CHAPTER 68 - Bleach x Naruto: Shinigami in Konoha

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"I look forward to welcoming you as member"

ENJOY THE BENEFITS.

Hearing this, Kabuto Yakushi gave a slight smile and said to Sasuke: "Thank you, Sasuke-kun, for your encouragement."

Sasuke replied plainly, "You're welcome."

Kabuto continued, "I'd like to ask Sasuke-kun to teach me—just as a mentor figure. Of course, I'm not asking you to pass down any of your clan's unique abilities. If you could simply guide me in basic ninja techniques, that would be enough for me to pass the Chūnin Exams.

In the future, I'll repay you generously. As a token of gratitude, I'll even share half the rewards from future missions as an apprenticeship fee."

As Kabuto smiled gently, Sasuke was left a bit confused. What kind of development is this?

"You've… never learned any ninjutsu before?" Sasuke knew Kabuto's background well but still asked to probe him further.

Kabuto let out a soft sigh, his expression turning somber, touched with a hint of self-mockery. "I'm an orphan. I grew up in the Konoha orphanage. When I finally entered the Ninja Academy, I realized the other students had either strong family support, shinobi parents, or were simply gifted.

I had none of that.

I worked hard in the academy, especially in theoretical classes—but for a ninja, theory only gets you so far. It's combat ability that truly matters.

Relying on grades alone doesn't make you stronger. Once I was assigned to a genin squad, I became dead weight in missions. I even nearly died a few times during the Chūnin Exams. I can't even use most C-rank ninjutsu properly, let alone anything more advanced."

What Kabuto said was half-truth, half-lie. If Sasuke hadn't already seen the real Kabuto during his time under Orochimaru, he might have believed it.

"That's pretty sad," Sasuke said, patting Kabuto's shoulder with a hint of mock sympathy.

Since you want to play this game, then I'll play along.

"Well, compared to other orphans, I'm already lucky. After becoming a genin, I've been sending money back to the orphanage every month to help improve their lives. But my skills are limited, so the mission rewards are small. It's barely enough to make a difference."

Kabuto sighed again, his expression unreadable.

"Fine. Come find me when you're free. I'll make sure you pass the Chūnin Exams next time," Sasuke said.

By now, the situation was clear. Orochimaru had likely placed Kabuto near him intentionally. This was a trick he had used before—even the puppet master Sasori had once fallen for it.

Orochimaru's intent was obvious: gather intel on Sasuke, extract research data on prosthetic body structures, or perhaps study the secrets of Uchiha ocular power to fuel his experiments.

Sasuke figured it was best to keep Kabuto close. Even a spy who doesn't realize he's been compromised can be useful in the future.

"Really?" Kabuto looked genuinely surprised.

"Sensei!" he suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Sasuke.

Hearing that word, Sasuke felt a chill down his spine.

"Don't call me that!" Sasuke snapped reflexively.

Anyone called "sensei" in Naruto had a notoriously bad survival rate—and he didn't plan on dying young.

"Then… what should I call you?" Kabuto asked with a smirk.

"You're older than me. Just stick with how you've been addressing me. No need to call me 'sensei,'" Sasuke replied after a moment.

"Understood." Kabuto nodded obediently.

With his arrangement with Kabuto temporarily resolved, Sasuke turned his attention to the match unfolding in the arena—it was surprisingly the turn of two members of the Hyūga clan to fight.

Due to some recent changes, Hinata had grown significantly stronger and barely scraped through the preliminaries. Neji, on the other hand, had advanced easily thanks to his overwhelming strength.

"The third round of the Chūnin Exam final competition: Hyūga Neji vs. Hyūga Hinata!" Shiranui Genma announced.

Neji and Hinata entered the ring at the same time.

Neji's face was stiff, likely displeased at having to face his cousin, but as the match was about to start, his frown relaxed—as if a new idea had occurred to him.

"Begin!" Genma declared.

But unlike the previous matches, Neji and Hinata didn't immediately clash. Instead, they began speaking.

"Brother Neji… maybe I should just forfeit," Hinata whispered. "I know I'm not your match."

Neji shook his head. "There's no older brother who would let his sister give up so easily. Lady Hinata, do you remember the training we left unfinished? Let's use this opportunity to continue it."

"Okay," Hinata replied softly.

The audience began murmuring restlessly at the odd exchange.

"Are they fighting or not? If not, hurry up and leave the field."

"This is the Chūnin Exam—not a family reunion."

Even Genma lost patience. "If either of you intends to forfeit, do it now!" he shouted from the sidelines.

Neji ignored the jeering. After a quick nod, both he and Hinata stepped back, taking the Gentle Fist stance.

The crowd finally quieted. Sasuke watched with narrowed eyes, understanding Neji's plan.

They're really doing this...

"Byakugan!" ×2

Both Neji and Hinata activated their dōjutsu and rushed each other in close quarters.

Just when everyone expected a ferocious exchange, the rhythm changed again.

"Yes, Lady Hinata, like that. Don't give your opponent a chance to breathe—strike swiftly. Seal their chakra points in one fluid motion!"

Neji coached her while parrying her palm strikes.

"Faster, Hinata-sama. The speed of Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms must be double that of the Thirty-Two Palms. Only then can you land all sixty-four hits instantly. That shuts down all of the enemy's chakra pathways."

He continued calmly instructing her. Hinata's palms moved quickly, sweat glistening on her forehead. She was clearly pushing herself hard.

The audience sat frozen, dumbfounded. One by one, they looked like stone statues.

Sasuke remained silent, unsure how to even react.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Hinata shouted, launching her technique.

But in the end, she only managed thirty-two strikes before faltering.

Neji caught her as she nearly collapsed from exhaustion.

"I'm sorry, Brother Neji… I gave it my all… but I still couldn't finish it," Hinata said, discouraged.

"Don't say that, Lady Hinata. You're the heir to the main family. This is just a minor hurdle. Let me demonstrate. You can try again later. I believe in you."

Neji's tone was calm and firm. Ever since Sasuke spoke to him before the tournament, his views had shifted. He now wanted to support Hinata, to make her stronger. And he'd protect her himself.

Taking a few steps away from her, Neji shifted his stance once again.

"I'll begin now, Lady Hinata."