Sasuke unleashed his "Thunder Punch," blasting away as if in a frenzy. Naruto instantly sprang up with a slash and a leap!
He never expected that Sasuke would come at him full force the moment he made a move. Could Naruto put up with that?
Facing Sasuke's onslaught, which was like a raging storm, Naruto's blond hair glowed brilliantly. He roared, "Muda, muda, muda, muda!"
One after another, spheres of energy coalesced in Naruto's hands, colliding furiously with Sasuke's lightning-infused fists in a spectacular clash!
Sasuke: "Ora, ora, ora!"
Naruto: "Muda, muda, muda!"
Kakashi, who had been watching all this, was already confused. He hadn't realized those two brats had hidden so many trump cards!
Just as Kakashi was still in shock, an excited voice came from behind him.
"Kakashi, you've done very well!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Kakashi immediately turned around and bowed. "Lord Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand dismissively and said in a quiet voice, "Don't interrupt their sparring!"
He was very pleased with Naruto and Sasuke's stunning performance.
Although he had no idea how Kakashi had managed to teach Naruto and Sasuke to fight while shouting at the top of their lungs, it hardly mattered. As long as Naruto and Sasuke were powerful enough, that was good enough for him.
And now, beyond a doubt, Naruto and Sasuke had already reached a frightening level of strength!
"Just look at them," Hiruzen thought, "That's the spirit of our village's genin!"
Watching the two boys' spirited collision, Hiruzen quietly remarked to Kakashi, "Kakashi, who would have thought that besides being a genius yourself, you'd be so peerless at teaching others? There isn't a ninja of their age more powerful than those two."
"I'm already looking forward to seeing them shine in the Chūnin Exams."
While Hiruzen was fantasizing about all the mission requests that would flood in, Kakashi spoke worriedly. "Lord Hokage, but they're only two people. They need a third member to form a three-man squad for the Chūnin Exams."
In team-based missions, any individual's shortcomings can be covered by their teammates. A three-person team frequently exhibits a '1+1+1>3' effect. In the Chūnin Exams, teamwork is a crucial aspect being tested.
Hiruzen, however, wasn't bothered. "Ninja squads are formed in threes primarily to ensure the overall strength of the unit so they can handle various tasks. But with Naruto and Sasuke this strong, it hardly matters who the third member is."
Kakashi didn't argue. Given their current situation, that was the truth. Naruto and Sasuke had become so powerful that you could pair them with practically anyone to make up a three-man squad.
Hiruzen had originally been unsure about their strength, so he had come in person to check. But now, his concerns were totally put to rest.
He praised Kakashi once more. "Kakashi, you've done well. Keep guiding Naruto and Sasuke along this path. I'll return to the Hokage's office to handle some other work."
With that, Hiruzen turned and left.
Watching the Hokage depart, Kakashi felt an urge to say that aside from accompanying these two in their frenzied quest to grind out missions, there was nothing else he could teach them. Although he was the "Konoha's First Technician," the Copy Ninja well-versed in countless jutsu, he honestly didn't know the techniques Naruto and Sasuke were now using!
While Kakashi wore a rather helpless expression watching Naruto and Sasuke's explosive showdown, Kabuto had already reached the vicinity of Kumogakure.
In Kumo, the "A-B brothers" (the Fourth Raikage and Killer B) were extremely satisfied with how quickly their village had been developing. Previously, Senshi had stayed in Kumo for quite a while, allowing them to reap huge developmental benefits.
Even though Senshi had eventually been lured away by Mei Terumi, there was still a large slice of cake left, and the profit chain kept flowing. Plus, although Senshi was physically absent, he had left several Wood-Clone bodies behind at Kumo's mission office. Employers from the Land of Lightning and elsewhere could still hire those clones to perform various tasks.
Nevertheless, the Fourth Raikage and Killer B couldn't help feeling resentful: if only Senshi hadn't been whisked off by Mei Terumi, Kumo would have soared to even greater heights by now!
This made the Raikage, Killer B, and the village elders furious with Mei Terumi and Kirigakure—such a vicious business tactic was simply too underhanded!
Inside the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage and other top brass were discussing how to strengthen their partnership with Senshi. Kumo had gotten a good taste of working with him and wanted more. But they were still brainstorming ideas when Omoi suddenly pushed open the door.
"Lord Raikage, Orochimaru's assistant, Kabuto, is at the village gates," Omoi reported. "He says he has extremely important information to share."
"What? Orochimaru's minion dares come to Kumo?! Does he have a death wish?!" The Fourth Raikage snarled as lightning chakra flickered around him. In his rage, he smashed through the office wall and charged straight for the village entrance.
