Yakushi Kabuto wins!" Kakashi loudly announced the victor’s name.

"Although I knew I couldn’t win, I didn’t expect to lose so easily," Hayate Gekkō sighed.

Kabuto had defeated him with simple and unadorned Water-breathing techniques.

Kabuto smiled and pulled Hayate up. "You train very solidly, Hayate. If I hadn’t been practicing Breathing Techniques longer than you, I might have been in danger this time."

"You and your humility. If I believed that, I’d be a fool," Hayate didn’t believe Kabuto’s modesty.

Initially, Hayate might have believed him, but after getting to know Kabuto, he realized this was just his cautious nature. Kabuto rarely bragged about his strength.

Seeing Hayate’s disbelief, Kabuto just smiled and remained silent. The two left the arena together.

"The second match: Takuya vs. Uchiha Itachi!" Shortly after, Kakashi announced the second semifinal match, which was also the day’s last match.

Only the semifinals were scheduled for today to ensure a better showdown for the finalists, with the final match set for tomorrow.

As soon as Itachi and Takuya stepped onto the stage, Nagasawa, watching from above, knew that Itachi would win this match.

’I wonder to what extent Itachi and Kabuto will go in the finals,’ Nagasawa was already thinking about the final match tomorrow.

He felt it might be exciting. Two friends who often trained together are now facing off in the finals. Would it be a friendly spar or a fierce battle?

Nagasawa had stirred the pot and offered incentives to ensure both would give their all. This was a special Chūnin Exam, and it would be a pity if the final match ended ordinarily.

The second match was slightly more intense than the first, but ultimately, Itachi defeated Takuya with his myriad techniques.

With precise shuriken throws, unexpected single-hand seals, powerful Fire Release, and sharp swordsmanship, Itachi overwhelmed Takuya.

Defeated, Takuya showed no resentment but admiration, clearly impressed by Itachi’s skills.

"Uchiha Itachi wins." Kakashi announced the victor again.

The finalists were now determined: a battle between two Konoha ninjas, also members of the Special Operations Unit.

After the match, Itachi left with his parents, who had come to watch it together since it was the semifinals.

"You did very well today. Your hard work paid off," Fugaku praised his eldest son.

"Mm," Itachi responded, his expression unchanged, not overly pleased by his father’s praise.

Victory was within his expectations, so Fugaku’s praise didn’t stir his emotions. At seven years old, Itachi wasn’t an ordinary child. He wouldn’t be easily swayed by simple compliments from his father.

He found more joy in discussing matters of war and peace with Nagasawa.

"You often train with Kabuto. You should be well aware of his strength. How confident are you in winning against him?" Fugaku asked, not bothered by Itachi’s calm demeanor, knowing it was just his nature.

"It’s hard to say. Kabuto is very strong. I’m not very confident, but I won’t give up easily. It should be a fifty-fifty chance," Itachi replied thoughtfully.

"Do your best to win first place. I’ll prepare a gift that you’ll like," Fugaku said, then added, "Even if you don’t win, there will still be a gift. Just do your best."

"Mm," Itachi nodded lightly, indicating he would give his all.

Even without Fugaku’s words, he would still face the match seriously, driven by many reasons: Nagasawa’s rewards, the need for Kabuto to experience defeat, and his desire to win and become stronger.

To achieve his ideals, immense strength was indispensable.

Holding hands with his mother, Sasuke showed an envious expression as his father praised and promised gifts to Itachi.

Fugaku rarely praised Sasuke, only occasionally complimenting him when he behaved exceptionally well.

’If I were as strong as my brother, would I also receive my father’s praise often?’ Sasuke thought.

Meanwhile, as the Chūnin Exams heated up in Konoha, Zetsu returned to the Akatsuki base in Amegakure and met with Nagato.

In a room deep within Amegakure, Nagato sat in a wheelchair, his lifeless Rinnegan eyes staring silently at the drizzling rain outside.

Konan stood beside him, quietly accompanying him while he watched the rain.

Zetsu emerged from the wooden floor, appearing behind the two.

Not bothering to conceal his presence, Nagato immediately noticed Zetsu.

"Do you have any intelligence to report?" Nagato asked, turning around.

