Born in Sunagakure, dedicated to antagonizing Konoha for decades

I can't keep talking to this old bastard. If I do, tomorrow the whole ninja world will be buzzing with rumors that he, Huang Tu, is going to start a rebellion. The problem is, his dad is getting old and his mind isn't always so sharp. Who knows if he'll even believe it...

973. Maki: My failure is due to your poor teaching.

The second exam, just like in the original story, took place in Konoha's Forest of Death.

What surprised Shinto was that he had fought the Nine-Tails in the Forest of Death back then and almost destroyed the entire Forest of Death. Konoha was able to restore the Forest of Death to its original state without the Senju clan. This shows that Konoha has put a lot of effort into afforestation!

However, he was not really interested in the Death Forest exam. According to his observation, among the examinees, excluding Orochimaru disguised as a Sound Ninja, Karin and Gaara were almost no match for him. They could basically sweep all the way to the central tower. Orochimaru was not interested in Gaara and Karin either, probably because he was going to find his destined second male lead.

So after the first exam, Shinto didn't go with Rasa and the others, but instead went back to the Hatake clan to freeload.

After all, Rasa is the Kazekage, and his seniority is even higher than Rasa's father. When traveling, the Kazekage still needs to maintain the Kazekage's prestige. However, he still needs to tell Rasa about the possibility that Orochimaru might cause trouble in the final match.

Although Orochimaru didn't trick Rasa because of his little butterfly, this was Rasa's death knell in the original story. Who knows what might happen that would land Rasa in it? Rasa's good father was also the grandson of his old leader, who had asked him to look after his grandson before he died. If Rasa really died here, he wouldn't be able to teach his old leader properly. Back in World War II, he had promised his old leader to take care of Rasa's father, but because Sasori's father was stabbed in the back, he got caught up in a fight and forgot about Rasa's father because he was worried about Sasori's father. His father died on the battlefield, and his old leader's hair turned white overnight. Now, thinking about it, Shinto still feels incredibly ashamed.

Putting aside the fact that his old leader was Chiyo's cousin and the two families were related, his old leader had taken good care of him back when they were both in the Anbu. He killed countless traitors from other villages who wanted to curry favor with him; most of them would have been traded or blacklisted, but his old leader turned a blind eye. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and become the first person in Anbu history to retire from the Anbu...

So even for the sake of his former leader, Shinto still felt it necessary to remind Rasa not to foolishly shield Hiruzen Sarutobi from harm. He should just keep chanting slogans about being a loving family during peacetime. Although Rasa had been the Kazekage for over a decade, his political awareness was indeed not as high as Sunagawa's.

Don't let Sunagawa's past of seemingly idleness and frequent free performances for the villagers fool you; he was politically astute. He might have been all talk and no action, but when it came to taking action, he was ruthless. Rasa, on the other hand, was a little lacking in that regard. It wouldn't be fun if he ended up taking a knife for Sarutobi Hiruzen for the sake of the two villages' friendship. Sarutobi Hiruzen is already 69 years old, and he's been in power longer than Rasa has lived. He could probably have a celebratory funeral by now.

"...Does Lord Shinto mean that Orochimaru is going to attack Konoha?"

When Rasa received Masato's reminder, he looked at him with disbelief, as if to say, "Are you kidding me?"

Although Konoha has declined, its current lineup only consists of Hiruzen Sarutobi and White Fang, and Hiruzen Sarutobi is indeed quite old.

However, Konoha has never relied solely on its two elite ninjas. Their core strength has not declined. To put it bluntly, even the major ninja villages in the ninja world today would find it difficult to defeat Konoha in a one-on-one fight.

Orochimaru is indeed very talented, and the saying "knowledge is power" is an eternal truth, but it's still a bit unrealistic to think he can take down Konoha single-handedly.

"Why would I lie to you? Orochimaru is in Konoha right now. He was chatting with me a few days ago. Anyway, from what I can tell, he's definitely up to something. Knowing him as I do, he wouldn't come to Konoha without thorough preparation. Since he's here, he's bound to cause trouble. Just keep an eye on things. This is Konoha's internal affair, and it's also about the love and hate between this master and disciple. We'll just observe and see how things unfold. Maki, you also keep an eye on Gaara and the others, don't let them get carried away."

Shinto was afraid that Rasa wouldn't understand his meaning, so he practically said that we were just spectators for Orochimaru.

Logically speaking, given the current size of Orochimaru's forces and those of his Sound Village, it would be difficult for Rasa to have any accidents, considering Rasa is a double-flowered red-hat. However, it's still better to be safe than sorry; man proposes, God disposes, and who knows what unexpected events might occur.

