Chapter 177 : Riku Threat To Sunagakure
Three days passed quickly, and Sunagakure’s Chūnin Exams were not much different from Konoha’s previous ones.
As the group entered the examination room, Riku glanced at them with a smile. "Everyone, this time we’re in Sunagakure—don’t embarrass Konoha."
Sakura, Lee, Neji, Tenten, Shino, Hinata, Kiba, Ino, and Chōji were all present.
If Shikamaru, Sasuke, and Naruto were here too, the full set of the Konoha Twelve would be complete.
Looking at Riku’s easy smile, Kiba curled his lips and muttered, "Showing off again..."
Hinata spoke up earnestly, "Riku-sensei, we’ll definitely do our best."
Ino raised her hands excitedly. "This time, I’m definitely becoming a Chūnin! Then I’ll become a Jōnin and follow in your footsteps, Riku!"
Shino, usually quiet, suddenly interjected, "You think becoming a Jōnin is enough to follow in Riku’s footsteps?"
Ino’s excitement deflated in an instant. She glared at Shino. "Don’t ruin my vibe!"
Shino went quiet again.
Meanwhile, Chōji and Neji looked at Riku with serious expressions.
Lee clenched his fists and looked at Riku with determination. "Riku, I believe I’ll pass the Chūnin Exams this time. And when I do, I’ll defeat you!"
Riku smiled calmly. "I welcome your challenge anytime. But first, you have to pass these exams. If you do, I’ll gladly accept."
Neji looked eager as well. He had a general idea of Riku’s strength—exceptional, likely even Kage-level. But he believed that with enough effort, he might catch up someday.
Outside the exam building, Asuma, Kurenai, and Guy stood beside Riku. After escorting their teams to the venue, they found seats nearby to observe.
These three were the team leaders for this round of the exams—but Riku was the overall team leader.
It was unusual for a single Jōnin to lead three others, but none of them found it strange. After all, Riku’s strength had earned their respect.
Even Uchiha Itachi, who could easily suppress Kakashi, was wary of Riku—and possibly couldn’t even defeat him. With that kind of power, the other Jōnin had no complaints.
They believed Riku would one day become as great as the Fourth Hokage—or perhaps, he already had the strength to rival him.
Guy, especially, had a close relationship with Riku and knew that he had mastered Wood Style.
Two years ago, Riku’s Wood Style was already far beyond Yamato’s. With his talent, it had likely reached a remarkable level by now—perhaps even approaching that of the First Hokage.
Riku and Guy had once spoken of Hashirama Senju—the kind of ninja who could suppress an entire era.
Guy believed that Riku might truly reach that level someday. Not yet—but soon.
The four sat outside the Sunagakure exam hall, chatting about the past as they waited.
While they talked, the first round of the exams concluded.
Everyone from Konoha passed.
The second exam would take place the next day.
Riku observed the other participants from various villages. Some of them he recognized—like Fū from Takigakure, and the girl from Amegakure who would later become one of the Six Paths of Pain under Nagato’s control.
They, in turn, were curious about Riku.
He appeared to be their age—so why was he acting as a Jōnin team leader?
As Riku led the Konoha genin out of the examination room, he noticed Temari, Kankurō, and Gaara standing at the entrance.
Clearly, they were waiting for the Konoha group.
Riku thought for a moment, then walked over with his team.
Gaara remained calm when he saw Riku, but Temari and Kankurō looked solemn.
They still couldn’t believe the information they’d uncovered about Riku over the past year.
He had actually subdued a Tailed Beast.
Standing before them, Riku greeted them with a smile. "You three are already Chūnin? That was fast."
Though Temari and Kankurō were only Chūnin, they already had the privilege of attending high-level meetings. That meant Sunagakure’s leadership viewed them as important. Of course, much of that had to do with their father being the Fourth Kazekage.
Temari was seventeen, Kankurō sixteen, and Gaara was the same age as Riku.
Yet while they had become Chūnin, Riku was already a special Jōnin—and likely to be promoted to full Jōnin status soon.
Clearly, his advancement had been far more rapid.
Temari and Kankurō didn’t know much about Riku beyond his strength and the missions he’d completed. But what stood out to them was that despite his power, he didn’t carry himself with arrogance.
They even forgot for a moment that he was younger than both of them.
Temari stepped forward. "Can I talk to you?"
This had been Sunagakure’s leadership’s plan all along—to have Temari and the others try to gather intel from Riku. But the trio chose a direct, no-frills approach.
If the higher-ups in Sunagakure knew how bluntly they were handling it, they’d probably cough up blood in frustration.
Riku looked at Gaara, then said calmly, "So, your village has some questions for me?"
"But sure, let’s talk. Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei, Guy-sensei—please take the others to the hotel first. I’ll join you shortly."
He smiled, utterly at ease.
But Asuma and the others weren’t too comfortable with that.
Guy stepped forward and stood beside Riku. "May I ask what Sunagakure wants to discuss with Riku? As a Konoha Jōnin, I may be able to answer your questions myself."
Asuma and Kurenai came over as well.
Riku could feel the tension. All three Sand shinobi in front of him were Jōnin-level.
Yet Gaara remained calm.
Riku smiled and said, "Don’t worry, Guy-sensei. I’ll just have a quick chat."
Asuma frowned and looked at Riku. "What if it’s dangerous? You know how important you are to Konoha right now."
It was a clear warning: if something happened to Riku, the consequences for Konoha could be catastrophic.
But Asuma and Kurenai didn’t fully understand the extent of Riku’s power. He never went out of his way to explain it to them.
So he looked at Guy and said with a smile, "Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Unless they plan to start a war with Konoha, there’s nothing they can do to me."
In truth, even without Riku, Sunagakure was no match for Konoha.
And with Riku present, there wasn’t a single person in the entire village who posed any real threat to him.
Not Baki, not Chiyo—not even Gaara.
Even combined, they wouldn’t be enough.
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