Sakura Haruno is Usefull

As Sasuke and Gaara entered the stage, Sakura's eyes narrowed slightly.

The main event had begun.

Kakashi calmly watched Sasuke from above.

Sasuke. He had already taught Sasuke his father's sword techniques.

Sasuke was extraordinarily gifted. In just a month, he had learned the Hatake sword style to a level that resembled true mastery.

Fast. Ruthless. Precise.

The moment the match began, Sasuke retrieved a longsword from a storage scroll bound to his wrist. Lightning burst forth from his body like a raging thunder beast as he charged at Gaara.

Watching Sasuke, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a bit dazed.

It was as if he saw his father wielding his blade once more.

"...Kakashi."

Sakura's voice broke his thoughts.

"What is it?"

The girl's words interrupted his reverie.

"Who do you think is stronger, you or Kazekage Rasa?"

"???"

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly, unsure what Sakura was implying.

Him?

The Kazekage?

Stronger?

Heavens, he was just an ordinary, unremarkable Konoha jōnin…

How could he ever compare himself to a Kage?

"…You're not joking, right?"

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Sakura pointed at Gaara below and said,

"Don't tell me you can't see it—he's the One-Tails Jinchūriki."

"Even I can tell that guy's unstable. Look at those dark circles; he probably hasn't slept in years. For the Sand Village to send him to this joint Chūnin Exam held by the three great nations… isn't their intention obvious?"

Indeed, the truth wasn't far off. Even Gamabunta was aware of the One-Tail's situation; Kakashi had no reason to be ignorant.

Kakashi fell silent.

Outwardly, the village seemed calm, but beneath the surface, turbulent waves brewed.

Not long ago, Hayate Gekkō had mysteriously disappeared, and when he was found, he was already a corpse.

For such an incident to occur at such a critical juncture, it was hard not to overthink.

"Sakura, are you seriously suggesting I face off against Rasa?"

Kakashi looked conflicted as he gazed at the Third Hokage's student. He truly lacked confidence.

After all, the opponent was a Kage.

Fight the Kazekage?

Was she serious?

"Kakashi, you've got to give it your all," Sakura said, her gaze falling on Kakashi's covered eye.

Having worked in the ANBU for four years, Sakura had taken the liberty, out of personal curiosity, to study Kakashi's records in detail.

She had a deep understanding of how Kakashi's Sharingan both benefited and hindered him.

Honestly, Sakura sometimes felt like plucking that eye out herself.

Though it had earned Kakashi the title of "Copy Ninja," he should have considered who he was up against.

Ever since the Nine-Tails' attack twelve years ago, Kakashi had stagnated.

A ninja should see significant power growth after the age of twelve, but Kakashi's progress was minimal because of that eye.

Look at other true Uchiha clansmen—none of them relied on the Sharingan to copy jutsu during battles.

Granted, the Sharingan would become immensely useful later, but for now, it was undoubtedly a burden on Kakashi.

Just look at Boruto's Kakashi, who was far more formidable without the Sharingan, his Lightning Cutter turning into a purple storm.

And that was Kakashi in his forties or fifties.

"...…"

Kakashi stared at the pink-haired girl in front of him, feeling speechless.

This kid really trusted him…

A bit too much…

It felt like she was pushing him into a pit of fire.

Seeing Kakashi's clear lack of confidence, Sakura pursed her lips and added, somewhat exasperated:

"Well, worst case, just bring your partner along for support."

"Partner?"

Kakashi frowned slightly, confused.

"Might Guy, of course."

"Aren't you two always together? It's hard not to think there's something more than friendship between you two."

Sakura arched her brows as if her statement was the most natural thing in the world.

"Th-this…"

"That's pure slander!"

Kakashi, flustered, immediately tried to clear up the misunderstanding about his perfectly normal preferences.

Heavens, he had lived a clean life, and at twenty-seven years old, to be mistaken for…

That was too much!

"It's not just me who thinks so. Who told you to hang out with Guy all the time and never have a girl around?"

Seeing Kakashi's indignant reaction, Sakura felt strangely amused.

"I!"

Kakashi was about to retort when he suddenly sensed a chaotic and malevolent chakra emanating from the arena. His expression instantly changed.

Sakura also turned her gaze to the center of the arena, where a massive sand sphere had appeared.

Sasuke, gripping his sword, warily watched the sandy orb.

By now, Sasuke's strength had improved significantly. Not only had he mastered Kakashi's signature techniques, but he had also learned the White Fang's swordsmanship.

Against Sasuke's relentless and ferocious assaults, Gaara had completely lost control.

A gigantic sand claw, adorned with purple markings, reached out from the sandy sphere toward Sasuke!

Reacting swiftly, Sasuke infused his sword with Lightning Release. A flash of electricity split the claw nearly in half!

On the high platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of pale blue smoke, his face grave as he watched the scene unfold.

Shukaku, the One-Tail.

He was all too familiar with this tailed beast.

Whether in the Second or Third Great Ninja War, the Sand Village had always unleashed this beast onto the battlefield.

"Kazekage-dono, what is the meaning of this?"

Hiruzen remained silent, but the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, spoke up first.

Hiruzen's gaze flickered toward Ōnoki, his mind racing.

Was the Tsuchikage not collaborating with the Kazekage?

But it was hard to say. Konoha's intelligence suggested that Rasa had made contact with someone in the Land of Earth before arriving in Konoha.

But who exactly was unclear.

Rasa, calm and composed, watched the arena. His tone was indifferent.

"Tsuchikage-dono, have you truly grown senile?"

"What do you mean?"

"Does the Land of Earth have enough food?"

With just one sentence, Rasa pierced through the Tsuchikage's motives.

Rasa removed the hat representing his title as Kazekage and continued:

"The Land of Fire uses its resources to strangle other nations."

"If we do nothing, we will inevitably fall into despair."

"This last resort is not my sin."

"It is the fault of the Hokage."

Rasa's words were loud and clear, echoing throughout the venue.

The Kazekage's declaration was like a signal. The Sand Village's delegation immediately took out scrolls and began forming seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Dozens of giant snakes suddenly appeared throughout Konoha, plunging the village into chaos!

Ōnoki watched Rasa intently.

This man had approached him before, though he neither agreed nor refused his offer…

Now, Rasa's words left him conflicted.

If the power of the Kazekage and Tsuchikage united to eliminate the Hokage, with Orochimaru lurking in the shadows…

This was a heaven-sent opportunity...

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