Hokage Building.
The news of Orochimaru's infiltration into Konoha reached the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, at top speed. Not long after, Yami and Anko also arrived at the Hokage's office.
Before entering, Anko glared fiercely at Yami, rubbed her sore butt, then straightened her expression and pushed open the door.
Upon hearing that Yami had repelled Orochimaru, Hiruzen's expression relaxed slightly. The two of them sat down and waited.
Soon, the two elders arrived, and even Danzō, who hadn't shown up in a long time, was summoned by Hiruzen.
Seeing Yami present, Danzō immediately frowned. "Do you still consider me your grandfather? It's been so long since you visited home or my base."
Yami replied half-heartedly, "I've been busy lately. Let's talk when I have time."
As for when he would be free? Probably not until all his funds were spent.
How could he not know what Danzō was thinking? He was clearly eyeing the money extracted from Gato.
But once money entered Yami's pocket, there was no chance he would share it.
Danzō glared at Yami with narrowed eyes, then reluctantly sat beside Hiruzen.
"If you've got something to say, talk properly to the boy. Don't always look so gloomy."
Hiruzen, who didn't understand the situation, habitually tried to smooth things over. He didn't pay much attention to the "internal conflicts" of the Shimura family and began talking about Orochimaru's intrusion.
As expected, Danzō and the two elders displayed the same grave expressions as Hiruzen.
Of course, Danzō was pretending.
As a former candidate for the Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru's understanding of Konoha was no less than theirs. That's why traitors were more feared than enemies.
The higher their rank before defecting, the greater the damage they caused.
"It's been so many years. Orochimaru's sudden appearance in Konoha must mean he's plotting something. Hiruzen, you must be on guard," Mitokado Homura said with empty concern, and Hiruzen had to resist rolling his eyes.
If Orochimaru wasn't here to cause trouble, was he here for sightseeing? To check on the development of Konoha's youth?
"I know Orochimaru. Even though he has fallen completely into darkness, he always acts with clear objectives."
Hiruzen said seriously, "Since he chose the sensitive timing of the Chūnin Exam, it must be connected to it. He might even be trying to disrupt the alliance between Suna and the other two major shinobi villages."
After speaking, he turned to Yami. "Yami, when you encountered Orochimaru, was he targeting your students?"
"Yeah."
Yami nodded absentmindedly, only thinking about getting home soon. "His target wasn't Naruto. He's focused on Sasuke."
Sasuke...
Hiruzen nodded. "That fits Orochimaru's pattern. He's always had a different attitude toward talented children."
"Yami, you need to keep a close watch on Sasuke from now on. Orochimaru can be very persuasive."
Yami agreed with Hiruzen's assessment of Orochimaru.
In this world, talk could be as powerful as action. Aside from Naruto, Orochimaru was one of the best at convincing others. Otherwise, he wouldn't have attracted so many talents to his side.
But what would happen, would happen. He wasn't Sasuke's father. If Sasuke wanted to leave, Yami wouldn't stop him.
After saying a few perfunctory words, Yami took Anko and left the Hokage building.
The remaining elders discussed for a while and decided to suppress the incident and strengthen security. Even if they couldn't stop Orochimaru completely, they needed to respond as fast as possible, like this time, to minimize the damage.
Family disgrace shouldn't be publicized. With shinobi from so many countries in Konoha, they couldn't act openly or interrupt the Chūnin Exam. That would only embarrass Konoha.
Danzō used health reasons as an excuse and didn't involve himself in the defense arrangements.
Hiruzen's handling of the situation didn't surprise him.
It had always been like this for decades. Hiruzen had never changed his indecisive nature.
He let things play out, allowing Danzō and the two elders to act freely. If they succeeded, great. If not, he waited for someone else to take over and bear the responsibility.
Again and again.
But... this might be the last time he could stay neutral, right?
Danzō, leaving the office, suddenly stopped and looked back at Hiruzen, who happened to look up at the same time.
The two old comrades locked eyes for two seconds before Danzō silently turned and walked away.
Hiruzen's eyes were filled with doubt and confusion.
Danzō had been too low-key in recent years. So much so that Hiruzen couldn't see through him anymore.
After a refreshing night, the examination team received word that Anko had been injured on duty and needed a few days of rest.
The chief examiner for the second stage of the Chūnin Exam was replaced.
However, this didn't affect the participants. Those still in the Forest of Death focused on finding the necessary scrolls, while those who had reached the tower rested and prepared for the elimination round.
Forty-eight hours wasn't long, but constant tension was still a challenge for any shinobi.
As time passed, the competition intensified.
When Yakushi Kabuto's team entered the tower, they were the last to cross the line. Any teams still outside, even with full sets of scrolls, were now too late.
As the supervising jonin, Yami still had to deal with the double pressure.
Inside the tower's training ground, he happened upon Team 7 confronting Gaara's team.
"What's going on here?"
Yami smelled gossip and walked over immediately.
"Yami-nii!"
Seeing him, Naruto loudly complained, "This Tanuki is so annoying! They already got their scrolls, but they still tried to steal ours!"
"If he hadn't been pestering us, we would've been the first ones at the tower!"
"He stopped us, said a bunch of weird stuff, and even said he wanted to kill Sasuke!"
"That's all?"
