Chapter 20: The Second Sky Screen Broadcast

Haruna felt the surrounding environment suddenly shift. After two consecutive loud bangs, she found herself in an unknown chamber. A pale blue barrier enveloped the room, with no exit in sight—it was clear she had been transported here.

“Haruna, if you don’t want to get hurt for no reason, you’d better behave,” said Kabuto Yakushi as he released her.

Yet, a dull pain lingered on her wrist where he had gripped.

“Are you one of Orochimaru’s men?”

“Hmm, surprised?” Kabuto smiled calmly, though his words carried a hint of irony.

“Or have you always thought I was a good person? Thank you for your trust.”

Haruna remained silent.

Because he was right.

Kabuto had always seemed kind and approachable to her.

Though he had failed the Chūnin exam many times, his skill was average, but his experience was rich and his temperament gentle.

Haruna was grateful to him for helping her breeze through the first two stages of the Chūnin exam, and she had been pondering how to repay this senior she knew.

She whispered softly, “I didn’t expect you to ask for repayment without me saying a word.”

Kabuto kept smiling, showing no shame.

Apart from Shikamaru, Kabuto was the first genuinely good person to help her unconditionally. She truly appreciated him.

She had thought he would become one of her few friends.

When the arena was live-streamed, Kabuto was present too. He knew how much Orochimaru had hurt her.

Yet now, he still served Orochimaru without hesitation.

Words swirled in her mind, but only a suppressed whisper emerged: “I thought we were friends.”

Her voice was low, almost as if she didn’t want him to hear.

But this sincere outpouring caused Kabuto’s smile to fade.

“I don’t make friends with weak mediocre talents.”

“...?”

When they teamed up before, Kabuto hadn’t spoken like this. He had said—

“At this point, do you still expect me to lie and fool you?”

“Your destined fate is tragic. But now that Lord Orochimaru has chosen you, you will have an extraordinary life.”

His words brimmed with unmasked ambition and fanaticism.

“Lord Orochimaru will uncover the truth behind all ninjutsu. Once he solves the secret of the arena, we will all be freed from our painful fate and find the meaning of our existence…”

So that was it.

The senior she admired was a façade; he trampled her mediocre self into the dirt.

It made sense.

To have independently developed S-rank medical ninjutsu at such a young age, Kabuto was undoubtedly a genius.

He understood her character and abilities well and had no interest in tormenting ordinary people.

“Stay here quietly. Once Lord Orochimaru deals with the Third Hokage, you and Sasuke will receive a new life.”

“...Sasuke?”

“Yes, Lord Orochimaru has chosen Sasuke as his reincarnation vessel. But that’s none of your concern now.”

“Where is Orochimaru now?”

Kabuto smiled faintly.

“He’s probably cleaning up the Third Hokage’s corpse right now.”

He intended to intimidate her, expecting her to scream or cry, or at least show fear and tension like before.

But she didn’t.

“...Fine.”

Knowing that the Third Hokage was in grave danger and that Konoha’s future was precarious, the girl remained calm and resolute.

She took a headband from her pocket, tied her hair into a ponytail, and assumed a fighting stance.

Her posture was precise, clearly shaped by diligent training under a master.

Compared to a month ago, the brown-haired girl stood taller and stronger, no longer timid or weak.

Before, she always hid her face behind long hair and bangs, appearing gloomy and pale.

Now, her hair was neatly tied back—efficient and decisive.

Kabuto couldn’t help but chuckle. “Are you going to attack me?”

Haruna ignored his mockery.

“Although I hate killing and will try not to kill you directly, you still need to be careful.”

“Because—”

“This next kick will be very strong.”

Kabuto sneered dismissively.

“Do you really think—”

Before he could finish, the girl shouted,

“Hyaa!!!”

She clenched her fists, crouched her shoulders, spun, and delivered a flying kick, slicing through the air with a sonic boom, aiming straight for his chest.

And he—had nowhere to dodge!

* * *

No one expected the cold and cunning Orochimaru to dare to walk openly into Konoha disguised as the Fourth Kazekage.

Everyone knew it was Orochimaru in disguise, and Orochimaru knew everyone knew.

Yet he showed no fear.

“Third Hokage, long time no see. You still carry yourself well.”

