425. The Exhibition Event

"The specific rules for the second phase of this Chunin Exam are as follows:"

"All participating teams will be randomly placed at various locations within the Forest of Death. Before the start, each team will receive a scroll."

"There are two types of scrolls: the Heaven Scroll and the Earth Scroll."

"Only by collecting both scrolls and successfully reaching the central tower in the Forest of Death can a team advance to the next round."

"It is worth noting that this phase of the exam will be broadcast live."

"Konoha will use the Telescope Technique to project the participants' performances in real-time onto a large screen, allowing the audience to enjoy the thrilling displays of the competitors."

As soon as Danzo finished speaking, the massive screen set up in front of the audience projected various scenes from the Forest of Death.

The images were crystal clear, even showing small animals peeking out from the trees.

This was one of the latest achievements from Konoha's research institute—a fusion of ninjutsu and machinery, resulting in what Danzo personally named 'surveillance technology'!

Of course, this surveillance system was just one of many scientific ninja tools developed by the institute.

But it was enough to astonish the political dignitaries from various nations present at the event.

In their eyes, this silent, long-range monitoring method was no less effective than the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan.

If Konoha deployed this technology on the battlefield, wouldn't they be able to monitor enemy movements at any time?

Moreover, the Forest of Death, which Konoha had chosen as the exam site, covered a vast area of pristine forest and several mountain ranges. Its size was comparable to a small battlefield.

If Konoha could accurately track the locations of all participants within such a large area, as Danzo claimed, it meant they could do the same on the battlefield.

This inference undoubtedly left the Raikage, the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning, Ōnoki, and others feeling uneasy.

The only one visibly excited was probably Yahiko, the leader of Amegakure.

If it weren't for Konan holding him back, he might have stood up and cheered for Konoha's progress.

After introducing the live broadcast technology, Danzo waved his hand, and the content on the screen changed again.

Various monsters slowly emerged from the depths of the forest.

Without exception, these creatures looked ferocious and had a grotesque, stitched-together appearance.

For example, there was a saber-toothed tiger with a scorpion's tail, a winged serpent with fangs, and a centipede with a human face...

The sight sent chills down the spines of both the audience and the participants.

"These are 200 chimeric beasts cultivated by Konoha's research institute. They will be randomly distributed throughout the Forest of Death, each possessing combat strength equivalent to or greater than that of a Chunin."

"If you encounter them, please be extremely cautious. Do not let them eliminate you from the exam."

"Of course, if you manage to defeat these chimeric beasts, Konoha will award you with a mysterious prize."

As Danzo spoke, a giant beetle suddenly burst out of the forest, charging toward the outside.

Before anyone could react, a sharp whistling sound was heard, and a high-speed projectile tore through the air, accurately hitting the beetle.

With a deafening boom, the beetle was engulfed in flames and torn to pieces.

For a moment, the entire venue fell silent.

Finally, Danzo broke the silence with a smile.

"This is Konoha's chakra artillery system, designed to prevent these chimeric beasts from escaping the Forest of Death."

"Now, there are only 199 chimeric beasts left in the forest."

Danzo seemed to be making a joke, but none of the political dignitaries from other nations found it funny.

Not only did Konoha possess real-time tracking and projection technology, but they had also developed chakra artillery?

That beetle had been two stories tall. Even a jōnin would have needed significant effort to take down such a massive creature, and for a Chunin, it would have been a formidable challenge.

Its combat strength was comparable to some of the most powerful large summoning creatures!

And yet, it was obliterated in an instant.

The destructive power of this artillery was evident.

Even jōnin, if caught in the blast without using ninjutsu, would be killed instantly. If Konoha could preemptively locate targets and launch a large-scale bombardment...

The Kage present couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

Only the son of the Land of Earth's Daimyō, hidden among the audience, was visibly excited.

If they could procure such weapons, they would undoubtedly play a massive role on the battlefield!

Once the exam was over, he would make sure to sign that contract with Elder Danzo as soon as possible.

The Land of Earth's eldest son thought to himself.

Perhaps sensing the tension among the participants, Danzo offered a reassuring smile.

"Of course, in keeping with the belief of 'peace in the shinobi world', if a situation arises that threatens the safety of any participant, I will intervene immediately to ensure their safety as much as possible."

Danzo's words eased the participants' fears of being eliminated by the chimeric beasts, but not entirely.

After all, the Forest of Death was vast, and even Danzo couldn't possibly cover everything. As he said, he would only 'ensure their safety as much as possible'.

In the end, it was a matter of fate.

Of course, not everyone was grateful to Danzo.

For example, Deidara, who was currently sulking, thought to himself:

'I'm going to go all out and see if you, the Darkness of the Shinobi, can stop me!'

Unlike this brat, Ōnoki and others were pondering more complex issues.

Since Danzo was so confident in making such a guarantee, it meant he must have some special means to showcase during this exam.

Otherwise, this old fox known as the Darkness of the Shinobi wouldn't have gone through all this trouble.

By now, whether it was Ōnoki, A, or Mei Terumī, they had all begun to realize that this wasn't just a Chunin Exam.

It was more like a massive exhibition event.

Not only was Konoha showcasing its latest technology to the entire shinobi world, but it was also exporting its culture, attracting a large population, and further advancing the Land of Fire's development.

It was a complete win!

While these leaders understood the underlying motives, they knew they couldn't replicate it.

Their own internal issues were far from resolved, and attempting to host such an event would only make them a laughingstock.

Thus, they could only shoot meaningful glances at Danzo.

And sincerely hope that Konoha's participants would be eliminated in the next round.