Zhang Miao's plan was straightforward: directly asking Kankuro and Temari about their intentions. That would be fine if they were just here for the Chunin Exams. However, if they were part of the "Konoha Crush" plan, Zhang Miao would need to prepare for Orochimaru's schemes.
Seeing Kankuro grabbing Konohamaru by the collar and lifting him off the ground, Zhang Miao's eyes narrowed.
"With Naruto here, it's inconvenient to ask certain questions. I'll wait until they leave and then go to their place to ask."
Having decided, Zhang Miao immediately concealed himself and watched the situation unfold with a smile.
"With things as they are, Naruto is likely to lose his patience soon."
As expected, seeing his little brother being bullied, Naruto's anger skyrocketed.
"You bastard!"
He shouted, charging directly at Kankuro.
Facing Naruto's fierce approach, Kankuro showed no sign of panic. He twitched his fingers, causing Naruto to trip and fall flat on his face halfway through his charge.
Confused, Naruto wondered, "What just happened?"
Seeing Naruto's bewilderment, Zhang Miao sighed.
"Sigh, Naruto, this hot-blooded fool. Charging at a puppet master? Now he's down with just a chakra string, without even seeing the puppet. He's really going to be underestimated this time."
As if on cue, Kankuro, who had just knocked Naruto down, spoke up.
"Konoha's genin are weak. I'll kill this brat first, then deal with you!"
With that, Kankuro raised his fist to strike Konohamaru, who he was still holding.
Just as Kankuro's fist was about to land on Konohamaru's face, a small stone flew in, accurately hitting Kankuro's left hand and drawing blood.
"Ah..."
Though small, the stone hit with enough force to make Kankuro release Konohamaru, clutching his injured hand and looking in the direction the stone came from.
Perched on a tree branch not far away was a boy in a blue short-sleeved shirt, tossing a stone up and down in his hand.
"Who gave you the guts to act so brazenly in someone else's village? Get lost!"
As he spoke, the boy crushed the stone into powder.
Seeing this, Sakura shouted excitedly.
"Sasuke-kun, so cool!"
The boy sitting on the tree branch was none other than Sasuke!
Demonstrating exceptional shuriken skills by hitting the puppet master's hand from a distance, Sasuke's feat impressed Senju Workshop, who nodded in approval.
"Impressive. This child's shuriken skills alone surpass many chunin."
Receiving praise from the Second Hokage was no small feat. Hearing this, Uchiha Fugaku, standing nearby, lowered his head in humility.
"This boy is still young, Second Hokage, your praise is too generous."
"Uh..."
Hearing Fugaku's response, Senju Workshop was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered.
"This boy is your son?"
Seeing Fugaku's proud nod, Senju Workshop understood.
"Yes, he is my son—Sasuke!"
Though wearing a mask, Fugaku's pride and joy were unmistakable in his voice.
Sensing Fugaku's pride, Senju Workshop nodded again.
"Named after the Third Hokage's father, let's hope he lives up to the name."
Understanding the weight of Senju Workshop's words, Fugaku confidently nodded.
"He will, because he is my son!"
Seeing Fugaku's certainty, Zhang Miao clicked his tongue.
"Tsk tsk... Fugaku, you're too confident. The future is unpredictable."
Seeming to think of something, Zhang Miao grinned mischievously.
"How about a bet? If Sasuke defects from Konoha, you will go to Naruto Bridge on the west side of the Land of Waves and bleat like a sheep at the bridgehead for a month. Deal?"
Uchiha Fugaku: "..."
Damn it, sheep bleating again? I've died once already; why must I endure this?
Contemplating rejection, Fugaku glanced at Sasuke in the distance and changed his mind.
"Refusing means I don't trust my son. No, I must accept for Sasuke's sake!"
Determined, Fugaku nodded at Zhang Miao.
"Fine, I'll bet. But if Your Majesty loses, please accept Itachi."
"No problem!"
Zhang Miao agreed without hesitation.
"Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I planned to accept Itachi when the time was right. So, you can make another request if you like. After all, you won't win!"
Uchiha Fugaku: "..."
Why make another request if I won't win?
Fugaku remained silent, feeling bitter under his mask.
Ignoring Fugaku's thoughts, Zhang Miao turned back to watch Sasuke, his face filled with anticipation.
"A battle between Konoha's Team 7 and the Sand siblings should be interesting. My dear Temari is getting more beautiful, especially with those long legs, tsk tsk..."
Sensing Zhang Miao's gaze, Temari frowned and looked around but saw nothing.
Seeing her reaction, Kankuro asked, "What's wrong? Did someone else come?"
"Probably not."
Temari shook her head but frowned again when Kankuro took down his puppet.
"Kankuro, are you planning to use 'Crow'?"
"Yes!"
Taking down his puppet, Kankuro looked at Sasuke with a cruel smile.
"Before anyone troublesome arrives, I'll use 'Crow' to deal with that guy!"
A puppet master's strength lies in their puppets, so Kankuro planned to use 'Crow' to handle Sasuke.
Just as he was about to act, a cold voice interrupted.
"Stop, Kankuro. Don't embarrass us here!"