Looking at the names of the candidates from various nations printed on the document, a look of profound astonishment instantly seized Orochimaru's eyes. His previously calm state of mind was suddenly overwhelmed by a turbulent storm.
Yotsuki A, nineteen years old, the future Third Raikage...
Hōzuki Mangetsu, thirteen years old, a powerful Mist Ninja capable of wielding all seven legendary ninja swords.
Yagura, the future Fourth Mizukage...
Ōnoki of the Two Scales, twenty years old, the future Third Tsuchikage...
Moriyama Nagai, eighteen years old, the future Third Kazekage.
Sasori, ten years old, one of the future Akatsuki members...
...
Impossible! How can Sasori be ten years old already? How can the future Third Kage-level figures of the great nations be so young? How is this possible? How could the changes be so vast?
Orochimaru's gaze flickered with anxiety. This was the first time since his rebirth that he had discovered the historical trajectory of the Ninja World had changed so drastically, charting a path that even Orochimaru himself could not predict!
Tsunade, standing close to Orochimaru and looking at the list, keenly noticed his unusual state. She couldn't help but ask with concern: "Orochimaru, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
Orochimaru forced himself to suppress the anxiety and unease in his heart. His eyes scanned the list once more. He knew a massive challenge and crisis were now awaiting him.
Orochimaru shook his head and replied: "It's nothing."
Upon hearing this, Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a bit disappointed, sensing the dismissive tone in Orochimaru's voice.
Next, Orochimaru pointed to the future Third Kage-level figures on the list, like Yotsuki A and Ōnoki, and asked Sarutobi: "Sensei Sarutobi, I'm afraid these people are already at the level of average Jōnin from a Great Nation, aren't they?"
Sarutobi looked at the names Orochimaru pointed out and smiled helplessly: "The Second Kage of the great nations aren't fools. They must have started preparations three years ago. After all, they gained nothing from that mission, so they naturally won't be content. This time, the tri-annual Chūnin Exams happen to be hosted by Konoha. They are sending their disciples, concealing their true strength levels, intending to weaken the elite forces of our country and others."
Orochimaru nodded, knowing Sarutobi was referring to the Land of Rivers mission three years ago.
After careful consideration, Orochimaru decided to recommend Manji and the other two to participate in the Chūnin Exams as well. Faced with such a formidable lineup from the Great Nations, not only did Orochimaru need strong support, but it was also time for Manji's group to undergo a life-and-death trial.
Thus, Orochimaru proposed: "Sensei, I would like Manji, Chi, and Bluebird to form their own squad and also participate in these Chūnin Exams."
Sarutobi was aware of the three children's strength. After pondering for a moment, he agreed.
Sarutobi then looked as if he wanted to say something else, but stopped, a trace of unnaturalness in his expression. He only muttered a cautionary note: "Prepare well and be careful, Orochimaru. I trust your strength!" Saying this, he handed over the Chūnin Exam application forms.
The three of them filled out the forms to participate in the Chūnin Exams. Orochimaru also filled out three more forms for Manji and the others.
Handing the forms back to Sarutobi, Orochimaru sensed something in Sarutobi's expression. He smiled proudly at his teacher: "Sensei, with me here, everything will be fine. Don't worry!"
Sarutobi was momentarily stunned, then broke into a relieved and gratifying smile.
After leaving Sarutobi's office, Tsunade, who was bursting with questions, immediately asked Orochimaru: "Orochimaru, are the ninja sent by the Great Nations really that formidable?"
Orochimaru paused slightly. Although he knew the growth trajectory of these individuals in his past life, he didn't want to add psychological pressure to Tsunade and the others. He opted for a vague answer: "I'm not exactly sure how formidable they are, but what Sensei said is probably right. Just be careful when the time comes."
Sure enough, after hearing Orochimaru's words, Tsunade and Jiraiya were secretly relieved.
Orochimaru added: "Use these next few days to prepare well. The Chūnin Exams are going to be very interesting!" By now, Orochimaru had regained his calm. Having worked through his thoughts, the prospect of the coming immense challenge only sparked a profound curiosity in his heart.
Jiraiya laughed heartily: "Haha! We'll make the clowns from the other nations realize the power of Lord Jiraiya..."
Before Jiraiya could finish his boast, two sudden bursts of fierce chakra fluctuations impacted them from the roads to their left and right.
The moment the chakra fluctuations arose, Orochimaru reacted immediately. His dark-golden pupils swiftly scanned the sources.
On the road to the left, three Wind Country ninja wearing Sand Village headbands stepped out from the crowd.
A handsome boy with red hair and black eyes was skillfully manipulating a wooden, human-shaped puppet. With a "Click, click, click—" of mechanisms, it rushed forward. As the puppet sprinted at high speed, six sharp steel needles suddenly shot out from its six twisted, bizarre arms.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed dangerously. He clearly saw a purple sheen on the needles' tips; they were coated in deadly poison.
On the road to the right, three powerfully built Lightning Country ninja, wearing Cloud Village headbands and exuding a wild aura, strode out openly.
One boy, small in stature but heavily muscled and with a wild gaze, suddenly leaped forward. A strong wave of Lightning Release chakra surged around him as he launched a punch wrapped in dense electrical light straight at Jiraiya.
Though the boy was young, that single punch, condensed with powerful Lightning Release chakra, was enough to severely injure Jiraiya.
Killing intent surged in Orochimaru's heart. He pulled Jiraiya, who hadn't reacted in time, behind him and stood at the center of the two attacks from the Sand and Cloud ninja, channeling the chakra within his body!
Summoning: Snake Authority Bind!
An overwhelming aura of killing intent, almost solidifying into a physical pressure, erupted. Two poisonous snakes, the thickness of a bucket, shot out of Orochimaru's pale-moon sleeves with a "Hiss!—".
Two black shadows flashed, and the two giant pythons immediately coiled around the rushing puppet and the Cloud ninja boy. In less than a breath, they had wrapped around them several times.
Then, they suddenly tightened their grip. Their thick bodies immobilized the puppet and the Cloud ninja boy. Their lantern-sized heads fixed deadly stares on the slightest movement of the puppet and the boy, flicking their tongues, ready to attack again at Orochimaru's command.
Orochimaru's cold, chilling killing intent heavily impacted the minds of the Sand and Cloud ninja. Ignoring the puppet and the Cloud ninja boy bound by the pythons, his dark-golden snake eyes swept over the Sand and Cloud ninja behind them. He smiled wickedly and said icily: "This is Konoha. You Cloud and Sand ninja are a bit too lively, aren't you? Let me have some fun with you!"
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