"Teacher...it's unlikely that Orochimaru could possibly take action against Konoha with his power, right?"

At this moment, Maki also spoke up. Although this teacher was usually unreliable and erratic, he didn't seem fake. But no matter how Maki thought about it, he couldn't figure out what Orochimaru was so confident in daring to cause trouble on Konoha's home turf.

Ultimately, Konoha and Sunagakure are still enemies. Sunagakure is happy to see Orochimaru cause trouble in Konoha, but now is Sunagakure's time to flex their muscles. Gaara and the others have such a high chance of winning, and they are his nominal disciples. After this, he might even earn the title of a renowned teacher. If Orochimaru interrupts the exam, they won't achieve their goal of flexing their muscles, and he won't get the title of renowned teacher either.

Thinking about it, I feel like I've lost out a bit.

"So that's why you haven't made it all these years. Don't try to understand a genius's thinking with your ordinary mindset. Sigh! It's not your fault. Your dad's not very bright, and your grandpa's just too stubborn. They can't think outside the box, so there's nothing you can do..."

Looking at Maki's weathered and story-filled face, Masato said with a mix of disappointment and frustration, "This kid is the biggest failure of my career. I shouldn't have agreed to let Maki bring his son into the industry back then."

"......"

Maki was speechless with anger. "My failure is all your fault for not teaching me properly. What does it have to do with my dad or grandpa?" If it weren't for the fact that respecting teachers is a fine tradition of Sunagakure, he would have flipped the table right now.

Fortunately, it was just the three of them there. They almost got yelled at as idiots by the teacher. If it were anyone else, they would have killed their teacher like Orochimaru.

“…”

Luo Sha felt somewhat awkward watching the teacher instructing his disciple. Ma Ji was, after all, his leader, but he couldn't very well speak up. After all, this man was of a much higher generation; his own father had once been Ma Ji's underling...

"Alright, you're still young. My good brother didn't become famous until he was over fifty. You still have a chance. When you go to bed tonight, put on two extra pillows and reflect on your actions. Just remember what I just said. I'm leaving now."

Seeing Maki deep in thought, Masato assumed he was reflecting on himself and, not wanting to disturb his disciple's progress, stood up, dusted himself off, and left.

974. This bastard is a repeat offender.

The second exam was still ongoing, but the atmosphere in the Hokage Building was heavy. The three giants of Konoha, along with Konoha's White Fang, Konoha's technician Kakashi, and several elite Jonin gathered in the Hokage Building. Once again, Konoha's other half were absent, as usual.

No one spoke, except for the sound of Hiruzen Sarutobi puffing on his long pipe. The heavy secondhand smoke filled the Hokage's office, making it look like a fairyland. Normally, the literary and artistic Mitokado Homura, who neither smokes nor drinks, would have thrown the old man's pipe downstairs, but he was in no mood for that now.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't lock his eyes; his gaze remained fixed on the photo of the four masters and disciples on the table, with his focus on the handsome young man in the photo who looked just like him in his youth.

Once upon a time, this was his pride.

Throughout his decades-long career, he experienced countless glorious days, but what he was most proud of were these three disciples, especially these two.

Tsunade's success was destined. She was Senju's granddaughter and had the superhuman strength that Senju had developed for her. Her success had little to do with Hiruzen Sarutobi; at most, he only played a supporting role.

However, his other two disciples, Orochimaru and Jiraiya, were his lifelong pride. Both of them were born into commoner families, and the fact that he was able to teach them to the rank of Double Flower Red Rank proved his teaching ability. Among them, Orochimaru was his proudest student.

While Jiraiya was also quite good, to be honest, back then, he only took Jiraiya as a disciple after Orochimaru because he thought Jiraiya looked exactly like him when he was a child. It was indeed gratifying that Jiraiya had grown to this level, but what made him most proud was his beloved disciple Orochimaru. Whether it was appearance or talent, he was an excellent choice and one of his most valued disciples.

Recalling all the ways he had taught this beloved student, an indescribable emotion lingered in his heart, unable to calm down for a long time.

But this beloved disciple actually went to an extreme in pursuit of immortality, which saddened him greatly. Now, this disciple has returned after leaving the village for more than ten years, and it seems that he has his eye on Uchiha Sasuke. If Kakashi hadn't protected him at the crucial moment, Uchiha Sasuke would have been taken away!

Uchiha Itachi went undercover in a terrorist organization to protect the village. Konoha already owed him something. If his younger brother were to be taken away by his former beloved student, what would become of them?

