Exploding Copper Coins!

Chapter 43: Exploding Copper Coins!

The Chunin Exams have officially concluded.

This year's Chunin Exams were shorter than previous ones, but they were the most exciting in Konohagakure's history. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, announced two promotions to Chunin.

Akihara Kagura and Uchiha Itachi.

While Uchiha Itachi's defeat at the hands of Akihara Kagura left the Uchiha Clan somewhat displeased, Uchiha Shisui's powerful rescue with Susanoo managed to save face.

Akihara Kagura didn't have time to dwell on these matters.

After all, this exam involved two work tasks, which was a perfect opportunity for Akihara Kagura to learn more about the reward rules of this "worker" system.

[System Prompt]: Work task [Participate in the Chunin Exams as requested by Hiruzen Sarutobi] completed. Reward: Skill [Konoha Style Taijutsu].

[Konoha Style Taijutsu (Konohagakure's basic taijutsu, including basic taijutsu moves such as Leaf Shadow Dance, Konoha Whirlwind, Konoha Gale, Konoha Rising Wind, Konoha Great Whirlwind, Konoha Strong Revolving Wind, etc. Originates from Hiruzen Sarutobi's mission reward.)]

Well, would you look at that!

It's like an explosion of copper coins!

They only gave him a bunch of taijutsu moves!

Perhaps this work task wasn't particularly difficult, and Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even have any special requirements, merely asking Akihara Kagura to participate in the Chunin Exams.

That's not right either...

Hiruzen Sarutobi, knowing Akihara Kagura was a Wood Style Ninja, must have intended for him to help suppress Uchiha Itachi. However, from a politician's perspective, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't openly state such intentions.

No wonder Danzo Shimura always cursed him...

Akihara Kagura could only console himself, acknowledging that his close-quarters combat skills were quite rudimentary, and this at least addressed a weakness. It wouldn't be fitting for a Konoha Chunin to lack taijutsu.

With the powerful physique granted by the First Hokage's cells, this was like giving a tiger wings...

In comparison...

His other superior, Danzo Shimura, wasn't exactly a great leader either.

[System Prompt]: Work task [Participate in the Chunin Exams as requested by Danzo Shimura and defeat Uchiha Itachi in the exam] completed. Reward: [Wind Style: Vacuum Blade].

[Wind Style: Vacuum Blade (B-rank Wind Style Ninjutsu. Infuses Wind Release chakra into a kunai, forming a sharp blade. Originates from Danzo Shimura's mission reward.)]

This jutsu reward felt a bit hollow.

Akihara Kagura didn't even have a proper kunai.

If he had followed Danzo Shimura's request, a normal Genin defeating Uchiha Itachi would not have been easy. Akihara Kagura's victory was purely due to the power of his Wood Style ninjutsu.

After inventorying his rewards, Akihara Kagura slowly made his way back to the Root base, planning to report to the Anbu the next morning.

As a result.

The two gatekeepers blocked his path.

This time, the two gatekeepers no longer showed fear towards Akihara Kagura. Their attitudes were as cold as if Akihara Kagura were an intruder at the Root base.

In fact...

Akihara Kagura was indeed an outsider now.

"Akihara Kagura, you are no longer a member of Root."

The two gatekeepers stopped Akihara Kagura from entering, their words quite blunt: "Lord Danzo has removed you from Root and ordered us not to allow you to enter or leave the base freely. If you wish to see Lord Danzo, we can help inform him."

Although they said this...

The two gatekeepers were still prepared for Akihara Kagura to force his way in. They had even considered if Akihara Kagura might cause a scene, but they could not disobey Danzo's orders.

In fact, Danzo Shimura had reprimanded all Root members, believing they had failed to uphold the will of Root by 'currying favor' with Akihara Kagura some time ago...

Was that currying favor...

That was forced respect!

