Ever since being set up by Danzo, resulting in his humiliating defeat in the Land of Wind, Orochimaru had been scheming his revenge against the man.
Although it might seem petty, Orochimaru knew that someone like Danzo was better off dead than alive.
"Especially since my teacher is too soft-hearted. Even if critical evidence were presented, he wouldn't kill him. And Danzo... someone like him..."
Orochimaru considered himself morally bankrupt, but Danzo was like a black hole of corruption.
As long as Danzo lived, Orochimaru couldn't rest easy. It was better to send him off sooner rather than later.
"Such a pity—if only I had more manpower, I could stir up even greater chaos."
Orochimaru sighed. This year's Chūnin Exams were far grander than ever before.
Not only were small ninja villages participating, but the major villages of the Five Great Nations had also declared their intention to join this united exam.
While cost-saving measures played a role, there was also a desire to flex their muscles.
When the time came, Konohagakure would undoubtedly be in chaos, presenting Orochimaru with an excellent opportunity!
"If only I had more people, I could accomplish so much more."
Orochimaru felt a bit frustrated. He knew the various Kage would likely attend in person, making this a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
The relationship between Iwagakure and Konoha remained uncertain. During the Third Great Ninja War, the two sides had fought bitterly, leaving deep scars that wouldn't easily heal.
As for Kumogakure...
The Fourth Raikage had been thoroughly rattled by Kitagawa Minamoto, even losing an arm in the process. Their relationship with Konoha was undoubtedly strained.
As for Sunagakure's Rasa, Orochimaru didn't even take him seriously. He had even considered killing Rasa and impersonating the Kazekage.
"If someone were to impersonate the Mizukage as well, causing a bit of chaos, Konoha would become truly interesting!"
Thinking about this, Orochimaru felt a twinge of regret. He genuinely wanted to execute a "Konoha Destruction Plan."
After all, the opportunity was too good to pass up. But with limited manpower and Konoha's current strength, he could only sigh in frustration.
"I'll just play it by ear. Perhaps someone else is itching to act. My primary target remains Danzo!"
"Danzo... I've been waiting for you for so long."
While Orochimaru schemed against Konoha, Uchiha Obito was also hard at work.
"What's the situation in Konoha?"
He twisted his neck and looked at Black Zetsu, who immediately responded.
"I've gathered most of the information. This time, many people will be heading to Konoha. Security will be tight, but that works to our advantage."
"A mixed crowd, huh? How arrogant of Konoha."
Uchiha Obito nodded, his gaze icy.
"The Nine-Tails has been located, right?"
"It has, but there's a complication. Kitagawa Minamoto is very close to the Nine-Tails' host."
"No surprise there. Konoha would obviously arrange it that way."
"..."
Black Zetsu didn't know how to respond. He felt Obito was oversimplifying things.
Kitagawa Minamoto and Naruto had known each other since childhood and lived nearby. This didn't seem like deliberate planning on Konoha's part.
After investigating Kitagawa Minamoto's background, Black Zetsu was left in awe. How could someone be such a genius?
He began to suspect that Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't as simple as he seemed—perhaps even a case of genetic regression.
Shaking his head, Black Zetsu decided not to dwell on it or argue with Obito.
"Actually, there's no need to worry too much. That guy is already a Jōnin. During the Chūnin Exams, he'll likely have other tasks and won't be constantly monitoring the Nine-Tails."
"Let's hope so."
Uchiha Obito nodded but didn't finish his thought. Suddenly, White Zetsu curiously chimed in.
"Hey, Obito, Kitagawa Minamoto became a Jōnin at fourteen. What were you doing at fourteen?"
"I controlled the Nine-Tails and destroyed Konoha. Satisfied?"
Uchiha Obito couldn't be bothered with White Zetsu's nonsense. But when it came to accomplishments at the same age, he felt no inferiority.
"And now, I'll do it again. The only question is whether Kitagawa Minamoto has the resolve of Minato Namikaze!"
"This time will be even more chaotic than before."
Black Zetsu glanced at White Zetsu in surprise. This idiot had actually asked a good question for once.
"According to intelligence, the Fourth Raikage will be heading to Konoha. While his intentions are unclear, his relationship with Konoha isn't great."
"Do you think he'll make a move?"
"Uncertain, but he definitely has his own agenda. And if Konoha descends into chaos, given his relationship with Kitagawa Minamoto..."
"This might be exploitable."
The relationship between Kumogakure and Konoha had always been strained. Beyond the events of the Third Great Ninja War, the Hyūga Clan incident had nearly led to war between the two villages.
Kitagawa Minamoto had even severed the Fourth Raikage's arm in the Land of Cedars. While this wasn't widely known in the ninja world, they were well aware of it.
"Aside from Kumogakure, what about the other villages?"
Uchiha Obito stroked his chin, continuing his inquiry.
"Kirigakure seems to have a decent relationship with Konoha. Sunagakure is their ally. Iwagakure's stance is uncertain. It's quite troublesome."
Kirigakure's issues were largely Obito's fault.
Black Zetsu nearly rolled his eyes at the thought.
Originally under their control, Kirigakure had been mishandled by Obito's impatience. Even if revenge was necessary, it should have been done sustainably.
Now, while revenge had been achieved, follow-up problems had arisen.
"Kirigakure is uncertain, but Sunagakure doesn't require much consideration."
