Chapter 24: Test

After receiving the answer he wanted, Orochimaru left the Hokage's office, feeling satisfied with Tobirama's response.

Tobirama watched the trio leave, looking out the window of his office, and asked, "Tsushima , what do you think of that kid?"

The two Anbu silently materialized behind Tobirama, and they were Tsunade's personal bodyguards.

Taking off his peculiar mask, Tsushima revealed a calm and ordinary square face. He spoke thoughtfully, "I believe this kid is quite talented, but he seems to have his own secrets. We should keep an eye on him and test him more."

"I agree." Tobirama nodded. "And what about you, Kazama?"

Kazama had a thin face, but his blue eyes seemed to see through people's hearts. He replied, "His mental power is astonishingly strong. It might greatly reduce the effectiveness of Uchiha clan's genjutsu in his presence."

"Uchiha..." Tobirama mused, noting the strong bond between the three young ninjas. With Jiraiya also being able to influence others, they might form a powerful combination to support Tsunade's growth.

Orochimaru's fingers fiddled with the scroll in his cuff, wondering what kind of ninjutsu it contained. However, being a technique from Senju's clan, it was undoubtedly of high quality. The opportunity to join the medical class was also a profitable deal!

"Huh?" Orochimaru's mental perception seemed to detect something, and a sneer appeared on his face. "Looks like someone is being dishonest."

"Hey brats, your teacher is here." Sarutobi suddenly appeared in his black attire, startling Jiraiya.

"Wow! Teacher...!" Tsunade and Jiraiya were thrilled, jumping up and babbling excitedly.

"Orochimaru saved the day during this dangerous mission...Teacher, how about treating us to some barbecue?" Jiraiya acted like a mischievous child in front of Sarutobi.

"Sure!" Sarutobi agreed proudly.

"Great !" Being only seven years old, Tsunade also jumped up excitedly.

"Orochimaru, you..." Sarutobi looked at the boy in white with relief, about to say something.

"Yo! Isn't that Sarutobi!" A gloomy man "coincidentally" emerged from the shadows at the corner of the street, accompanied by three children.

Deng Deng Deng Deng ~ ~ Orochimaru felt a strong aura approaching him, locked in by a chakra surpassing Jōnin level, and the secret villain of Konoha appeared! It was none other than Shimura Danzo!

Orochimaru remained calm, expanding his mental power perception range. Familiar fluctuations suddenly appeared in the distance—Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Uchiha clan members. And, Hatake... huh?!

Orochimaru sensed an obscure spiritual force emanating from the Hokage Building—it was Tobirama watching the situation!

"Sarutobi, your disciple is quite remarkable. I heard he just completed an A-level mission!" Danzo spoke first.

"What? These kids managed to complete an A-level mission?" Danzo's voice rang out, and the passing ninjas stopped to watch.

"I heard there were Jōnin-level enemies on the A-level mission. I assume the teacher led the team to handle it," someone whispered.

"Haha." Sarutobi smiled calmly. "My disciples are indeed exceptional. Is there something wrong, Danzo?"

Danzo looked at Orochimaru with an insincere smile on his face. "You must be the genius Orochimaru who killed a Jōnin all by himself. Not bad. Today's encounter must be a stroke of luck for you!"

Orochimaru observed Danzo with a playful look, knowing he must have set someone up to challenge him. Well, let him think what he wants.

"What! A lower-ranked ninja defeated an upper-ranked one?" The crowd was in an uproar.

"Is that Orochimaru a genius?"

"That Jonin must be telling the truth!"

.....

"So what!" Tsunade couldn't hold back her anger and shouted at Danzo.

"Humph." Danzo wore an arrogant sneer on his face. "I have a disciple who is always rebellious. Hearing that Konoha has such a genius, I thought it'd be nice to test him out. Is he up for the challenge?"

After Danzo finished speaking, he stepped aside, and the three kids stepped forward. Orochimaru couldn't help but gasp when he saw who they were!

With his silver hair, calm demeanor, and sharp eyes—it was Sakumo Hatake!

With purple hair hanging down his shoulders, handsome appearance, and a sunny self-confidence—it was Dan Kato!

And the slim, white-robed Genin—it was Hiruko.

Poof! Orochimaru felt his worldview shatter as he gazed upon these individuals. They turned out to be Danzo's disciples!

Orochimaru's hands trembled slightly as he held the snake, realizing that things weren't as simple as they seemed!

