Konoha, in the depths of darkness.
Lights adorned the surrounding darkness, and in the faint glow... two figures stood opposite each other, their gazes steady, without a hint of impatience.
"That guy's still here, old man Danzo. Don't tell me you're thinking of abandoning our cooperation, or perhaps you're questioning my techniques."
The dim light illuminated half of Orochimaru's face, along with his perpetually intrigued gaze.
Danzo swept his tightly wrapped hand: "Don't rush. This joint Chunin Exams will last longer than usual. He will leave at the appropriate time."
Orochimaru's techniques were even better than he had imagined.
It seemed he hadn't given up on researching Hashirama cells all these years.
Just a sincere technical support made it easier for him to suppress the Sharingan.
However, even so, he still had to keep Orochimaru in check.
Lest Orochimaru think that without his technical support, Danzo couldn't accomplish anything.
"Hmph~ Hmph~ Hmph~ Hehe, I hope so.
After all, some things I can do, and some I can't.
I think you should understand my purpose."
Orochimaru sneered, completely unconcerned with Danzo's petty schemes.
His goal this time was Sasuke; destroying Konoha was merely a way for him to display his strength... "You want to apply to learn the Spiritualization Technique...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Satoru's application, feeling a headache.
This was a forbidden Ninjutsu!
"Yes, I am developing Ninjutsu and need soul-related techniques for reference."
Satoru didn't hide anything.
I'm developing Ninjutsu, just tell me if you'll let me or not.
"Satoru, this is a forbidden Ninjutsu, not on the same level as the Darkness Technique you applied for earlier.
This is much more dangerous; we will not approve your request."
Outside the office door, Koharu Utatate and Homura Mitokado walked in.
Matters concerning forbidden Ninjutsu were managed by the four elders of Konoha.
If two disagreed, it could not be made available.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had greater authority, but not the right to arbitrarily teach forbidden Ninjutsu to others.
It had to be approved by the two of them, and also by Danzo.
Now that Danzo had withdrawn from frontline high-level decision-making, it still required their two approvals.
So, knowing Satoru's application, especially at this critical moment of the Chunin Exams, they naturally wouldn't agree.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had the same thought: "Satoru, Koharu and the others are right. This Ninjutsu is too dangerous. Without special talent, forcefully learning it will only harm you."
"...I believe my talent is sufficient to learn this Ninjutsu."
Satoru was speechless. Are you doubting my talent?
Or do you simply not want me to learn it?
"No, you are an important combat force of the Village, and you cannot learn such dangerous Ninjutsu again.
Not even to look at it. Go back and attend to your work."
Hiruzen Sarutobi rejected his request.
"Alright!" Satoru 'whooshed' and disappeared before them.
"Hiruzen, why didn't you make it available to him? I believe his talent should be sufficient."
Koharu Utatate spoke only after Satoru had left.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered: "Of course I know, but I'm afraid he'll go down the wrong path, just like Orochimaru."
Satoru's abilities were unquestionable, and he had developed Ninjutsu more than once or twice.
However, this talent reminded him of Orochimaru.
Orochimaru was like that back then, and eventually went astray.
The harm to Konoha was too great.
And the Ninjutsu he was developing even required forbidden Ninjutsu for reference, and soul-related ones at that... "I see. That truly is a problem. Konoha certainly cannot have another rogue ninja like Orochimaru."
Koharu Utatate and Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
A high-level defection of this caliber truly hurt Konoha...
....
"It actually failed. Seriously, and so resolutely.
Never mind, if I can't get it, I can't get it. I'm exceptionally gifted.
Even if I develop it myself, I can still take Heart Steel to another level."
Satoru lay on his Eagle, looking at the sun in the sky.
Unexpectedly, Hiruzen Sarutobi rejected him without even considering it.
Hmm... being rejected felt a bit uncomfortable... But then again, the Hokage has more to consider. Who knows what he's thinking?
No more thinking... Time to take my son and daughter to the movies...
........
Time passed.
Soon, it was time for the Chunin Exams.
"Hey, why are you blocking the way? Do you want a beating?"
Some examinees arrived at the entrance of the Chunin Exams and saw two examinees blocking the door, their anger burning.
The two 'gate gods' laughed: "Do you have the strength for that? Just stay outside obediently. After we pass the Chunin Exams, we'll share our joy with you."
They just wouldn't move.
These words immediately provoked public outrage.
One person strode forward, intending to beat them up and make them open the door.
Bang!
And then he flew backward.
The others who went up together also flew backward in the same way.
In the distance, the Naruto trio was walking over, and they happened to see this scene.
When Naruto learned that the two were blocking the Chunin Exams, he was instantly furious.
Trying to stop him from becoming a Chunin? Impossible.
Then he charged forward recklessly.
Bang bang bang!
Thump thump!
Naruto's Konoha-style Taijutsu was skillfully applied, with occasional unexpected moves.
Such as 'Monkey Stealing Peaches' or 'Back-kick to the Groin'... But... bang~
Naruto's face was distorted from the punch, and he rolled several times on the ground.
Suddenly, a figure caught Naruto, stopping him.
"So strong." Rock Lee supported Naruto, looking at the two gatekeepers.
He had watched their Taijutsu just now; their Taijutsu was very powerful.
Even better, he loved challenging strong opponents.
"Your Taijutsu is too weak. You should go back." Cold sweat appeared on the foreheads of the two gate gods. Oh my, their crotches were almost crushed.
But they still spoke arrogantly.
"Naruto, how many times have I told you not to be so reckless?"
Sakura picked Naruto up and yelled at him.
Huh?
As Sakura was about to say something else, she suddenly noticed a green figure appear before her.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Sakura looked at his gaze and suddenly shivered.
Rock Lee's face was slightly red: "Hello, my name is Rock Lee. You can call me Lee. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"...You jerk, don't you think that's very offensive? Who wants to be your girlfriend?"
After a pause, Sakura glanced at Sasuke, who was watching from a distance, and yelled at Rock Lee.
If Sasuke misunderstood...
"I'm sorry, I was offensive, but will you be my girlfriend?"
Rock Lee asked seriously.
And after Naruto recovered, he pointed at the blushing Rock Lee: "You bushy-browed guy, who are you? Sakura is mine!"
"Is she your girlfriend?" Rock Lee asked seriously.
Naruto awkwardly replied: "Not... not yet..."
"Then I still have a chance. Your name is Sakura, right? What a beautiful name.
I will definitely make you fall in love with me." Rock Lee turned to look at the two gate gods.
The two gate gods felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
"No, you're not trying to use us as stepping stones to show off, are you?"