The Discovery of Red Beans
A few minutes later, Naruto and Sasuke emerged from the dense forest and arrived at the site of the recent battle.
Under the combined assault of Hinata, Karin, Haku, and others, Kimimaro had gradually fallen into a disadvantage. However, seizing an opportunity, he managed to break free from their encirclement and vanished into the vast forest.
Due to Naruto's absence, the group didn't dare pursue Kimimaro recklessly. Instead, they remained at the scene, waiting for Naruto's return. After all, Kimimaro's sudden appearance and retreat felt too suspicious, hinting that a more formidable figure might be orchestrating events from the shadows.
Upon seeing Naruto return, Hinata and the others rushed over, recounting their battle against Kimimaro with frustration written all over their faces, regretting their failure to stop him.
Naruto smiled reassuringly and said, "Kimimaro's strength is nearly Kage-level. It's not surprising that you couldn't keep up. If it weren't for his concern about attracting Konoha's Jōnin, you wouldn't have even forced him to retreat so easily."
"Kage-level strength?" Hinata, Karin, and Haku exchanged shocked glances.
If they could hold their own against such an opponent, did that mean their abilities were approaching that of a Jōnin? And yet, why was such a monster participating in the Chūnin Exams?
Had Naruto disappeared just to give them a chance to gain experience, or had he gone to meet someone else?
However, it wasn't wise for shinobi to probe too deeply into secrets. They chose to remain silent.
After exchanging information, Naruto instructed Haku and Karin to tend to the unconscious Shino and Kiba, while he and Hinata went to assess the battlefield's spoils.
On the surface, the loot was simple—defeated Oto-nin, their equipment, and an Earth Scroll.
The former, products of Orochimaru's experiments, might provide insight into his progress with the Cursed Seal. The latter was essential for advancing in the Chūnin Exams.
But the most valuable prize was something far greater—knowledge obtained from Orochimaru himself.
After some "persuasion," Naruto had convinced Orochimaru to share one of his most advanced techniques. This modified version of the Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) allowed a summoned corpse to retain up to 70% of its original power.
To Naruto's surprise, Orochimaru had also proposed an alliance with Uzushio Village.
Naruto hadn't given him an immediate answer. However, this proposal indicated that Orochimaru still intended to continue his Konoha Crush Plan. The only question was: Would he direct his assault at the Third Hokage or at Jiraiya?
As Orochimaru once said—there was nothing more entertaining than a battle between "brothers." Naruto was keen to see how things would unfold between Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the Third Hokage.
While Naruto pondered these developments, Sasuke kept his gaze locked onto him, his expression conflicted.
Should he report this information to Konoha, or should he bury it deep within himself?
A Konoha shinobi's duty was to report intelligence. However, both Kakashi and Menma had hinted at something—that the Uchiha Clan's downfall was inseparably tied to Konoha.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence.
Mitarashi Anko, the chief examiner, appeared before them.
Taking in the fallen trees and the battle-ravaged ground, Anko frowned and said sternly, "What the hell happened here? And why are the surveillance cameras destroyed?"
Hinata and the others hesitated, but Naruto stepped forward and replied, "Examiner Anko, we encountered a rogue shinobi who attacked without provocation. It took a lot of effort to drive him off. I suspect he's a spy, infiltrating the Forest of Death to sabotage Konoha's Chūnin Exams."
"You said Konoha's Chūnin Exams?"
Anko narrowed her eyes, studying the cheerful but enigmatic Naruto. When she recalled that he was a shinobi from Uzushio Village, her expression softened slightly.
"So you're not one of Konoha's genin… I appreciate the information. I'll take care of this."
Naruto continued, "The attacker was exceptionally strong. Ordinary shinobi won't stand a chance against him. It might be best if you bring reinforcements—or even suspend the exam."
"I'm a Jōnin. I don't need advice from rookies taking the Chūnin Exams."
Giving them all a cold glance, Anko followed the scent trail without looking back.
As she disappeared, Hinata whispered, "Will Examiner Anko be alright?"
Naruto chuckled, eyes gleaming. "I warned her. If she insists on going alone, that's her choice. But the people causing trouble in the Chūnin Exams aren't ones she can handle."
Hinata tilted her head. "You know Examiner Anko that well?"
Naruto shook his head. "Not really. But I do know the one behind the chaos in the Forest of Death. He's ruthless, a natural killer… but he has a peculiar sense of attachment. He won't kill her."
Hinata leaned in and murmured, "Is this troublemaker an ally of yours? The Hyūga Clan can assist if you need help. I'm the acting clan head now—it's different from before."
Naruto smiled. "I'll need your help eventually, but not now. For now, let's enjoy the Chūnin Exams."
---
Meanwhile, Anko raced through the Forest of Death, her expression darkening with every step.
From the start of the Chūnin Exams, she had been sensing a familiar chakra signature lingering in the forest. The discarded snake skins she had discovered only confirmed her worst fears.
The one who had infiltrated Konoha—the one scheming in the shadows—was none other than her former master, Orochimaru.
Years ago, after Orochimaru's defection, her status as his apprentice had caused her own standing in Konoha to plummet. She had become a target of suspicion, watched closely by both the Anbu and the Root Division. It wasn't until Jiraiya became Hokage that she was allowed to serve as a Tokubetsu Jōnin again.
And now, after all these years, he had returned.
Was she furious at Orochimaru for betraying Konoha? Or… did she resent him for abandoning her?
The chakra trail grew stronger.
Anko swiftly eliminated a nearby venomous snake—likely a scout—and leapt onto a branch, scanning the area below.
And then she saw him.
Orochimaru.
But she wasn't alone in witnessing him.
Surrounding Orochimaru were several masked shinobi clad in black, dressed unmistakably in Anbu uniforms.
Anko's breath caught.
Those weren't impostors. She recognized their stance, their mannerisms, their subtle accents.
They were real Konoha Anbu.
But if they were truly Konoha's elite, why were they standing beside Orochimaru?
Was Orochimaru's return part of a larger conspiracy?
Had someone from within Konoha helped him infiltrate the village?
And more terrifyingly—was this an inside job meant to overthrow Konoha from within?
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