55 Chapter 55

Outside the Konoha Hospital.

Kabuto, a pharmacist who had finished a day's work, was walking briskly in the direction of his home.

However, halfway through, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

After observing his surroundings and confirming that there was no one around, he turned and walked toward the row of trees beside the road.

"Orochimaru-sama."

Kabuto respectfully bowed toward the tree where Orochimaru was leaning against.

"Kabuto, how is the intelligence gathering on Sasuke and Naruto going?"

"And what about Danzo? Have you been able to contact him now?"

Orochimaru crossed his arms, wearing a smile on his face that lacked any warmth.

Instead, it felt more like being observed by a predator lurking in the shadows.

"Two months ago, the base where I frequently communicated with Danzo was destroyed, and since then, there has been no news."

As he spoke, Kabuto took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it over.

"I've recorded Sasuke's progress and information about the Jinchuriki in here."

Orochimaru took the scroll and excitedly licked his lips, making a hissing sound.

"You've done well."

While praising him, Orochimaru opened the scroll to examine its contents.

"He has unlocked the Sharingan and even learned Kakashi's A-rank ninjutsu, Chidori?"

"He truly is Itachi's younger brother. They are both exceptional geniuses!"

"With this rate of progress, it seems that the prepared transitional vessel may not be necessary, hehehe."

Orochimaru, emitting a sharp laughter reminiscent of a woman, was soon interrupted by the intelligence of Naruto from behind.

His expression suddenly turned puzzled and shocked.

"He has mastered the Nine-Tails' chakra and defeated elite Jonin like Torune and Zabuza?!"

"No wonder that old man Danzo suddenly asked me for a sealing technique capable of sealing the Nine-Tails' chakra!"

"Based on the current intelligence, that old man must have failed and faced retaliation, hehehe."

It was because Danzo asked him for the sealing technique that Orochimaru became curious.

Thus, Kabuto gathered intelligence about Naruto along with it.

In fact, Orochimaru and Danzo had always been in contact and cooperation.

Danzo even provided a significant amount of research funding for him.

Of course, Orochimaru also used a small part of his research on the body to deceive Danzo and make him feel it was worthwhile.

Seeing Orochimaru's puzzled and shocked expression, Kabuto, who was standing beside him, struggled for a moment before interrupting Orochimaru's laughter.

He pushed up his glasses and spoke.

"Orochimaru-sama, information about the Jinchuriki is tightly guarded in the village. What I've collected is only surface-level information that I personally witnessed."

"And there are some speculations that I haven't been able to confirm based on recent events in the village."

Orochimaru highly recognized Kabuto's talent and abilities.

Although he said it was unconfirmed speculation, it was definitely the result of Kabuto's investigation and integration of various sources.

Even if there were differences from the truth, they would not be significant.

So Orochimaru was very interested and nodded in agreement. "Go on, tell me."

Kabuto didn't keep him in suspense and directly stated his findings.

"Naruto should be a perfect Jinchuriki, capable of mustering and using a significant portion of the Nine-Tails' power without losing control."

"The base in the Forest of Death, where Danzo resides was most likely destroyed by his Tailed Beast ninjutsu."

"I personally went to see it, and it was as terrifying as the lingering chakra from the battle in the Land of Waves, or even more so when he destroyed Danzo's base."

"He can use a significant portion of the Nine-Tails' power...?" Orochimaru's vertical-slit eyes showed signs of astonishment.

Then he narrowed his eyes, wearing a dangerous expression on his face. "Are you certain?"

"I'm not certain because the village has tightly sealed off the information. I couldn't gather more details," Kabuto decisively shook his head.

He had already mentioned that his conclusions were based on the available intelligence.

"However, the village's finances have resumed allocating funds to ANBU Root, and Danzo has also regained his position."

"This seems like a form of appeasement and compensation for the harm caused by Naruto."

Having analyzed the situation so clearly, Orochimaru was also inclined to believe it.

"You continue to keep an eye on Sasuke and look for Danzo and his connection to him."

"As for Naruto, I will personally go and see him later, while also completing what Danzo left unfinished."

After giving the order, Orochimaru disappeared on the spot.

Orochimaru had already infiltrated the Hidden Cloud Village to study the Perfect Jinchuriki.

Although they were powerful, they couldn't fight against him.

Of course, he also had to find a way to eliminate or restrain Naruto, who posed a threat.

Otherwise, the plan to destroy Konoha and support Danzo's rise to power could fail due to this uncertain factor.

The next day.

After completing the application, the group arrived at the registration point to submit it.

In Naruto's consciousness,

Kaze, who knew the future plot clearly, spoke directly into Naruto's mind.

"Naruto, give me your body. The first round is a written test, let me take it."

In order to have enough time in close contact with Might Guy to allow the system to analyze and obtain his abilities, Kaze planned to take control of Naruto's body under the guise of helping with the exam.

"What?!"

"The first round is a written test!"

Naruto, who was walking with Sasuke and Sakura, had his face contorted and distorted by Kaze's sudden words.

Sasuke, on the other hand, looked at Naruto with a strange expression.

"That's right, the first round is indeed a written test. Didn't you read the exam description on the registration form?"

Naruto: "..."

He was so excited about showcasing his own skills and imagining himself using Wind Style to instantly defeat his opponents. He didn't have the time or interest to read so many words!

The content of those words wasn't even about Naruto, the protagonist of this novel!

"Hurry, let's switch. I knew you were the best, Kaze!"

After glancing at the registration form in his hand, Naruto couldn't wait to exchange control with Kaze.

His reputation as a "dead last" wasn't just something Sasuke made up out of thin air.

"Dead last" referred to his ninjutsu strength, and "idiot" referred to his theoretical knowledge!

Sakura, who knew Naruto's situation, showed a proud expression as if she had been waiting for this moment.

"Don't worry, Naruto. We'll sit next to you during the exam, and you can secretly look at our answer sheets!"

"After all, Sasuke and I always ranked at the top in theoretical exams at the Ninja Academy!"

Just as she finished speaking, the quirky atmosphere of Naruto in front of them changed into cold and intense.

His gaze turned sharper.

The temperature around them suddenly dropped after Kaze appeared.

"No need. I'll take over from here."

Taking control of Naruto's body, Kaze quickly dispelled the coldness and smiled.

Then he loosened the forehead protector on his forehead, letting it hang down to his neck.

With his palm charged with chakra, he casually brushed his messy hair backward, leaving only stray strands falling over his temples.

Finally, he stepped forward and walked into the Ninja Academy ahead.

"Why did Naruto let Kaze take over again?"

Watching Kaze's behavior, Sasuke frowned.

But in the end, he didn't say anything and followed along. Sakura, who was behind them, had a flushed face and a silly smile.

Clearly, she was captivated by Kaze's icy demeanor.

It took her a while to react and she couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"Help! Don't they have the same body? Then why is one so handsome while the other goofy?"

***

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