Seeing this, Darui and the others merely heaved exasperated sighs before hurrying after him.
When they arrived at the gate, the Raikage looked like he wanted to burn Kabuto to ash with his glare alone. Indeed, the Raikage was so close to launching a Lariat on the spot—after all, they had suffered financial losses worth hundreds of millions of ryō due to Orochimaru's schemes!
Kabuto, of course, knew full well what Orochimaru had done to Kumo. Sensing the hostility of A and B, he quickly changed tactics, trying to shift the blame:
Adopting a solemn look, Kabuto addressed the Fourth Raikage, "Lord Raikage, I bring extremely urgent news: the Fifth Mizukage of Kiri, Mei Terumi, and Senshi have joined forces in Kiri's marketplace to plunder the people who were trading with you. Their partnership has taken a dramatic leap forward. Mei Terumi has even formed a partnership with the Akatsuki inside Kirigakure, setting up an Akatsuki branch there to further solidify their ties with Senshi."
Fourth Raikage: [╬ﾟДﾟ]!!!
Killer B: [╬ﾟДﾟ]!!!
Everyone from Kumo: [╬ﾟДﾟ]!!!
Kabuto had stirred the pot just right. Hearing about Kirigakure's "unfair competition" left A, B, and everyone else livid! It was already irritating enough that the Mizukage had used a "honey trap" on Senshi. But going so far as to install an Akatsuki branch in their own village to keep him around? Too shameless!
At Kumo's gates, the Fourth Raikage fumed, practically spitting with rage over Kirigakure's boundless gall. At least Kumo would never stoop to letting Akatsuki set up shop in their village…or so they told themselves.
But the immediate concern remained the upcoming Chūnin Exams. After all, Konoha, the Suna, Kiri, and many other small and medium-sized ninja villages were about to participate—half the shinobi world was showing up, so Kumo couldn't afford to sit it out.
They had plenty of genin who were fit to compete. By sending ninja to these exams, they'd show off Kumo's strength and give their teams opportunities to interact with Senshi to maintain their friendship. Even if they couldn't convince him to reside in Kumo again, at least they could stop him from remaining in Kiri for good!
Some time later, without anyone noticing, Kabuto slipped away from Kumo, heading toward Iwa.
Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, only Iwa still hadn't been informed.
Land of Earth. Iwagakure.
Kabuto moved swiftly after leaving the Land of Lightning, rushing to reach Iwagakure. Of course, Iwa had already heard some rumors, but Kabuto possessed more detailed information. For instance, they didn't yet know that Kumo had decided to join the Chūnin Exams; only Kabuto had that intel.
In the Tsuchikage's office, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki received Kabuto.
Onoki glanced at him. "I hear you have important information for me?"
Smiling politely, Kabuto replied, "Lord Tsuchikage, you've probably heard that Konoha and Suna plan to co-host the next Chūnin Exams."
Onoki gave a small nod. He already knew that much.
"But in fact," Kabuto continued, "this time, it won't just be Konoha and Suna participating among the Five Great Nations. Kiri and Kumo plan to enter as well."
That gave Onoki pause. He certainly hadn't expected that, except for Iwa, the other four major villages would all be joining.
Frowning, Onoki asked Kabuto, "And how exactly did you come by such knowledge?"
Without batting an eye, Kabuto said, "Word of Kiri joining is already spreading—perhaps Iwagakure only missed it because of how far we are from the Land of Water. Kumo's decision is something the Raikage personally entrusted me to relay to Konoha."
Onoki briefly mulled it over, then nodded. "Then go back and tell Konoha this: Iwa will be sending teams too."
"Understood, Lord Tsuchikage," Kabuto answered, his expression neutral but his heart brimming with satisfaction.
With all five major villages now taking part, plus countless lords and nobility coming to watch, this would be an unprecedented spectacle. The bigger the event, the better for Orochimaru's "new product launch." Kabuto could almost see the money rolling in—and his own bonus along with it.
Once Kabuto headed back to Konoha, Kumo and Iwa also began selecting their teams for the exam. Kumo would send two squads, led by Darui and Samui. Similarly, Iwagakure would send two squads, led by Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi. Elsewhere, various large and small villages did not rest either. This was going to be one of the greatest Chūnin Exams in history, with every side "locking horns in fierce competition."
As the final preparations were made, the exam date drew ever closer.
