"I see."

Minato Namikaze smiled bitterly. "Over the years, I have always kept your words in my heart, Master. I have never taken the villagers' misunderstandings and insults to heart."

"Good," Jiraiya nodded, satisfied. "Don't worry. After today, I will vindicate you. The title of Fourth Hokage will be yours once more."

Minato scratched his head, a sheepish smile on his face. "Master, I don't care about the position of Hokage. As long as the village can continue to grow and prosper, I will be satisfied."

"You are still as kind as you were when you were a child." Jiraiya was pleased. He looked toward the examination arena, his expression turning serious. "That mysterious Uchiha boy is about to fight. Do you know him?"

Minato shook his head. "I don't. I've never heard of him, and I don't know which Uchiha child he is."

"Yes, that is what makes me most curious about him," Jiraiya said, crossing his arms. "Let's see just how strong he really is."

Down on the field, Shiro Uchiha and Temari stood facing each other. Temari looked Shiro up and down, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "They say the Uchiha clan is full of handsome men. Seeing you up close today, it's absolutely true. Don't worry, I'll try to be gentle."

Shiro's expression remained impassive. "Forfeit. You cannot beat me, and my target is not you, nor the Sand Village."

"?" Temari was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Hahahaha, you're quite cool, aren't you? Not bad at all! I like you even more now!"

Seeing the examination arena turning into a strange courtship venue, Genma Shiranui muttered to himself, "Kids these days are so direct."

"Enough talk!" he shouted. "Let the match begin!"

The moment he spoke, Temari whipped the fan from her back and snapped it open. "Just you wait! I'm going to defeat you!"

"Wind Style: Great Sickle Weasel!"

Temari swung her fan, and a powerful wave of wind surged toward Shiro like a tidal wave. Shiro made no move to dodge. He simply clasped his hands together and shouted, "Wood Style: Wooden Palisade Wall!"

A row of thick, curved wooden pillars erupted from the ground, intercepting the wind attack and wrapping around Shiro like a protective shield.

"W-Wood… Wood Release?"

Everyone present was stunned into silence. The originally boisterous arena was now eerily quiet. After a full ten seconds, a single voice broke the dead silence.

"Am I seeing this right? He… he can use Wood Release? An Uchiha can use Wood Release?!"

In an instant, an unprecedented uproar broke out in the stands.

"This is incredible! I never thought I'd see the legendary Wood Release in my lifetime! And from an Uchiha, no less!"

"This is terrifying! The strength of the Uchiha is terrifying!"

"Don't even try to compete with me! The Uchiha clan belongs to us! No matter the cost, I will make them join our country!"

"Hmph, sorry, but I've already claimed them!"

The leaders of the various nations and ninja villages were in a frenzy. Wood Release was a game-changer. Coupled with the power of the Sharingan, they all knew that whoever had the Uchiha on their side, it would only be a matter of time before they dominated the world.

While they were practically fighting amongst themselves, Hiruzen Sarutobi could no longer remain seated. His face was a mask of pure shock, a chill running down his spine. The Fourth Kazekage beside him also had his eyes wide open, his greedy gaze locked on Shiro. From behind him, an inconspicuous little snake slithered away, disappearing into the crowd.

Faced with Wood Release, Temari was completely dumbfounded. As she hesitated, a thick vine suddenly shot out from the ground beneath her feet, wrapping tightly around her and hoisting her into the air.

"You lose."