Outside the Konoha Hospital, the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the village. Kabuto, having finished his day's work, hurried home. But halfway there, he stopped short. After checking that no one was around, he turned and walked behind a roadside tree.
"Lord Orochimaru." Kabuto bowed respectfully to the pale man leaning against the trunk.
Orochimaru stood with his arms crossed, a smile on his face that conveyed no warmth. Instead, he seemed like a predator lurking in the shadows. "Kabuto. How's the intelligence gathering on Sasuke and Naruto coming along? And Danzo—have you made contact with him yet?"
"Two months ago, the base where Danzo and I frequently communicated was destroyed," Kabuto replied, pulling a scroll from his robes. "We haven't heard from him since." He handed the scroll over. "Sasuke's progress and information about the Jinchuriki are all recorded here."
Orochimaru took the scroll, licking his lips. "You did a great job." He unfurled it, scanning the contents, and his yellow eyes widened. "He's awakened the two-tomoe Sharingan and even learned Kakashi's A-rank jutsu, Chidori? As expected of Itachi's younger brother—they're both geniuses." A dark chuckle rumbled in his throat. "At this rate, it seems the prepared transitional vessel won't be needed..."
The laughter died in his throat as he read the information about Naruto. His expression shifted to confusion, then shock.
"He mastered the Nine-Tails' chakra and defeated Elite Jōnin like Aburame Torune and Zabuza?" Orochimaru hissed, his vertical pupils shrinking. "No wonder Danzo suddenly asked me for a sealing technique to seal the Nine-Tails' chakra three months ago. Judging from the current information, the old guy definitely failed and suffered retaliation."
Orochimaru and Danzo had been in contact and cooperating for years. Danzo had contributed significant funding to his research, and in return, Orochimaru fed him scraps of his physical research to keep him satisfied. But now... this.
Seeing Orochimaru's puzzled expression, Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Lord Orochimaru, the village keeps Jinchuriki information tightly secret. This is just the surface data I've personally verified. There are also some speculations based on recent events that I haven't definitively confirmed."
Intrigued, Orochimaru nodded. "Tell me."
"Naruto should be a perfect Jinchuriki," Kabuto said. "He can master and use most of the Nine-Tails' power without losing control. Danzo's base in the Forest of Death was most likely destroyed by him using a Tailed Beast ninjutsu. I saw the aftermath myself—the chakra residue was like what we saw in the Land of Waves, but even more terrifying."
"He mastered most of the Nine-Tails' power?" Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"
"Not sure. The information is tightly under wraps, and I couldn't confirm it directly. However, the village's finances have resumed allocating funds to Root, and Danzo has been reinstated. This seems like appeasement—compensation for the damage done to Naruto."
Kabuto's analysis was so clear that Orochimaru was more or less convinced. "Keep an eye on Sasuke and find Danzo to make contact with. As for Naruto... I'll go check on him myself later and finish what Danzo didn't finish."
With that, Orochimaru disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
He had already infiltrated Kumogakure to study perfect Jinchuriki. While they were powerful, they were beyond the control of his multiple reincarnations. That was why the Uchiha bloodline, like Itachi's, was more appealing. But he also needed to eliminate or contain the threat posed by Naruto. Otherwise, his plan to collapse Konoha and support Danzo's rise to power might fail due to this uncertain factor.
...
The next day, Team 7 arrived at the registration point to submit their Chunin Exam applications.
Inside Menma's mindscape, knowing the plot, his voice rang out in Naruto's mind. "Naruto, give me your body. The first exam is written; I'll take it."
Menma needed to be in close contact with Might Guy for a considerable time before the system could analyze and acquire his abilities. He planned to use the exam as a cover to seize control.
"Huh?! The first exam is written!"
Naruto, walking with Sasuke and Sakura, was startled by Menma's sudden words, his face twisting in shock.
Sasuke glanced at him. "That's right. The first exam is written. Didn't you even read the exam instructions on the registration form?"
Naruto groaned. He'd been too excited about showing off with his Wind Release techniques to read the fine print.
"Quick, quick, let's switch! I knew you were the best, Menma!" Naruto eagerly switched control after glancing at the form. His reputation as an idiot wasn't just Sasuke's exaggeration—'loser' referred to his ninjutsu skills, and 'idiot' to his theoretical knowledge.
Sakura, knowing the situation, wore a proud expression. "Don't worry, Naruto, just sit next to us and peek at our exam papers. After all, Sasuke and I always got top marks in theory at the Academy!"
But as soon as she finished speaking, the playful Naruto transformed into the cold-faced, sharp-eyed Menma. The surrounding temperature seemed to drop.
"No need," Menma said, his voice smooth as he shed the coldness and smiled. "I'll handle the rest."
He loosened the headband on his forehead, letting it drape down his neck. Then, imbuing his palm with chakra, he casually swept his disheveled hair back, leaving only a few wisps falling across his brow, and stepped directly into the Ninja Academy ahead.
Sasuke frowned slightly at Menma's actions but said nothing and followed him inside.
Sakura, trailing behind, flushed, a silly grin on her face. She was clearly captivated by Menma's icy aura, coupled with his smooth hair-gestures. It took her a moment to react, then she muttered under her breath.
"Help... It's the same person, so why does he look so much more handsome from front to back?"