In a dark and cold basement.
"Danzo-sama, the equipment has been properly given. However, their objective remained unidentified as the security near Amegakure was fortified, should we send additional shinobi for surveillance?"
As the quietness was disturbed, a man seemed to come out and kneeled in front of his superior.
"Yes, send them in. Enforce other areas around the periphery and don't let a single fly escape throughout Amegakure. We must figure out their intentions and plans for that device." A man appeared with bandages covering his right eye.
The man was Danzo Shimura, one of the Konoha's Four Elders and one of the pupils of the Late Second, Tobirama Senju. At this point, he was only resentful and jealous due to his inaction, letting Hiruzen Sarutobi become the Third Hokage through his teacher's decision.
In his mind, by being a Hokage, Danzo could do so much more for the interests of the village. Blinded by a mix of political pragmatism and trauma-driven security thinking, his hate for the Uchiha Clan was insurmountable.
A Clan that has powerful Kekkai Genkai with cohesion and special privileges yet it felt like a ticking time bomb was a nightmare for Danzo, seeking to undermine Uchiha's prestigious reputation into its imminent annihilation.
Of all the Uchiha he could trust, Uchiha Kagami was the only one. But a severely injured Kagami didn't make it back alive in the previous war as Danzo took his Sharingan for the so-called "village's best interest."
Still in his prime years, Danzo was actively involved in seeking decisive and loyal subordinates along with his hidden thirst for power.
"Do we have any discoveries in our recent talents?" Danzo asked, sitting on his chair with a frown.
"Sad to say, but we still don't have any more funds. Our allocated funding for cultivating talents and research was not enough to stabilize the situation." A man kneeled with remorse on his face.
Danzo's face darkened and he said, "Go, do your duties!" The man vanished within the blink of an eye.
'I must visit Koharu and Homura about this... We must make a plan ahead of time or else this peace forged by sensei will be all for naught!'
Alone in the room, Danzo departed along with his gleaming eye.
...
In the endless forest of trees, drizzled by the rain, a horse pulling the cart suddenly stopped as the passengers were startled.
"We are here. Get out!" Isamu spoke loudly, waking up the children.
As the kids started going out, Yoichi said, "Still worried about them?"
On his side, Hikari simply nodded.
"Worry about yourself first. They could definitely handle these trials." With consolation in his tone, Yoichi sighed and stood up along with Hikari.
As he got out of the cart, Yoichi was soaked by the rain yet his eyes were deeply focused on the surroundings.
What he saw was thick walls covering a big tower in the middle as carts from other places unloaded a bunch of unfamiliar faces, presumably from another place.
"Yoichi, come here for a second." Hearing Isamu's request, Yoichi complied.
"Be careful around here, alright? Motoyasu and his group were ruthless! They are the proctors of the trials and one of the hounds of Hanzō-sama. I can't accompany you inside and this is the best that I can do, do your best inside!"
A reminder was enough since Yoichi understood his assignments easily, simply nodding in agreement, and went into the line.
Seeing Yoichi's silhouette, Isamu sighed and ordered his subordinate to go back to the mine.
Inside the damp and muddy courtyard, Yoichi perceived malice on all sides including on the front stage.
The exuding pressure was like a quagmire, slowly pulling the children to the ground. However, he remained composed and walked through with sheer determination in his eyes.
Likely, this was a test of mental.
Coupled with experiences of his past life alongside the incident caused by Shepherd of the Innocent Lambs, his mentality cannot be broken by just a mere killing intent.
"Hahaha! How envious, Hayate found a treasure beneath all the garbage!" The man stood on the front stage, glancing at Yoichi with excitement.
"Don't be too hasty with your words, Motoyasu-sama. The test was only beginning..." Regardless, Motoyasu's thrill was splashed by a man with glasses, stating the obvious.
"You are right, Hideaki. But can you be happy for a second?" Motoyasu peeked at his subordinate with a knowing look.
"I am happy right now, Motoyasu-sama," Hideaki replied with a straight face.
"..." Motoyasu fell silent.
"Are you alright?"
On the other hand, Yoichi wanted to help Hikari, who was barely walking but her eyes were stubbornly refusing to admit defeat.
"No... I'm fine! Just wait for me there."
In a while, Yoichi also noticed 3 children from afar, who managed to overcome such overwhelming intent.
'The Land of Rain still has its own talents. They will be my competitors for the top spot and I'm down to it!'
After mentally noting himself, Yoichi was awakened by a loud crisp voice, looking at the man standing on the stage.
"Greetings! I am Motoyasu, your supervisor for the trials ahead. As for these trials, they will sharpen your mind, cultivate your body, and prove yourself to be the best of the best!"
"Do you want power, fame, or resources? Then, take them with all you've got! Later on, I will give you all a nice set of shurikens and kunai!"
Motoyasu's words were encouraging the children including Yoichi, who felt hyped for the examination.
"But before that, let's have a test of combat, shall we?"
However, this paltry stimulation was soon doused by a cold bucket of water.
"What? How can that be?!"
"Combat? Isn't this a trial for a shinobi?"
"This is what a shinobi would do. Fight or be forgotten! Questioning this decision would be utterly stupid!
Some of the children went anxious while the others felt the thrill. The competitiveness suddenly skyrocketed across the courtyard.
"The one who won the most will be able to eat first, learn jutsu, and be granted free 4 hours of no exercise for 1 month, is that alright?"
Like a fire being fed by wood, the resolution was seen in the children's faces. Nobody wanted to be mediocre and a massive opportunity landed in their faces, who wouldn't be tempted?
"Now, let's begin the draw! Hideaki will be overseeing the whole event so pay attention to the names being called!"
"You can't be serious, Motoyasu-sama..." Hideaki was dejected but he did the work and drew the lottery of names in a mysterious box.
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(Current Progress)
[Heavenly Demon Posture: (Small Success) 132/300]
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Now that I have read my novel, I should be a little ruthless no? Like children cannibalizing themselves just to satiate their hunger and etc. I mean this is barbaric but it is what it is.
Thanks for reading the chapters and bookmarking the novel. See ya! XDD!