Chapter 267: The Passage of Time
For a moment, an unidentifiable tension permeated the entire space.
Kabuto's gaze made Sasuke incredibly uncomfortable. If it weren't for the fact that Kabuto provided the physical strengthening medicines, the spiritual energy accumulation tasks, and various other necessities, Sasuke would have cut him down long ago.
But Kabuto's words had sent him deep into thought.
Nerves... information... positioning... Genjutsu...
Combining these clues, only one person came to mind.
Tonbo Tobitake.
At first, he wondered if it was Itachi, but he dismissed the thought. While Itachi was a genius hailed as having the "thinking of a Hokage" even as a child, it was impossible for him to have conducted this kind of research.
"Dammit, that guy... why did he plant these things in me? Stealing physical data, tracking my location... is he trying to steal the power of the Uchiha? Is he the same as Orochimaru?"
Sasuke was filled with doubt. He remembered the man who had possessed a wicked sense of humor since they were kids—the one who gave him the "unbreakable" Itachi action figure. No matter when he saw him, Tonbo always had a smile on his face, appearing both mischievous and gentle.
Now, it seemed it was all a ruse to steal Uchiha power? Perhaps during the pursuit of Itachi, Tonbo had set his sights on the Sharingan and decided to use Sasuke as a conduit.
In a split second, Sasuke's brain processed a massive amount of information. The light in his eyes grew darker and deeper.
Is there not a single good person left in Konoha?
Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi-sensei...
For a moment, he felt as if no one was worth trusting. His Sharingan began to spin faster and faster, as if something new were about to be gestated from within...
"Heh heh... Tonbo Tobitake. He truly is a troublesome character, to have developed such a secret technique and stationed it within Sasuke. He likely intended to use it to interfere with my Reanimation."
Orochimaru hadn't noticed the subtle shift in Sasuke. Upon hearing Kabuto's report, he simply licked his lips meaningfully. He realized that the information regarding his three-year reincarnation cycle had likely been leaked. Tonbo was trying to use these nerves to block him.
Sasuke startled, and the fluctuations in his Sharingan gradually faded.
"However, this secret technique is a rare treasure indeed," Orochimaru mused. "I truly wish I could collaborate with him just once, or perhaps trade for this technique!"
Orochimaru was intensely interested. The ability to covertly steal information from both biological and non-biological targets would be a massive boon to his research. His goal of immortality was driven by the desire to learn every jutsu in the world and master all truths.
Kabuto asked, "Lord Orochimaru, do you think this 'Captain Tonbo' has the same goal as you? Is he after immortality, or something else?"
There was a pause.
Orochimaru recalled his previous impressions of Tonbo. He had always felt that Tonbo Tobitake had a hidden agenda, unlike a standard Konoha ninja. He was more like Orochimaru himself. Looking at this secret technique now, it was clear the man possessed no small amount of ambition. He was just smarter and more cautious...
"Is he using the power of Konoha to achieve his own ends? What an interesting fellow. I suspect we will cross paths with him again in the future!" Orochimaru's voice was laced with curiosity. "Seal these things away. I don't want him finding our base; that would be too much trouble."
"As you wish, Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto took out a scroll and began performing a sealing jutsu to lock away all the neural materials.
Orochimaru turned his gaze to Sasuke. "Doesn't it feel interesting? Such a capable man, lurking in the shadows of Konoha for so long. His ambition is likely far greater than mine."
Sasuke's face showed only impatience. "I don't care about Konoha. I only care about getting stronger so I can kill that man. Since we're done here, let's get back to training."
"Heh heh, very well... such a clear goal. If only Kabuto had half your focus." Orochimaru shrugged and walked out of the room.
Sasuke followed. In truth, he was secretly worried. If Tonbo Tobitake was truly that ambitious, would he pose a threat to Naruto? Or Sakura?
"A goal..."
Kabuto pushed up his glasses, watching the two silhouettes disappear. He tucked the scroll away.
"Lord Orochimaru truly dotes on you, Uchiha Sasuke..."
Konoha Training Grounds.
"Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!"
Konohamaru spat out a massive cloud of fire-infused ash, surging toward Ebisu. The gray smoke enveloped the entire training field. A single spark ignited, followed by a violent explosion.
Rumble!
Cold sweat broke out on Ebisu's forehead as he used a Body Flicker to escape just in time. He patted his chest, wiping away the perspiration.
"Close... that was too close..."
"Teacher, don't get distracted!"
At that moment, Moegi's voice rang out from his flank. He turned to see a massive Water Dragon roaring toward him, jaws wide.
Poof!
He evaded with a Substitution Jutsu.
"Hehe, Teacher, look at my newly developed ninjutsu: Snot Coagulation!"
Udon performed a series of hand seals. The snot hanging from his nose instantly merged with the moisture in the air. Just as Ebisu landed, he found his feet stuck in a viscous, slimy liquid. Hearing Udon's words, he had a very bad feeling.
Sure enough, he tried to move, but his feet were bound, and the slime began to crawl up, encasing his entire body.
"Udon, hurry and let Ebisu-sensei out! He's going to suffocate!" Konohamaru shouted.
If Ebisu-sensei died from being smothered by snot on their very first day as Genin, it would be a village-wide scandal.
"Ah—oh! Right!" Udon released the jutsu.
Ebisu emerged, his face a pale shade of green. He stared at Udon. "Did you... did you just use a disgusting jutsu like that on me?"
"Teacher, that's the jutsu that defeated you! How can you call it disgusting? I worked so hard to develop that!" Udon pouted, feeling slighted. To keep up with Moegi and Konohamaru, he had studied theory extensively at the academy and sought guidance from Teacher Tonbo. The result was his "Snot Coagulation" technique.
"Just answer me—was that made of snot?!" Ebisu wanted to scream.
However, deep down, he was incredibly impressed. To develop your own ninjutsu at such a young age—the last people he'd seen do that were Kakashi and Naruto. To think he was teaching three geniuses at once! This was truly a test for an "Elite Private Tutor" like himself.
"Teacher, you're kind of weak. You can't even beat the three of us. How are you supposed to teach us?" Konohamaru couldn't help but tease.
Ebisu felt like his pride was crumbling. "Nonsense! I was just testing your strength! I haven't used my full power yet. If I did, I'd have you all on the ground in a few rounds!"
"Then how about we go again?"
"No... today is your first day as Genin. I'm taking you all out for a big feast!"
"Really? Awesome! We'll save the rematch for next time!" The three cheered.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!