Konoha Notes

Chapter 203 Butter
Shennong, who calls himself a doctor, travels between countries, providing services to people in various ninja villages with his medical ninjutsu.

He has always been kind to others and has no enemies on the surface.

Exposed?

The thought flashed through his mind the moment he was stopped by the long-haired masked man with a knife and the pitcher plant monster.

"This guy? Orochimaru called him 'sufficiently strong'," White Zetsu said with obvious skepticism. "He doesn't seem like it."

“According to the information provided by Orochimaru,” Black Zetsu said in a low voice, “he is the remnant leader of the Sky Village, which was destroyed by Konoha. He possesses excellent medical ninjutsu, and is especially proficient in a certain secret technique for physical regeneration. Moreover, the Sky Village seems to have retained some hidden power.”

Despite being openly criticized, Shennong maintained a humble demeanor: "Who are you two? I wonder if there's anything I can do to help?"

It turns out Orochimaru betrayed them. That guy... even the Regeneration Technique couldn't keep him interested.

"I will create a new world," the masked man said. "To achieve this goal, Konoha will be the target of destruction."

Shennong's tense muscles relaxed a bit. So that's how it is. That's why he was able to learn about Orochimaru's existence from him.

"I have no opinion on this..."

Just as he was about to refuse, the masked man took a step forward and slowly approached.

“No need to rush to refuse, Shennong,” the masked man interrupted him, his tone flat. “I have no intention of… accepting your refusal.”
-
Konoha had already prepared for the possibility of someone causing trouble.

Whether the enemy is one or several participating ninja villages, or Iwagakure, which independently holds the exam and has an ambiguous attitude, or even the elusive Uchiha Madara.

Former Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was prepared for this. It was precisely to deal with various possible unforeseen circumstances that Konoha was currently displaying a situation where all of its top combat forces, including Jiraiya, were gathered in the village.

That is why the former Hokage personally led the Anbu to conduct high-density patrols around the arena.

"They're just a few petty thieves trying to interfere with the outcome of the match."

The scale of the operation was too large, unlike the Land of Lightning where outsiders rarely lingered. With so many people involved in the underground gambling, it's inevitable that a few would lose their heads and resort to underhanded tactics.

They became Hiruzen Sarutobi's gains, but not the gains he desired.

As the person in charge of reception and also included in the village's external security sequence, Xiu Si also stayed in a temporary residence next to the competition venue for five days.

Fortunately, these past few days haven't been too difficult. Especially as the event approaches, more and more merchants from various countries have gathered here, bringing many goods that are rarely seen on ordinary days.

“Mr. Shuji, you seem very interested in plant seeds,” Samui said, watching Shuji stop and select some at the stall.

"Yes, because they are ninjas from Konoha."

She cast a questioning look at her.

"Konoha...wood...plants...never mind, it's just a lame joke." Shuji waved his hand as he picked out plant seeds, including tree species, that the foreign merchant had brought along. "Actually, I'm more interested in food."

"Plant seeds represent new food."

Samui nodded: "I see. So you're looking for new possibilities? That's why Mr. Shuji is also interested in the tree."

"To be honest, if we're just talking about trees, then there are more complex purposes involved."

The female Jonin from Kumogakure didn't press for details about the "more complex purpose." Maintaining appropriate boundaries is a basic courtesy among ninjas from different villages. Shuji's ability to elaborate was a significant improvement over his previous attempt to evade the question with "Icha Icha Paradise." So, she continued the conversation, "The Land of Lightning has a cooking method uncommon in the Land of Fire. Have you ever eaten butter, Mr. Shuji?"

"I've tried it, and it's a good choice to pair it with bread."

"In the Land of Thunder, there is a kind of butter hot pot with a unique flavor."

She changed the subject slightly: "However, in Kumogakure, butter is not a common ingredient due to its high calorie content."

Sam said casually, "Among the merchants who came this time, there are stalls selling good quality butter in the West Street area."

Butter fondue... it sounds like it should be the kind with a rich, creamy flavor. But if you don't use other strong-flavored seasonings to mask it, you can't choose ingredients with a strong fishy or gamey smell, and the taste and texture of the ingredients themselves will be more important.

Seeing that Shuuji had stopped in his tracks, his eyes slightly vacant as he seemed to be deep in thought, a hint of surprise flashed across Samui's eyes.

Wow, you really care that much about food?

Shuji snapped out of his reverie and looked at her: "Miss Samui also has some knowledge of cooking."

“As a ninja, one naturally needs to know a little bit about everything,” Samui replied calmly.

Do you not have any particular preferences regarding the food itself?

She shook her head: "As long as it's safe to eat and provides the necessary nutrition and energy, that's enough. Mr. Shuji is the surprise; he has such an obvious enthusiasm for these things."

“Rayonjin, as the largest trading port in the Land of Lightning, gathers a large number of goods from overseas,” Samui added. “If Mr. Shuji is interested in the strange seeds, he can go there to take a look next time he has the opportunity to visit the Land of Lightning.”

"Thank you for letting me know," Xiu Si said.

After briefly separating at the next intersection, when the two met again, Shuji had an ordinary-looking book in his hand.

“I’m not sure if Miss Samui has any other preferences.” He handed her the book. “This book, ‘Secret Records of the Land of Fire,’ is more of a gimmick than a substantial work. It records some unreliable folk tales and anecdotes. Perhaps it can serve as entertainment while waiting for the competition.”
-
Danzo Shimura sat alone in the dimly lit room, his fingertips brushing over old intelligence files that he had never paid attention to in the past.

Demons, dragon veins... Six Paths Immortals... Evil Gods...

Monsters capable of destroying the world...

Powerful strength...

The god who controls death...

His time is running out. Tsunade's control over the village is growing stronger. If this Chunin Exams can be successfully held, the immense prestige and tangible benefits it brings will be enough to elevate her prestige to a new level.

If the new tournament co-planned with Kumogakure is launched and becomes successful next year, it will mean that Tsunade has not only improved the village's medical system, but also opened up multiple stable and considerable sources of revenue for the village.

At that time, the financial authority that was originally in the hands of the advisory elders will probably begin to be transferred to her.

At that time, I will really be trapped in a cage.

Therefore, we can only choose one point as a breakthrough... We cannot afford to make a mistake...

(End of this chapter)