Chapter 187: The Cowardly Hidden Grass Village [Part 2] (Patreon)

Chapter List: Naruto: Sakura Blizzard

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"What do you think you're doing?!"

Within the human wall of encirclement, two Hidden Grass Village ninjas watched apprehensively as Sakura and her group approached with unfriendly expressions. However, their tension turned to arrogance the moment they saw Karin hiding behind Sasuke.

"Karin, why have you brought these people here? What about your teammates? Did you collude with outsiders to kill them?"

"I... I didn't..." Karin clung to Sasuke's cloak, her face full of fear.

"Why are you standing with them? Get back here right now..." Seeing this, the Hidden Grass Village ninjas became even more brazen. "What? Planning to betray the Hidden Grass Village?!"

"I..." Karin shivered, subconsciously stepping forward, but Sasuke swiftly caught her wrist.

"Relax. You don't have to be afraid of them..." A cold smile appeared on Sasuke's face. "They should be the ones scared, not you!"

"What do you mean? Let me tell you, we came here for the Chunin Exam. You from Konoha can't bully us just because you think you're powerful!" The Hidden Grass Village ninjas began causing a commotion, trying to attract the attention of other ninja villages nearby.

"Before you accuse Konoha, I have a question about your Hidden Grass Village!" Kakashi spoke evenly, a chilling glint in his eyes. "If I remember correctly, when the Uzumaki clan was annihilated years ago, Konoha issued an order. Any subordinate ninja village that discovered an Uzumaki must report immediately. Now, not only did your village imprison an Uzumaki orphan, but you also killed one. I suggest you think about how you'll explain this!"

The bond between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan was profound, as both the First Hokage and the Fourth Hokage's wife were Uzumakis. After the clan's annihilation, Konoha commanded its subordinate villages to report any Uzumaki sightings. Moreover, these villages were forbidden from harming any Uzumaki. The Hidden Grass Village, a subordinate to Konoha, not only concealed this information but was also responsible for the death of Karin's mother, a direct provocation of Konoha's authority. No one would blame Konoha if it decided to retaliate against the Hidden Grass Village.

"We..."

The Hidden Grass Village ninjas panicked, having underestimated Konoha's reaction. They hoped that keeping Karin hidden would prevent Konoha from discovering the truth. They didn't anticipate everything unraveling during the Chunin Exam.

"Enough with the excuses. Accept your beating and explain yourselves to the Third Hokage!"

Sakura weighed her baseball bat, signaling Naruto and the others with a smirk. They surrounded the two ninjas from the Hidden Grass Village and began beating them without hesitation.

"Ah... help! Stop... don't..."

Screams echoed from within the circle, but nearby ninjas, although curious, didn't intervene. In the world of ninjas, meddling could cost one's life. Despite their curiosity, they moved on after a brief glance.

When the screaming ceased, the Hidden Grass Village ninjas were unrecognizable. Even close acquaintances wouldn't have identified them.

"Let's go. We're taking these two to the Third Hokage..."

Following Sakura's command, Naruto dispelled most of his shadow clones, leaving two to drag the beaten ninjas toward the Third Hokage's residence.

The Third Hokage, preparing to oversee the next Chunin Exam, looked at the battered forms on the ground with a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"What trouble have you caused now?!"

"Grandpa Third Hokage, it's not us. It's the Hidden Grass Village!" Sakura explained defensively, bringing Karin from behind Sasuke. "This is Karin, Uzumaki Karin, a genuine descendant of the Uzumaki clan..."

"Red hair, and this chakra..." The Third Hokage sensed something special, his eyes lighting up. "Where did you find her?"

"In the Forest of Death. Karin was participating in the Chunin Exam as a Hidden Grass Village ninja!"

Sakura recounted Karin's past, and as the Third Hokage's expression darkened, it became clear that the Hidden Grass Village was in serious trouble.

"Karin, is it?" Suppressing his anger, the Third Hokage smiled kindly at Karin. "Can you tell me about your mother?"

"Since I can remember, Mom and I lived in Hidden Grass Village. We were poor but happy until they discovered Mom's healing abilities. They imprisoned her, kept me under surveillance, and used her to heal themselves by biting her. She weakened and eventually couldn't hold on..."

Recalling her mother's death, Karin couldn't help crying.

"There, there, Karin. You'll live in Konoha now. I'll arrange your identification, and no one will ever bully you again," the Third Hokage assured, petting her head before turning to the captives with murderous intent.

"Anbu, take them back to the Hidden Grass Village. They must provide a reasonable explanation for Karin's situation, or they'll face war with Konoha!"

"Yes..." An Anbu, wearing a mask, appeared silently, grabbing the captives and vanishing. The Hidden Grass Village ninjas, who had hoped for the Third Hokage's advocacy, were now filled with despair.

"Grandpa Third Hokage, Karin will live with Sasuke. Please send the identification quickly!" Sakura waved, dragging everyone out before he could respond. "We'll prepare for the exam. See you!"

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 188: Defying Leadership Ensures No Good End