"Yes."
The Anbu immediately agreed.
This Chunin exam has encountered too many variables.
No one expected that Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo would rebel at different times, directly leading to the sacrifice of Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen in the exam hall.
Luckily.
Konoha isn't without its pillars.
The arrival of Akihara Kagura has directly calmed the people's hearts.
Even though many are dissatisfied with Akihara Kagura's style, they are very aware that his power is still there, enough to deter any enemies with ambitions against Konoha.
Whether it's The Hidden Sand Village or The Hidden Mist Village, or even a handful of smaller Ninja Villages, as long as Akihara Kagura is in Konoha, they won't pose any trouble to Konoha.
"Jiraiya-sama has returned!"
This news has equally uplifted the spirits of the Konoha Ninja!
The title of the Sannin of Konoha has circulated through Konoha for a long time and is the idol of many.
Having left Konoha for a while, Jiraiya has coincidentally returned to the village at this time and has also dealt with a group of enemies wanting to attack Konoha.
A Chunin exam has turned Konoha into chaos.
Fortunately, with Akihara Kagura's presence, all the Hidden Sand Ninja and Hidden Mist Ninja involved in the chaos of the exam have been confined, and the Konoha Ninja have escorted these rioters into Konoha's cells.
"…"
Jiraiya stands on the high platform, watching a group of Anbu Ninja gather their teacher's remains, glancing to the side at Akihara Kagura: "Where's Orochimaru?"
"I've already sent people to chase him."
Akihara Kagura furrows his brow and continues: "The Hidden Sand Village ninja caused trouble, attracting a lot of attention, and Orochimaru took advantage of it to escape with his people..."
"…"
Jiraiya slowly nods, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's remains, sighing: "To sacrifice oneself for the protection of the village is also a kind of luck for a ninja, at least he doesn't have to languish in a sickbed until old age..."
"However..."
Jiraiya's eyes finally flash with a trace of murderous intent, completely abandoning the hope of retrieving his former close friend: "Orochimaru can never be forgiven anymore!"
This time...
Orochimaru went too far!
In the past, Jiraiya merely thought Orochimaru's actions had gone down a wicked path, wanting to bring him back to Konoha. This time, Jiraiya has to abandon all fantasies that Orochimaru is a threat to Konoha's safety!
For Konoha...
That past friend must be killed!
Whether Jiraiya can succeed in chasing down Orochimaru is still unclear, yet the Root Ninja have already successfully caught up to Orochimaru, surrounding him and the Hidden Sound Four.
"Akihara Kagura sent you?"
Orochimaru glared at Karin and a group of Root Ninja, coldly scolding: "That bastard, wanting to tear up the alliance at this time, paving his way to become Hokage with my head?"
"Do you think..."
"You can take advantage of this moment to kill me?"
Orochimaru knows that these Root Ninja definitely have no good intentions, but at this moment, his arm is aching so fiercely that he can't use any Jutsu.
If he wants to fight...
It's unlikely to use Orochi Jutsu directly, right?
"Orochimaru-sama."
Karin leads a group of Root Ninja surrounding Orochimaru and the Hidden Sound Four, still respectful in her demeanor: "Kagura-sama says he can help you solve the issue with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal..."
"That brat is so kind?"
Orochimaru's brows knit tighter, reluctant to trust Karin's words.
Karin looks at Orochimaru and softly continues: "If we wanted to attack Orochimaru-sama, we'd have started killing by now. Kagura-sama hopes to meet with Orochimaru-sama. I think there are important matters to discuss, and Danzo-sama is also waiting at the Root Base..."
"…"
Orochimaru remains silent for a while, continues: "Not in a rush to meet now, lest Konoha's Ninja notice..."
"Then we can only apologize for any offense."
Karin bows her head, her respect abruptly ceasing.
The next moment!
A group of Root Ninja pounced!
The Hidden Sound Four instantly entered the Curse Seal state, desperately trying to stop the Root Ninja's attack, only to be met with an even more fierce assault!
Unfortunately...
These Root Ninja also have the Curse Seal state!