Meanwhile, at a black market in Amegakure…
Senshi was bringing along six young protégés, heading toward the mission hall. With the Chūnin Exams coming soon, he was preparing to set out for Konoha, taking Karin and the others with him. Of course, he could have just teleported them directly using Kāma—but "good traditions" had to be upheld. They'd pick up an escort mission along the way, then travel by carriage with a trading convoy to Konoha.
Just as Senshi arrived at the black market hall with Karin and the others, they unexpectedly ran into Kakuzu and his crew, who had come for the same purpose: to accept an escort mission and set off.
The moment he spotted Senshi, Kakuzu exclaimed in righteous indignation, "Senshi, you've changed! You call yourself the strongest mercenary in the black market, yet you're lazing around! It's been half a month and you still haven't taken any missions!"
Senshi: (O_O)??
What slander! Kakuzu was completely framing him! Firstly, Senshi's recent special training with Karin and the girls was a form of "mission" in itself. Secondly, his Wood Clones stationed all across the ninja world were grinding missions day and night! Thirdly, his mercenary corps had never stopped working. Since he got 50% of the commissions from every mission the group completed, those earnings were his too!
But no sooner had Kakuzu said that than Karin chimed in, "That's right, Senshi—you've changed!"
Senshi: (O_O)??
What nonsense! He was still the same relentless mission maniac as ever!
Shaking his head, Senshi retorted, "You don't get it. Even if I seem to be taking it easy, I'm actually doing more missions than anyone else. Besides, I'm playing the long game. I can't expect you to understand. Let's just say I'm not interested in small-time profit; I'm aiming for bigger things."
That left Kakuzu momentarily stumped. Given what he knew about Senshi, that was probably true. Senshi never did anything that wasn't profitable in the end.
But Karin refused to yield, putting her hands on her hips. "Senshi, you've changed!"
Senshi recognized her mischief instantly. Pretending nonchalance, he reached out and ruffled her neatly combed red hair into a bird's nest.
Karin: "╥﹏╥ Ugh…"
Outraged, Karin gave a little huff and said, "You jerk, Senshi! I challenge you to a duel!"
But Senshi neatly thwarted her with his usual "head pats." At the same time, he told the black market manager, "I'd like to take on an escort mission from Ame to Konoha."
"Of course, Lord Senshi," the manager replied courteously, swiftly finding a commission contract and handing it over.
Senshi took it and added, "Also, give me whatever smaller missions there are along the route."
That request made the manager hesitate. He said apologetically, "Lord Senshi, our boss, enforces strict limits on the total number of missions a single ninja can accept at once—no more than ten. After completing those ten, they can return to accept more."
Waving him off, Senshi said, "Who said I'm taking them alone? There are seven of us. So give me seventy missions."
The manager looked at Senshi's six young companions and finally caught on: Senshi had come prepared. Previously, he'd usually only brought his personal assistant, but this time he had six. Soon enough, Senshi was happily walking out with seventy commissions in hand.
After that, he went to Konan and asked her to assign two Ame ninja for logistics. Those two would assist with information gathering and overall support during the Chūnin Exams.
All ready, Senshi led everyone out from Ame's gates. He and Karin, plus the siblings Raimon Yukika and Raimon Hayate, were in one carriage. In the other carriage ahead, the two Ame Anbu handled supplies while Uzumaki Musen's trio rode with them.
On the road, Yukika and Hayate watched Senshi send out Wood Clones to complete missions, filled with envy. They finally understood they lagged behind the other four because they lacked enough "grinding." Had they done as many missions as Karin, they'd surely be stronger than Musen's squad. Alas, they didn't know Wood Style themselves, so it wasn't so simple.
In the front carriage, Musen—who could use Wood Release—certainly wasn't going to laze around. He formed the seals to create Wood Clones, only for Uzumaki Lanwu to stop him with a sigh.
"C'mon, Musen, do you even know where to go once you leave the village? With your terrible sense of direction, you'll probably get lost before you reach any mission site."
Undaunted, Musen summoned a clone anyway and sent it off. "If I can't figure out the route at first, I'll just take my time. Eventually it'll get done."
Watching that, Uzumaki Lanyu sighed inwardly. Was it really okay for Senshi to grant Wood Release to such a goofball? Didn't seem to be a problem with Senshi, though. Maybe Wood Release just made certain people lazy…
As Lanyu pondered, the convoy continued unimpeded into the Land of Fire, steadily nearing Konoha.
Before long, Senshi noticed a host of teams heading to the Exams. Activating his Mantra, he saw no sign of a certain someone, which left him relieved. That someone was rumored to be so strong, he could shatter the rock that sealed Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—Senshi was just entertaining that wacky thought as they entered Konoha.