Orochimaru's gaze swept slowly over the Third Hokage and his entourage—the old man with bandages, the elderly woman with a bun, and the bespectacled old man.

These three formed Konoha’s elder council, wielding immense power, even the right to select an acting Hokage in the absence of the official one.

“Here to welcome us? Temari, what a grand affair.”

The blonde girl standing beside her “father” kept her gaze fixed on the ground and murmured in agreement.

“Where is Jiraiya, one of the Sannin?”

Orochimaru said calmly, “An event like the Chūnin exams feels incomplete without the presence of the Sannin.”

“Hmph, with us here, doesn’t that give the Kazekage enough face?”

Danzo, the staunchest elder, grumbled as Orochimaru loitered at the gate.

Haruna, known for her sharp temper among the elders, couldn’t help but respond sarcastically.

“After all, the Kazekage’s schedule is unusual. As hosts, we should accompany him.”

Orochimaru exchanged glances with Danzo but said nothing, only wearing a meaningful smile.

Over the past week, Orochimaru had refused to enter the village, spinning excuses to negotiate with Konoha.

On the day the arena was to open, he knocked at dawn, almost scaring the gate guards to death.

The Third Hokage could guess his intentions with closed eyes.

So he played a counter-trap.

The final stage of the Chūnin exams, originally canceled, proceeded as planned, starting two hours early.

But not all candidates participated.

Haruna and Naruto were separated and placed under protection.

Might Guy was responsible for Haruna, and Jiraiya for Naruto—they wouldn’t be triggered if not inside the arena.

Moreover—

A ninja hurried to the Third Hokage’s side, whispering.

“Kabuto Yakushi, a Konoha Genin, is missing—suspected defection.”

“Hmm, noted.” The Third Hokage remained calm.

No need for “suspected.”

Konoha had already learned from other Otogakure ninjas that Kabuto was Orochimaru’s spy.

Initially, they planned to use him as bait.

But after discovering Orochimaru’s patience and cunning, they decided to capture Kabuto directly.

Unexpectedly, this seemingly ordinary and low-profile man was extraordinarily skilled.

Despite Konoha’s strict manhunt, his trail remained cold.

But he was just a small fish; his presence or absence made little difference.

“Fourth Kazekage, please.” The Third Hokage stepped aside slightly.

Orochimaru came to kill him, and he set a deadly trap to cleanse the house.

The arena’s data suggested Orochimaru might serve Konoha in the future.

But the Third Hokage had repeatedly simulated the scenario over the past month and found no chance for Orochimaru’s repentance.

No illusions.

As Hokage, he must protect the lives of many in Konoha.

Countless ninjas, and even Konoha’s future children, risked everything to eliminate this greatest threat.

Both sides took their seats in the arena.

They had foreseen Orochimaru’s plot, devised thorough plans, and guarded all key Konoha buildings meticulously.

In theory, the hunt for Orochimaru should proceed without surprises.

But the Third Hokage missed one thing—Orochimaru’s madness.

This man had implanted vicious cursed seals within his Otogakure subordinates and many allied Sunagakure ninjas!

When? How did he do it?!

And these lunatics weren’t attacking the high-ranking Konoha leaders but were set to burn and pillage the village!

“Fortunately, there was a contingency plan.”

The battle-hardened Third Hokage kept his composure.

“Ninjas stationed throughout Konoha will assist civilians in evacuation and strangle the enemy.”

“What if I kill you right here in front of everyone?”

“No one will disturb us then, sensei.”

Orochimaru suddenly launched a furious assault, forcing Kakashi and the others to scatter.

In that brief moment, his four subordinates formed four purple flame arrays, isolating him and the Third Hokage within a barrier!

“No one can pass the Four Purple Flames Array. Touch it, and you’ll be burned. Sensei, no one in Konoha can save you.”

The Third Hokage remained unmoved.

“Orochimaru, don’t underestimate me or Konoha.”

“And if you lock yourself in here, how do you plan to escape?”

Orochimaru’s smile deepened.

“What if it’s… three against two?”

He formed hand seals and struck the ground, shouting:

“Ninjutsu—Summoning Technique: Impure World Reincarnation!”

Two coffins appeared, and when the resurrected dead emerged, the gathered all turned pale.

They were none other than Konoha’s two former Hokage—

Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju!

