"What?! Not only is Itachi Uchiha severely injured again, but Kisame has also been captured?"
At the Akatsuki base in the Land of Rain, Black Zetsu stared in disbelief at Obito Uchiha, whose face was dark with frustration. His gaze then shifted to the unconscious Itachi Uchiha lying on the ground, a gaping wound visible on his chest.
Finally, Black Zetsu couldn't hold back anymore.
Failure was something he had grown accustomed to.
His extensive experience with failure had taught him to take such situations in stride. But with their grand plans about to unfold, this kind of incident was simply unacceptable.
"This was that idiot Itachi Uchiha's idea. I merely wanted to use the opportunity to shift focus onto Sasuke. But..."
Obito Uchiha was visibly irritated.
"He said it would only take one minute. But Kitagawa Minamoto turned out to possess Ice Release, and under the suppression of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Kisame couldn't even last a full minute."
Obito was genuinely vexed. He had been monitoring Kisame's battle and knew full well that it wasn't Kisame's lack of ability—it was simply because he had encountered Kitagawa Minamoto.
The terrifying mobility of the Flying Thunder God Technique, combined with Ice Release's ability to neutralize Water Release, had completely crushed Kisame before he could even fight back!
And to top it off, Zabuza had escaped as well.
For a moment, Obito even doubted whether they were fit to recruit new members anymore.
Although Hiruko had been successfully recruited, not only had Zabuza failed, but even Kisame had been captured!
"Still, there was at least some gain this time."
Sighing, Obito continued,
"We did manage to obtain some new intel. Orochimaru seems to be planning something during the Chūnin Exams, and Konoha still believes he's one of us."
"Orochimaru? He's targeting the Chūnin Exams too?"
Black Zetsu, who had been equally frustrated, froze for a moment upon hearing this.
"Konoha is watching us?"
"Unclear, but there might be an opportunity to exploit here."
Obito's mind raced as he quickly analyzed the situation.
"Orochimaru is a rogue ninja from Konoha and was once one of the Sannin. He's intimately familiar with Konoha's defensive systems. Even if they've been updated, he's still far more reliable than Itachi Uchiha."
"So you're suggesting we make use of Orochimaru?"
Although Black Zetsu was still irritated, he followed Obito's train of thought.
"Exactly."
Obito pondered for a moment before continuing,
"And if necessary, we can take action against Orochimaru. At the very least, we might be able to locate Kisame through him. Especially since following Orochimaru might also lead us to Danzō."
Kisame Hoshigaki was one of his people—he couldn't just leave him to rot!
"Besides, Orochimaru has a multitude of tricks up his sleeve. Using him might yield unexpected results."
"Fine, I'll investigate Orochimaru thoroughly and pinpoint his location."
After a long pause, Black Zetsu sighed in resignation. What else could he do at this point?
"And what about Itachi Uchiha? Any plans?"
"Treat him for now. His value hasn't been fully exploited yet."
Obito glared at the unconscious Itachi, speaking through gritted teeth.
"We need to squeeze every last bit of value out of him. He can't die so easily!"
"So, the Akatsuki has set its sights on Sasuke?"
In the Hokage's office in Konohagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned deeply as he listened to Kakashi and Kitagawa Minamoto's report. Massaging his temples, he asked,
"And they might also be planning something during the Chūnin Exams?"
"That seems to be the case, although the specifics are still unclear."
Kakashi shook his head, his tone serious.
"However, Obito Uchiha denied that Orochimaru is part of their organization. While I can't confirm the truth of this claim, an organization like Akatsuki wouldn't likely operate in such a manner. So..."
"Orochimaru has left their organization?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought. This development didn't seem entirely unexpected to him.
Orochimaru was an extremely arrogant individual who wouldn't easily subordinate himself to others.
But when exactly had he left?
Would Akatsuki and Orochimaru still act in concert this time?
"Investigate this matter thoroughly. Try to extract as much information as possible from Kisame. You've done well this time."
After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen sighed. He felt increasingly burdened by these mounting issues.
He also couldn't help but think that Kakashi had the worst luck—running into the Akatsuki during a C-rank mission was almost reminiscent of Kitagawa Minamoto's first mission.
Still, delivering a heavy blow to the Akatsuki on the eve of the Chūnin Exams was undoubtedly a good thing!
"However..."
Hiruzen took a deep breath and suddenly slammed his hand on the desk, yelling at Kakashi and Minamoto,
"What's this about Gato hiring the Akatsuki? Clearly, Akatsuki was there to recruit Zabuza and his group, wasn't it?"
"..."
"And what's this nonsense about Zabuza being 'moved' to kill Gato, and then generously leaving the money behind? Thanking nature's gifts? Don't joke with me!"
"..."
"And I heard Zabuza nearly killed your client? This is outrageous!"
Watching the irate Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minamoto casually picked at his ear, while Kakashi's face was filled with embarrassment.
"Well, Gato had been oppressing the Land of Waves, engaging in smuggling and leaving the people destitute. His death might actually be for the better."
"Exactly. And we didn't even do anything—it was Zabuza who acted, not us."
Minamoto blinked innocently, clearly siding with Kakashi. But his words only made Hiruzen Sarutobi even more annoyed.
"Do you remember what I said about the Fourth Raikage incident? Don't discuss sensitive matters so openly! Minamoto, you might have forgotten, but Kakashi, how could you forget?!"
"..."
"And especially, how could you let him complain to me about it?!"
"..."
Kakashi remained silent, while Minamoto nodded in agreement.
"Exactly, exactly. That's what I thought too. But unfortunately, Kakashi-sensei—"
"Quiet!"
Kakashi couldn't hold back anymore. He grabbed Minamoto, preventing him from spouting more nonsense.