At the gate, Konoha's two "Six Paths-level" gatekeepers, Izumo and Kotetsu, were diligently checking everyone who entered. Of course, they had no complaints about recognized ninjas taking the main gate.
Once inside, Senshi went to hand in his escort mission, and there he happened to encounter the squads from Kiri and Kumo. Like Ame, Kiri and Kumo had also sent six genin each.
Senshi and Kiri's leading shinobi—Gonbee and Chōjūrō—immediately recognized each other. They walked over and greeted him respectfully. "Lord Senshi, how fortunate to meet you the moment we arrived."
Not to be outdone, Kumo's Darui and Samui quickly came over as well. "Lord Senshi, we truly enjoyed collaborating with you before. We look forward to working together again in various ways."
Gonbee realized instantly this was a contest to "win over" Senshi. He jumped right in: "Lord Senshi, everyone in Kiri—our young people, our citizens—remains immensely grateful for all you've done for us, and we look forward to your next visit. In my view, Kirigakure will always be your best partner. Our doors are always open to you, any time you'd like to talk business!"
Darui shot him a look, recognizing a tough competitor. He stepped up and added, "Lord Senshi, Kumo was the first to work with you in such a deep and broad capacity. We stand ready to collaborate in any way you'd like with the utmost sincerity."
"I'm convinced that over time, Kumo will prove to be your ideal partner."
With Kumo and Kiri ninja vying for Senshi's favor, Karin stood off to the side, waving her small fists and shouting, "Fight! Fight!"
Raimon Yukika and Hayate: (O_O)??
Musen's trio: (O_O)??
They were all astonished at Karin's antics, worried it might be a bit much. Raimon Hayate looked like he, too, wanted to encourage a brawl—until Yukika silenced him with a sharp glare. She knew Senshi wouldn't just let Karin's little provocations slide…
Meanwhile, over on Musen's side, Uzumaki Lanwu and Lanyu simultaneously placed a hand on Musen's shoulder, hoping the "knucklehead" wouldn't join in. But Musen was clearly itching to stir up more commotion…
At that very moment in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat smoking his pipe. He was torn over one issue: Naruto and Sasuke were so strong that it hardly mattered who their third teammate was, but he still wanted a strong partner who wouldn't hold them back.
He thought of a bright young member of the Sarutobi clan, but that still didn't feel quite right. Unfortunately, he had no better ideas.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in," Hiruzen said, and to his surprise, it was Orochimaru who opened the door.
"Orochimaru, I thought you were busy researching the Eternal Chakra Elixir. What brings you here?" Hiruzen asked.
Orochimaru smiled. "Sensei, my research has made major breakthroughs. With enough funding, it won't be long before even greater results appear."
Translated, that meant: Sensei, please fund me.
Hiruzen knew full well how valuable Orochimaru's research was for the village. He smiled as he reassured his old student. "Orochimaru, your work benefits the village immensely. You needn't worry about the funds."
Orochimaru was delighted. "Sensei, I've heard there's a three-man team for the Chūnin Exams missing one member. Might I suggest someone for that spot?"
"Oh? And who might that be?" Hiruzen asked, keenly interested. He had been fretting over this problem, so perhaps Orochimaru had a great candidate.
(He still cursed Danzo inwardly for deceiving Orochimaru all those years ago and driving him away. Who knew how much more Orochimaru could have done for Konoha if he'd stayed?)
Smiling, Orochimaru revealed his choice. "Sensei, I'd like to recommend Yakushi Kabuto."
"Kabuto…?" Hiruzen considered it carefully. Kabuto had come out of the Anbu Root program and spent much of his time as an undercover agent throughout the major nations. He was not only powerful but also skilled in handling complicated situations. The more Hiruzen thought about it, the more he liked it: Naruto and Sasuke might have terrifying strength, but they were still young and relatively inexperienced. Kabuto's extensive experience would complement them perfectly.
Hiruzen's old eyes lit up. "Orochimaru, that's brilliant. Kabuto suits them to a T. Let's do it."
Orochimaru smiled happily. "Certainly, Sensei."
Placing Kabuto among the participants would serve many purposes—gather intelligence on the new generation's top talent, glean information from other villages, and let him act on the fly for other objectives. Orochimaru left the Hokage's office very satisfied indeed.
He wanted to gather as much intelligence as possible before the official start of the Exams. Then, whenever his Eternal Chakra project no longer brought in enough profit, he could capitalize on other new ventures, selling valuable products across the shinobi world.
~~~
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