Konoha Notes

Chapter 221: Tracks
Ebisu was assigned to compile a list of fifth and sixth graders, while Shuji had already marked the people worth noting at the Ninja Academy.

Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there are actually quite a few promising talents among the current members of the Konoha Ninja Academy.

Leaving aside the original Konoha 12, there are now some interesting names on the current school roster.

For example, Sai, who was originally supposed to train at Root, later became the fourth member of Team 7. And Shin, whom he called his older brother.

According to records, these two were transferred from the Root's preparatory ranks to the Ninja Academy by Kakashi.

In terms of ability stats alone, Sai and Shin should be considered among the best of that group. Shin, in particular, underwent a comprehensive physical examination before entering the school, which revealed some congenital health issues. While not serious at the moment, he needs to return to Konoha Hospital regularly for check-ups and is under long-term observation.

Upon seeing the letter's name and notes on his physical condition, Shuuji arranged for Itachi to have a physical examination today as well. In the original story, Itachi was also a sickly person who showed signs of severe decline in bodily functions at a young age.

Itachi's medical examination report was personally reviewed by Tsunade.

After all, as the most crucial part of the village's plan for the future of the Uchiha clan, if Itachi's health were to deteriorate, all subsequent arrangements would have to be scrapped and started over.

"All indicators are healthy, and there are no abnormalities in the chakra meridian system." Tsunade put down the report and concluded, then looked at Shuuji with some suspicion, "Why do you suddenly think there's something wrong with Itachi's body?"

“It’s just a feeling,” Shuji replied.

If even Tsunade couldn't find the problem, then either Itachi in the original story overused the Mangekyou Sharingan, or after the massacre of his clan, Itachi was just a still-moving corpse waiting to awaken Sasuke's Sharingan.

If a person's mindset truly reaches that point, it's not surprising that their body will collapse as a result.

"Since he's already been examined, let's arrange for him to have a full physical exam every year thereafter." Tsunade didn't think Shuji was making a mountain out of a molehill, and made further arrangements, "Anyway, there are quite a few people in the Anbu who need physical exams."

"A gust of wind?"

"Yes, his problem is congenital. Medicine and medical ninjutsu can only alleviate it, not cure it." Tsunade rubbed her temples. "Based on this year's test results, we plan to transfer him from the Anbu and assign him to a more suitable position."

"Can't you cure it either?"

Tsunade looked at him as if he were an idiot: "I'm just a doctor with decent medical skills, not a god. For some congenital defects, medical ninjutsu can only try its best to treat them."

"At least for now, I don't have a cure."

She put Itachi's medical report away and put it in the classified file. She grabbed Shuji's shoulder and said, "Since we're already here, you should also get me a full check-up."
-
Naruto Uzumaki noticed that things seemed a little different in his class.

Among Iruka's class, the most unpopular student was Karin, who had a conflict with Sasuke and fought with other girls as soon as school started.

His status as an outsider, coupled with the impression that he was actively causing trouble, put him in a completely isolated situation.

In the afternoon, however, girls started talking to her.

Was it because she successfully defeated Sasuke?
Naruto looked at Karin, then turned and stared intently at Sasuke.

At this moment, Uchiha Sasuke was in a phase where he was extremely sensitive to all the gazes around him, especially those that were not concealed.

He coldly followed the source of that piercing gaze and looked back.

Then, he met the eager desire gleaming in Naruto's deep blue eyes.

This guy……

Sasuke clenched his fist, slightly adjusting his body to prepare for battle. "Sasuke!"

Is it coming...? Sasuke braced himself, ready to take this guy down the moment he charged at him recklessly like yesterday. At the same time, a glint of light flashed in his eye as he watched Karin on the other side—she seemed quieter today, but who could guarantee she wouldn't suddenly erupt again?
This time, he will never give anyone another chance to launch a sneak attack!

I will defeat you!

Sasuke shouldn't have taken such idiotic ramblings to heart, just like yesterday. But the word "win" inexplicably seemed to ignite something within him. A strange sense of unease and an intense competitive spirit surged up uncontrollably.

"Humph."

Although it was just a soft snort that escaped his nose, full of disdain, Sasuke's attention had been completely withdrawn from Karin, and all his focus was now on Naruto, who had made the declaration.

This person is not going to lose.
-
The whereabouts of Yakushi Nonou remain a mystery. Given her experience as the former captain of the Konoha medical team, it's impossible that she would have disappeared without a trace if she were practicing medicine within the Land of Fire.

The orphanage itself also raises many questions.

Whether it was the elderly man with gray hair and beard, or the middle-aged woman who appeared later, their attitudes towards him carried a subtle hostility. Was it because of his identity as a Konoha ninja, or... something else?
"pocket……"

The name remains on the orphanage's register, but the person has also disappeared. The orphanage says she went out with Nonou.

Kakashi returned to the archives. Something was very wrong.

If Kabuto Yakushi was taken from the orphanage by Danzo and became a member of Root, then his name should not remain on the orphanage's public list.

The act of preserving the files suggests that Danzo may not have intended to cultivate Kabuto as a hidden force within Root, but rather to allow him to maintain a legitimate, publicly accessible identity within Konoha.

He found Kabuto's identity information in the ninja file system.

"Kabuto Yakushi."

"Ninja level: Genin."

"Graduated from the Ninja Academy..."

Kakashi carefully checked Kabuto's resume at the Ninja Academy.

"This school experience... is fabricated."

Even though this file was more sophisticated than the cover identities of most Root members, it was still possible to detect traces of fabrication under targeted and in-depth verification.

"Yakushi Nonou...Yakushi Kabuto..."

It's not hard to guess what Pharmacist Nonou is doing. Given her background and abilities, she's very likely on a spy mission somewhere. Considering the timing of her disappearance, it was during a critical period when the village was beset by internal and external troubles and surrounded by powerful enemies.

Currently, she is most likely still one of the intelligence forces that Danzo retained but which were not officially controlled by the village.

So, what about Kabuto Yakushi...?

Was it also used as a spy?
Most of the ninja villages that were once enemies of Konoha have now signed ceasefire agreements or even formed alliances. So, where will those that weren't taken back go...?

(End of this chapter)