"You're saying this is Orochimaru?"
In a basement, Tsunade and Jiraiya arrived immediately.
As Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hagoromo pointed at him, Jiraiya trembled as he extended his finger, asking incredulously.
"Um."
Hagoromo nodded. Although it looked terrifying, it was much better than the beginning.
At least, it has a human form.
To be honest, the regenerative power of the techniques Orochimaru developed is truly extraordinary.
In just a short while, it has already begun to heal itself.
"Are you kidding me!"
Jiraiya's voice involuntarily rose. "If this were Orochimaru, I'd eat him alive!"
"Shut up, Jiraiya."
Tsunade immediately began to examine him, interrupting Jiraiya.
"That is indeed Orochimaru."
As she spoke, Tsunade turned to look at Hagoromo. "This kid's attacks are so ruthless?"
"Don't look at me like that. I hurt Naruto and was still eyeing Sasuke. I'm lucky I didn't chop him into mincemeat."
Hagoromo raised her eyelids slightly and said calmly.
Of course, Orochimaru wouldn't have ended up in such a terrible state; Anko and the other test subjects all had the Cursed Seal of Heaven on their bodies.
He could resurrect a perfect Orochimaru in no time.
Of course, this is all predicated on someone having the time to do it.
Jiraiya, who had initially intended to say that Hagoromo had gone too far Jiraiya, fell silent upon hearing this.
After all, Tsunade had already told him about it when she got back.
Moreover, one was a disciple, and the other almost took his life, despite having the title of senior brother.
Didn't you see that Hiruzen Sarutobi was standing by without saying a word?
Hiruzen Sarutobi silently took a drag and slowly exhaled the smoke.
He didn't know what to say about Orochimaru.
Serves him right? Not really, after all, he's his disciple.
Too heavy-handed? He'd be the first to object if you dared to lay a hand on Naruto.
Therefore, he didn't say anything after arriving, since Hagoromo had indeed spared Orochimaru's life.
Even if it's just a puddle that looks like minced meat.
"Tsunade, heal him. He doesn't need to be fully recovered, just enough to allow him to speak."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave the order directly to Tsunade.
Orochimaru was still thinking of asking if they knew anything about the Akatsuki's actions.
He had never lowered his guard against this disciple, and was naturally well aware of his character.
"Knew."
Tsunade rubbed her neck and immediately began to fight.
Jiraiya stood to the side, remaining silent.
After all, this was his close friend from the same period, someone he had shared life and death with.
"Don't blame Hagoromo. You should know how important Naruto are to Hagoromo."
Hiruzen Sarutobi came to Jiraiya's side and spoke after a long while.
"Ah, I know."
At this moment, Jiraiya also realized that no one was really to blame for this; the blame lay with Orochimaru for being so careless.
Those capable of taking down Jinchūriki are not easily dealt with.
Currently, Hagoromo's strength is unmatched in Konoha.
This is something Hiruzen Sarutobi admitted, after all, he was old, and Jiraiya had fought Hagoromo.
Naturally, he was even more aware of his strength.
If Hagoromo doesn't get his revenge after angering Orochimaru this time, he might actually die if he encounters him again.
"You little rascal, you really have a temper."
Jiraiya came to Hagoromo's side and, without saying a word, began to ruffle his hair.
"Come on, I've already restrained myself."
Hagoromo rolled his eyes. If it weren't for needing to give Hiruzen Sarutobi an explanation, he would have killed him outright.
"By the way, we can start interrogating that guy once he wakes up."
Hagoromo pointed to Kabuto Yakushi, who was bound by chains in the corner.
"This guy probably knows something about what Orochimaru is planning this time."
"Okay, I'll have someone come over later."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then beckoned Hagoromo to go outside together.
This place has already been sealed off by Hagoromo, so even if Orochimaru is really a slippery eel, he can't escape.
"Let's take care of what we need to do first. Jiraiya, you come too."
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked along, glancing back as he went.
There's nothing Jiraiya; we don't want him causing any trouble later.
Tsunade doesn't need to be worried too much.
"Knew."
Jiraiya pursed his lips, responded with a sound of agreement, and then followed.
Only after the others left did Tsunade raise her head, looking at the exit and then at Orochimaru.
He couldn't help but sigh.
--
"The second Chunin Ninja Exams have come to an end."
Inside the Central Tower, a woman dressed in Hagoromo (feathered robe) stood before all the teams that had passed the test and announced the results.
The teams below couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief; the continuous high intensity of the past five days had left them somewhat exhausted.
Those who arrived at the tower early were fine, but some who arrived later...
I only rested for one night, and my whole body still aches and hurts.
"However, it is not yet time for you all to leave."
Hagoromo ignored the commotion caused by his words and turned to look behind her.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to appear in the back seat, followed by the figures of the other major nations.
Upon seeing the shadows of their respective villages, the teams below began whispering amongst themselves.
"Quiet!"
Hagoromo parted her lips slightly, and a voice, accompanied by her imposing aura, swept across the entire arena.
Some candidates who had initially looked unconvinced immediately lowered their heads.
This scene infuriated the actors on stage.
They're using their power to intimidate you; even if you can't resist, you can't just bow your heads like this!
They're still up there!
"Cough cough."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed twice, and everyone's eyes turned to him.
"A preliminary exam will be held before the third exam."
Huh?!
Why?!
Upon hearing this, the passing teams began to discuss it again, though they were still suppressed by Hagoromo's earlier words.
This time, I won't interrupt Hiruzen Sarutobi to continue speaking.
"The purpose of the preliminary selection is to minimize the number of people at the final venue, as daimyo will also be attending on that day."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were very clear: the final assessment had to be completed that day.
No one would wait that long for a final assessment.
"Alright, now I'll announce the rules."
Following Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions, Hagoromo took over the conversation, looking at everyone present.
"The Preliminary Exam is not conducted in teams, but in one-on-one battles, testing each other's skills, and there is a possibility of death in the process."
"So, anyone who wants to quit can say so now. This time, quitting doesn't affect the entire team."
After Hagoromo finished speaking, she looked at the examinees below.
The atmosphere froze instantly. If this were in their own village, they would have hesitated to some extent.
But now that everyone's shadow is above them, no one wants to be the first to stick their neck out.
The Genin from the smaller ninja village, however, had no such concerns and raised their hands in unison.