All My Underlings Were a Bunch of Rebels

Life is always about saying goodbye.

Sometimes, leaving without saying goodbye might be a blessing in disguise.

No matter how important a person is, their presence in your life will gradually fade until their existence quietly disappears, leaving only time, like a dull knife.

Certainly.

This idea is definitely not suitable for Naruto Uzumaki.

For Naruto Uzumaki, there has never been a farewell in his life, only so-called encounters and reunions. It's a bit too early for a twelve-year-old kid to understand separation.

After Kakashi Hatake and Team 7 returned from a C-rank mission, Naruto Uzumaki came to find Shirou Emiya in a cheerful mood and, without any hesitation, boasted about his own achievements in the mission they had completed in the Land of Waves.

"Kakashi-sensei said that the C-rank mission we completed was on par with B-rank or even A-rank missions, qualifying us for this year's Chunin Exams!"

"As long as I pass the Chunin Exams and become Chunin..."

Naruto Uzumaki adjusted his Ninja Headband, looking enviously at the green vest worn by a Chunin on the street. "I'll be able to wear Chunin uniform from now on!"

"Idiot..."

Sasuke Uchiha but glance Naruto Uzumaki.

"What did you say!"

Naruto Uzumaki glared at Sasuke Uchiha, clearly annoyed, but then, as if remembering something, he crossed his arms and stopped arguing with Sasuke.

Obviously.

A lot must have happened during this C-level mission that made Naruto Uzumaki willingly back down when facing Sasuke Uchiha.

Naruto Uzumaki sighed, looking at the many ninjas on the street wearing Forehead Protector from other villages. "There seem to be quite a few people from other villages coming to our village lately..."

"Um."

Shirou Emiya raised his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping over the passing crowd before finally settling on three Amegakure.

The three Amegakure were strangely dressed, wearing gas masks. They appeared to be two men and one woman. They seemed to notice Shirou Emiya 'Shirou Emiya gaze, nodded respectfully at him, and then left Shirou Emiya sight.

"After all, it's the Joint Chunin Exams..."

Sasuke Uchiha's gaze swept back and forth among the ninjas from the other villages, and he said in a deep voice, "Kakashi-sensei said that this exam will be very dangerous. I've also seen many strong ninjas from various villages. That red-haired brat from Hidden Sand Village is very strong..."

Upon returning to the village, Team 7 clashed with ninjas from other villages, and Sasuke Uchiha witnessed the skills of the best ninjas from those villages.

Real...

The other party looks quite dangerous.

At least the killing intent emanating from the other party was genuine.

If it weren't for Team 7 going out on a C-rank mission and witnessing the even more terrifying killing intent emanating from a powerful missing-nin outside the village, Sasuke Uchiha might have instinctively frozen in the face of that killing intent.

A kid about their age...

Such a sharp and terrifying killing intent actually exists on his body!

According to Sasuke Uchiha's speculation, that brat named Gaara might be the most dangerous opponent in this Chunin Exams!

Certainly.

Shirou Emiya would definitely not agree with Sasuke Uchiha's opinion, because he has already met someone much more dangerous.

These people...

They all came to the exam dressed Genin).

For example...

The Nagato trio from Hidden Rain Village.

For example...

Orochimaru and Obito Uchiha.

Shirou Emiya calmly chatted with the two kids for a while before parting ways with them and slowly Earth Flow into a small alley.

"It's been a long time... Lord Shirou."

Orochimaru's hoarse voice came from behind Shirou Emiya.

Although he and Obito Uchiha had been secretly conspiring to betray and even kill Shirou Emiya, at this time he was still Shirou Emiya's subordinate.

"We are here on orders to assist Nagato in assassinating Danzo."

Orochimaru's reason was quite plausible; he chuckled as he stated his purpose, "After all, only I can help them find a way to lure Danzo..."

"Lord Shirou."

The figures of Nagato's trio also appeared in front of Shirou Emiya.

"Is everyone here?"

Shirou Emiya turned his head slightly, his Rinnegan no longer peaceful and calm, but even faintly filled with majesty and indifference. "Now that you're here, do one thing well: make sure to protect Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki during the Chunin Exams."

"Yes."

Pain agreed in a deep voice.