"Yes, and it’s very important," Zetsu replied seriously.

"Very important intelligence?" Nagato stared at Zetsu.

"The Akatsuki base and our objective of collecting the Tailed Beasts may have been leaked to Konoha," Zetsu revealed.

Nagato’s pale face turned grim, his brow furrowing. Despite his caution, how could Konoha have discovered their plans?

Moreover, only he, Konan, and Zetsu knew the true purpose of collecting the Tailed Beasts. How could this information have leaked?

"Did something go wrong on ’Madara’s’ end?" Nagato asked, his gaze intense.

Nagato couldn’t fathom how information about their Tailed Beast collection had leaked. He had yet to tell the Akatsuki members.

Eliminating all other possibilities, the remaining, however improbable, must be the truth—Madara’s end had issues.

"Yes, there were issues on Madara’s end. He was handling an important matter and controlled someone to complete his arrangements in his absence. That person accidentally fell into Konoha’s hands and knew all about Akatsuki’s plans. Thus, our intelligence might have been compromised," Zetsu explained.

"What was this ’important matter’ that caused our plans to be exposed to Konoha?" Nagato asked, clearly displeased.

"Who knows? It’s Madara we’re talking about," Zetsu replied with a smirk, its intentions unreadable from its black-and-white face.

"Why didn’t he come with you?" Nagato asked.

"He’s still busy with his important task and couldn’t come," Zetsu answered. "But he’s arranged everything. Akatsuki can move from Amegakure to the Land of Rice Fields and start anew there."

"We have to leave Amegakure?" Konan spoke up.

She had always stayed in Amegakure with Nagato and Yahiko. Leaving it behind was unthinkable to her.

"Since our base has been compromised, we must relocate," Nagato said after a moment’s silence. "Though Konoha might not immediately see us as enemies, having our base known means they could attack us directly in the future. We need to ensure our safety by moving."

"The Land of Rice Fields has no ninja village and is weak in power. Additionally, we’ve gained control over the country’s officials, making it ideal for Akatsuki’s development. We could even establish a new ninja village there," White Zetsu suggested.

"We can’t abandon our hold on Amegakure. Leave some reliable people here to maintain control," Nagato said after some thought.

Having endured so much to overthrow Hanzō and seize control of Amegakure, he wasn’t willing to give it up so easily. Amegakure’s ninja were skilled in assassination, making them a valuable asset.

"Moreover, to gain power capable of countering Nagasawa, Madara has devised a plan for you. It involves a secret technique to absorb suitable Kekkei Genkai, increasing your strength," Zetsu said.

"What enhancement plan?" Nagato asked warily, not fully trusting Madara, whom he hadn’t considered a true comrade like Konan and Yahiko.

Zetsu explained the technique and handed it over to Nagato, suggesting he consult Hiruko, the developer, if he had doubts.

"According to Madara, if you absorb White Zetsu with Hashirama’s cells, you should be able to walk again and reduce the strain of using the Rinnegan," Zetsu said, painting a rosy picture for Nagato.

For Nagato, confined to a wheelchair, this was a tempting offer. It promised not only the ability to walk but also enhanced strength.

Nagato agreed, knowing he needed this power to face Nagasawa and realize his peace ideals.

"Alright, I understand," Nagato replied, showing no outward joy.

Zetsu chuckled and vanished into the ground.

After a while, Konan spoke, "This might be a trap. Madara has his schemes."

Nagato nodded. "You’re right. We must be cautious. But Madara’s goals align with ours for now—Nagasawa is his target too. The plan should enhance my power."

Nagato’s meaning was clear: proceed cautiously but follow the plan to gain strength.

With enough power, achieving their goals and facing Nagasawa is possible. As the new god of this era, Nagato needed unrivaled strength to ensure his plans.

"Understood," Konan agreed, ready to support Nagato’s decision.

Meanwhile, Yagura slowly regained consciousness, finding himself bound by thick chains on a bed in an underground structure. He recalled the events leading to his capture and struggled against the chains and seals suppressing his chakra.

Attempting to communicate with Isobu, the Three-Tails, he found no assistance. Isobu refused, fearing another beating.

Yagura noticed someone approaching and braced himself for what was to come.