Capítulo 97: Chapter 97
Sasuke really wanted Kazuki to fight him with all his strength. But considering that he had been suppressed in his battle with Orochimaru, wouldn't he be defeated in a single move against Kazuki? This kind of fight was not what Sasuke wanted, he desired an evenly matched battle, where he could at least have some resistance, rather than being instantly crushed.
"This is Karin. She'll be following us from now on."
"Please take care of me!"
Sasuke glanced at Karin and nodded in response, showing little interest. He wasn't fond of weak people, and at first glance, Karin didn't seem all that impressive.
"Although Karin isn't good at combat, she has excellent detection abilities and can also heal injuries and restore chakra. I was able to find you because of Karin's abilities!"
"Oh?"
Hearing about Karin's abilities, Sasuke's interest was piqued slightly. Perhaps she could even replace Sakura? No… Sasuke thought. Although Sakura had learned Rasengan and some swordsmanship, her overall strength wasn't something he took seriously. She was an expendable presence on the team. If given the choice, Sasuke would gladly replace Sakura with Karin.
After a brief introduction, the three of them set off toward where Sakura and the others were staying. Since Sasuke's Summoning Beast wasn't large enough to carry more than two people, they had to travel on foot. By the time they reached Sakura and the others, it was almost dusk.
"Sigh, I wonder how Kazuki is doing," Sakura sighed.
"Yes, if Kazuki-kun is hurt, I'll make sure that guy from Kusagakure Village pays!" Ino said fiercely.
"Don't worry, there aren't many people in this world who can defeat Kazuki," Pakkun said, unfazed. From his understanding of Kazuki's strength, even if the guy from Kusagakure Village was terrifying, it was nothing compared to Kazuki. As long as Kazuki wasn't careless, the enemy wouldn't be able to keep him down.
Shikamaru wasn't overly concerned about Kazuki and Sasuke, but as night approached, he silently hoped they would arrive soon. As for Choji, he was more preoccupied with when his next meal would be, having barely been satisfied with their last bit of food.
"Hey, were you all thinking about me?"
As the group of four and Pakkun pondered their thoughts, Kazuki and Sasuke suddenly appeared. Ino and Sakura were about to stand up happily at the sound of Kazuki's voice but paused when they noticed a woman beside him.
"Hello everyone, my name is Karin."
! ! ! !
Karin's presence dimmed Ino and Sakura's excitement about seeing Kazuki again. So much so that when Kazuki explained his prolonged absence, they were somewhat distracted.
"That's awesome. That guy is so powerful, and yet he's no match for you!" Choji murmured, thinking back to how he and Shikamaru had been chased away by two Summoning Beasts randomly summoned by the enemy. Choji couldn't help but feel the gap in their abilities was immense.
"By the way, what's going on with Karin? Isn't she a ninja from Kusagakure Village?" Shikamaru asked curiously.
"That's right! Kazuki-kun, why did you bring back someone from Kusagakure Village? Don't be fooled. That guy from Kusagakure Village nearly killed Shikamaru and Choji! If it hadn't been for Sakura and me…"
"I think you've misunderstood. Karin's situation is different from what you think," Kazuki explained, recounting Karin's background. If she was to settle in Konoha, someone would need to vouch for her, otherwise, she'd struggle to gain trust as a sudden recruit from Kusagakure. If Konoha couldn't accept her as a ninja, then at the very least, she could stay by Kazuki's side.
"You can verify these things by asking around in Kusagakure Village. I don't think there's much reason to doubt her. I'll take her to see the Third Hokage when the time comes."
Kazuki added, then took out a 'Scroll of Earth' and said, "But more importantly, let's focus on passing this exam. I obtained an 'Earth Scroll' from the ninjas of Kusagakure Village. It's enough for one of our teams to pass the assessment."
"Then we just need one more scroll to pass the exam together!" Ino said happily.
"I have another one here."
Before anyone could celebrate, Sasuke revealed another 'Earth Scroll.' The sudden double fortune left everyone momentarily speechless.
Is this what it feels like to win effortlessly? It's great to be teammates with Kazuki and Sasuke! Ino and the others thought enviously.
With both scrolls in hand, the group of seven wasted no time. After feasting on the bear Kazuki brought back, they headed toward the central tower. Shortly after nightfall, they arrived at their destination. When they handed in the two scrolls, they officially passed the assessment.
The second exam was scheduled to last five days, but Kazuki and his team completed it on the first day. However, they weren't the first team to pass, that honor went to Gaara's team from Sunagakure Village. If it weren't for Orochimaru's interference, Kazuki and his team might have arrived just as quickly.
But the timing of their success didn't matter much to Kazuki's group. For them, passing the exam was all that counted.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building, the past two days had been hectic for Sarutobi Hiruzen. Kazuki Gekko had inadvertently killed a candidate from Otogakure Village before the exam, complicating Hiruzen's plans to forge a relationship with the small village. Additionally, the deaths of three Kusagakure ninjas during the second exam posed a diplomatic challenge, especially with the rumored presence of Orochimaru, a former disciple of Hiruzen, in the examination grounds.
"Orochimaru, why have you returned this time?" Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, lost in thought as he gazed over the night-lit Konoha.
Suddenly, a masked ANBU appeared in his office.
"Sandaime-sama, Kazuki Gekko and the others have passed the second exam."
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