Yami showed obvious disappointment. "Naruto, this one's on you. These are the rules of the second exam. They didn't break them."
"Of course, if you don't like him, you can just kill him outside the village later. Make sure none of them walk away alive."
"Huh?!"
Naruto was stunned by how brutal that sounded! Kankuro and Temari, standing behind Gaara, stared at Yami in disbelief.
This guy is way too murderous!
Sasuke, one hand in his pocket, couldn't keep up the cool act and said seriously, "I'll take care of him in the match. He's just a Genin. No need for you to get involved."
Yami's words were more extreme than his, and he was supposed to be the Avenger…
"Konoha and Suna are allies. Are you suggesting that Konoha wants to break the alliance, Jonin?"
From the shadows, Baki, the leader of the Suna team, stepped forward and stood beside Gaara.
Even while plotting to destroy Konoha, he could accuse Yami of treason without batting an eye. Baki truly was a core figure of Sunagakure—thick-skinned and bold.
"Dead allies are no longer allies."
Yami smiled at him. "Besides, betrayal is Sunagakure's standard practice. Not just allies, you even betray your village heroes. Compared to that, what I said is nothing."
Baki's expression changed slightly.
He immediately remembered Pakura, the hero of Suna who had Scorch Release and was betrayed ten years ago.
Konoha had intel that deep? Was the leak from Suna or Kirigakure?
"All candidates… cough cough… gather in the training ground to draw lots… cough cough… to determine your preliminary round opponents."
A weak cough interrupted Baki's thoughts. The voice belonged to the proctor, Hayate Gekko.
After shooting a deep look at Yami, Baki said nothing and left the hallway with Gaara and the others.
"Alright, you guys go too."
Watching Hinata regroup with the others, Yami was soon surrounded by several Konoha jonin.
"This year's rookies did pretty well." Asuma said, cigarette in mouth, looking at the lineup below. All nine graduates from this year had passed the Forest of Death.
Just then, Kabuto's sudden withdrawal drew attention from certain observant individuals.
Kakashi memorized Kabuto's face and planned to investigate later. He then looked at Yami.
"Something serious happened in the forest, didn't it?"
The Third Hokage had blocked the news, but Kakashi, a former Anbu, could read the signs. Security had tightened inside the village, with patrols and Anbu doubling.
Coupled with the deaths of three Kusagakure Genin, he had a good idea.
"Yeah, Orochimaru came back."
Yami looked at Hayate, who was barely alive. In recent years, Hayate's health had only declined. At this rate, even if no one touched him, he might not live to see the beginning of the Shippuden era.
Kakashi was stunned by the secret Yami casually revealed.
Orochimaru?!
To Kakashi, Orochimaru was what Zabuza was to Naruto and Sasuke.
Back when Kakashi was their age, Orochimaru's killing intent alone had frozen him in place. That had almost become his childhood trauma.
He wanted to ask more, but seeing the other nations' shinobi nearby, he chose to stay silent for now.
The first match was displayed on the screen.
Sasuke vs. Yoroi Akado.
Without the curse mark interfering, Sasuke was close to his prime form.
Though Yoroi had a unique ability to absorb stamina, it required physical contact.
Once he figured that out, Sasuke kept his distance and bombarded him with Fire Release, quickly injuring him and winning with ease.
The second match also featured one of Yami's students.
Naruto vs. Inuzuka Kiba.
Asuma was pumped, slapping Kiba on the shoulder. "Kiba, do your best. Beat Uzumaki Naruto and I'll pay for Akamaru's special dog food for the next year!"
Fueled by this financial incentive, Kiba was full of energy and gave a thumbs-up. "Sensei Asuma, just watch me!"
Though friends with Naruto, Kiba underestimated him. He thought Asuma was just handing him free benefits.
But reality hit hard.
Yami's training, along with Maruboshi Kosuke's teachings, had finally paid off.
Naruto's taijutsu had improved rapidly. His Shadow Clones worked together flawlessly, and with his massive chakra, he spammed Vacuum Wave like it was free.
Kiba's animal-style taijutsu couldn't touch him at all.
In the end, after Kiba exhausted his stamina, Hayate announced Naruto's victory. Asuma's face turned dark.
Naruto was unbeatable, and Sasuke was even stronger.
As for Sakura and Hinata?
Forget it. Chakra control was important, but Genin still relied on power. How could Sakura, who only trained a little, compare to Hinata, raised under the main family's strict methods?
Damn it... Even Yami's students are stronger than mine?
"Next match! Yamanaka Ino vs. Kurotsuchi!"
Hayate announced the third match, and Yami's brows furrowed.
Looking at Kurotsuchi hopping into the arena, Yami was surprised.
Did she change her style today?
Why is she wearing fishnets? I
But now wasn't the time to admire legs. Yami quickly formed a hand seal with his left hand and transmitted his voice directly to Kurotsuchi's mind.
"Don't go too far in this match. Just win. No need to go all out."
Startled, Kurotsuchi realized no one else reacted, meaning only she could hear him.
She looked toward Yami's direction and glared fiercely.
You want me to go easy? I won't!
Kurotsuchi withdrew her gaze and looked at Ino with a nasty expression, confusing Ino, who wasn't particularly hyped up.
What's with this chick? Why so fierce?
(To be continued.)