Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Hiruzen, You Will Regret It!
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In the Hokage's office, Anko Mitarashi stood respectfully before Hiruzen Sarutobi, reporting in detail what she had found in the Forest of Death.
After she finished her report, Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke and said gravely, "Orochimaru? What is his purpose in coming to Konoha this time?"
For the land he once loved deeply, Hiruzen's heart was full of complex emotions.
Anko then added, "Lord Hokage, there were also clear traces of Lightning Release left at the scene."
Hiruzen frowned and asked in confusion, "Lightning Release? Could it be those shinobi from Kumogakure Village? But why would they be fighting Orochimaru?"
This mention of Lightning Release left him deep in thought.
Anko asked worriedly, "Then, Lord Hokage, should we suspend the Chunin Exam to prevent Orochimaru from causing trouble?"
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen firmly answered, "No, this Chunin Exam is a joint event between Konoha and the Sand Village. Even if Orochimaru tries to cause trouble, with the strength of me and the Fourth Kazekage, subduing him won't be difficult."
His voice was full of confidence and determination. Besides, if Konoha, the First Shinobi Village, were to be frightened by a single rogue like Orochimaru, it would bring disgrace to the title of Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Third Hokage, after all. If this got out, the other shinobi villages would have a field day mocking Konoha.
Just then, Danzo Shimura walked in. Seeing him, Anko quietly and tactfully withdrew from the room.
"Hiruzen, I've heard that Uchiha Sasuke has quite the talent. Why don't you let him join our Root? I promise to train him to be the most loyal dog of Konoha!" Danzo said bluntly.
"No need. I believe Sasuke has a strong bond with Konoha now. There's no need to do anything unnecessary," Hiruzen calmly refused.
Hmph, Hiruzen thought, he knew all too well what Danzo was thinking. Danzo claimed he wanted to turn Sasuke into Konoha's loyal dog, but in truth, he would likely become Danzo's pawn.
"Although Uchiha Sasuke may have a strong bond with Konoha now, if he were to learn the truth about the Uchiha clan's massacre in the future, what do you think would happen? You know that incident back then was both your and my..."
Danzo was cut off before he could finish.
"That won't happen!" Hiruzen interrupted.
"Besides, the Uchiha clan was wiped out by Uchiha Itachi himself. What does that have to do with me?" Hiruzen stated calmly, as if the matter was unrelated to him.
"If that doesn't work, then give the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to me. I can train him to be Konoha's ultimate weapon!" Danzo finally revealed his true intentions. Compared to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, an Uchiha was nothing.
"No, Uzumaki Naruto is absolutely off-limits!" Hiruzen immediately refused. "Naruto is Minato's son. I will never allow anyone to lay a hand on him!"
Hiruzen's words were firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Hearing Hiruzen's refusal, Danzo roared angrily, "Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen shouted instinctively.
His eyes were firm and authoritative, and no one could question his resolve.
Danzo stormed out of the room, leaving Hiruzen standing there alone, filled with helplessness and worry. Hiruzen closed his eyes, lost in thought, before slowly taking out a crystal ball with a sly smile on his face…
Meanwhile, deep within the Forest of Death, Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura walked side by side along a winding path. Sasuke frowned slightly, feeling a strange, indescribable sensation as though something important had slipped his mind. But what was it?
Sasuke pondered, unable to find an answer. He subconsciously glanced at Naruto beside him, and suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him—Uzumaki Karin!
Sasuke finally realized what he had forgotten. He had been so engrossed in the fight with Orochimaru that he almost forgot about Karin. Karin was someone he could not afford to overlook. After all, the girl with glasses and a unique charm had always intrigued him.
Sasuke quickly made a decision and used the Shadow Clone Technique. He created a shadow clone to accompany Sakura and the others to submit the mission, while he turned around and ran in the direction he remembered, searching for Karin…
"Damn, these guys are so strong!" said one of the Grass ninjas in terror.
"Yeah, we're no match for them at all!" echoed another Grass ninja.
"Hey, if you know what's good for you, kneel down quickly and let us kill you," sneered an arrogant Rain ninja.
"Stop talking and finish them off! I can't wait!" growled another Rain ninja.
The Rain ninjas then rushed toward the two Grass ninjas.
"Damn it! Hey, come help us! If we die, you'll be next!" one of the Grass ninjas shouted in panic toward Karin, who was hiding nearby.
"That's right! Think about your own survival! Come help us!" the other Grass ninja added.
"Y-yes, I know," Karin stammered, her face full of fear.
But before she could act, the three Rain ninjas were already upon her with their sharp blades drawn. The two Grass ninjas found themselves in a desperate situation, their throats quickly slashed by the Rain ninjas' long swords.
The Grass ninjas clutched their bleeding necks in pain, but it was useless. They could only leave this world with endless resentment and regret.
The first Rain ninja turned his fierce gaze on Karin and said disdainfully, "Is this girl from the Grass Village? Her red hair is so ugly!"
"Yeah, who has hair that ugly?" the second Rain ninja sneered.
"Enough talking. Kill her and let's finish the mission," urged the third Rain ninja.
He drew his sword and began to walk toward Karin, who closed her eyes, ready to face her death.
At that critical moment, a lightning bolt suddenly streaked through the three Rain ninjas.
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Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone