Chapter 206: Hitting Below the Belt
Konoha, Deep in the Darkness.
Lights flickered around the gloom, casting weak glows against the shadows...
Two figures stood opposite each other, their gazes steady, devoid of even a hint of impatience.
"That guy is still around, old man Danzo. You aren't thinking of backing out of our cooperation, are you? Or are you questioning my skills?"
the dim light illuminated half of Orochimaru's face, catching the ever-present, inquisitive glint in his eyes.
Danzo glanced at his heavily bandaged arm. "Don't be in such a hurry. This Joint Exam lasts longer than usual. He will leave at the appropriate time."
Orochimaru's expertise was even more impressive than Danzo had imagined. It seemed he hadn't stopped researching Hashirama's cells all these years. With just a "gesture of goodwill" in technical support, Danzo found it significantly easier to suppress his Sharingan.
However, even so, he intended to keep Orochimaru in check. He didn't want the Sannin thinking that Danzo couldn't get things done without him.
"Heh... heh heh... I hope so. After all, there are things I can choose to do, and things I can choose not to do. I believe you understand my goals."
Orochimaru let out a cold laugh, utterly indifferent to Danzo's petty schemes. His primary goal this time was Sasuke; destroying Konoha was merely a side show to display his power.
Hokage's Office.
"You want to apply to learn the Spirit Transformation Jutsu...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tonbo Tobitake's application, feeling a bit of a headache coming on. This was a Forbidden Jutsu!
"Yes. I am developing a new technique and need soul-related formulas for reference," Tonbo replied without a shred of concealment.
I'm developing jutsu; either you give it to me or you don't.
"Tonbo Tobitake, this is a Kinjutsu. It is not on the same level as the Bringer-of-Darkness Jutsu you applied for previously," Koharu Utatane said as she and Homura Mitokado walked into the room.
Forbidden Jutsu matters were managed by the four elders of Konoha. If two disagreed, the scroll remained sealed.
Hiruzen possessed great authority, but not the right to freely distribute Forbidden Jutsu to others without the consent of the other two and Danzo. Since Danzo had stepped back from frontline decision-making, it fell to these two. Knowing Tonbo's request—especially at a sensitive time like the Chunin Exams—they naturally refused.
Hiruzen shared their sentiment. "Tonbo, Koharu is right. This technique is too dangerous. Without a specific innate talent, attempting to learn it will only harm you."
"...I believe my talent is sufficient to learn it."
Tonbo was speechless. Are you doubting my talent? Or do you just not want me to have it?
"No. You are a vital asset to the village. You cannot be allowed to learn such dangerous ninjutsu. You aren't even allowed to look at it. Go back to your duties," Hiruzen rejected him firmly.
"Fine!" Tonbo vanished in a "shush" of movement.
"Hiruzen, why not let him have it? I believe his talent is likely sufficient," Koharu said once Tonbo was gone.
Hiruzen mused, "I know that. But I fear he might end up like Orochimaru—straying onto a crooked path."
Tonbo's ability was undeniable; he had developed jutsu more than once. But that very talent reminded Hiruzen of Orochimaru. Back then, Orochimaru was the same, and he eventually became a catastrophic threat to Konoha. And now, Tonbo wanted Forbidden Jutsu for "reference"—specifically soul-based ones...
"I see. That is indeed a concern. Konoha cannot afford another rogue ninja like Orochimaru." Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement. A betrayal at that level would be a devastating blow to the village.
"Rejected, huh? Seriously, they were so firm about it. Fine, if I don't have it, I don't have it. I'm gifted enough that even if I develop it myself, I can push Heartsteel to another level."
Tonbo lay atop his summoned bird, gazing at the sun. Surprisingly, Hiruzen hadn't even considered the request before saying no.
Hmph... being rejected feels a bit annoying...
But then again, a Hokage has a lot to consider. Who knows what's going on in that old head. Forget it... I'll take my son and daughter to a movie.
Time passed quickly.
The day of the Chunin Exams finally arrived.
"Hey! Get out of the way! You want a beating or something?" a candidate shouted at the door of the exam hall, seeing two examinees blocking the entrance.
The two "gatekeepers" laughed. "Do you even have the strength? Better to stay outside and wait for us to pass; we'll share the joy with you then."
They refused to budge, which immediately incited the crowd's fury. One person lunged forward to force them out of the way.
Bang!
He was sent flying. Others tried to swarm them, but they all ended up sprawled on the floor.
In the distance, Team 7 was walking over and caught the scene. When Naruto realized these two were blocking people from taking the exam, he was livid. No one was going to stop him from becoming a Chunin. He charged right in.
Bam! Bam! Thud!
Naruto's Konoha-style Taijutsu was well-practiced, though he occasionally threw in "unorthodox" moves—like the Monkey Steals the Peach or a reverse kick to the groin...
But... Smack!
Naruto's face was punched sideways, and he rolled several times across the floor. Suddenly, a figure caught him, bringing him to a stop.
"So strong," Rock Lee said, supporting Naruto while looking at the two guards. He had analyzed their Taijutsu; they were formidable. Even better—he loved challenging the strong.
"Your Taijutsu is too poor; you should just go home." The two guards were actually breaking out in cold sweat. Holy crap, that kid almost hit me below the belt. But they kept up their arrogant act.
"Naruto, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't be so reckless!" Sakura grabbed Naruto and yelled at him.
Hmm?
Just as Sakura was about to say more, she realized a green figure had appeared right in front of her.
"Uh, what are you doing?" Sakura felt a shiver go down her spine at the intensity of his gaze.
Lee's face flushed slightly. "Hello. My name is Rock Lee. You can call me Lee. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"...You jerk! Don't you think that's incredibly rude? Who wants to be your girlfriend?!" After a brief stun, Sakura glanced at Sasuke, who was watching from afar, and screamed at Lee. If Sasuke misunderstood...
"I am sorry for the offense. But... will you be my girlfriend?" Lee asked seriously.
Naruto, finally recovering, pointed at the red-faced Lee. "You bushy-browed weirdo! Who are you? Sakura is mine!"
"Is she your girlfriend?" Lee asked earnestly.
Naruto stammered awkwardly, "Not... not for the time being..."
"Then I still have a chance. Your name is Sakura, right? What a beautiful name. I will definitely make you fall for me." Lee then turned his gaze toward the two gatekeepers.
The two guards felt uncomfortable under his stare. "Wait, you aren't planning to use us as stepping stones to show off, are you?"
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