The news of Konoha's reopening spread like wildfire across the entire ninja world. After three long years, the once-greatest shinobi village was finally emerging from its self-imposed isolation. No matter how one looked at it, this was a monumental event.
The sudden announcement of both the village's reopening and the upcoming Chunin Exams sent a clear message, Konoha had likely made significant progress during its years of seclusion. They wouldn't take such a bold step unless they were confident in their recovery and eager to reassert their dominance among the major shinobi villages.
This move was undeniably a declaration to the world: Konoha was back in action. However, amidst the buzz and speculation, one particular detail left many puzzled… Why had Konoha invited the Grass Village of all places? A village notorious for stirring up trouble.
Take this morning's issue of the Shinobi Times Daily, for example:
'Konoha Earnestly Invites Grass Village's New Generation of Ninjas to Participate in the Chunin Exams, Acknowledging Grass Village's Position in the Ninja World and Showcasing the Friendship Between the Two Villages. The Rumors of Disagreement Are Put to Rest; The Friendship Between Konoha and Grass Village Goes Way Back...'
See the full report below!
They even had the audacity to publish a photo of the invitation letter in the Shinobi Times, proudly flaunting the deep ties between the two villages. The article took a jab at any ninja villages attempting to sow discord between them. The boldness was almost laughable. Could anyone truly believe that Konoha and Grass Village had a friendship that couldn't be shattered?
Who in the ninja world didn't know that Konoha had been forced into isolation for three long years because of Grass Village's interference? And now, Konoha, of all places, was inviting them to participate in the Chunin Exams? Were they really that confident? Or were they perhaps too reckless? What if the reopening was met with chaos? What if the village was shut down once more on the very same day? Such an outcome would be a catastrophic embarrassment.
As expected, the ninja world was watching Konoha's reopening with caution. Everyone understood the risks involved, and no one was sure whether this bold step would lead to a triumphant return or another failure. The tension in the air was palpable, and no one dared underestimate the consequences of what might unfold.
At the same time, the Kages of both the Stone and Cloud Villages, along with reports from the Shinobi Times, confirmed their acceptance of Konoha's invitation to participate in the Chunin Exams.
Ever since Konoha closed its gates, the only newspaper that had once rivaled Shinobi Times, Roots Daily, had vanished, leaving Shinobi Times as the sole dominant force in the ninja world's media. Their reporters, elusive and utterly fearless, were a nightmare for anyone in power. They had become a persistent plague on the ninja world, a constant thorn in the side of every village leader.
So, the reports about Stone and Cloud's participation came as no surprise. And as for the Grass Village? Of course, they would attend. As Konoha's closest ally, how could they possibly miss the opportunity to show their unwavering support? In fact, not just Grass Village, Rain and Sand would be participating as well, all eager to pay their respects to Konoha's grand event.
Unfortunately, Akihiko had originally planned to use the Chunin Exams as an opportunity for large-scale advertising. However, Konoha had outright rejected his proposal, opting for other sponsors instead. When he received the news, his expression turned strange for a brief moment, but he ultimately chose not to dwell on it.
As the day's work wrapped up, most people gradually took their leave. However, Mubuki remained behind, naturally, because Akihiko had specifically asked him to stay.
Looking at Mubuki standing before him, Akihiko furrowed his brows and asked, "By the way, how's Kabuto doing?"
After graduating, Kabuto had initially worked in the Medical Department for a while, but then, to everyone's surprise, he abruptly turned down a lucrative offer and shifted his focus entirely to the research institute.
Not long after, due to their collaboration with Orochimaru, the need for a sharp, observant ninja to oversee the experiments became apparent. The goal was to ensure Orochimaru didn't sabotage the results or deceive them in any way.
At first, they had planned to send a disguised White Zetsu to monitor Orochimaru, since he didn't need to be directly involved with the experiments, his sole purpose would be surveillance.
But unexpectedly, Kabuto had quietly volunteered for the task. He claimed that his father had agreed to it, and as much as Akihiko didn't want to, he had no choice but to give his approval. Over the years, Kabuto had worked under Orochimaru's watchful eye, and rumors said he had learned a great deal from the rogue Sannin.
