Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 144: NZNT: Chapter 144

As the Chunin Exams raged on, Akatsuki spies infiltrated Konoha under various guises. Konoha was open for the exams, making infiltration una

As the Chunin Exams raged on, Akatsuki spies infiltrated Konoha under various guises. Konoha was open for the exams, making infiltration unavoidable. They could only monitor and defend against incidents.

These Akatsuki spies aimed to set up barriers and summoning formations. When Akatsuki attacked, they would summon creatures and White Zetsu to tie down Konoha’s ninjas. To avoid detection, these formations were placed in hidden, secluded locations.

While Akatsuki made their preparations, Orochimaru secretly infiltrated Konoha.

Konoha Military Police, back room.

”When will I leave Konoha and join Orochimaru-sama?”

Mizuki, Orochimaru and Yusuke’s contact, sighed. He was organizing Military Police uniforms.

Since being assigned to the Military Police by Yusuke, Mizuki was in logistics, under supervision. Besides contacting Yusuke and Orochimaru, he did menial tasks, causing him great distress.

”When will I fulfill my potential?”

Mizuki sighed, putting away the last pile of uniforms.

”Your chance has come!”

A raspy voice echoed behind him. Mizuki recognized Orochimaru’s voice.

Turning around in surprise, Mizuki saw Orochimaru.

”Orochimaru-sama! You came to Konoha? To take me away?”

Mizuki was initially delighted, but then remembered his surveillance. ”No! I’m being watched! You might be exposed!”

Orochimaru chuckled, ”Relax. The two watching you are under my genjutsu. They won’t notice anything after I leave.”

Orochimaru explained his mission, ”I’m here for the Konoha Research Institute’s data. I’ve been exchanging technology with Yusuke-kun, but he’s become cautious; I can’t get valuable information from him anymore.”

”You plan to rob the Research Institute? Even with your strength, that’s unrealistic,” Mizuki said.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly, ”Not me; you will rob it!”

Mizuki was speechless.

Mizuki said hesitantly, ”Orochimaru-sama, you’re joking, right? I’m willing to do anything for you, but robbing the Institute in Konoha is suicide.”

Orochimaru patted Mizuki’s shoulder, licking his lips, ”Relax, it won’t be that simple. You’ll understand when the time comes!”

After Orochimaru left, Mizuki touched the cursed seal on his shoulder, feeling invigorated.

”After six years, I, Mizuki, will finally rise! With Orochimaru-sama’s cursed seal and summoning jutsu, I’ll become a top-tier ninja!”

”Becoming the strongest ninja won’t be a distant dream!”

He put the summoning scroll in his pocket and decided to celebrate with drinks. But he’d drink at home; he didn’t want to reveal any secrets while drunk.

”Mizuki, are the uniforms ready? Bring one hundred to the front hall! Another shipment is arriving; you’ll organize those too!”

A gruff voice called from outside.

Mizuki’s enthusiasm vanished.

”I’ll drink after the mission,” he sighed.

As Orochimaru infiltrated Konoha, Amegakure welcomed seven uninvited guests—Orochimaru’s elite: Kimimaro, Guren, the Sound Four, and a small figure wrapped in bandages—Kimimaro. This small figure was Kimimaro, who had completed the Cursed Seal of Earth Release.

Looking at Amegakure’s strange central statue, Guren, a tall woman with light blue hair in a ponytail and the rare and powerful Crystal Release kekkei genkai, said coldly, ”Are our targets in this statue?”

Crystal Release was rare and powerful; its attack, defense, transformation, and sealing abilities were impressive. Orochimaru highly valued it.

If there were others with Crystal Release, Orochimaru might have chosen it over Ice Release.

”Not yet. We’ll act after Orochimaru-sama’s signal,”

Kimimaro, the temporary leader, said calmly. Orochimaro’s improved techniques better controlled Kimimaro’s illness. It wasn’t cured, but Kimimaro was healthier.

Guren snorted, ”I don’t know why Orochimaru-sama chose you as leader. Orochimaru-sama’s mission comes first, but be quick; I need to return to care for Yūkimaru.”

Kimimaro and Guren were Orochimaru’s strongest subordinates, and they disliked each other. Guren resented Kimimaro’s leadership.

”I’m Orochimaru’s subordinate, but not yours. I’m helping him as a deal. I won’t follow your orders,” Kimimaro said coldly.

He saw them as youngsters; Orochimaru was his equal.

Guren snorted, ignoring him. Kimimaro said calmly, ”As long as we complete Orochimaru-sama’s mission, I won’t interfere with your actions.”

”We must help Orochimaru-sama obtain the Three-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Six-Tails!”

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