However, he knew his beloved disciple very well. If he only had his eye on Uchiha Sasuke, he could have taken him away anytime. He wouldn't risk coming to Konoha, especially not at a time like this. His disciple must have other ideas. But they hadn't seen each other for more than ten years, and he couldn't figure out what his disciple was planning to do.

Now that the Kazekage and Onoki's son are both in Konoha, if this beloved disciple causes any trouble, it will be a huge problem.

Kakashi, Asuma, and the younger generation are even more intimidated. They all grew up listening to Orochimaru's stories. Before they even debuted, Orochimaru was already a double-flower red stick. This super rogue ninja is back again. As the new generation of main force in the village, the pressure on them is even greater.

"...How is Sasuke?"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi finally finished smoking his pipe, he asked Kakashi, who had regained some health.

"Sasuke's condition is not good. We don't know what Orochimaru did to Sasuke. He hasn't woken up yet. He could have taken Sasuke away, but he didn't."

Kakashi said.

Looking back, Kakashi sighed. When Orochimaru defected, he almost couldn't stand under Orochimaru's terrifying killing intent. Although he didn't perform as badly this time, what puzzled him was that when they met on the high platform before, even though he had already used his ultimate move, it was useless against Orochimaru. Orochimaru was completely unharmed after being skinned alive, and apart from being a little disgusting, he was fine. At that time, he had run out of chakra. If Orochimaru had killed him and taken Sasuke away then, it would have been too easy.

However, Orochimaru did not do so, which made him wonder if Orochimaru refrained from taking action out of consideration for his father's past relationship.

However, it seems unlikely. Back then, Orochimaru even dared to experiment on villagers in order to achieve immortality. Would such an inhuman person be sentimental?

However, it's also true that Orochimaru didn't kill him; he can only attribute that to his father's protection...

"Hiruzen, why don't we end this Chunin Exam? I don't think Orochimaru's purpose in infiltrating the village is as simple as just taking Sasuke Uchiha as an excuse."

Unable to bear the secondhand smoke filling the room any longer, Xiaochun, who was in the next dormitory, finally spoke up.

"We can't stop it. The Chunin Exams have already come this far, and both Sunagakure and Iwagakure are still here. Stopping the Chunin Exams now would have a huge impact on the village."

Mitokado Homura shook his head in opposition to the suggestion. The purpose of holding the Chunin Exams was to intimidate the surrounding villages. Suddenly canceling the exams would not only render all their previous efforts futile, but also provide a plausible excuse.

Does this mean the Chunin Exams were terminated because Orochimaru infiltrated Konoha?

This would not only fail to deter the surrounding villages, but would also make them think that Konoha is not what it used to be. If the surrounding villages then intensify their troublemaking, it would be even more troublesome.

Therefore, not only should the Chunin Exams not end, but the young men of Konoha should also be allowed to showcase the spirit and character of Konoha.

"Hey! The Anbu are thoroughly searching the village for Orochimaru's whereabouts. That Golden Lion is also in Konoha. Sakumo, you continue to follow him, but also be wary of people from other villages. The main focus is still on Golden Lion..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed with Homura Mitokado's statement. The Chunin Exams had already gone on for so long, it was impossible to stop them now, they could only continue. The Sand Village, the Iwa Village, and all the surrounding villages, big and small, had sent people to Konoha, even the Kazekage had come. If the exams were stopped now, Konoha's reputation would suffer a great blow.

Moreover, for some reason, he always felt that his beloved disciple's trouble-making in Konoha was definitely related to Golden Lion. Every time that bastard came to Konoha, nothing good ever came of it, and his shadow was involved in every single incident.

"...Know."

Hatake Sakumo nodded. Although he really wanted to vouch for that guy, that Orochimaru's arrival in Konoha had nothing to do with him, since he had been by that guy's side for a while, he also thought that that was the kind of person that the old leader thought of him. He didn't have any evidence and wasn't good at talking, so even if he said it, probably no one would believe him.

Besides... he didn't dare vouch for his guy's character, after all, that guy was a repeat offender...

975. Aren't ninjas just people who fight smaller opponents when they can't beat bigger ones?

"Do you have some kind of collaboration with Orochimaru?"

After the Hokage meeting ended, Kakashi couldn't hold back any longer upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's speculation. He rushed home at a speed almost comparable to the Flying Thunder God Technique. When he got home, he saw the old man and the Ice Release pretty boy treating his house like their own, lounging on the ancestral dragon throne that even his father wasn't from that era. He went straight to the point.

His teacher is dead, and his teammates are dead too. If it weren't for the Hokage and Danzo's battle in the Red Bronze Zone for the sake of a girl, his father would probably be dead too. Although his father is still alive, the life and death of his teacher and teammates are like a demon in his heart. So don't be fooled by his usual nonchalant attitude; he values ​​his three disciples very much.

