More than one prey: who had the snake in the shadows set his sights on?

The Third Hokage smiled and glanced at the group of examinees in front of him.

They are all promising talents.

I didn't expect so many people to remain, and most of them are unfamiliar faces.

No wonder they're all vying to recommend it.

Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew his gaze with satisfaction, his eyes sweeping over the other examiner ninjas one by one.

His gaze suddenly stopped and landed on Mitarashi Anko's face.

That expression was off.

What's wrong.

What went wrong with this group of test takers?

Mitarashi Anko, startled by his question, looked at the Third Hokage.

It's nothing, Lord Hokage.

I'm just thinking about it...

She paused for a moment, then continued.

Which of the children Orochimaru has chosen is hidden among them?

As she said this, her voice became low and deep.

Nine out of ten people who are targeted by Orochimaru do not survive.

Very few survived.

It's incredibly cruel to subject these teenagers to this kind of thing.

The Third Hokage sighed heavily after hearing this.

It's probably Sasuke.

That's the only explanation; he's always been...

Recalling the past, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time.

Perhaps he shouldn't have Orochimaru run away back then.

Orochimaru's return this time inexplicably made him feel uneasy.

I have a feeling something terrible is about to happen.

Mitarashi Anko nodded, then turned her gaze back to the group of examinees.

Sasuke Uchiha is indeed the most likely candidate.

However, Orochimaru's words at the time implied that he was referring to more than one person.

He also had his eye on at least one other boy; who was that person?

Could it be Naruto?

Kakashi overheard their conversation.

To put it another way, his body is sealed with Nine-Tails.

The Third Hokage shook his head and slowly began to speak.

No, that's not his style.

Naruto was probably not in his plans.

Mitarashi Anko's gaze lingered on the examinee opposite her for a long time.

Maybe it's Neji. No, that's impossible.

She denied it as soon as she said it.

Neji's Byakugan was a defective product in Orochimaru's eyes, and it didn't even meet his standards.

Who else could it be?

A thought flashed through her mind, and her gaze gently fell on Hozuki Kagetsu and Shiro in the crowd.

These two people are very likely.

Lord Hokage, I think there are two people who fit the criteria.

Anko's tone immediately became serious.

oh.

The Third Hokage turned his gaze back to Mitarashi Anko.

Kakashi also turned his head to look over.

Who could it be?

He also became a little curious.

Kakashi touched his Forehead Protector, pondering to himself.

Mitarashi Anko hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly and deliberately.

In this exam, two people broke the record for the fastest arrival at the central tower.

They arrived at their destination in just ninety-seven minutes.

I'm referring to Haku and Hozuki Kagetsu from Sweet Ninja Village.

Weren't the first ones to arrive the trio from Sunagakure?

The Third Hokage was somewhat puzzled and asked a question.

They were just the first group to clear the level.

Mitarashi Anko shook her head and said indifferently.

The first ninjas to arrive weren't the three from Sunagakure, but the two from Sweet Ninja Village.

It seems that their companions were held up by something and missed the race, so they didn't get to be among the first group to clear the level.

These two ninjas must be quite strong; they didn't even have any marks on their bodies when they reached the central tower, so they're very likely to have been chosen as targets.

At this point, Mitarashi Anko's gaze settled on Gojo Satoru, the white-haired boy from the Sweet Ninja Village group.

I never expected that this kid's companions would be so skilled in combat.

No wonder he dared to stand tall and withstand Orochimaru's murderous aura before the exam.

Based on this unusual trait alone, he was the one she suspected most from the very beginning.

Of the three, he arrived the latest and took the longest to get through the checkpoint, so they eventually left him out.

Unexpectedly, Orochimaru's target now might be his own comrade.

So that's how it is.

The Third Hokage seemed to understand something, and looked up at the three-person group from the Sweet Ninja Village opposite him.

They don't look very old, and their talent must be quite high, so it's not surprising that Orochimaru took a liking to them.

