Chunin Exams

"Jiraiya, Orochimaru may attack Konoha during the Chunin Exams. You'd better lie in wait somewhere nearby, either in the coming days or during the exams, and ambush him when he makes his move."

"Don't worry. If Orochimaru dares to act this time, he'll be walking straight into the net Konoha has laid for him. And thank you for saving Gekko Hayate. It let us learn about the conspiracy between Orochimaru and the Land of Wind ahead of time."

Jiraiya rarely spoke so seriously with Yi Xiang, and it seemed capturing Orochimaru was his top priority right now.

Looks like Konoha has been passing you intelligence all along. With that, the enemy's strength shouldn't be enough to threaten the Third Hokage.

Just as Yi Xiang was lost in thought, Jiraiya suddenly went back to his usual lecherous grin.

"Yi Xiang, you haven't used the Transformation Technique for me to study today. Of all the material I've found lately, yours is still the most eye-catching. Hehe~"

Yi Xiang immediately made an excuse to leave and head somewhere else. He had already achieved his goal, anyway.

"Jiraiya, just focus on training Naruto! I've got something to do. See you next time!"

In the blink of an eye, Yi Xiang had vanished from in front of Jiraiya. He had clearly left with the Body Flicker Technique.

Whether or not the Third Hokage dies this time, once I gather ten consecutive draws, no one will be able to stop me. Danzo has to die a horrible death!

As the thought flashed through his mind, Yi Xiang began fretting again over where Kakashi was training Sasuke. The year before, he could have learned Chidori from Kakashi, but he'd kept putting it off because it seemed like too much trouble. He hadn't found his motivation until the system quest was released.

Meanwhile, beneath Konoha, at the underground base that served as Root's headquarters.

"Keep a close watch on the Chunin Exams. If the Hokage dies, follow the original orders. If he survives, record everything that happens from the shadows."

Danzo's already gloomy expression darkened further. With the enemy's plans intercepted by Gekko Hayate and Jiraiya joining the fray, it was unlikely the Third Hokage would be caught off guard and killed by Orochimaru.

"Yes, sir!"

The Root members bowed respectfully to Danzo like puppets on strings, their words monotonous and their expressions utterly unchanging. They were masters of keeping a straight face.

It was the end of the month. The Chunin Exams would begin tomorrow.

"Naruto, it's just that kid Neji Hyuga. You're worried you can't beat him? Want me to secretly bury him later? Then you'd automatically win the first match."

Yi Xiang said this while eating Three-Color Dango, each color with its own texture and flavor. He looked ready to do a job Naruto would be happy with, as long as Naruto gave him the nod.

Konoha's commercial district was still bustling that night. Diners at the meat shops chatted and laughed, while the men in the taverns bragged and traded dirty jokes, talking about women's graceful figures and the like, showing off their masculine side.

"No, absolutely not! Big Brother Yi Xiang, I may be a little worried about winning or losing, but how could I let you do something like that? Besides, I might not lose!"

The worry and agitation vanished from Naruto's face. He turned serious and firmly rejected Yi Xiang's outrageous, dishonorable suggestion.

"Fine, then. I'll come watch tomorrow, too. If he gets rough, I'll catch him and hang him up for a beating."

"You don't have to go that far... Don't worry, Big Brother Yi Xiang. I'll definitely win."

Naruto promised with conviction. He was glad Yi Xiang would protect him, but at the same time, he found himself praying for Neji, hoping he would lose the first match tomorrow.

"Too bad Sasuke's still training with Kakashi-sensei. Looks like the two of us will have to handle the big feast tonight! Hehehe."

The next morning, at Yi Xiang's place.

"Ring, ring, ring..."

Thump! After turning off the alarm, Yi Xiang was slightly surprised. He and Naruto had agreed on a time, and Naruto was supposed to come by a few minutes before the alarm he'd set rather late. But now the alarm was ringing, and he didn't know whether Naruto had even left yet.

Naruto had been planning for a long time to move in nearby and cook for Yi Xiang. Since Yi Xiang's savings had grown considerably, he'd gone ahead and paid a slightly higher price for a one-bedroom apartment next door for Naruto to live in.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Naruto, are you going to the match or not?"

"Coming... I'll be ready as soon as I wash up!"

Naruto rubbed his sleepy eyes, hurriedly took off his pajamas, and changed into an orange jacket with a swirl symbol on it. After quickly wiping his face and rinsing his mouth, he dashed out the door.

By the time the two reached the arena, the surrounding seats were already filled with civilians who had come to watch. Below, the examinees stood with their backs straight, facing the spot at the center where the Hokage sat.

As Yi Xiang strolled up to the spectators' seats, he happened to see the Kazekage—actually Orochimaru in disguise—walking toward the Hokage's seat with a menacing look.

Just as Yi Xiang looked away, Orochimaru, wearing the Kazekage's hat and a human-skin mask, suddenly glanced at Yi Xiang, who was sitting with Team Five. The corners of his mouth lifted high beneath his white face covering.

Before long, Naruto managed to win the first match with difficulty, relying on the Nine-Tails Chakra inside him.

In the second match, all the other spectators besides Yi Xiang were surprised and disappointed when Nara Shikamaru conceded to Temari despite having a huge advantage.

While most of the audience thought Nara Shikamaru had taken a huge loss, Yi Xiang smiled to himself.

What's one Chunin match? Shikamaru has already won the heart of the princess of the Land of Sand. If he ever gets tired of staying in Konoha, he'll have a bright future as a noble in the Land of Sand.