Konoha Village - Scenic Overlook Pavilion
"The preliminary matches have concluded successfully... The main tournament is about to begin," Kabuto reported, kneeling on one knee before Orochimaru.
The view from the pavilion was serene. Birds occasionally landed on the railing to forage, and in the distance, a group of children played, their shouts and laughter carrying on the breeze. Young couples strolled hand-in-hand, and parents guided toddlers taking their first wobbly steps.
"It's... remarkably peaceful here..." Orochimaru's raspy voice cut through the quiet. "No... it's this country that's grown too complacent... while other nations are actively engaged in an arms race..."
"Indeed. It's ripe for the taking," Kabuto agreed, rising to stand beside Orochimaru.
To any onlooker, they would have appeared to be nothing more than two ninja taking a break after a mission, not terrorists on the verge of destroying Konoha.
"Yes... I wonder if taking that old man's head will be any fun..." Orochimaru mused, his words chilling despite their casual delivery.
"...Speaking of which, your plan seems to have been disrupted..." Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses. "It was Tsunade's disciple who threw a wrench in the works..."
Orochimaru fixed Kabuto with a stare. "...You seem rather pleased that my plan has been disrupted, Kabuto..."
"It seems you still don't... fully trust me..." Kabuto shrugged nonchalantly. "I was completely in the dark about Dosu, Zaku, and Kin..."
"As my future right-hand man, you have no need to concern yourself with them. This only proves how much I do trust you..." Orochimaru countered.
"So, do we need to alter the plan?" Kabuto asked. "Sasuke is your primary objective for this operation... If..."
"There's no need... We proceed as originally planned..." Orochimaru interrupted.
"Very well. What about the Sand Siblings... The Sand's Jinchuriki has already drawn the attention of Konoha..." Kabuto reported. "Sunagakure has realized they're under scrutiny. The Kazekage is unlikely to continue cooperating..."
"...The Sand are a crucial piece in my plan. They can hold back Konoha's main forces... allowing us to execute our objective. Therefore... the Sand cannot falter..." Madness gleamed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Then I shall order the Sand to continue with the mission!!"
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama." Since Orochimaru had made his decision, all that remained was obedience. Kabuto was unsure of Orochimaru's ultimate goal. This operation had two objectives: assassinate the Third Hokage and place the Cursed Seal on Orochimaru's chosen vessel, Uchiha Sasuke.
If Kabuto had to guess, placing the Cursed Seal on Sasuke was far more important than assassinating the Third. Although he had only recently entered Orochimaru's inner circle, Kabuto understood that Orochimaru's actions were always driven by self-interest. Without benefit, Orochimaru wouldn't go to such elaborate lengths.
Now, Orochimaru insisted on proceeding with the original plan. Did that mean he had abandoned Sasuke? Orochimaru's current body was nearing its limit. If he didn't place the Cursed Seal now, he would have to wait another three years. This is why Kabuto couldn't quite grasp Orochimaru's true objective this time.
Central Tower - Tournament Arena
"...And that concludes the details of the third exam. To ensure fairness, I urge you all to train diligently during this month!" The Third Hokage addressed the ten remaining candidates.
"Of course, taking some time to rest is also permitted," he added as a final note.
"How could I possibly spend a whole month resting?!" Naruto thought anxiously, remembering his upcoming match against Neji. Although Naruto had initially wanted to test himself against Neji, he knew there was still a considerable gap in their abilities. He was starting to feel nervous.
"Maybe I should ask Sakura-chan to help me train for the month? Neji doesn't seem like he could beat Sakura-chan.". Naruto pondered. "No, no, I can't always rely on Sakura-chan. I promised to protect her, but I always end up needing her help."
"Hm? Maybe I should ask Sasuke?" Naruto glanced at Sasuke, whose aloof expression immediately discouraged the idea. "Argh! No other choice... I'll have to ask Kakashi-sensei."
Lost in his thoughts, Naruto barely registered the Third Hokage concluding his speech and announcing that the third exam would be held in Konoha Stadium in one month.
"Kakashi-sensei, um... I need to ask you a favor!" Naruto blurted out after the dismissal, rushing to catch his teacher.
"Hm? What is it, Naruto?" Kakashi asked, turning to face his student.
"Well... um... Kakashi-sensei, could you train me for this month...?" Naruto asked hopefully.
Kakashi hesitated. Due to Orochimaru's appearance, the Third Hokage had ordered him to keep a close eye on Sasuke. Orochimaru was most likely to act within this month, so he couldn't spare time for Naruto. And, coincidentally, Sasuke had also requested his help with training.
Sasuke, having witnessed Sakura's fight against Gaara, had tried to calculate his chances of defeating him and what effective strategies he could employ. The conclusion was bleak. Even Sakura's powerful attacks had been completely ineffective against Gaara's defenses. Sasuke's current arsenal was useless. Thus, even before the preliminaries were over, Sasuke had sought out Kakashi.
Kakashi, already tasked with protecting Sasuke, had agreed. He could train Sasuke while simultaneously fulfilling his duty. But this meant neglecting Naruto.
"Well... I have some urgent matters to attend to. I won't be able to help you for this month..." Kakashi said apologetically.
"Aww... Really...?" Naruto's spirits visibly sank.
"But don't worry. I'll find someone suitable to train you. What he teaches is perfect for you right now," Kakashi reassured him.
"Hmph, that's just an excuse to get rid of me," Naruto muttered, turning his head away.
"Don't say that... He's actually a better teacher than I am, especially for someone like you..." Kakashi said thoughtfully.
"Who is it?" Naruto asked, his interest piqued.
"I'll have him contact you tomorrow." Kakashi thought to himself that he'd have to pay Ebisu a visit later. He wasn't sure if Ebisu would agree.
Sakura, seeing that Kakashi had arranged for Naruto's training, didn't say anything. After all, Jiraiya would eventually take over anyway. It had been a while since she'd seen Jiraiya; she missed the Pervy Sage.
"Hey, Sasuke, are you confident about facing Gaara in the third exam?" Sakura asked. She recalled that Kakashi had taught Sasuke Chidori because he had been cursed.
"Hmph, Kakashi-sensei already promised to teach me a jutsu that can counter that Sand ninja," Sasuke replied, not caring if Naruto overheard.
"What?! Kakashi-sensei, you're going to train Sasuke and you lied to me about having a mission?" Naruto exclaimed, predictably upset.
"Sigh..." Kakashi covered his head in exasperation. The mission wasn't exactly top-secret, but it was best to keep the number of people who knew about it to a minimum. He hadn't expected Sasuke to blurt it out so readily. He couldn't blame Sasuke, though. Sasuke wasn't aware of the Third Hokage's orders, and Kakashi had intended to use the mission as an opportunity to train Sasuke.
"This mission is actually related to Sasuke. Just keep it to yourself, okay?" Kakashi explained.
Sasuke immediately understood. It was because of Orochimaru's appearance in the Forest of Death. Kakashi's mission was to protect him.
Sasuke's feelings were complicated. If Orochimaru attacked, should he accept the power he offered...? The desire for power that Sakura had temporarily suppressed within him began to stir again.
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