Despite his annoyance, Black Zetsu explained.
"Due to their alliance with Konoha, the Daimyō has cut their funding. If Konoha faces turmoil, it might not be bad for them. It could pressure the Daimyō to provide more resources.
As for Iwagakure, there are numerous issues, especially with Deidara's situation creating hostility. But if Konoha truly falls into chaos, perhaps..."
"Tch, it always comes down to self-interest."
Uchiha Obito sneered. Human nature was inherently greedy and selfish.
But this greed also presented them with an excellent opportunity—one they couldn't afford to miss.
"That's enough. As long as we achieve our goals..."
At this point, Uchiha Obito paused before speaking in a low voice.
"Can you confirm whether Ōtsutsuki Minamoto will appear?"
"Not certain. But all we can do is prepare for everything."
Black Zetsu shook his head, replying seriously.
"Besides, we've done so much already. We should at least see the results."
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei, why are you calling me so early?"
"The Hokage requested a meeting. You're a Jōnin, after all."
"But I haven't left my team."
"Well, you're still a Jōnin."
Amid the chaos outside, Konoha remained relatively unaffected.
On the streets of Konoha, Kitagawa Minamoto yawned sleepily, walking alongside Kakashi. He looked exhausted.
His demeanor puzzled Kakashi.
"What's wrong? You haven't had any missions lately. Why are you so tired?"
"Don't get me started. Two idiots were arguing outside my window early this morning. It was so annoying."
Kitagawa Minamoto rubbed his temples, recalling the unpleasant memory.
"Those two Uzumaki are driving me crazy!"
"Naruto and Karin, huh?"
Kakashi scratched his chin in confusion.
"They seem fine otherwise. Why do things change when they're around you?"
"Heh."
Kitagawa Minamoto rolled his eyes, unwilling to explain further.
Time passed quickly, and Karin had gradually settled in Konoha.
Since Kitagawa Minamoto had brought her back, he was partially responsible for overseeing her integration alongside the Anbu.
After all, she was an outsider. Even though she was from the Uzumaki Clan, certain procedures had to be followed meticulously.
Fortunately, Kitagawa Minamoto had taken charge, simplifying the process significantly.
She was eventually assigned to live near Kitagawa Minamoto's home. After a period of monitoring and investigation, the surveillance was lifted.
Now, she could officially be considered a member of Konoha.
"What's with that look?"
Kakashi, clueless about Kitagawa Minamoto's thoughts, glanced up from his book and spoke.
"But she wasn't lying. Her sensory and healing abilities make her a remarkable talent. I hear she's pretty well-behaved too."
"She wasn't lying."
Kitagawa Minamoto yawned and nodded casually.
Karin's claims were indeed true; her natural talent was undeniable.
As for being "well-behaved"...
She was certainly obedient around Kitagawa Minamoto. Her personality was such that she would repay kindness with unwavering loyalty.
The environment in Konoha was far superior to Kusagakure, and her arrival in Konoha was thanks to Kitagawa Minamoto.
Naturally, she regarded Kitagawa Minamoto as her benefactor.
Fortunately, she didn't treat him like Sasuke. Perhaps Kitagawa Minamoto's overwhelming display of power in Kusagakure had scared her enough.
Still, her loyalty was occasionally a headache. For example, if Naruto came to water the plants or argued with Kitagawa Minamoto, Karin would automatically step in to defend him.
Initially, Kitagawa Minamoto found their arguments amusing. But over time, it became tiresome.
"She's also gotten close to Naruto, Sasuke, and the other kids. Shouldn't she be considered a graduate ninja?"
"Not sure. But I heard the Hokage might want her to study under Tsunade."
Kakashi scratched his chin, recalling some details.
"With talent like hers, it shouldn't go to waste."
"Interesting."
Kitagawa Minamoto was surprised but agreed that Karin studying under Tsunade made sense.
"Looks like she's got some good fortune."
"Alright, enough about that. Let's focus on the meeting."
Stretching lazily, Kakashi spoke with mild frustration.
"Looks like we'll be assigned students this time. What a hassle."
"Can't we just decline like last year?"
Kitagawa Minamoto raised an eyebrow, smirking mischievously.
"You avoided it last year. Why not do the same this year?"
"No way. We promised to take students this year."
Kakashi rolled his eyes, speaking with resignation.
"And this year's circumstances are different. There's no escaping it, especially since we're a team with two Jōnin."
Kakashi's words were true. This year was indeed different.
A wave of "second-generation" ninjas was graduating, and their team wouldn't be spared.
The ninja world wasn't just about fighting; it was also about relationships and responsibilities.
While Kakashi had no idea who they'd be assigned, he knew they'd have to take on students this time.
"Alright, got it."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, feeling a sense of excitement.
The "familiar feeling" was finally returning!
Not only could he effortlessly complete Naruto's first exclusive quest, but he could also legitimately go after Gatō later.
And beyond that, he was eagerly anticipating the Chūnin Exams.
After all...
"That's where my dream began!"
Feeling cheerful, Kitagawa Minamoto glanced at Kakashi, who seemed distracted.
Smirking mischievously, he spoke.
"No need to stress, Kakashi-sensei."
"Hmm?"
"Don't push yourself too hard. How about you fail them?"
"..."
"After all, you nearly sent me packing back in the day!"
"..."
"If you can't bear to do it, I'll handle it!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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