"That kid, Kabuto…" Mubuki sighed, a hint of satisfaction in his expression as he spoke. "Compared to Asui and Yahiko, he's more like me, handsome, gentle, polite... He truly embodies the spirit of Grass Village. Perhaps he will be the one to perfectly inherit and carry forward my will in the future!"
Akihiko's mouth twitched. Can you be any more shameless? Seriously, how could he say that with a straight face? Handsome? Gentle? Polite? Shouldn't he check his conscience before making such claims? Wasn't the entire ninja world well aware that Mubuki was the very embodiment of Grass Village's… unique spirit?
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Akihiko sighed in exasperation. "Get to the point."
Mubuki straightened up and quickly explained, "Don't worry, that kid is doing fine over there. He's using Gato's name for cover, and as for funding, Orochimaru wouldn't dare cause trouble right now."
He then smirked slightly. "Oh, and a few days ago, Jugo was sent over as well. With those two brothers working together, there's definitely no problem."
As if remembering something, Mubuki added, "Ah, right, I almost forgot to mention… it looks like Jugo won't be able to participate in the Chunin Exams."
Akihiko was momentarily stunned. "Wait, wait, when did Jugo leave? Wasn't he working at the research institute?"
Mubuki blinked, as if surprised by the question. "Right after graduation. At first, he was at the research institute, but later, the Senjutsu Chakra research hit a bottleneck. Kabuto mentioned that Orochimaru had started some new projects, so he sent Jugo on a 'business trip' there." Mubuki narrowed his eyes slightly. "Haven't I mentioned this before during the arrangement?"
Akihiko frowned, trying to recall. Did he mention it? Now that he thought about it, he might have overlooked it at the time. Since the children had chosen their own paths, he hadn't interfered. Who would have thought that some researchers from the Grass Village Research Institute would end up being sent on business trips to Orochimaru's place?
Sighing, Akihiko lifted his gaze and spoke seriously. "Isn't that dangerous? Make sure they're well-protected, after all, they are the future of Grass Village."
"That kid volunteered for it," Mubuki sighed, shaking his head. "I tried to dissuade him, but he still chose to go." Then, with a small smile, he added, "Since it was his decision, as his father, all I can do is respect it. As for the danger… with Kabuto and White Zetsu there, I doubt it'll be a problem. Even if something does happen, we'll be the first to know."
"I see…" Akihiko exhaled, shaking his head helplessly. "By now, they've probably already heard the news about Konoha reopening. Orochimaru will likely reach out to Danzo soon. Let them know, if anything seems off, they're to retreat immediately."
Mubuki nodded firmly. "Don't worry, I've already sent word." Then, with a grin, he added, "And knowing Kabuto, he's already prepared for any situation." He sighed, a trace of nostalgia in his expression. "That kid… he's always been sharp, always thinking ahead. Reminds me of myself when I was younger."
Hearing such an utterly shameless boast, Akihiko was once again left speechless.
…
Meanwhile, just as Akihiko and Mubuki had anticipated, the moment news of Konoha's reopening spread, Kabuto was the first to receive the message. Instantly, he grasped the implications of his situation.
For years, under the guise of Gato's name and the veiled threats from Grass Village, they had forced Orochimaru into conducting extensive research. If his role as a spy were ever uncovered, the consequences would be dire.
Of course, Kabuto had treaded carefully, never overstepping his bounds. No matter the experiment, he ensured that the funding he approved was more than sufficient, always cooperating with Orochimaru's research without raising suspicion.
In this dynamic, his role was clear, he was the key financial backer of Orochimaru's laboratory at the Land of Waves' production base. Though Orochimaru was more than capable of acquiring funds, whether through his 'establishment' of the Sound Village or other means, it wasn't as simple as casually investing tens or even hundreds of millions of ryo into research.
Having unrestricted access to billions in experimental funding without the hassle of securing it himself was an arrangement that suited Orochimaru perfectly.
Adjusting his glasses, Kabuto's eyes gleamed as he turned his gaze toward Grass Village and murmured, "It's time to prepare."
Just as the words left his lips, a soft, teasing voice drifted from behind him. "Ara, ara~ Kabuto-kun, basking in the sun again, are we?"