When Kakashi heard the name "Golden Lion" at the Hokage Building, he immediately realized that although the old man had a good relationship with his family, he was also the culprit who had caused trouble for Konoha several times. Perhaps Orochimaru's arrival in Konoha was related to this old man.

So as soon as the meeting ended, he immediately came over to interrogate her.

"(⊙_⊙)???"

"Look at what you're saying. Although Orochimaru and I are on good terms, and I don't care about background when making friends, I haven't seen Orochimaru for many years. What happened? You look like you want to eat someone alive... Hey! I have to say, you're actually quite manly... No wonder you were so popular with women back then. ヾ(^?^)?"

"Your breathing seems a bit disordered. Did you fight Orochimaru?"

Masato looked at Kakashi, who seemed to be accusing him, with a curious expression.

Has Snake been doing too much clerical work for years and forgotten even the basics of infiltration? His practical skills are so poor, he was discovered before the second test was even over?

But thinking about it, a real fight seems unlikely.

Orochimaru is an old hand at this, and he's lived in Konoha for decades. He knows Konoha better than anyone else. How could those rookie ANBU possibly recognize him? However, Kakashi's aura seemed a bit chaotic, as if he had just been in a big fight. It goes without saying that he must have run into Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru probably has his eye on Uchiha Sasuke. It just so happens that he ran into Orochimaru on the tower."

Sakumo Hatake followed Kakashi back and said.

Judging from this guy's appearance, he doesn't seem to be on a regular schedule. Moreover, this guy won't do anything without a profit. On his way back, he tried to guess from various angles but couldn't figure out what the connection was between this guy's cooperation with Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke.

Even if he wanted to take him in for the Sharingan, that's impossible. Even the Mangekyou Sharingan isn't a match for this guy, so what use would a pair of Sharingan be?

If needed, he could have done that on the battlefield back then, so why wait until now? Besides, this guy is semi-illiterate; he writes his name crookedly. It's even more unrealistic to say that he's collaborating with Orochimaru on research.

Therefore, he can basically conclude that it is Orochimaru who obtained Sasuke Uchiha's Sharingan, or that there is some scientific research project that requires the Sharingan. After all, Orochimaru and Danzo had collaborated on research on the Sharingan back then. He was, after all, the head of the Anbu. How could he not know that Orochimaru and Danzo were conducting research?

At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Orochimaru had shown him some respect and hadn't harmed Kakashi. He was the only heir of the Hatake clan; if he died, Kakashi would be almost sixty, and who knew if he could still have children? He'd heard that Mitokado Homura had wanted a child ten years ago, but despite his age and efforts, nothing had happened...

"Really? Orochimaru is quite brave, daring to storm Konoha all by himself. Orochimaru still has some humanity left, sparing your life because of your father's influence. But nephew, no offense, but your father has already reached the rank of Double Flower Red Staff by your age, and you still have to rely on his influence to save your life when you encounter Orochimaru. That's a bit pathetic. But... what does Orochimaru coming to Konoha have to do with me? Why are you all suspecting me again?"

As Masato finished speaking, he immediately became annoyed. "Damn, is his character really that fickle?"

Especially those old bastards like Hiruzen Sarutobi, whenever something happens in Konoha, he's the first person they suspect.

Bah! He deserved to be killed by Orochimaru...

"...It really wasn't you?"

Judging from his expression, he didn't seem to want to fake it. Kakashi rolled his dead fish eyes in annoyance as he made a final check. This old guy's criminal record in Konoha was more extensive than the achievements of the Third Hokage's career. If he didn't suspect him, who else could he suspect?

"What the hell does this have to do with me? Let me ask you, what benefit would I get from teaming up with Orochimaru to cause trouble in Konoha? For that Uchiha brat? Maybe if his ancestor Madara were resurrected, I'd have to take him a little seriously, but he's no match for me. Kill Hiruzen Sarutobi? Hiruzen Sarutobi is already 69 years old, he doesn't have many years left. If I were to kill him decades ago, I could do it myself and still look impressive. What benefit would I get from killing an old guy? I'd just get a reputation for bullying the elderly... I must be crazy to team up with Orochimaru."

Looking at Kakashi's suspicious little expression, Masato would have sent him to reincarnation long ago if it weren't for his decades-long friendship with his father and having watched the kid grow up.

"...The words are crude, but the reasoning is sound. However, why did Orochimaru target Sasuke Uchiha? It's not like he didn't study the Sharingan back then."