After all, the safety of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is related to the Akatsuki's plans.

"Take good care of him during the exam."

Shirou Emiya patted Nagato on the shoulder and introduced Naruto Uzumaki's identity, "That child, like you, is also Jiraiya's student..."

"Jiraiya- sensei's new disciple?"

Nagato's voice betrayed a hint of curiosity.

"..."

Orochimaru couldn't help but stick out his tongue and lick his lips; he couldn't help but be a little curious about Jiraiya's new disciple.

After all...

Jiraiya his old friend.

As one of the people who knows Jiraiya best in the world, Orochimaru would not underestimate Jiraiya's abilities, especially his ability to train disciples.

But...

Orochimaru was more interested in someone else.

Orochimaru thought of Naruto Uzumaki's companion Sasuke Uchiha. When he saw the handsome Sasuke Uchiha, a greedy look appeared on his face.

That boy...

It looks like a very alluring container.

Before he completes the theory of Living Corpse Reincarnation and cloning proposed by Shirou Emiya, he can Sasuke Uchiha as an alternative.

Certainly.

Good looks alone are not enough.

Orochimaru planned to take advantage of the Chunin Exams to observe Sasuke Uchiha's talent, and if it was suitable, he intended to make that kid his target.

Orochimaru.

Shirou Emiya seemed oblivious to Orochimaru's thoughts, and casually asked, "When will we be able to deal with Danzo...?"

"This..."

Orochimaru immediately regained his composure and said with a smile, "It will take a little time. Konoha's defenses have become quite tight lately..."

Such words...

Of course it's a lie.

Orochimaru just wanted to buy some time.

After all, Orochimaru didn't come to Konoha to help kill Shimura Danzo. He didn't even plan to meet Shimura Danzo, lest that guy make a bunch of unreasonable demands!

Last time...

When the Yakushi Kabuto returned wearing the mask...

He also relayed Shimura Danzo's request to Orochimaru.

That old guy...

He actually wants a Rinnegan!

But...

Perhaps this is a good thing.

At least Shimura Danzo some influence in Konoha.

Even if that influence is negligible, it might still affect the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. However, careful planning is needed to avoid causing trouble...

A storm is approaching.

Ideally, this storm should not be beyond our control.

"I need to identify the right opportunity."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and said softly, "After all, Danzo was once the Hokage Assistant in Konoha. It's not easy to deal with him without alerting Konoha. We might only have one chance..."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Shirou Emiya nodded, seemingly unconcerned.

"Rest assured."

Orochimaru smiled and nodded, his head slowly lowering, a pair of dangerous eyes peeking out from his long hair, like a snake before its hunt.

"Must..."

"It will satisfy Lord Shirou."

"..."

Konan frowned subconsciously.

Konan simply didn't trust Orochimaru.

"Obito".

Shirou Emiya saw Orochimaru's eyes, as if he knew that Obito Uchiha was nearby, and suddenly called out to Obito Uchiha, who had been ordered to monitor Orochimaru.

"During this time..."

"Keep a close eye on Orochimaru."

"Don't let anything go wrong."

"Really..."

Orochimaru chuckled, seemingly unable to comprehend Shirou Emiya's suspicion of him. "Why can't you give me a little more trust...?"

"Rest assured."

A spacetime Uzumaki appeared on the wall of the alley.

Obito Uchiha glanced arrogantly at Shirou Emiya, then at Orochimaru, as if there had never been any collusion between them.

"I will keep a close eye on him."

"I can help too."

At that moment, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu's true forms silently emerged from the wall, grinning sinisterly as they said, "Make sure nothing goes wrong..."

"That would be... perfect."

Shirou Emiya nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over his subordinates, at least those who were nominally still his subordinates.

Orochimaru, who wants to deal with him.

Obito Uchiha, who wanted to take his place.

A Black Zetsu who wants to fight against the whole world for himself.

Compared to those three rebellious guys, the Nagato trio, who stood obediently to the side and only wanted revenge, seemed rather naive and cute.

However...

Such an innocent trio from Nagato's group...

However, it will be the center of the storm that will ignite the Chunin Exams.

But...

After this storm...

They no longer need to get involved in an even bigger Uzumaki.