At that time, Akihara Kagura, that brat, was using Lord Danzo's name, and his strength surpassed theirs. What could they, ordinary Root ninja, do? As a result, Lord Danzo no longer doted on that brat and blamed them for those problems.

Regardless...

Root had finally returned to normal.

This time, the two gatekeepers were resolute in their treatment of Akihara Kagura. Even if Akihara Kagura caused trouble, they would no longer let the brat pass.

"I understand."

This time, Akihara Kagura did nothing. He merely cast a deep glance at the gloomy base and calmly turned to leave.

Konohagakure.

The moon in the sky was still bright.

Akihara Kagura looked up at the moon. The moon in this ninja world wasn't a real moon, but a man-made celestial body.

Akihara Kagura lowered his head and gazed at the scenery of Konohagakure.

There were many people in this village, but none were his family. There were many houses, but not one he could call home.

Akihara Kagura found a park bench and lay down on his side, intending to rest there for the night before reporting to the Anbu the next day.

The Konohagakure night carried a slight chill. Akihara Kagura hugged their shoulders, their body slowly curling up. People always found a way to get through a night.

In a dark corner.

The Mysterious Masked Man appeared silently.

The Pitcher Plant Monster also slowly emerged from the ground.

"It seems we don't need to do much..."

The Pitcher Plant Monster's black half-face revealed a sinister and terrifying smile. It looked at Akihara Kagura, who was lying on the lounge chair, and its voice gained a hint of mockery. "Is Danzo Shimura always this foolish? To abandon a Wood Style Ninja who was loyal to him without hesitation?"

"Hmph, everyone in Konoha is an idiot."

The Mysterious Masked Man snorted coldly and continued, "Those fools always think they can control everyone..."

"What should we do now?"

The Pitcher Plant Monster's white half-face showed some confusion. It asked curiously, "According to your plan, where is the best place to dispose of Ryoma Aburame's body?"

"Anywhere is fine."

The Mysterious Masked Man was indifferent and continued coldly, "No one will corroborate this kid's story. It's impossible for him to explain himself clearly now..."

"I really didn't expect this..."

The Pitcher Plant Monster's black half-face laughed with some delight. "Our plan would go so smoothly, without even needing to think too much..."

"This kid must be in despair, right?"

"Just abandoned by Danzo Shimura, and about to face groundless accusations that can't be refuted, unable to even find evidence of their innocence..."

"Alright, let's begin."

The Mysterious Masked Man didn't want to waste any more useless time. They spoke and commanded, "Let this kid see how cruel this false world is!"

As the words fell.

A spatial vortex appeared around the Mysterious Masked Man. Their body spun rapidly, disappearing from the spot.

Seeing the Mysterious Masked Man vanish, the Pitcher Plant Monster's body slowly sank back into the ground.

The entire park remained silent.

It was as if the two had never been there.

A little girl with a bun hairstyle walked past the park and noticed a small wanderer lying on a park lounge chair. She was startled by the sight.

"Huh?"

However, the little girl saw that the figure was just a boy, and looking at their appearance, they shouldn't be much older than her. She then calmed down.

"..."

"Even though I often find strange things in the village since I was little, finding a person is just too weird!"

The little girl with the bun hairstyle scrunched up her face.

Ultimately, the little girl gave up on the terrifying idea of finding a person. Instead, she bounced back to her home, got a small blanket, and covered the ten-year-old boy with it.

"..."

Akihara Kagura slowly opened their eyes, reached out to touch the blanket, and quietly watched the retreating figure of the little girl with the bun hairstyle.

"Kind people always have good luck."

"It seems my luck is indeed good today."

First update!

Tenten is truly a kind person!

Although I'm just a casual fan of Tenten, I feel like she's the only girl among the Konoha Twelve who doesn't have a love-struck brain!

Also, the author is a true fan of Orochimaru. Believe me! If you don't believe me, take a look at "Starting from Naruto as a Behind-the-Scenes Mastermind." I'm Orochimaru's biggest fan!