Capítulo 93: 93. Calm before the storm
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After reading the information, Orochimaru extends his tongue, rolling up the scroll before swallowing it.
He licks the corner of his mouth, casting a dangerous look at Sai, who regains his usual expressionless face. "Is there anything else?" Orochimaru asks with a sly smile.
Sai's face remains unchanged, his training as a Root operative apparent, his voice is flat and devoid of emotion as he replies, "Danzo-sama has ordered me to follow your instructions for the time being and to cooperate with your actions."
Orochimaru doesn't believe a word of it. 'Cooperate with me? It's more like keeping me under surveillance. He'll probably try to have this kid kill me the moment our business is finished.'
But it doesn't matter to him. He has dealt with such deceptions before. Gesturing to the fallen Kazekage guards on the ground, Orochimaru smirks. "So, you're going to disguise yourself as one of them."
"Yes." Sai immediately transforms into one of the Kazekage's guards.
Orochimaru's Four Sound Ninjas each select a guard to mimic as well.
"Guren, head to the designated location as planned. If you don't hear from me within three days, return to the base directly," Orochimaru instructs.
"Understood, Orochimaru-sama." Guren departs swiftly.
The group, now in disguise, continues toward Konoha without drawing suspicion.
Unbeknownst to them, Baki, unaware of this covert infiltration, has already scouted the area beyond Konoha's patrols for their hidden troops.
As for how Baki knows the exact patrol range? That's courtesy of Danzo's dark connections.
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Morning arrives in Konoha, and the villagers step out to go about their daily lives.
Everyone is buzzing with excitement for the third round of the Chunin Exams, which feels as momentous as the Olympics being hosted in their own village.
The list of participants has been announced, and the villagers are proud that Konoha has the highest number of Genin making it to the finals.
This boosts their sense of security, as it is proof of Konoha's superiority over other villages.
They feel their future will be brighter and safer with such skilled shinobi protecting them.
Meanwhile, an influx of wealthy merchants, nobles, and tourists swarms into the village, further benefiting Konoha's economy.
Business is booming—well, except for arms dealers like Tenten's family, who don't quite fit into the general commerce of the village.
As visitors spend time in Konoha, they start getting used to the village's quirks:
For instance, if you see a group of people sporting police armbands marching with stern expressions, there's no need to panic.
That's Konoha's Police Force, known for its impartiality. They don't arrest the innocent, nor do they let the guilty go free.
Or, if you notice their strained attempts at smiling, don't be alarmed. The Police Force has recently initiated a "Smile Training Program," though some members haven't quite mastered it yet.
And if you witness a group of shinobi in green jumpsuits sprinting through the streets in strange poses, rest assured: those are Konoha's "Green Beasts," and they are as friendly as they are eccentric.
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All in all, Konoha is a thriving village, a peaceful and hopeful place.
At that moment, in the Hokage's residence, Minato Namikaze is deep in conversation with his son.
Minato sets down the newspaper he has been reading and looks at Naruto seriously. "Naruto, are you sure you want to go through with this training?"
"Yeah, Dad. I think I'll need it soon," Naruto replies with determination.
Minato considers Naruto's upcoming opponents and frowns. "I don't object to you trying to control that kind of power, but it comes with risks."
"Dad, if you're talking about the risk of me losing control of Kurama's chakra, don't worry. My relationship with the Nine-Tails is solid. Even if I can't control his chakra perfectly, he'll take it back before anything bad happens."
Minato seems reassured. "That's true. From what you've told me, your connection with Kurama is strong. I remember the time you mentioned that chat room thing you have with him and Kushina—still can't believe you managed to hack into something like that with Kushina's chakra. Too bad it can't be shared."
Naruto grins confidently. "No worries, Dad. If it weren't for my promise to give you a heads-up before doing anything with the seal, I'd have already started training."
"No, we'll do this properly. I will guide you," Kushina declares, her voice filled with pride. "No one knows the Nine-Tails' chakra better than me."
Kurama, overhearing this from within Naruto, snorts. "Hah! I should be the one guiding him! No one understands my chakra better than me!"
Kushina shoots back, "I was a Jinchuriki! You weren't!"
Kurama growls, "I'm the Nine-Tails! You wouldn't even be a Jinchuriki without me!"
"Still, you've never been a Jinchuriki!"
"You wanna start something, woman?"
"Bring it, fuzzball!"
"Humph!"
"Bleh!"
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"Okay, okay, you two, calm down!" Naruto groans. Their constant bickering always gives him a headache. "If you're going to argue, do it in your sealed space! Why drag it into the chat room like some rowdy forum thread?"
"Well, since it's decided, let's head somewhere private." Minato places a hand on both Naruto and Kushina's shoulders, in the blink of an eye, three of them appear inside a secluded cave.
Naruto and Kushina look around in surprise.
"Minato… Isn't this..." Kushina begins.
"Yes," Minato says, smiling. "This is where Naruto was born. Remember?"
"Yeah… I haven't been back here since that day." Kushina's expression softens with nostalgia, but then, out of nowhere, she punches Naruto on the head.
"Ouch! Mom, what was that for?" Naruto asks, rubbing his sore head.
"For not coming out sooner when you were born! You caused me so much pain!" Kushina huffs, hands on her hips.
"Ugh..." Naruto mutters, completely helpless in this argument. 'Can't exactly change how I was born...'
They say a child's birthday is also a reminder of a mother's labour.
For Naruto, even though he has no control over his birth, he figures getting hit by his mom every now and then isn't the worst thing.
After all, it means she is healthy and full of energy.
Minato chuckles, watching his family with a contented smile. He is grateful for the choices that have led him to this moment.
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