Chapter 103 : That Guy Has Surpassed You, Third Hokage
Riku had been studying Senjutsu in Ryūchi Cave for a long time.
After all, the Sage Mode that Riku had mastered was at the perfected level—it required a lengthy period of training and also demanded that he learn the corresponding ninjutsu to go with it.
Having spent a full month training deep within Ryūchi Cave, Riku didn’t even know the Chūnin Exams had begun until Shinya came to inform him.
Riku hadn’t attended in person. Instead, he’d sent a Shadow Clone to participate in his place.
His opponent for the exam had not been determined at first—he’d received a bye once again. Whether that was a deliberate move by the Third Hokage was anyone’s guess.
In the end, it was decided that Riku’s opponent would be whoever defeated the top contender from the western block.
Throughout the exam, Riku’s Shadow Clone had remained mostly detached, showing little real interest in the proceedings.
Anko sat beside Riku’s Shadow Clone. She was fully aware that this wasn’t the real Riku, but she still wanted to know how his Senjutsu training was progressing.
When she learned that his training was going well, Anko was finally able to relax. She’d been worried—Ryūchi Cave was a terrifying place. If one failed in mastering Senjutsu, they risked being devoured by the massive snakes that dwelled there. Even though Riku possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique, she couldn’t help but worry.
Now that she knew his training was on track, she finally felt at ease.
Still, after 16 months of practice, Anko was curious about how strong Riku had become.
She’d been stunned when she saw him defeat Orochimaru before. Now that he’d learned Senjutsu, she couldn’t help but wonder—just how terrifying had he become?
She still didn’t know.
Riku’s Shadow Clone stood calmly on the sidelines, quietly observing the match underway on the field.
He felt nothing. In fact, even this clone could probably defeat everyone in the arena—including the disguised Orochimaru, masquerading as the Fourth Kazekage, seated next to the Third Hokage.
But he wouldn’t intervene. Not unless absolutely necessary.
With Riku absent, the exam progressed without interruption.
Eventually, Gaara lost control and fled, which signaled the real end of the exam.
At that moment, the Third Hokage was taken hostage and brought to the rooftop of the arena.
Orochimaru’s four subordinates activated the Four Violet Flames Formation, trapping both the Third Hokage and Orochimaru inside.
Anko stood frozen, staring up at Orochimaru on the rooftop, her eyes wide with disbelief.
At the same time, Yakushi Kabuto cast a Genjutsu across the entire stadium, rendering the audience unconscious.
A chaotic melee broke out as ANBU clashed with Sunagakure’s invading ninja forces. Anko tried to rush to the Hokage’s aid, but was blocked by a group of Sunagakure shinobi.
In order to ensure the success of this attack, Sunagakure had dispatched over a hundred ninja. They launched a deliberate, destructive assault across Konoha, killing many leaf shinobi before the village could even react.
Riku’s Shadow Clone, however, didn’t go to support the Hokage.
Instead, he pursued Gaara.
Kakashi, knowing that it was just Riku’s Shadow Clone on the field, had ordered him to follow Gaara—to ensure Sasuke’s safety.
Kakashi didn’t know just how powerful this particular clone was, which was why he hadn’t asked Riku to aid the Hokage directly.
Back on the rooftop, Orochimaru discarded the Kazekage robe, revealing himself with a twisted smile. "Hahaha... Lord Sarutobi. So you were prepared after all."
The Third Hokage looked at him grimly. "Orochimaru... You actually had the audacity to impersonate the Fourth Kazekage. You’ve gone too far."
But he was already certain—Sunagakure was working with Orochimaru.
Sure enough, Orochimaru chuckled. "Lord Sarutobi, take a good look at the Sunagakure shinobi surrounding us. Do you still think I’m just pretending?"
The Third Hokage frowned. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on the obvious.
Staring at Orochimaru, he said, "I saw you in the Forest of Death earlier with Anko. Of course I remained on guard. But I didn’t expect you to actually replace the Fourth Kazekage."
"What happened to him?"
Naturally, the Hokage didn’t truly care about the Fourth Kazekage’s fate—what mattered was avoiding an all-out war between Konoha and Sunagakure. Neither village could afford that kind of devastation right now.
Orochimaru sneered. "The Fourth Kazekage? Oh, he was quite powerful at the time. But no matter how strong someone is, it won’t help if they don’t see the blade coming."
The Third Hokage’s expression darkened. "So it really was you. You’re trying to pit Konoha and Sunagakure against each other. You monster!"
Orochimaru laughed softly. "Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve prepared some special gifts for you today. You and Konoha will fall together. Your only mistake was not choosing the Fifth Hokage in time. Hahaha!"
"If that man were still around, maybe my plan wouldn’t have worked. But now... no one even knows where he is. The heavens must want you dead, Sensei."
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. He wasn’t quite sure who Orochimaru was referring to. Who in Konoha could pose such a threat?
Kakashi? Guy? Jiraiya?
He still hadn’t heard of Jiraiya’s return to the village. Aside from him, there was no one else in Konoha who could match Orochimaru.
Orochimaru saw the doubt on Sarutobi’s face and smiled slyly.
"Still can’t figure it out, can you, Lord Sarutobi? Why do you think I left so suddenly back in the Forest of Death?"
The Third Hokage mulled it over. "The Forest of Death... could it be..."
A chill ran through him.
"You mean... Riku?"
Orochimaru grinned. "Exactly. You’re finally catching on. Amazing, isn’t it? There’s such a powerful ninja right under your nose, and yet you never even noticed. And now? He’s not even here. That’s just a Shadow Clone in the arena."
"If he were here in person, my plan probably wouldn’t have worked."
Sarutobi frowned. "What happened with Riku?"
He truly had no idea what Orochimaru meant.
Orochimaru let out a long laugh. "That boy’s strength far exceeds what you’ve seen. But of course, he wouldn’t show it—not while living in Konoha."
"And besides, his teacher is Kakashi."
"In the Forest of Death, he killed me with just two techniques. If it hadn’t been for the Curse Mark resurrecting me, I’d be long gone."
"Don’t you think his strength has already surpassed yours, Lord Hokage?"
He smirked.
"It’s such a shame. If only he had the Sharingan. I would have chosen him as my next vessel."
"He’s a beautiful piece of uncut jade—but Konoha will soon be destroyed. Once I take Uchiha Sasuke, I won’t lose to him."
The Third Hokage was genuinely stunned.
Riku had killed Orochimaru?
One of the Legendary Sannin—defeated in just two moves?
That meant Riku’s strength had indeed surpassed his own... and he was only twelve.
What terrifying potential.
And yet, despite this, the Hokage felt no regret or sorrow. Instead, he smiled at Orochimaru.
"Hmph. I believe that Riku will only continue to grow stronger—and he’ll grow stronger with Konoha."
"He may not be here now, but once he returns... he’ll deal with the consequences of today."
"As for me... I’ll put an end to you, villain. Even if it costs me my life—I will not hesitate."
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