely excellent juniors…"
"They have the potential to become pillars of the Village."
Utatane Koharu's anticipated enthusiasm did not materialize.
At present, Hiruzen Sarutobi's performance was almost identical to Danzo's not long ago.
"What's wrong with Hiruzen and Danzo?"
"Is it because of Iwagakure, is the pressure too great?"
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado obviously… or perhaps would never understand.
The crux of the problem at hand.
It was precisely because of the difference in strength that they misjudged Hiruzen Sarutobi's current state of mind.
What they saw as the future.
In the eyes of Hiruzen Sarutobi, who possessed Kage-level peak combat power, was merely that.
In Konoha today, with Kage-level and Quasi-Kage Ninja constantly emerging.
Only those with the talent to advance to Kage-level were truly worth his interest.
And right now!
For Hiruzen Sarutobi, rather than anticipating the performance and outcomes of the various group battles.
It was more accurate to say… Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking forward to.
After all these battles concluded.
How many of the newly promoted Jonin would step forward to challenge Fujiwara Tetsuya, who had already reached the Elite Jonin level.
And possessed the record of defeating a Quasi-Kage and fighting a demigod.
In his opinion, Orochimaru and Tsunade's descriptions were too vague.
Some things still needed him to witness and judge for himself.