Naruto: Destroy the Sarutobi Clan At the Beginning

Sarutobi Hiruzen ignored Kirito's ridicule and waved his hand. "Let the game continue," he said loudly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Moonlight Hayate replied respectfully.

Given Sarutobi Asuma's interference, Yamanaka Ino technically should have lost the match. However, Kirito's voice rang out unexpectedly, "No need to compete. I forfeit."

"Are you serious?" Moonlight Hayate asked, his surprise evident.

"Of course," Kirito said calmly, nodding. He pretended to be in a daze as Ino's spirit returned to her body and she slowly regained consciousness.

Once awake, Ino's gaze softened as she looked at Kirito. His bandaged face, which initially seemed intimidating, now felt mysterious, almost alluring. Coupled with his power and the unexpected kindness he'd shown her, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. For the first time, Sasuke's allure seemed dimmer by comparison.

But the realization of their circumstances struck her—Kirito was from the Hidden Rain Village. Once the Chunin Exams ended, there would be no chance of seeing him again. "What a pity," she murmured to herself.

Amid her quiet sighs, Moonlight Hayate announced, "The winner of the first match is Yamanaka Ino."

Shock rippled through the crowd.

"Is this real?" Akimichi Choji muttered, blinking in disbelief. "Ino actually won against that terrifying bandaged guy."

Shikamaru clicked his tongue, a troubled expression crossing his face. "Troublesome," he muttered. But inwardly, his mind raced.

It was clear that Ino could never have truly defeated someone as formidable as Kirito. And Asuma's reaction earlier, coupled with Kirito's provocative words about the Third Hokage, pointed to something much deeper. Shikamaru pieced the clues together, his sharp intellect honing in on a theory.

"Choji," he asked, "didn't you once say you had a cousin who was on Kurenai-sensei's team?"

"Yeah, so what?" Choji asked, confused.

"I think I know who that bandaged man is," Shikamaru murmured, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. He forced a strained smile. There was only one person who fit the profile—a former Konoha ninja infamous for the destruction of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans: Fujiwara Kirito.

Before he could share his revelation, Naruto bounded over, throwing his arms around Shikamaru and Choji's shoulders. "What are you guys whispering about? Who's the bandaged dude?" he asked with a grin.

Shikamaru sighed, shaking his head. "It's nothing, Naruto," he said, unwilling to spark more chaos.

Naruto pouted but didn't press further.

Meanwhile, Ino ascended to the viewing platform, her gaze fixed on Kirito. She was so distracted that she didn't notice Sakura intercepting her path with a fiery glare. "Stay away from Sasuke!" Sakura snapped.

Ino blinked, then smirked. "Oh, is that you, bald Sakura? Did you forget to cover your forehead again? And are your teeth still missing?"

Sakura's face flushed red with anger, but she tried to maintain her composure. She turned to Sasuke for support, her tone softening as she whined, "Sasuke, look what she's saying to me!"

But Sasuke, already irritated by the day's events, sidestepped Sakura, letting her stumble to the ground. Ignoring her entirely, he directed his attention to Ino. "What happened during your fight?" he asked seriously.

Ino hesitated, then replied, "I used the Mind Transfer Jutsu and entered his mind, but I ended up in this vast spiritual space. He said some things I didn't fully understand. Oh, and I'll let you in on a secret—he's actually incredibly handsome under those bandages."

Sasuke frowned, unimpressed. "Handsome?" he muttered, realizing he wouldn't get any useful information from Ino.

Across the arena, Kirito had returned to the opposite viewing platform, standing alongside Kurenai Yuhi, Kakashi, Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi. The tension among the jonin was palpable.

"You're being reckless," Uchiha Itachi said softly to Kirito.

Kirito smirked. "What's the harm? The old man's time is running out. Let him see me one last time before he meets his end."

Ye Cang, standing beside him, frowned. "But didn't you say the Third Hokage has a final trump card? Isn't it dangerous to provoke him like this?"

Kirito's smirk widened. "He does have a last resort, but the old man values his reputation even more. He'll wait for Orochimaru's attack to play the hero, sacrificing himself for Konoha. He won't waste that opportunity by fighting me now."

Itachi's expression darkened. "All the high-ranking Konoha forces are here. If you underestimate them, you might regret it."

Kirito chuckled. "From your tone, it sounds like you don't intend to intervene if things go south." He leaned closer, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I hope you're not planning to betray me, Itachi."

The tension between them thickened, but Itachi's face remained unreadable.

As Moonlight Hayate prepared to call the next match, Kirito leaned back against the railing, his confidence unshaken. "Let's see how the storm unfolds," he said quietly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

(End of Chapter)

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