At the same time, in a secret underground chamber somewhere in Konoha, two unsavory characters met in the shadows.
One of them removed the "Wind" hat from his head, but what was revealed was not the face of the current Kazekage, but another pale, sinister visage.
The other figure had his head wrapped in bandages, covering one eye, and his hand was also wrapped in cloth.
"So, what's so urgent that you had to find me, Danzo?"
Orochimaru smiled coldly, his serpentine gaze fixed on the gloomy old man across from him.
Although he himself wasn't particularly favored by the Third Hokage, Orochimaru felt he was still better than this pathetic creature.
All ambition but no courage, only using underhanded methods.
Of course, his disdain for Danzo didn't affect their cooperation. Rather, this kind of Danzo was more suitable as his partner—predictable, desperate, and easily manipulated.
"There have been some variables in this plan."
Danzo Shimura didn't seem inclined to elaborate on his experiences, just unconsciously pressing his chest with his hand.
That spot had been pierced straight through by an ordinary tree branch.
If he hadn't instinctively formed hand seals and used Izanagi, he would have already met his end in that gutter.
What was supposed to be a foolproof capture mission had resulted in the complete annihilation of a batch of his ninja, and he himself had to consume a precious Sharingan to "restore" himself.
Thinking of this, Naruto's seemingly innocent, carefree face from the files appeared in his mind again, deeply associated with the pain that had pierced his chest.
Izanagi could indeed heal injuries, but the pain before recovery was very real.
"Oh?"
Hearing Danzo's words, Orochimaru lightly stuck out his tongue to lick the corner of his mouth, seeming somewhat intrigued.
"I need you to pay attention to someone... Naruto Uzumaki."
"Naruto Uzumaki?"
Hearing this name, Orochimaru's interest sharpened.
"The Fourth Hokage's son? He should also be the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, right?"
Regarding the true identity of the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, other ninja villages might not know, but Orochimaru certainly did.
Don't think that just because he wasn't often in the village, he didn't know about its affairs—professional spies regularly reported all intelligence to him.
Moreover, under Danzo's machinations, Naruto's identity as a jinchuriki wasn't really a secret anymore. Anyone paying attention to the "demon fox" rumors could probably guess.
"If I remember correctly, this kid should only be in his teens this year, right?"
About the same age as the Uchiha brat he coveted.
"Even if he's a jinchuriki, what could someone that age possibly do?"
"No!"
Unexpectedly, Danzo seemed to react particularly strongly to this statement, immediately shouting in refutation.
"That brat has been hiding his true abilities! He might have already mastered the tailed beast's power."
Otherwise, there was no way to explain how he could instantly subdue his subordinates and even "kill" him with one strike.
Danzo really couldn't think of any other explanation.
Seeing the lingering shadow in the old man's eyes, Orochimaru secretly sneered.
What a useless fool.
—But whatever, once his plan succeeded, Danzo would be useless anyway.
"Don't underestimate that brat! Do you think I'm joking with you?"
Danzo's eyes became somewhat dangerous.
"Fine—fine, so what do you want me to do?"
Orochimaru didn't mind his attitude, still maintaining that playful expression.
"The Konoha Collapse Plan must be launched early."
After saying this, as if trying to justify himself, Danzo added:
"With our current forces, if we wait until the final round of the Chunin Exams to launch the plan, we will definitely fail."
"With both Hiruzen and that demon fox brat present, the Sand ninja you brought won't be enough."
"And on my end, at most I can temporarily divert Konoha's main defensive forces—anything more is impossible."
Seeing his confident manner, Orochimaru developed a slight interest in Naruto.
"Is that brat really that strong?"
Of course, his main target was still Sasuke.
After all, in Orochimaru's current mindset, nothing could attract him more than immortality.
Obtaining the Uchiha bloodline and ocular jutsu was his greatest aid toward this ultimate goal.
Once he planted the curse mark on Sasuke and used the Living Corpse Reincarnation to take over his body, he could personally experience just how far the Sharingan could evolve.
"Are you still doubting me? Don't underestimate him!"
Being questioned repeatedly by Orochimaru, Danzo became somewhat embarrassed and angry.
But he couldn't bring himself to admit that he had been killed by a child with a tree branch.
Fortunately, Orochimaru wasn't really that concerned about these details.
Forcing the Third to abdicate—or even killing the Third—wasn't his goal; it was just one of the prices he had to pay for cooperating with Danzo.
So he nodded and agreed with Danzo.
As for more details—no rush, they could discuss them slowly.
Meanwhile, Naruto, who had just walked a few steps from the Hokage building, was immediately approached by Konohamaru, who had been waiting there.
This time, he was accompanied by two other little companions—Moegi and Udon.
"Please train us together! Boss Naruto!"
The moment they saw Naruto, these two little ones bowed deeply like Konohamaru had done before, their attitudes very respectful.
Seeing this scene, Naruto's somewhat heavy mood immediately improved considerably.
Perhaps influenced by Roger, Naruto had similar habits.
Just as Roger had discovered promising talents like Naruto and Shanks, Naruto also liked to give some help within his means to younger generation members he found agreeable.
Interacting with these simple-minded, sunny little ones seemed to dispel much of the heavy clouds that had been hanging over the village.
Looking at the admiring Konohamaru and then at the two passionate little ones beside him, Naruto thought for a moment and simply nodded in agreement.
"Come on, I'll take you to find your 'senior brother.' You can train together."
One thing at a time.
Naruto was indeed going to leave Konoha Village, but that didn't conflict with his willingness to teach Konohamaru, Sasuke, and others.
Behind him, Moegi and Udon followed excitedly, while Konohamaru, walking at the back, was somewhat puzzled.
Does Boss Naruto have other disciples?
Of course he did.
This senior disciple could only be Sasuke.
Although strictly speaking, Konohamaru should be his first hands-on student since returning to this world.
But—given the age difference between them.
Based on his understanding of a certain someone's pride...
Forget it, forget it; it wasn't easy for anyone.
He'd just have to trouble Konohamaru a bit.
There was still some time before the Chunin Exams, so consider this the last lesson before leaving.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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