The Third Hokage’s face darkened with fury.

“Orochimaru, how dare you desecrate the First and Second Hokage! Truly fallen into darkness beyond salvation!”

Hashirama surveyed the surroundings, understanding the situation.

“Tobirama, this is the hidden danger you left behind by developing forbidden jutsu! Now we must fight against Konoha.”

Tobirama was speechless under his brother’s reproach.

“Big brother, instead of blaming me, think about how to help Sarutobi and the younger generation ease this crisis.”

Orochimaru smiled gently at the two solemn former Hokage and the chaotic Chūnin exam scene, showing no sign of panic.

He let the fearful atmosphere fester.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion sounded from afar.

Before anyone could investigate, the arena’s environment changed again—

The massive arena’s pale blue barrier shifted, and a line of text appeared:

【Second live broadcast begins.】

Oh?

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.

The Third Hokage’s heart sank.

He least wanted Orochimaru to uncover the arena’s secrets, but here his rogue disciple was exploiting it.

Why did the arena suddenly stream live?

The text faded, and a figure appeared on the screen.

【In the medical room,

“I think I have fallen in love with the peaceful Konoha.”

Orochimaru smiled as he looked at the person opposite him.】

...Huh?

On the arena’s screen, the notorious S-rank rogue ninja, infamous for creating terror and death, smiled.

He wore a light blue kimono, his long hair gently tied in a braid over his chest, jade earrings dangling from his ears, eyeshadow exquisite, and his features soft and handsome...

“Wait, is Orochimaru cross-dressing?” Ino blurted from the stands.

Everyone: Huh??

Otogakure ninjas glanced up, stunned to see their lord’s stunning appearance, their fighting spirit dampened.

Sakura, biting her lip in anger, hissed, “This guy’s mocking us! Everything he’s doing now is anything but peace!”

Shikamaru frowned but stayed composed.

“No, logically, those are the words of Orochimaru from the future…”

“Oh? Looks like I win this round.”

Orochimaru replied nonchalantly, unconcerned by his attire.

“Sensei, I seem to move freely in your Konoha.”

The Third Hokage’s expression darkened.

Just as everyone sensed an ominous future, the screen shifted.

【“I need to fill in your and Mibai’s kinship. What is your gender identity, male or female?”

Ino looked at the electronic record.

“If you don’t fill in a guardian’s information, the hospital can’t proceed.”】

Huh?

Everyone was baffled.

What child? What guardian? What gender???

Tobirama only focused on the key point, his eyes sharp.

If this rogue ninja had offspring, they could be captured as hostages.

As Second Hokage, Tobirama cared little for outside opinions or ruthless methods—only effectiveness and protecting Konoha mattered.

But when he exchanged a glance with Sarutobi, he saw the old man standing dazed.

Tobirama: ?

Why is the enemy’s words making you stare blankly?

Meanwhile—

【“Gender doesn’t matter,” Orochimaru smiled.

“Sometimes I’m a man, sometimes a woman. You can fill in either.”】

Ino wasn’t buying it.

“I warn you, Konoha will never allow cross-dressers to misuse hospital bathrooms!”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

Tobirama fell into a peculiar silence: ...That is quite surprising.

Orochimaru’s smile faltered.

Wait, why is this arena streaming nonsense?

Where is the promised bloodshed? The Fourth Great Ninja War?

The foretold future?

Is Orochimaru’s future really becoming a gender-bending cross-dresser possibly raising a child alone???

【“Don’t worry, I just want to thank Naruto for his help over the years and give him a gift.”

Ino eyed Orochimaru suspiciously, wondering what kind of gift required hospital ethical approval.

Knowing Orochimaru’s nature, she suspected some sticky, dark experimental product.

“What?”

“I want to give Naruto a child.” Orochimaru said calmly.

Ino: .

Drop.

The pen fell.】

Everyone fell silent; even the fighting paused.

Orochimaru’s mouth twitched, sensing everyone’s fearful yet strange gaze.

“Although I possess women’s bodies, I’m certain my original gender identity is male.” He couldn’t help but clarify.

The stares grew even odder!

Orochimaru: ...

Now he understood why the ridiculous rumors about him seducing Naruto after marriage to cause infidelity had spread.

Konoha’s arena ninjutsu was truly vulgar, despicable, and lowly!