SHINOBI EXAM

Cough, cough, cough.

Nagato, also known as Pain, struggled to suppress a fit of coughing. Konan stood by, her face full of concern as she watched him. Despite her worries about his health, her focus shifted to the troubling news they had just received. 'Madara,' who had appeared before them, had revealed many things about the Akatsuki's plans, including the collection of the tailed beasts. However, what truly mattered to Konan now was not the plans, but the thought of losing Nagato—the one person who remained most important to her.

"It's fine, Konan. I'm alright," Nagato reassured her, though his voice was weak.

Konan, still worried, nodded, but her mind was occupied. "There's another video coming through," she said. "It's in the conference room."

As the images began to play, Konan switched her focus to the paper clone she had left behind in the base. The large screen showed different regions—locations in various countries and villages that Akatsuki had a stake in. From Konoha to Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and beyond, the situation was becoming dire. The message was clear: the next phase of Akatsuki's plan was about to unfold.

---

Konohagakure—

In the Hidden Leaf Village, the video screen appeared in front of Konoha Shinobi School. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his advisory team were already gathered near the gates, ready for the appearance of the image. Danzo, however, remained absent, claiming poor health due to an old injury.

As the video continued to play, Sarutobi respectfully removed his Hokage hat when he saw the image of Senju Tobirama appear on screen. The arrival of the Second Hokage marked the beginning of a new and tense situation.

---

Iwagakure—

In the Hidden Stone Village, Onoki, the Tsuchikage, gazed at the screen, his brow furrowed in thought. "I didn't expect this to happen so soon," he said. "Is there any news of what's coming next?"

His assistant asked, "Tsuchikage-sama, do you think this is Konoha's conspiracy?"

Onoki shook his head. "The possibility is low. But we won't know for sure until the Five Kage meet and discuss. For now, we will gather all the information we can."

---

Kirigakure—

Meanwhile, in the Hidden Mist Village, Terumi Mei, the Mizukage, stood in her office, looking at the screen with a deep expression of worry. Her trusted aide, Qing, was beside her, equally concerned.

"Is Mizukage-sama still missing?" Qing asked, eyeing the image.

Terumi Mei shook her head, her thoughts heavy. "I fear the worst. We must prepare for the possibility that the real Mizukage is in danger."

---

Kumogakure—

The scene shifted to the Cloud Village. A loud shout interrupted the air as Aziyi burst into Raikage's office, calling out to the officials. "Lord Raikage! The image is back!"

However, his excitement was tempered by the calm and collected secretary, Samyi, who appeared behind him. "Calm down, Aziyi. Lord Raikage is not here at the moment."

Raikage was out on an important mission, but Miss Mabuyi, the most reliable aide, was already arranging things behind the scenes, making sure the Intelligence Department was on top of the situation.

---

Sunagakure—

Back in the Land of Wind, Sunagakure had received the invitation to the Five Kage summit, but doubts remained. Many questioned whether the images were part of a conspiracy by Konoha. But, the shock came when they witnessed the power demonstrated by the mysterious figures in the images. The strength and knowledge these figures exhibited seemed to transcend that of an ordinary shinobi.

The images from the previous days had hinted at something far more dangerous than they had initially thought.

---

The Image—

In the vast desert of Sunagakure, the camera focused on two figures—the Kazekage, Gaara, and Onoki, the Tsuchikage. Both were high in the air, surrounded by tens of thousands of shinobi from various villages. The scene looked like an immense battlefield, yet there was a sense of unity. These ninjas were no longer aligned by their village affiliations, but rather by a common cause. It was the Ninja Alliance, and it had come together under the leadership of Gaara and Onoki.

"Where is the enemy?" one of the ninjas muttered. "Who is our enemy?"

As the camera panned, it revealed the approaching threat: four figures, slowly making their way toward the massive alliance of shinobi. The tension was palpable. These four figures seemed capable of making thousands of ninjas stand at attention, preparing for the worst.

The music became more intense, and the atmosphere grew heavier with every passing moment. The people watching the video couldn't help but hold their breath. The question on everyone's mind was: who were these four enemies?

---

The Shinobi Watching—

At the central tower of the exam hall, the shinobi were watching the video unfold. Among them was Hinata, who spotted Gaara and recognized him immediately. "That's Gaara-kun from Sunagakure," she murmured. Her Byakugan allowed her to see clearly even at this distance.

Naruto, carrying an unconscious Sasuke on his back, struggled to keep his balance as they moved toward the central tower. Despite his exhaustion from the recent battle, Naruto refused to give up. "Hang on, Sasuke," he muttered, though his strength was waning.

Just as he almost tripped, he felt a shift in the air. Looking back, he saw Gaara's sand gently lifting Sasuke from his back. Gaara, with his usual stoic expression, had used his sand to help.

"Thanks, Gaara!" Naruto shouted, grinning. He had always thought Gaara was a good person, though their first meeting had been tense. Perhaps it was because both of them shared similar struggles.

Gaara's green eyes narrowed slightly. "Yeah," he said, his voice as calm as always.

---

The Final Reveal—

As the video continued, the camera zoomed in on the four approaching figures, their identities becoming clearer with each passing second. The tension in the air reached its peak as the world watched in awe. The faces of the four figures were now visible, and the realization hit everyone like a thunderbolt.

"No… it can't be…" someone gasped.

"Is it really them?" another whispered.

"Oh my god…"

The mysterious enemies were not ordinary shinobi. They were figures from legend, and the Ninja Alliance was about to face the most daunting challenge of their lives.

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