Sweet Ninja Village.

This newly emerging ninja village already has quite a reputation in the Shinobi World —not a good one, of course.

Unexpectedly, all three boys came from Sweet Ninja Village.

That's actually quite possible.

Kakashi also turned his gaze to the trio over there.

An inscrutable expression flashed across his face.

Based on his initial assessment, the white-haired boy Gojo Satoru, should be the leader of the three.

But this time in the exam, his teammates stole the spotlight.

What is he holding back?

I was just overthinking it.

For some reason, he always felt that the other person Orochimaru mentioned was this white-haired boy.

It's an illusion.

In short, be extra careful.

The Third Hokage sighed again and stopped talking.

Around the same time.

Not far away, Gekko Hayate finished explaining the exam details.

He coughed a few times and then glanced around at everyone.

Finally, regarding what I just said, is there anyone who wants to withdraw?

Tell me now.

The preliminary rounds are about to begin.

After hearing the examiner Gekko Hayate's words, every candidate present reacted differently.

They whispered amongst themselves, discussing the matter endlessly.

It's coming soon.

retreat.

Are you kidding me?

The second exam was something I barely managed to get through.

Oh, what about lunch?

Gojo Satoru yawned as he looked at the astonished crowd around him.

Wow, that's quite a hassle.

What was his original purpose for joining in this fun?

One reason is to use the identity of an examinee to infiltrate Konoha, and the other is...

Thinking of this, Gojo Satoru rested his chin on his hand, straightened his expression, and pondered seriously.

I'm not here to cause trouble or scare anyone.

He's the kind of person who's incredibly boring.

Naruto was standing nearby, also heard what the examiner said.

He felt neither tense nor deflated; instead, he raised his arm and shouted loudly.

Okay, I'll definitely work my ass off.

His loud voice immediately drew the attention of everyone around him.

What an idiot.

Sasuke pursed his lips, saying with a wry smile.

That's what they say, but now that things have come to this, who would back down?

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.

Um, I'm not taking the exam.

The Kabuto Yakushi raised his hand in the crowd.

His words immediately drew the attention of a crowd.

Gekko Hayate also turned his attention to Kabuto Yakushi among the examinees.

He coughed and began flipping through the list of examinees.

You are Kabuto Yakushi of Konoha.

Then you can leave.

Um.

Kabuto Yakushi answered without hesitation.

He slowly walked towards the examination hall door.

Don't do anything reckless.

A ninja quietly approached Kabuto Yakushi and whispered something.

You've forgotten Lord Orochimaru's orders.

He coldly sized up the ninja who was highly regarded by Orochimaru.

What exactly is this kid up to?

The Kabuto Yakushi up his glasses, his tone in a very mild tone.

The rest is up to you, Kai.

There's no need for someone like me, who doesn't fight, to stay here.

You're not really angry because I recently surpassed you.

This is a great opportunity.

The ninja named Kai's face immediately darkened, and he gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger.

Hmph, it's only because he's highly regarded by Lord Orochimaru.

Kid, don't get too cocky.

Understood, senior.

The Kabuto Yakushi's lips twitched slightly, and he gave a flat reply.

He has done most of his work.

All the intelligence that needed to be gathered has been obtained.

The remaining things that haven't been accomplished yet...

The image of the white-haired boy Gojo Satoru, suddenly flashed through his mind.

I was planning to keep an eye on you a little longer.

But if I drag this on any longer, I'm afraid I'll end up like before, with blood rushing to my head.

No matter what, I am a spy.

We cannot reveal our true colors here.

Furthermore, Lord Orochimaru himself is here keeping an eye on things...

Then my role as an intelligence operative would be superfluous.

There's nothing Lord Orochimaru can't accomplish if he sets his mind to it.

Until we meet again, Gojo Satoru and Sasuke.

I'll save this fun for later.

We'll have to meet again sooner or later.