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Chapter 56 - Chapter 55: Mist, Stone, and Sand

As everyone knows, Sunagakure and Konohagakure are currently allies, and the joint Chunin Exams between the two villages are a product of this diplomatic relationship.

However, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure do not share such friendly ties with Konoha. Naturally, they harbor no goodwill toward Sunagakure, which has essentially latched onto Konoha for support.

"We might not be able to take on Konoha, but that doesn't mean we can't teach you a lesson!"

With that mindset, both Iwagakure and Kirigakure—villages bordering the Land of Wind—have been engaged in continuous friction with Sunagakure.

While the tension hasn't escalated to outright war, border conflicts and disputes over resources are inevitable.

As a result, when Iwa-nin encounter Suna-nin, hostility is guaranteed.

The moment the two Iwa-nin saw the Suna-nin approaching, their expressions darkened.

"Suna genin, huh..."

Like a mongoose spotting a viper, the Iwa-nin glared at the approaching Suna-nin, eyes burning with anger, fists clenched tightly.

If not for the potential consequences, they likely would have already charged in for the kill.

Your Sunagakure was nearly ground into the dirt by our Iwagakure! And you still dare to show your face?

Unfazed by the murderous stares, the Suna-nin deliberately raised his voice for his companion to hear.

"Look at them—like a pair of dumb brutes."

"Yeah," the other Suna-nin sneered, scanning the two enraged Iwa-nin with contempt. "Like two brainless apes."

The child caught in the Iwa-nin's grip was momentarily forgotten as a bigger target presented itself.

With the Suna-nin's arrival, the Iwa-nin tightened his grip on the Konoha child, causing him to gasp for air.

Dazed and struggling, the child suddenly felt himself being thrown—

The Iwa-nin had tossed him aside without a second thought!

Yagura's brow furrowed.

Enraged by the taunts, the Iwa-nin lashed out, throwing aside the inconvenient burden and charging straight at the Suna-nin!

"Ah—!"

Gasps erupted from the gathered Konoha villagers. Some even covered their eyes, unwilling to witness the impending tragedy.

Yagura moved swiftly, leaping into the air and catching the child mid-fall.

He had no intention of involving himself in the petty clash between Iwa and Suna, but the child was innocent.

Letting him fall to the ground? He wasn't capable of such callousness.

Landing lightly, Yagura set the child down, ruffling his hair with a small smile. "You okay?"

"I-I'm fine." The child, still in shock, barely grasped how close he had come to death moments ago.

But he knew Yagura had saved him, so he obediently accepted the head pat, his voice soft and trembling.

"T-Thank you."

"Good, you're brave. Keep watching—I'll teach them a lesson for you."

After reassuring the child with a smile, Yagura turned back, clenching his fist with an audible crack.

It had been a while since he had properly stretched. Perfect timing.

The two Iwa-nin were already locked in battle with the Suna-nin, kunai and shuriken clashing amidst rapid hand-to-hand combat.

Since they were in Konoha, both sides exercised some restraint, refraining from using ninjutsu.

At least, at first.

After several exchanges, failing to take down the insolent Suna-nin, the Iwa-nin grew impatient and reckless.

"What's wrong? Is this all Iwagakure's genin have to offer?"

"Your skills are lacking! I heard Iwagakure sent a lot of people this time. If they're all as weak as you, they might as well head home now!"

"The Chunin Exams aren't a playground! You should just hold your own exams at home instead of embarrassing yourselves here!"

Taunts rained down from the Suna-nin.

Iwa-nin, who had grown up in the straightforward and disciplined environment of Iwagakure, weren't accustomed to such verbal attacks. The goading worked—their anger flared, and their aggression intensified!

"Earth Release: Earth Fist Technique!"

The ground beneath the Suna-nin trembled before a massive stone fist erupted from the earth, smashing into them!

The Suna-nin were sent flying!

Though they managed to land with practiced rolls, their chests throbbed painfully from the impact.

"Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique!"

The Iwa-nin pressed forward for a finishing blow.

"Tch, they're getting serious!"

Exchanging a glance, the Suna-nin made a decisive move, revealing their trump card.

With a tap on their forearms, a sealing formula ignited, summoning twin mechanical crossbows in puffs of white smoke.

Each crossbow had six vertical and three horizontal barrels—deadly instruments of war.

Sunagakure strong? Not particularly. It often fought Kirigakure for the title of weakest among the Five Great Nations.

But weak? Not exactly. It was still one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.

If you asked any knowledgeable shinobi what Suna excelled at, the answer would be obvious—puppetry.

And the foundation of puppetry? Mechanical craftsmanship.

Thus, aside from elite puppeteers, Suna-nin possessed another trump card—mechanized ninja tools!

"What?!"

The Iwa-nin were stunned, unprepared for such weaponry.

And by then, the Suna-nin were already within two meters.

With savage grins, the Suna-nin pulled the triggers.

Get ready to be turned into pincushions!

Thirty-six barrels fired at once, launching a dense barrage of kunai—

But at that moment, a massive coral barrier erupted from the ground between them!

"Coral Ascension!"

The storm of kunai struck the coral as if colliding with a stone wall, embedding deep but failing to penetrate through. The impact sent vibrations through the weapon shafts, making them quiver violently.

...

Meanwhile—

The two Iwa-nin, caught off guard, found their powerful rock fists intercepted—

By a child no taller than them, who had effortlessly caught both their attacks with bare hands.

They were stunned.

Then furious.

Since when could just any brat stand in our way?!

They didn't know where this kid had come from, but one thing was clear—

He was asking for death.

Yagura held firm, his hands not just fair-skinned but undeniably strong. Holding back both Iwa-nin, he remained utterly composed.

Sensing them pushing harder in an attempt to force him back, Yagura's lips curled slightly.

Lightning crackled from his palms, clashing against stone with a sharp sizzle.

Boom! Boom!

With minimal effort, his lightning chakra shattered the rock-coated fists.

The Iwa-nin recoiled in shock, quickly retreating as the residual numbness from the attack lingered.

Then they saw it—

The forehead protector.

Kirigakure.

Realizing the strength of their new opponent, they hesitated, wary.

Yagura, however, had no intention of pushing further. He let them be, signaling with two fingers downward. The coral wall receded.

The Suna-nin, their weapons reloaded, eyed Yagura cautiously.

One of them asked, "Kirigakure... are you siding with Iwagakure?"

Yagura didn't answer immediately.

He leisurely swept his gaze across the four shinobi, his silent indifference fueling the tension further.

Only when both sides reached their limits did he finally speak.

"I was having a nice day walking through Konoha... then I ran into some street trash yelling at each other."

Hands in his pockets, Yagura smirked at the Iwa-nin. "Frankly, you're all blocking my way."

Suna-nin raised their crossbows. Iwa-nin bristled with rage.

"Brat, you looking for a fight?!"

Yagura tilted his head, smirk widening.

Raising a hand, he gave a thumbs-up—

Then flipped it downward.

Let's begin.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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