Chapter 218: Each One's Plans
Afterward, from Naruto's brief report and the snake molt left at the scene, the Third Hokage confirmed the fact that Orochimaru had already escaped. Deep regret surged through his heart—he ultimately hadn't been able to personally bring back this wayward disciple... or rather, bring him to justice.
At the same time, his heart filled with indescribably complex emotions.
Orochimaru, this once-incomparably-proud genius disciple who'd fought alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade, forging the reputation of "Legendary Three Sannin" through the Third Shinobi World War's gunpowder smoke, even jointly earning survival qualifications from "Demigod" Hanzo of the Salamander.
In terms of strength and intellect, Orochimaru had undoubtedly long possessed qualifications to serve as a village's Kage.
Unfortunately, his nature ultimately deviated from the proper path. Obsession with forbidden jutsu and disregard for life finally led to master-disciple rupture and his defection.
However, such a powerhouse that made the entire shinobi world wary—today he'd been beaten into fleeing in panic by a Konoha genin who'd graduated from the Academy merely months ago?
No, it wasn't that Orochimaru was too weak, but rather the Nine-Tails' power was too terrifying, and Naruto... he could actually control this power so perfectly!
The Third's gaze fell on Naruto, watching him after displaying such strength still maintain respectful attitude, explaining the situation with clear logic, eyes clear without violence or arrogance from power corruption.
The worry in the Third's heart eased slightly, replaced by deeper shock.
Just now, through the Telescope Technique, he'd clearly seen Naruto's elusive movement method—that was absolutely not ordinary Body Flicker Technique, but rather the S-rank space-time ninjutsu popularized by his father Namikaze Minato, the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Naruto had... actually mastered this jutsu independently relying on the Scroll of Seals' records? Recalling Naruto's previously displayed powerful sealing technique talent, magnificent life force, plus the currently verified space-time ninjutsu ability, and this composed mentality...
He'd almost perfectly inherited Minato and Kushina's strengths!
Could say Naruto's only current "weakness" was merely his young age. After recovering from frustration at failing to catch Orochimaru, the more the Third thought deeply, the more excited he became internally, even producing an urgent feeling of "wishing to immediately entrust the Hokage position."
Also... since Naruto already possessed such powerful self-protection capability, should he... publicly reveal Naruto's true identity?
Once this thought emerged, it could no longer be suppressed. However, when he thought of the prejudice and coldness villagers had held toward Naruto for years out of ignorance, deep remorse gripped his heart.
Hopefully... now that Naruto had established deep bonds with Uchiha Satsuki, Naruto's sense of belonging to Konoha would be more firmly rooted than before...
Subsequently, the Third Hokage solemnly instructed Team Seven to continue participating in the exam, while specifically turning to Naruto, tone serious as he added that the power Naruto just used—unless encountering Sunagakure's One-Tail jinchuriki or truly life-threatening moments—absolutely must not be casually deployed.
The Third inwardly worried that if Naruto couldn't control himself and hot-headedly fired another tailed beast cannon, the examinees in this Forest of Death would probably be indiscriminately cleared out.
Instructions complete, Sarutobi Hiruzen converged with Kakashi, plus Mitarashi Anko who'd learned mid-journey that examinees were replaced and rushed over furiously searching for Orochimaru's traces, along with Konoha ANBU rapidly diving into the forest depths, attempting to track clues left by that escaped snake.
Having confirmed Orochimaru infiltrated and even sensing Sunagakure might harbor ill intent, why didn't the Third call off the exam, instead choosing to continue the Chunin Exam?
This decision seemed risky, but carefully examining its underlying political and strategic considerations revealed inevitable helplessness.
First, this joint Chunin Exam gathering many shinobi villages was an extremely important diplomatic event. Relying solely on Konoha's unilateral suspicion and a snake molt of unknown origin as evidence was fundamentally insufficient to convince others.
Rashly canceling unilaterally would undoubtedly be tremendous insult and provocation to all participating villages who'd traveled far, inevitably triggering serious diplomatic disputes.
Second, as Konoha, first among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, if they acted like startled birds canceling the grand event merely over an unconfirmed "lurking threat," this would severely damage the village's international prestige and powerful image.
As Hokage, the Third must display Konoha's composure and absolute power control under any circumstances.
Moreover, even if they withstood diplomatic pressure and forcibly halted the exam, would Orochimaru's long-plotted plan cease? The answer was obviously negative.
Suddenly stopping the exam would alert the enemy, equivalent to directly telling Orochimaru hiding in shadows, "I've discovered you!"
Then that cunning snake would only hide deeper, his subsequent attacks becoming even more unpredictable and difficult to guard against.
Wait...
Naruto suddenly snapped out of this strategic analysis. Why am I pondering these things? I don't plan on becoming Hokage anyway. Why worry about upper-level decisions?
He shook his head, casting aside distracting thoughts. Since the exam proceeded normally and Orochimaru temporarily retreated, simply completing the assessment as planned. He turned around, preparing to call Satsuki and Sakura to continue toward the central tower.
Only to meet Satsuki's pitch-black eyes, currently carrying obvious irritation, staring tightly at him.
Naruto froze slightly, somewhat confused, but then a memory surfaced—he'd apparently... indeed told Satsuki that using this tailed beast chakra might cause considerable burden and damage to the body.
Recalling this point, he immediately understood the source of Satsuki's current anger.
After personally witnessing that earth-shattering terrifying power, Satsuki's face showed not the slightest fear, nor produced any jealousy or distancing emotions. Mixed into that angry gaze was something more pure and profound—heartache.
Clearly, just now with the Third Hokage, Kakashi, and numerous ANBU present, Satsuki had carefully hidden her emotions, maintaining external calm. Now, those in the way had finally left...
Need to get Sakura out of the way first.
This thought naturally emerged. Satsuki almost instinctively, even while preparing to "demand accountability" with emotions surging, first considered protecting Naruto's face, unwilling to embarrass him before a third party.