For a moment, Kakashi felt like he might be the one out of place, too "normal" in this chaotic situation.
"Enough. Let's put this matter to rest."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, deciding not to dwell on it further.
Minamoto and Kakashi hadn't done poorly. Letting Zabuza, a rogue ninja, take the blame while Konoha reaped the benefits of Gato's fortune was a win-win situation.
Gato was scum; his death was no great loss.
The only issue was the lack of subtlety in how it was handled.
The ninja world had its own set of unspoken rules, and certain things were best left unspoken.
As for Tazuna, Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply displeased.
Even as a benevolent leader, he had to consider the safety of Konoha's ninja. This time, they were lucky it was Kakashi's team. But what if it had been another squad?
Would they have suffered heavy losses due to Tazuna's deception?
"I hope you won't repeat such reckless behavior in the future. One of you is a seasoned Jōnin from the Anbu, and the other is Konoha's prodigy Jōnin. Why can't you handle things more cleanly?"
"Understood."
Kakashi didn't dare argue, while Hiruzen Sarutobi continued after a moment of thought.
"Let the Anbu handle the situation with Gato and the Land of Waves. As for the Chūnin Exams, I'd like Naruto and his team to participate."
"They've just graduated. Is that really appropriate?"
Kakashi hesitated, pondering before voicing his question.
"There's still time. They can use it to train and prepare."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, decisively stating,
"Also, have Naruto train with Jiraiya during this period. Minamoto, your recent discovery was significant. Perhaps Jiraiya can do something about it."
"Understood."
Since Hiruzen Sarutobi had made up his mind, neither Minamoto nor Kakashi had any objections. However, Minamoto thought for a moment before asking,
"Hokage-sama, may I participate in Kisame's interrogation? That guy seems quite interesting."
"Sure. Coordinate with Yamanaka Inoichi for that."
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't question Minamoto's motives. He was already preoccupied with planning for the Chūnin Exams and negotiating with the Mizukage about the Land of Waves.
"Alright, you're dismissed. But I hope you'll avoid making similar mistakes in the future."
"..."
Kakashi nodded and left the Hokage's office with Minamoto.
"Why are you so interested in interrogating that guy?"
Kakashi couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Just curiosity, really. Plus, I want to see if there's anything I can do."
Minamoto smiled nonchalantly. In truth, it wasn't just curiosity—he had plans in mind!
The [Special Yang Release] he had obtained from Sasuke had already proven immensely beneficial.
Though he had worried about potential side effects from absorbing the Uchiha's Yin Release, his fears had been unfounded.
"Like inheriting Madara's arrogance, Obito's intellect, Fugaku's ambition, Sasuke's composure, Itachi's schemes, or Shisui's paranoia—that would've been a disaster!"
Fortunately, his bloodline absorption seemed to only extract energy, leaving other traits untouched. This realization was a relief.
[Name: Kitagawa Minamoto]
[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development: 42%)]
[Dōjutsu: Tenseigan (Crescent Moon Eye)]
[Special Ability: Divine Tree Source (Stage Three)]
"Not only has my development reached 42%, but I've also gained other benefits."
His eyes now possessed a new ability: [Chakra Spirit Orb], which allowed him to control others like puppets.
"Kisame seems like the perfect test subject..."
Additionally, absorbing Sasuke's Chakra had unexpectedly enhanced his spatial awareness and manipulation abilities.
"Could I eventually develop something like Amenotejikara?"
He found it curious that absorbing Nagato's Rinnegan-based Yin Release hadn't yielded any additional effects.
After some thought, he speculated that it might be because the eyes weren't originally Nagato's.
Regardless, this recent boost had been immensely rewarding. Now, he couldn't help but wonder...
"At 42%, what will happen when I reach 50%?"
"Old man, let's get going, let's get going!"
In the Tsuchikage's office in Iwagakure, Deidara eagerly urged Ōnoki, his excitement palpable.
His antics nearly gave Ōnoki a heart attack.
"Why are you in such a rush? Besides, both you and Kitagawa Minamoto are Jōnin now. You're not even competing, so what's the hurry?"
"Hmph, I've made a promise with Minamoto. We'll have an artistic showdown!"
Deidara clenched his fists, a wide grin on his face.
"I've been waiting two years for this. This time, I'll show him the true meaning of art!"
So you've spent two years learning Dust Release from me just for this?
Where's your ambition?!
Ōnoki was at a loss for words, utterly exasperated by Deidara.
And he couldn't shake the feeling that this Chūnin Exam was going to be anything but simple...
"Big bro, I think you should sit this one out."
In Kumogakure, Killer Bee tried to dissuade his brother, the Fourth Raikage.
"We can just participate normally. There's no need to..."
"Hmph, Bee, do you think I'm that reckless?"
The Fourth Raikage, irritated by Bee's words, smacked him on the head, shouting,
"I know what I'm doing. I won't act impulsively this time. But I can't let this slide."
Taking a deep breath, the Raikage's thoughts turned to his severed arm, the memory still fresh in his mind.
And the humiliation of being "threatened" by Kitagawa Minamoto only added fuel to the fire.
He had been closely monitoring Minamoto's growth, aware that the young man was becoming increasingly formidable.
The string of nicknames Minamoto had earned was proof of his rapid rise in power.
But admitting defeat had never been easy for the Raikage, who had been striving to improve himself as well.
"This time, I'm not just going for my own reasons. The Chūnin Exam is no ordinary event—five Kage will be present. That alone makes it extraordinary."
The Raikage had a strong premonition that something significant would happen this time.
After all, the Five Great Shinobi Nations had never truly been united...
Meanwhile, in the Root base beneath Konoha, Danzō Shimura's expression was grim.
"So, Hiruzen Sarutobi is investigating me?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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