Orochimaru nearly burst out laughing. Hearing his own disciple call someone else cautious was simply too ironic.
In his eyes, no one in the entire shinobi world was more cautious than Kazuyama Gekkō. Even he, as her teacher, could never fully grasp her true thoughts—only speculate.
"What's so funny? Can't help it. He's an old fox, after all."
"If the Hokage were still that geezer Sarutobi, I probably couldn't even trick him. Those old men are stubborn to the bone—never willing to listen to anyone."
"Leave Iwagakure alone for now. Once Kumogakure gets impatient and starts a fight, Iwa will follow soon after."
Kazuyama had every village figured out precisely.
He even had a good read on Akatsuki's mindset.
"But I'm guessing their first target will be Shukaku—in other words, Sunagakure."
"I've already contacted Rasa. If possible, we'll set up an ambush."
Still, something didn't feel right to Kazuyama. If Akatsuki was really sealing the Tailed Beasts in order, their first move should've been capturing Shukaku. Yet they went after the Three-Tails first. That discrepancy made him question the logic behind their sequence.
By all reasoning, the sealing should go from One-Tail to Nine-Tails.
So why start with the Three-Tails? Did they just think it was easier to catch?
"Heh... Akatsuki, is it?"
"I wonder if the forbidden techniques I've mastered could shake that organization."
A spark of anticipation flashed in Orochimaru's eyes—clearly, he wanted to test himself against them.
Kazuyama smiled faintly. To be fair, Orochimaru's forbidden jutsu could indeed shake the very foundations of the shinobi world.
Especially the Impure World Reincarnation—too unnatural, too dangerous.
"Forget it, sensei. Stick to your research."
"Oh, by the way, how's that armor I asked you to build?"
Kazuyama's tone shifted suddenly, a trace of excitement surfacing. Under his encouragement, Orochimaru had begun studying mechanics—and was actually making good progress.
"Don't rush me. It's still in the testing phase."
"Oh, and that brat Karin didn't take part in the Chūnin Exams this time. I wanted her to, but she refused. Said she wanted to see you. So, want to come to the Land of Waterfalls with me?"
Karin wanted to see him? Yeah right—probably Tomotsuki wanted to see him. But what for?
"Sure. My exam's tomorrow, so I've got plenty of time today."
Kazuyama waved his hand casually. Chakra flared around Orochimaru, and the two vanished from the Forest of Death in an instant.
They reappeared moments later inside Orochimaru's laboratory in the Land of Waterfalls.
"Karin, I've brought Kazuyama Gekkō with me."
Karin, busy with something nearby, froze at the sound of Orochimaru's voice. Surprise flashed across her face—mostly because Kazuyama himself had shown up.
Sure enough, when she turned around, she saw the man standing before her—the one who stood at the peak of the ninja world.
"Lord Kazuyama."
"Hmm. Little Karin, what did you need me for? Or was it your mother who wanted to see me?"
Truth was, Tomotsuki had sought him out years ago, mostly because of Karin.
Being from the Uzumaki Clan, Karin's chakra was unique—powerful enough to make her a great shinobi. But Tomotsuki hadn't wanted her to walk that path. That was why she'd come to Kazuyama back then.
Unfortunately for her, Karin herself had wanted to become a ninja, so her mother's wishes were doomed from the start.
"Lord Kazuyama, I want to take the Chūnin Exams, but my mom won't let me. I was hoping you could talk her into it."
"I want to become a strong ninja too."
Karin looked up at him with earnest eyes full of hope.
That made Kazuyama laugh.
"No problem. Come with me to Konoha. I'll arrange a team for you."
"You'll join my son and daughter—they're short one teammate anyway."
"As a support ninja, you'll fit right in."
As Kazuyama looked at her, he couldn't help but think this had to be fate. His two kids were missing exactly one teammate for the next stage of the exam—and Karin just happened to be free. Perfect.
"Really?"
"Lord Kazuyama, maybe you should meet my mom first. I don't want to get yelled at when I come back."
Tomotsuki had poured everything into Karin, and Kazuyama understood her desire to keep the girl safe.
But overprotection could be just as harmful—and he had no intention of letting that stop her.
"No need. My sensei will inform her."
"Come on. I'll take you to meet your teammates. Takigakure has plenty of participants this time—one more won't hurt."
With that, Kazuyama grabbed Karin and flew off.
...
Back at the Gekkō residence, Kazuyama introduced Karin to Michihito and Senko, explaining her situation.
Michihito glanced at her briefly.
"An Uzumaki, huh..."
"A sensor ninja—that'll cover our blind spots nicely."
"But don't use your healing ability unless it's absolutely necessary. Senko can handle the medical ninjutsu."
Karin nodded quickly. She had no intention of using her ability unless she had to. That kind of regeneration came with drawbacks—and she didn't want any more bite marks on her skin.
Senko, on the other hand, lit up the moment she saw a girl her own age—and with bright red hair no less. The two got along instantly.
Maybe that was just the natural connection between girls.
"Do your best in the exam tomorrow."
"I may be one of the examiners, but I'll only be waiting for you at the finish line."
"Give it your all, the three of you."
...
The next day, the second round of the Chūnin Exams began as scheduled.
Nearly a hundred candidates entered the Forest of Death to compete for the Heaven and Earth Scrolls.
Karin's sudden participation caused no issues—after all, with Kazuyama Gekkō's endorsement, no one dared question it.
Still, her red hair didn't escape Minato Namikaze's notice.
"An Uzumaki… from Takigakure?"
"Kazuyama, how do you know her?"
Karin was clearly brought by him, so Minato naturally assumed she was talent recruited under Kazuyama's guidance.
But why from Takigakure?
"What's the issue? She's from Takigakure."
"I got a message from Takigakure's village head, Yahiko. This genin had just returned from a solo mission and rushed here to join the exams."
"Since Michihito and Senko were one teammate short, I added her to their squad."
Minato couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly. You expect me to believe that?
Kazuyama's expression said it all: Believe it or not, she's wearing a Takigakure forehead protector. Doesn't matter what you think.