Hatake Sakumo stepped forward and bowed to Orochimaru in a proper ninja etiquette. "Orochimaru, my teacher ordered me to spar with you. I know you are strong, and I want to challenge you!"

Hatake Sakumo's eyes were full of fighting spirit, sharp like a knife. Danzo clenched his teeth in anger. This kid was just too straightforward!

Orochimaru smiled slightly. Hatake Sakumo's sharp and direct manner reminded him of a real ninja!

"That ninja is said to be a genius who was promoted to Chunin this year!"

"I've also heard he's a genius of the Hatake clan, the proud disciple of the clan head!"

During this time, the news of Chunin exams was spreading fast. War was no doubt a ninja's meat grinder, but it was far simpler than in the future.

People all over the village were excitedly discussing that Hatake Sakumo was the genius of this year's batch, while Orochimaru was rumored to have killed a Jōnin, making both of them highly anticipated contestants.

"Sarutobi, would it be better for them to compete?" Danzo smirked darkly. He knew Hatake Sakumo's capabilities very well. He was the hope for the revival of the Hatake clan, and general Chunin wouldn't be able to defeat him. Besides, Danzo didn't believe Orochimaru could have killed a Jōnin.

Whether he wins or loses, it won't matter. Danzo was confident that he could spin the situation in his favor. After all, his disciple had just defeated a genius "Jōnin killer."

Orochimaru looked at Danzo with a mischievous smile. This guy must have let someone come and challenge him foolishly. Seeing is believing, after all.

Danzo, you're just a pawn today!

With a reassuring gesture to Sarutobi, Orochimaru also stepped forward, bowing with a serious ninja etiquette towards Hatake Sakumo. A powerful aura and immense mental strength remained suppressed, and his eyes locked onto the opponent with an intense determination for battle!

Now that everything was in place, Orochimaru would show them all what true skill looked like!

"Orochimaru is so strong!" As a member of the ninja force, Hatake Sakumo keenly sensed Orochimaru's restrained power.

Danzo wore a sneer of arrogance, thinking that today would be the day Orochimaru's true strength would be revealed. He wondered why Sarutobi was still trying to compete with him!

"Come on, Orochimaru, defeat that kid!" Tsunade cheered from the sidelines, knowing full well Orochimaru's capabilities.

Sarutobi's palms were sweating. As Orochimaru's teacher, he was the most nervous of them all. "Go for it, Orochimaru!"

Everyone cleared a space, and even the Konoha guards pretended not to notice the situation, watching from a distance.

With the field now quiet, Orochimaru made his move!

"Shadow Concealment: Multi-Snake Hands!" Countless snakes burst forth from Orochimaru's cuffs, like dark shadows intent on engulfing White Fang!

"So powerful! What kind of ninjutsu is this?" Hatake Sakumo was horrified, pulling out his short knife and slashing desperately.

The silver-white blade of the knife was like a meteor in the dark night, cutting a small gap in the black shadows. But more snakes emerged from all directions, quickly overwhelming him!

"Damn it! How is he so strong?!" Danzo could hardly contain his anger, watching the black sea of snakes with disbelief!

The crowd around them was in an uproar. The countless snakes were a terrifying sight. No matter how sharp Hatake Sakumo's blade was, it was no match for the overwhelming power!

Hatake Sakumo's eyes turned cold, and his body blurred for an instant.

Orochimaru snorted coldly, and his figure flickered too.

"Swish!" Hatake Sakumo's figure disappeared from the midst of the snakes and appeared behind Orochimaru. Though his clothes were tattered and he was bleeding in several places, Hatake Sakumo's eyes remained as sharp as a knife. His white short knife silently swung towards Orochimaru.

"Damn, how is he so fast!" Danzo roared in anger, while a smile crept up on Sarutobi's face!

Just as the short knife neared Orochimaru, the Orochimaru before Hatake Sakumo dispersed into a phantom. Hatake Sakumo's pupils contracted as he felt a cold blade at his neck!

There was an uproar among the surrounding crowd, as the real Orochimaru now stood behind Hatake Sakumo!

"Sarutobi's disciple is so strong!"

"Yes, this Orochimaru is simply dominating!"

The discussion around them almost made Danzo furious. He had brought this upon himself, and now he suffers the consequences!

"Alas." Hatake Sakumo sheathed his blade, turned around, and looked at Orochimaru with clear, determined eyes.

"I lost."

*****

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