SHINOBI EXAM

The Raikage's roar reverberated through the room.

"Better!!!!" Ai's voice cracked as tears streamed down his face, his veins bulging with the intensity of his emotions. The walls of his office bore the brunt of his anger, cracks spreading outward from the impact of his fists.

"How dare they?! How dare they hurt my brother like this! My Cloud Shinobi family!"

His breath heaved with rage and desperation. "Unforgivable! UNFORGIVABLE!"

Turning to his assistant Mabuyi, Ai demanded, "Gather all information on Akatsuki! Immediately, now, immediately! This future must be stopped!"

---

Kirigakure: The Bloody Mist

The video shifted to the Land of Water, where the aftermath of a terrible revelation was unfolding.

"Yagura-sama... was under genjutsu?"

The realization hit the Mist Shinobi like a tidal wave. The Fourth Mizukage, once revered and feared, had been manipulated all along.

"Then... all of his cruel policies, the Blood Mist era..."

The memories of friends and comrades lost during Yagura's reign flooded their minds. They had obeyed orders, believing in the Mizukage's authority. Yet now, those actions felt like daggers twisting in their hearts.

One shinobi fell to his knees, clutching his head. His cries were raw and filled with anguish. "What have we done?! What have we become?!"

A group of Mist Shinobi surged toward the Mizukage Building, their rage and grief driving them to end Yagura's torment.

"Stop!"

The commanding voice of Terumi Mei, a striking kunoichi with long auburn hair, cut through the chaos. She stood firm, flanked by several senior Mist Shinobi, including Ao.

"Now is not the time," Mei declared. "We need to watch the rest of the video and gather information. If this truly is a Konoha conspiracy, we can't act rashly."

The crowd hesitated but eventually relented. "Yes, Mei-sama. But we must investigate Konoha, the Uchiha clan, and the Sharingan immediately."

---

Gaara's Call to Unity

The desolate tone of the background music complemented the heavy atmosphere as Gaara continued to speak in the video.

"At this moment, there are no enemies here," Gaara declared. "There is no Sand Shinobi, Rock Shinobi, Konoha, Mist Shinobi, or Cloud Shinobi. There is no Wind Country, Earth Country, Fire Country, Water Country, or Lightning Country!"

He paused, his voice steady but filled with passion.

"There are only ninjas... hurt by Akatsuki."

The Ninja Alliance was silent, their minds replaying their collective pain and loss. Gaara's words awakened something within them—unity forged through shared suffering.

"If you still can't forgive Sand Shinobi," Gaara added, "then after the war, come and chop off my head."

---

Reactions Across the Ninja World

In Konoha, the guards Izumo and Kotetsu watched the video in disbelief.

Kotetsu muttered, "Did that boy from Sand Shinobi really say that? He's the future captain of the Ninja Alliance?"

Izumo shook his head. "Unbelievable. How did he become someone with such resolve?"

The screen shifted to Gaara's face, his voice unwavering.

"Now! The enemy is trying to take away my friend who saved me!"

Naruto tilted his head, confused by the statement. "Eh? Me?"

Nearby, Sasuke Uchiha's hands clenched into fists. His dark eyes locked on the screen, his mind racing. The image of Konoha's destruction by Akatsuki, the thought of his mother's resurrection being jeopardized, and the fear of Itachi discovering Naruto's role all gnawed at him.

Why am I so weak?

The realization stung. Sasuke's gaze darkened as his mind spiraled. His thoughts turned to power—an insatiable desire to protect his loved ones and achieve revenge.

---

The Impact of Pain

The video returned to the present-day Gaara, his presence commanding respect.

"That person cried for me," Gaara admitted, his tone softer now. "An enemy... saw me as a friend and saved me."

Naruto blinked, realization dawning on him.

"He taught me that the hole in my heart could be filled—with love, with friendship, and with understanding."

Gaara's words struck a chord. Across the battlefield, ninja from every village looked to him with newfound respect. His transformation from a feared Jinchūriki to a respected Kazekage embodied the hope of a unified future.

---

Sasuke's Inner Turmoil

As the video played on, Sasuke's thoughts grew darker. His insecurities consumed him.

Why don't I appear in the video?

The question lingered. Was he absent because he failed? Was he dead? Or was he standing beside Naruto, a last line of defense against Akatsuki?

The fear of losing everything—Naruto, his mother, his chance at revenge—fueled his growing obsession with power.

I need to become stronger. No matter the cost.

---

A New Dawn

Gaara's speech ended with a powerful declaration.

"If we are to protect the future, we must fight as one."

The camera panned over the 80,000-strong Ninja Alliance, their resolve solidifying. Leaders like Kakashi, Mifune, and even the skeptical Raikage nodded in agreement.

For the first time, the fragmented world of ninja seemed united in their purpose.

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