Each of the masked Root Ninja raises their arms, which carry the Curse Seals bestowed by Akihara Kagura. These Curse Seals flow like black liquid over their bodies, and pairs of wings like an eagle's spread from their backs!
Twelve Root Ninja easily defeat the naive Hidden Sound Four, the Sharingan and Wood Release forming the Double Bloodline, along with Akihara Kagura's bestowed Curse Seals, allowing them to face the Hidden Sound Four with great ease!
Orochimaru watched as his subordinates were captured one by one, his gaze slowly becoming fixed and unwavering, his eyes on Karin, ready to strike at any moment!
"Orochimaru-sama."
"Konoha isn't far from here."
Karin seems a bit helpless, slowly raises her arm, continues: "If our actions cause too much disturbance, perhaps it will alert others to your whereabouts, then Kagura-sama won't be able to cover your tracks..."
"…"
Orochimaru has to admit it's a huge problem.
If at that time...
Akihara Kagura might indeed instantly kill him in front of everyone, to prevent any intelligence leaks.
"I have Kagura-sama's Flying Thunder God Mark on me..."
Karin raises her arm with the Flying Thunder God Mark symbol, softly says: "Please believe in Kagura-sama's kindness, otherwise it will be him personally arriving, and Danzo-sama is also waiting for you at the Root Base for an important discussion."
"I'll go with you."
Orochimaru slowly nods.
"…"
A group of Root Ninja glance at Karin with sideways glances.
When did this little guy learn to tell such big lies while wearing glasses, they've all seen how miserably Shimura Danzo lives in the Root Base.
Late night.
Konoha gradually settles down.
The storm caused by the Chunin exam is too large, forcing Konoha to increase the patrol forces. Still, everyone is aware that this storm is just beginning, brewing a more terrifying crisis.
The Hidden Sand Village and The Hidden Mist Village have both torn up their alliance with Konoha, Ninja World war is on the verge of erupting, and there's still some panic within Konoha.
Root Base.
Akihara Kagura didn't go to the Hokage Tower for a meeting.
Because the two Hokage Advisors didn't search for him as Hokage Assistant but called Jiraiya to a meeting, clearly intending to arrange the succession of the Hokage.
Akihara Kagura, the Hokage Assistant, is in his office, reaching out to touch a terrifying mask in his hand, this mask was obtained from the Uzumaki Clan's constructed Mask Storage Hall in Konoha Village.
"Orochimaru-sama has arrived."
Karin is the first to report to Akihara Kagura.
A group of Root Ninja follows closely, bringing Orochimaru into the office, with some displeasure and anger still evident on his face.
"Kagura-kun."
Seeing Akihara Kagura sitting in the chair, Orochimaru's anger gradually dissipates and he even puts on a smile: "Shouldn't you be considering how to take the Hokage position at this time? Why have you brought me here?"
"To help you resolve the difficulties with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal."
Akihara Kagura lowers the mask in his hand, explaining the principles of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal: "The essence of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal Jutsu is summoning the Shinigami, trapping all souls and sacrifices within its abdomen. I've heard that a portion of your soul was sealed by Third Hokage-sama before his death, and I've specifically found a way to lift the seal..."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru's eyes narrow slightly, casting Akihara Kagura a playful look: "Kagura-kun, had you prepared this in advance? Did you know I'd be sealed by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal? Why didn't you warn me?"
"Only when a person feels thirsty does the water sold become valuable."
Akihara Kagura sighs, seemingly a bit helpless: "I was originally planning to tell you the method to lift the Dead Demon Consuming Seal when Orochimaru-sama had no options left..."
"But the funeral for Third Hokage-sama is about to be held, I also wanted Third Hokage-sama to stealthily watch his own funeral, a person's life is ultimately defined by their funeral, this moment is very important to him..."
"The pity is..."
"The soul of Third Hokage-sama is within the Shinigami."
"Wait..."
Orochimaru feels he must have heard wrong, his brows tightly knit: "Kagura-kun, if I heard correctly, you want sensei... to watch his own funeral?"