Tsunade slammed the documents down on the low table.
Kushina was looking down, playing with the red-haired doll. She kept poking its Chakra Cloak with her fingertips, making its hair stick up slightly, just like her own when she bristled in anger. It looked adorable and full of life.
"The Third has approved everything."
Tsunade sat down and tapped the documents on the table, her tone brisk and decisive.
"Kushina's eligibility, the formation of the temporary squad, and Might Duy's application to join have all been approved."
"This squad was formed as a special exception for Kushina.
Under village regulations, Genin squads are supposed to be finalized at graduation. You can't throw one together on the fly.
But the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is a special case. The Third granted special approval, and I'll personally serve as your temporary squad leader."
Maki chuckled by the window.
"The old man was unusually accommodating this time."
He had barely finished when Orochimaru's voice suddenly sounded behind him.
At some point, he had quietly appeared in the doorway, holding a list he had just collected from the mission office. His golden slit pupils gleamed coldly in the dim room.
The list was packed with every squad participating in these Chunin Ninja Exams. Only the entry for Kushina's squad remained blank.
"Not accommodating. Merely laying the groundwork before war."
Orochimaru walked slowly into the room, his voice calm and clear.
"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's sense of belonging to Konoha was never something you could force into her through Sealing Jutsu or Anbu surveillance."
"Let her take the exams alongside her fellow villagers, gain experience in real combat, and forge bonds. Those vivid experiences will hold her far more firmly than even the strongest seal.
Lady Mito always emphasized that while she was alive. The old man has