"Hello? Mom, it's me, Erhu. Can you see me?
Mother! I am two tigers! I am two tigers! I... I love you, Mom!"
Hearing the voice behind him, Ōnoki's face instantly darkened.
He suddenly realized—he'd been far too lenient with his subordinates…
So embarrassing!
Just look at the Sand Ninja…
What the hell are they doing with those ridiculous haircuts?
Rasa! Rasa! Is this all you're capable of?
Ōnoki turned his gaze to the Cloud Nin and gave them a speechless look. With Ai's kind of personality… of course his subordinates would—
Damn it! Killer Bee's actually leading them in a muscle show-off session?
Fool! Idiot!
Ōnoki spat, then closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down. He turned his gaze inward and focused.
Suddenly, he felt that his own "Two Tigers" were actually quite good…
At least they were genuine.
---
At the same time, the live broadcast screen flickered back to life, and across the ninja world, a wave of excitement surged.
For days now, people had been longing for its return—wishing upon stars, waiting beneath the moon.
Without the live feed, they had felt lifeless and bored. They didn't even feel like arguing with their mother-in-law.
But now—
The moment the screen lit up, their backs straightened and their spirits lifted. Energy surged through their limbs once more.
---
Hidden Rock Village
Watching Erhu's performance in the exam space, a group of women stared enviously at a short, dark-skinned woman in the crowd.
She was well-liked by her neighbors and known for her cheerful demeanor. But now, seeing her son call out to her by name on the broadcast, her eyes filled with pride and embarrassment.
"Second Girl, your Tiger Son really made it big."
"Yeah, Er Niu, the whole ninja world knows you now."
Her cheeks flushed red as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, bashfully smiling.
"Don't laugh at him… my tiger boy just likes the spotlight."
---
In a dark cave somewhere in the ninja world
Uchiha Madara stared at the live feed with an expressionless face.
No matter what the broadcast showed, his heart remained calm.
A few days ago, thanks to Kakashi passing out, he had taken advantage of Jiraiya's distraction to escape and hide in this cave.
All to search for Zetsu's whereabouts.
"Zetsu… I'll kill you… no matter what!"
---
Elsewhere—deep underground
Black Zetsu stared silently at the newly reappeared live feed, astonished.
He hadn't expected it to actually be broadcasting to the entire ninja world.
Even White Zetsu was watching with wide eyes.
What terrifying power this was...
Maybe… just maybe…
---
"Since the Purple Team has the fewest members, they will answer questions first," Nagato announced as he continued reading the exam rules aloud.
It was his first time playing host, and he was determined to read every single line provided by the Chūnin Exam Space.
But just as everyone began getting impatient—
Nagato suddenly raised his voice.
---
Ai's eyes gleamed.
He hadn't expected that being understaffed would come with perks.
He cracked his knuckles and looked back at Killer Bee, Karui, and the six other genin who had joined the Konoha Chūnin Exams.
"Everyone, answer seriously! If you get it right, I'll reward you generously back at the village!"
"This time, let's aim to match the Akatsuki's perfect score—don't miss a single question!"
"Purple Team, are you ready?"
"Ready! Ready!" Killer Bee was nodding so fast it looked like his neck might snap.
Ai looked at the excitement on everyone's faces and felt satisfied.
Morale… secured!
"Let's do this!"
---
Joy for some, frustration for others.
When it was announced that the Cloud Ninja would answer first, a chorus of complaints erupted from Konoha's massive contingent.
Why were they last?
What if the questions were all answered before it was their turn?
---
Similarly, the "No-Brand Army" in black clothing—positioned just to the left of the red team—also voiced their discontent.
With their numbers second only to Konoha, they felt the rule was biased.
The White-clothed Mist Nin beside them immediately took offense.
They were second in line, and suddenly these black-clothed folks wanted to change the rules?
The current order was perfectly fair!
Besides, what's there to argue about?
When the Cloud Nin fail to answer, it'll be their turn, and then they could clean up and win the whole thing!
What's the fuss?
---
Chiyo sat calmly with Maki and the rest of the Sand Nin, watching the chaos like it was a play.
Their Yellow team was fourth in line—fair enough.
For what it was worth, their group came after Rock, and just before Rain.
---
"The Purple Team will have three minutes to answer. All other teams, please remain silent!"
Hummm~
The moment Nagato spoke, the platform beneath the Cloud team glowed with purple light.
Everyone could now hear the Purple Team's conversation—but they themselves could not hear anyone else.
This shocked everyone in the space.
One-way sound blocking?
Was this… a live broadcast again?
---
There was no time for anyone to digest it.
Uzumaki Nagato, as host, had already begun the exam.
He could see every question, every correct answer, and even the full analytical breakdowns.
A huge benefit of being the host!
"Uh…"
The moment he saw the first question, answer, and analysis—Nagato's eyes widened.
His jaw practically dropped.
Orochimaru really went all out!
He killed the Kazekage, schemed against the Hokage, and brought down two of the Five Great Villages…
All at the cost of just two arms and a handful of minions?
A tactical genius!
Nagato's Rinnegan eyes moved slightly, locking onto Orochimaru using shared vision.
That guy probably hadn't—
Wait...
He looked at Orochimaru's limp arms.
Then at the absent Hiruzen Sarutobi and Rasa.
Then back at the analysis text.
Nagato could only sigh.
The timing...
The setup…
Orochimaru… you're a damn legend!
---
The viewers below were growing more curious.
Nagato's shocked face had piqued their interest—what kind of question could possibly stun someone with the Rinnegan?
They wanted to peek…
But saw nothing.
---
Tsk.
Could he stop making such a big deal of it?
A bunch of people stared at Nagato bitterly.
If they were strong enough, someone would've shouted at him already.
---
In the Red Team, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
He didn't have proof—but something told him Nagato had just looked his way.
Could it be that the first question… was about him?
While suspicion brewed in his mind, Nagato finally returned to his senses.
"Question 1: Who killed the Fourth Kazekage before the Chūnin Exams?"
---
Boom!
Orochimaru froze.
Shit!
Oh no!
This is bad!
He had just taken out Rasa—and now the question drops?
Is the Exam Space updating in real time now?
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at the other team platforms.
He was sure the Purple, White, and Brown Teams couldn't answer this one.
But...
The Yellow Team came before Red.
Which meant—the Sand Nin would absolutely get the correct answer before him!
Damn it!
He clicked his tongue and looked at Nagato again.
Was this intentional?
Was the leader trying to force his hand—to tie him to the Akatsuki once and for all?
If not, that's fine…
But if it was intentional…
Nagato, couldn't you just read my damn ninja ID and call it a day?