-One moment, can I ask a question?- Shikamaru raised his hand.
-Uhn, go ahead.- Hiruzen nodded.
-If it's a tournament, does that mean there will only be one of us who can become chunin?- Shikamaru asked.
-No, that's not true.- Hiruzen said without changing his expression. -There will be several judges present for the final round, including myself, the squad leaders and the Kazekage, as well as lords from various nations and major merchants who will assign you missions.
-Through this tournament, the judges can assess your skills and decide who qualifies to become chunin and who doesn't.- Hiruzen lifted his pipe and took a drag before continuing. -Even if someone loses the round, they can still become chunin.
-So there's a possibility that everyone who competes will become chunin?- Shikamaru continued.
-Yes, but there's also the possibility that none of you will become chunin.- The Hokage shook his head. -The advantages of fighting in more rounds and having more opportunities to showcase your talents in front of the judges who will decide whether or not you become chunin... does that answer your question, Shikamaru?
Shikamaru nodded slightly, his look somewhere between tired and irritated. He certainly didn't want to participate in so many fights.
But Jugo realized something—it was in that situation that Shikamaru realized it, right?
While the others listened: "Whoever fights more will have a better chance of becoming a chunin."
Shikamaru listened: "Even if you lose, if you show enough, you can become chunin."
Jugo looked at the bored boy and narrowed his eyes, thinking that smart people are really annoying.
He wasn't sure of his guess, but the fact was that out of this entire exam, this guy who gave up in the first round was the only one who became chunin.
Looking away slightly, he turned to Hiruzen.
-Thank you all for your patience.- he continued. -The exam has been postponed until next month, now, you are dismissed. Expect to receive more information from your jonin instructors.
As he said the last part, he glanced at the sound team briefly, especially Jugo, almost as if to point out that their jonin instructor had disappeared.
Jugo didn't care, as soon as he realized he could leave, he turned and walked away. Dosu and Kin said nothing and followed his steps.
Gaara, Kankuro joined Baki, Temari, already awake and glaring angrily at Shikamaru, then also left in silence. Only the people of Konoha stayed longer, but by then, Jugo was already crossing the Forest of Death back to Konoha.
But halfway there, the trio stopped. Orochimaru, still dressed as a Jonin instructor but with his true face showing, appeared.
Dosu and Kin quickly knelt when they saw him, shouting. -Orochimaru-sama.
Jugo simply nodded to Orochimaru.
Even though he respectfully calls him Orochimaru-sama, that's because Kimimaro also calls him that, but Jugo himself was never truly Orochimaru's subordinate, so he never knelt before him. He wouldn't change that now, since he didn't need to.
Orochimaru looked at Kin and Dosu with interest, not a deep interest, but like seeing a monkey that knows sign language at a circus.
You're surprised at first, but you still have to go home and soon forget about it.
It's a fact that even though he wasn't physically present, Orochimaru still sent a snake clone and saw everything, so Dosu passing was normal, but Kin was a bit lucky.
In any case, Orochimaru could see that Jugo had some affection for the pair, so he wasn't planning on acting against them now.
He turned to Jugo, remembering what he'd seen in the fight against Lee. He smiled brightly. -You've gotten much better at controlling yourself, Jugo-kun, that final form of yours, how did you do it?
Jugo was already prepared for this. -Internal enhancement. Instead of letting my power out freely, I just kept it inside my body, but the madness I felt was still there.
Orochimaru nodded slightly, that was what he thought too. -A clever use, also only possible for you, the source, is truly enviable...
Jugo nodded slightly, showing no fear.
In truth, he was using his prisoner binding power to remain firm and normal in front of Orochimaru. Showing fear in front of him is extremely dangerous for him.
-Well, you're very good physically, but you still lack some versatility. Would you be interested in learning from me next month, Jugo-kun?- Orochimaru smiled at him.
Jugo's eyes narrowed, and he controlled his body to show a slightly surprised expression. -You won't be busy, Orochimaru-sama?
-Not too much. There should be time to teach you a thing or two.- Orochimaru licked his lips, still smiling.
Jugo wanted to refuse, but refusing Orochimaru isn't a good idea, even when Orochimaru is only seemingly offering his help casually.
-Then thank you, Orochimaru-sama.- Jugo bowed to him.
For people who think too much, even a "strange" move can be a reason for suspicion. Jugo doesn't have a good reason to refuse, so he doesn't refuse.
-Very well, you will stay in Konoha during this period. I've already let my people take Karin to Otogakure. I'll let her learn the basics of fuinjutsu during this time. She might become useful in the future.
Jugo didn't comment on the fact that he saw Karin as one of his own people, not as someone Jugo had brought. This wasn't the time to turn his back on Orochimaru.
Pretending he didn't notice or care, he nodded. -Hai, Orochimaru-sama, thank you.
-You're welcome. As for those two...- Orochimaru glanced at Kin and Dosu, who trembled fiercely under the man's gaze.
-Don't worry, I'll help them think of something.- Jugo assured.
Orochimaru looked at Jugo, mildly interested, then back at the duo and nodded. -Okay, I'll leave them to you, Jugo-kun. Well, I need to go now. Tomorrow I'll let my summon take you somewhere to begin your training.
-Hai.- Jugo nodded.
In the end, Orochimaru disappeared with a Shunshin.
Jugo was fine due to the prisoner's binding. He trapped his mind in his body, making his reactions dull, but he hid his emotions well. Luckily, the original Jugo had always been like this, very boring, preferring to remain isolated in nature.
So, Orochimaru didn't suspect him.
Kin and Dosu, on the other hand, were covered in cold sweat.
Their feelings for Orochimaru were contradictory.
Extreme respect and reverence, but also extreme fear.
Orochimaru was a special case when it came to managing subordinates.
Jugo looked at the pair and waited for them to calm down for a moment before letting them continue.
It was only while they were running that Jugo forgot to ask for money!
Sighing, he looked at Kin and Dosu gently, making them both shiver.
Dosu finally couldn't stand the look and asked. -Is there something, Jugo-sama?
-Well, I need some stretchier pants...- Jugo smiled gently.
Dosu's lips trembled fiercely beneath the bandages and finally, a tired sigh escaped his mouth. He didn't refuse, knowing there was no point in refusing.
-Yo... Jugo-sama.- Kin called out, a little embarrassed, but with her face flushed, she spoke softly. -D-date...
Jugo looked at the girl, glancing at her mature body again and felt a slight itch.
He hadn't had a woman since arriving here. With the prisoner's bond, he could control himself well, but seeing the way Kin was basically throwing up all sorts of "I want this" flags, Jugo felt his throat go a little dry.
Kin didn't really compare to figures like Tsunade or Terumi Mei, but her soft face and nice curves still made her a beauty.
Of course, in the Sound Village, that didn't matter much.
-Sure, we can go tonight if you prefer.- Jugo smiled gently at her.
Kin blushed even more deeply, lowering her face. She replied softly. -Hai.
Dosu rolled his eyes but didn't comment, at least he didn't have to go out and spend his money on food today.
-Hey, Dosu, lend me some money to take Kin to the date.- Jugo turned to him and whispered.
Dosu, who was running, almost fell.
Looking at Jugo with his one eye, he felt that Jugo's skin was extremely thick, but could he refuse? With a weary sigh, Dosu's savings dropped again.
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--x--
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