Chapter 217: Each With Their Own Intentions
Inside the Sand Village Lodgings.
"The investigation is out. The reason Konoha's Genin have such abundant combat experience is because of Tonbo Tobitake."
Baki opened the door and stepped into the room. At that moment, the three Sand Siblings were sitting on the floor, deep in thought.
Hearing Baki's words, Kankuro asked, "Can you really take a shortcut with combat experience?"
Whether in the Forest of Death or during the preliminary matches, they had all noticed that the combat experience of those Konoha youths was far superior to any Konoha Genin they had seen in the past. To Kankuro, combat experience was something that could only be gained through non-stop missions and actual combat. That required time—unless they were all from Great Clans with dedicated sparring partners.
Even so, Kankuro felt some of them were borderline ridiculous. They looked at Baki, waiting for his answer.
"Yes. Tonbo Tobitake—also known to the outside world as Captain Tonbo. He is the finest Genjutsu master in Konoha. I've heard he created a specific Genjutsu suited for training combat experience, and he has already begun training the new generation of Genin with it. He is a major threat to the Sand Village. If the opportunity arises, we cannot let him live."
Baki laid out the situation. Just as he thought, Tonbo Tobitake's threat to other ninja villages was greater than most. It wasn't about his individual combat power, but his ability to cultivate the next generation. No matter how strong a single fighter is, a few Jonin can solve the problem. But the ability to increase the combat power of an entire generation is something other villages do not possess.
Temari mused for a moment. "That ability is too terrifying. If possible, wouldn't capturing him to interrogate him for his methods serve the village's interests better?"
"I'm afraid the chances are slim," Kankuro noted. "I've heard a few things as well. This guy rarely takes missions outside the village, and every mission he does take is highly classified. It's impossible for our spies to find him easily."
Gaara spoke up: "Once this plan is complete, he will have no village to stand in. We can seize him by force and bring him over to our side."
"Gaara has a point. We'll see when the time comes," Baki nodded. These three disciples, with the exception of Gaara being a bit difficult to manage, were quite capable. "For now, stay prepared. Opportunities are fleeting. Keep increasing your strength."
In a hallway.
"Lord Orochimaru, that Tonbo Tobitake isn't easy to deal with. If we execute the plan now, won't that guy interfere with us?" Kabuto pushed up his glasses.
Orochimaru leaned against a pillar, a smile playing on his lips. "Naturally, someone will help us move that massive obstacle out of the way. You needn't worry."
Kabuto gave him a surprised look, a glint flashing in his eyes. He smiled. "I see. As expected of Lord Orochimaru." His master's thoughts were truly beyond his speculation; his methods were endless.
"What about the intel on Sasuke?" Orochimaru asked.
Kabuto replied, "In every aspect, he meets your standards for reincarnation, Lord Orochimaru. It's a pity about Kimimaro's physical condition; I haven't found a cure yet. Otherwise, he would be even more suitable than Sasuke."
He felt a bit of regret. The most ideal body was still that man's.
"Sasuke Uchiha's body might not be inferior to Kimimaro's—it might even be better," Orochimaru licked his lips. Thinking of Sasuke's performance, he grew increasingly satisfied. What beautiful eyes, what a perfect body, what powerful talent.
"Continue gathering intel on him, Kabuto."
"Understood. However, he has too many people protecting him right now. It's not easy to find an opening."
"I believe in your abilities, Kabuto. No one is better at this than you."
"You really think highly of me, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto chuckled. "I'll take my leave then."
As Kabuto walked away, Orochimaru's lips curled. No one believes in your talent more than I do, Kabuto. It's just a shame your 'hardware' is a bit lacking. To a man with such high pursuits as Orochimaru, the quality of the "hardware" was everything.
Ting-aling!
Clang! Bam!
Ugly, discordant notes flew through the air, making it impossible for the three children—Tianyu and the others—to focus on their training.
"Hey, big sisters! Put some more effort into it! This sounds horrible. Any man who hears this would run for the hills!" Tianyu couldn't help but complain. He had already deduced from his father's words that these two were fighting over a man. Seeing such awful music, he didn't hold back his mockery.
"..."
The sound stopped instantly.
Twang! Twang!
Boom! Boom!
Then came an even more intense noise as the two women glared at each other, their competitive spirits flaring.
I have to finish training faster than Ino.
I have to finish training faster than Sakura.
The same thought flashed through both their minds. It was as if the first person to finish would somehow win the favor of Sasuke Uchiha. They remained indifferent to the children's complaints, leaving only the single-minded goal of winning.
"Big brother, they're scary. Let's not bother them," Maki whispered, seeing the look in their eyes.
Wataru added, "Is this what Captain Tonbo's swordsmanship experience calls one of the hardest things in the world: the Power of Love?"
Love, kindness, and hatred were things Captain Tonbo believed a blade could never sever. Now, Wataru felt he understood. As expected of Captain Tonbo's wisdom.
While Tonbo Tobitake was practicing, he noticed their bickering. However, healthy competition was good. One really had to learn to use the power of information; now, Sakura and Ino didn't need him to supervise them at all—they supervised each other.
He pulled a special Food Pill from his pouch. As his body evolved faster and faster, his energy requirements increased. He had to eat better and more frequently.
After swallowing the pill, he sank back into the data regarding Sasuke's Cursed Seal. The special enzyme could passively attune to Natural Energy and be actively stimulated by chakra.
This was now the "Second Sequence" of his physical evolution. The "First Sequence," naturally, was his total chakra volume. Even if he wanted to use Sage Jutsu, he needed massive chakra first to suppress the Natural Energy. This was his backup plan in case the special enzyme couldn't fully neutralize the negative effects of Natural Energy. Either way, he had a few years; the order didn't matter much.
Driven by his body's needs, the Food Pill was rapidly converted into nutrients as soon as it hit his stomach. His cells began to change slowly. Getting stronger... evolving...
When the first small batch of enzymes evolved from his cells, he felt it—as if endless energy was surrounding him. The sensation was fleeting, but it was real.
The effect shouldn't be this obvious so soon. Is it because my innate perception is already high, plus my extreme focus allows me to enter a meditative state so quickly?
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