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Chapter 144 - 144

Life is full of goodbyes. Sometimes, it's a blessing to leave without saying a word. No matter how important someone is, their presence eventually fades, leaving behind nothing but the quiet hum of passing time.

Of course, that kind of thinking doesn't apply to Naruto Uzumaki at all.

For Naruto, there's no such thing as a final farewell. His life is a series of hellos and reunions. It's a bit much to expect a twelve-year-old kid to truly understand what it means to part ways.

After Team 7 returned from their C-rank mission in the Land of Waves, Naruto came running to find Emiya Shirou, bursting with pride.

"Kakashi-sensei said our C-rank mission was as tough as a B-rank, maybe even an A-rank! He said we're good enough to enter the Chuunin Exams this year!"

Naruto boasted, unable to hide his excitement. "Once I pass and become a Chunin..."

He adjusted his forehead protector, eyeing a Chunin in a green vest with envy. "I'll get to wear one of those cool vests, too!"

"Idiot," Sasuke muttered, shooting Naruto a sidelong glance.

"What did you say?!" Naruto spun around, ready for a fight, but then seemed to think better of it. He crossed his arms and let it go.

Clearly, something dramatic had happened on their mission. For once, Naruto was actually willing to give Sasuke a pass.

Naruto sighed, looking at the crowds of ninja milling around the village, their headbands marking them as outsiders. "Man, there are a ton of foreigners in the village all of a sudden."

"Yeah," Emiya Shirou said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on three shinobi from the Rain Village.

The trio—two men and one woman—wore strange outfits and gas masks. Sensing his stare, they gave him a respectful nod before disappearing into the throng.

"It's for the joint Chuunin Exams, after all," Sasuke said seriously, also scanning the unfamiliar faces. "Kakashi-sensei told us this exam is going to be dangerous. I've already spotted some strong ones. That red-haired kid from the Sand Village... he's the not bad."

Since returning, Team 7 had already had a few run-ins with ninja from other villages. Sasuke had seen firsthand that they weren't the only ones with talent.

Honestly, some of these guys looked seriously dangerous.

The killing intent rolling off of them was definitely not for show. If Team 7 hadn't just faced the murderous aura of a real rogue ninja on their mission, Sasuke might have frozen up under that kind of pressure.

A kid our age... can really have that kind of chilling presence?

In Sasuke's mind, that Sand Village kid, Gaara, was shaping up to be the most dangerous opponent in the entire exam.

Of course, Emiya Shirou didn't agree. He'd already spotted far more dangerous people in the crowd. And those people were disguised as genin, blending in for the exam.

For example, the Rain Village trio, Nagato's team.

Or... Orochimaru and Obito Uchiha.

After chatting with the boys for a few more minutes, Emiya slipped away into a quiet side alley.

"It's been a while, Lord Emiya," a raspy voice hissed from behind him.

It was Orochimaru.

Though Orochimaru and Obito were constantly scheming, even plotting to get rid of Emiya, Orochimaru was still technically one of his subordinates.

"We're here to assist Nagato with the assassination of Danzo, as you ordered," Orochimaru said, his excuse sounding perfectly reasonable.

He flashed a sly grin. "After all, only I can figure out how to lure that old snake out of his hole."

"Lord Emiya." Nagato and his team also appeared.

"So, you're all here," Emiya said, turning his head slightly.

His Rinnegan eyes were cold and serious. "Since you're here, I have another task for you. Protect Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki during the Chuunin Exam."

"Understood," Pain responded with a deep nod. The Nine-Tails was critical to Akatsuki's plans, so protecting him made sense.

"Keep an eye on him," Emiya added, clapping Nagato on the shoulder. "The kid's name is Naruto. He's Jiraiya's new student, just like you were."

"Jiraiya-sensei's new student?" Nagato repeated, a hint of interest in his voice.

Even Orochimaru couldn't help but flick his tongue across his lips, intrigued.

He and Jiraiya had once been close friends, and he knew better than to underestimate Jiraiya's ability to train a student.

But another person had caught Orochimaru's eye. He recalled seeing Sasuke Uchiha with Naruto. A greedy glint appeared in his eyes as he pictured Sasuke's handsome face.

That boy... what a tempting vessel.

Until he perfected the cloning and no-corpse-transfer technique Emiya had given him, it wouldn't hurt to keep Sasuke as a backup plan.

Of course, looks weren't everything. Orochimaru planned to use the Chuunin Exam to secretly test Sasuke's talent. If the boy proved worthy, he'd become a top priority.

"Orochimaru," Emiya said casually, as if he hadn't noticed the snake's scheming. "When are you going to deal with Danzo?"

"Ah, well..." Orochimaru's demeanor shifted instantly. He smiled slyly. "That will take a little more time. Konoha's defenses have been strengthened recently."

It was a complete lie. Orochimaru was just stalling.

He had no intention of actually confronting Danzo. The last thing he needed was to get cornered by the old warhawk and his impossible demands. The last time Kabuto delivered a message, he'd returned with a shopping list from Danzo.

The old man wanted a Rinnegan.

Still, maybe Danzo's influence could be useful. Even if his power had faded, he might still be able to sway the Third Hokage. It would require careful planning, but a storm was brewing, and he just hoped it wouldn't spiral out of his control.

"I need to wait for the perfect opportunity," Orochimaru said, his eyes narrowing. "Danzo was once a Hokage advisor. Taking him out without alerting all of Konoha will be tricky. We may only get one shot."

"I'll leave it to you, then," Emiya said with a nod, seeming unconcerned.

"Don't worry," Orochimaru replied, bowing his head slightly.

A dangerous look flashed in his eyes from behind his long hair, like a snake coiled and ready to strike. "I will ensure Lord Emiya is satisfied."

Konan frowned. She didn't trust Orochimaru one bit.

"Obito," Emiya called out suddenly, as if he knew Obito had been watching from the shadows the whole time. He'd assigned the Uchiha to keep an eye on Orochimaru. "For now, keep a close watch on him. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

"My, my," Orochimaru chuckled softly, acting hurt. "Can't you show a little more trust in me?"

A spatial vortex swirled open on the alley wall.

Obito stepped out, giving Emiya a look of arrogant confidence before glancing at Orochimaru as if they were mere acquaintances. "I'll keep an eye on him," he promised.

"We can help, too," Black and White Zetsu added, oozing out of the wall with an eerie grin. "We'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Even better," Emiya said, nodding as he looked over his "subordinates."

One who wanted to overthrow him—Orochimaru.

One who wanted to take his place—Obito Uchiha.

One who wanted to turn the whole world against him—Black Zetsu.

Compared to these three traitors, Nagato's group, who just wanted simple revenge, seemed almost innocent.

But Nagato and his team, so naive for now, were about to be thrown into the heart of the storm during the Chuunin Exam. And once that storm passed, they would find themselves caught up in a conflict far bigger than they could have ever imagined.

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