"Xiao?"
Orochimaru's raspy voice cut through the air — laced with seven parts surprise, and three parts unease.
"Orochimaru?"
The Akatsuki members shifted. Each of them wore subtle, amused smiles as they turned to their leader — Pain.
Six months ago, Orochimaru had tried to steal Itachi Uchiha's body. He failed. Lost his arms. And fled the Akatsuki in disgrace.
Yet now, they met here — of all places.
Scorpion's cold eyes locked on Orochimaru. He quietly retrieved a scroll from his cloak, poised and ready.
"So you've gone to great lengths… all to catch me?" Orochimaru chuckled darkly, his tongue slithering from his mouth as he drew the Kusanagi sword from within his body.
He wasn't delusional. Even in his prime, he couldn't defeat Pain or Itachi.
Let alone now — with the entire Akatsuki here.
"Get out of here first. We'll deal with Orochimaru later." Pain turned away — something had caught his eye.
Another figure was forming nearby.
A man with wild, spiky white hair. A giant scroll strapped to his back. Oily markings on his face.
Greasy, unkempt… unmistakable.
Jiraiya.
Even Pain's expression twitched.
This space hadn't just summoned Akatsuki members.
"...Teacher."
Behind Pain, Konan's body stiffened when she saw Jiraiya. But then slowly relaxed with a sigh.
Jiraiya's brows furrowed as he scanned the battlefield — spotting Orochimaru instantly. Suspicion rose in his heart.
Could this be an Akatsuki trap?
Konan's voice was barely audible — but the entire ninja world heard it, broadcast live from the mysterious space.
> "Teacher? Did she just call Jiraiya 'teacher'?!"
> "My god… Jiraiya-sama's disciple is so beautiful and terrifying!"
> "But didn't he never take apprentices?"
> "If he did, wouldn't the whole world know? This has to be part of the Third Hokage's grand plan!"
> "Plan?"
> "Think about it! Peace is fragile — other villages are watching Konoha like hawks. If the Third reveals our strength now — makes them fear us — he could stop a war before it begins!"
> "Brilliant! Long live the Third Hokage!"
> "Long live the Third Hokage!"
---
Konoha HQ
The cheers outside grated against Danzo's ears. His face darkened.
So this was why Jiraiya never returned. This was why Orochimaru defected.
Tsunade left, too. All three of them… it was planned from the beginning.
"Sarutobi… you scheming old man." Danzo clenched his fists. The next Hokage would be him.
He would not allow them to steal his future.
---
Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village)
Onoki, the current Tsuchikage, watched the images with a stormy gaze.
Iwa had fallen behind. The new generation lacked heirs. He, an old man, still wore the Tsuchikage's robes.
He knew deception. And this — this was Konoha flaunting its strength.
That old fox Sarutobi had chosen the perfect moment.
Then, he saw Deidara on the screen.
His anger flared.
The most promising young ninja of Iwagakure… defected. And now this brat shows up on the screen?!
"Deidara! You little bastard! If I catch you—!"
---
In the Sky
Jia Yi raised a hand.
Letters formed in the white void — glowing, floating, powerful.
> [EXAMINATION SPACE]
> [All participants will be tested and ranked]
> [Rewards or punishments based on results]
> [No fighting or ninjutsu allowed in the space — violators will be punished]
All eyes narrowed. Most were top-tier shinobi — elites, missing-nin, or Kage-level powerhouses.
They scoffed at the "punishment" rule… but none tested it.
Instead, their interest shifted to the massive ranking boards overhead.
According to the space, the exams were based on these lists.
> [Due to permission restrictions, only the Tianjiao List (Genius List) Top 10 can be viewed for now. Clear the tests to unlock more.]
"Open the Tianjiao List." Pain ordered.
He didn't need to consult anyone.
"Hah! Let's see where I rank!" Deidara grinned arrogantly, eyeing Itachi.
Itachi didn't even look at him.
---
In Iwagakure, Onoki grimaced.
Deidara was talented. Onoki admitted that.
Maybe only a handful in the entire ninja world had greater potential.
---
In Konoha
Sasuke Uchiha stared at the screen, coldly amused.
"That guy? Arrogant fool… he's not even worthy to compare with him."
He didn't want to say it — but Itachi was still his goal.
And only he had the right to surpass his brother.
---
Under everyone's breathless gaze, the golden list began to open.
Light traced ancient brushstrokes across the floating stone.
Every stroke held unimaginable pressure — the handwriting alone evoked awe and reverence.
Its momentum was unparalleled.
[Tianjiao List - Top 10]
1. Strongest Ninja World: Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki
2. First Mother of the Ninja World: Kaguya Ōtsutsuki
3. Number One Illusionist: Shisui Uchiha
4. Greatest Physique: The Proud Azure Beast - Might Guy
5. Fastest Ninja: Yellow Flash - Namikaze Minato
6. Most Perverted Sage: Toad Sage - Jiraiya
7. Strongest Medical Ninja: Tsunade Senju
8. Strongest Scientist: Orochimaru
9. Most Loyal Son: Black Zetsu
10. Biggest Wild Card: Naruto Uzumaki