Hearing Kakashi mention that one needed to have lungs and heart function superior to normal people, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt some regret.
Truthfully, Hiruzen highly valued the Full Sword Forms of Thunder Breathing used by Chinya and Kakashi—it was simply too overwhelming in power. If Konoha ninjas could master it on a large scale, Konoha's strength would definitely increase significantly.
As the "Professor" of jutsu, Hiruzen had also analyzed and studied this Full Sword Forms of Thunder Breathing before, but he had never fully deciphered its mechanics.
Regardless of how much research he conducted, this Thunder Breathing always turned out to be Nin-Taijutsu—a highly complete form of physical ninja technique with no apparent missing components.
Now hearing Kakashi say there was an innate threshold—an unusual heart and lung capacity—meant most ninjas were essentially excluded from ever mastering it.
Hiruzen didn't linger on the topic for long and turned to Kakashi. "I assume you already know that Minato has awakened. He and Naruto have finally been reunited. From now on during missions, Kakashi, keep a close watch on him. Report to me immediately if Naruto shows any unusual behavior."
Playing along knowingly, Kakashi asked, "Unusual behavior? Do you mean the Nine-Tails? Back in the Land of Waves, during our fight against rogue Mist ninja Momochi Zabuza, Naruto became enraged and the Nine-Tails' chakra briefly leaked because the seal weakened."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Did the Nine-Tails' seal really loosen?"
Kakashi quickly followed up, "However, Third, there's no need for excessive concern. I checked Naruto's seal afterward, and everything seemed fine. It might have just been that seeing his comrade Sasuke injured and lying on the ground made Naruto extremely angry, and his intense emotions resonated with the Nine-Tails' chakra, causing it to emerge.
Naruto performed exceptionally well in the Land of Waves. He worked well with others and deeply cared for his teammates. I believe Naruto will become an outstanding Konoha ninja in the future."
Hearing Kakashi speak so highly of Naruto Uzumaki, a slight smile appeared at the corner of Hiruzen's mouth. "Is that so?"
Then Hiruzen continued, "But what I meant wasn't…"
His voice suddenly stopped. Kakashi clearly held Naruto in high regard. Asking him to monitor Naruto further now seemed somewhat inappropriate—it gave the impression that he didn't trust Naruto enough.
Changing his tone slightly, Hiruzen continued, "Right, what I meant was exactly about the Nine-Tails. As the Jinchuriki, Naruto is important to Konoha. So Kakashi, if you find anything wrong with Naruto's seal, please report it immediately."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood."
After Kakashi left the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat alone in his chair, silently puffing on his pipe.
Whether it was Nara Shikaku or Kakashi himself, they both said Naruto Uzumaki was perfectly fine.
Had he been worrying too much?
Yet, instead of feeling relieved, Hiruzen felt like a heavy stone still weighed on his chest.
At that moment, a gust of wind blew through the window, scattering the smoke from his pipe and blowing several papers off the desk onto the floor.
Suddenly, a line flashed through Hiruzen's mind:
No telling where this wind would blow next.
Those were the kinds of words Orochimaru used to love saying.
Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered, "Orochimaru..."
...
The next day.
Minato Namikaze began teaching Naruto Uzumaki training techniques, with Shikaku Nara accompanying them throughout.
Kakashi contacted Chinya through the communication ring, and Chinya informed Kakashi about Orochimaru and his plans.
Kakashi rubbed his temples.
Just when he thought he was done with surprises from the Land of Waves, another one came right after.
But at least this time they had told him beforehand, allowing him some time to mentally prepare.
Kakashi arrived at a relatively secluded training area in Konoha.
Neji Hyuga was alone in the training field, practicing.
Kakashi intentionally let Neji sense his presence. Neji walked toward a tree and leaned against its trunk, pretending to rest.
Standing atop the tree trunk, Kakashi said to Neji, "Chinya-sensei will be arriving in Konoha soon. He'll assist Lord Orochimaru with the Leaf Destruction Plan."
Neji asked in surprise, "Could it be that Chinya-sensei is planning to destroy Konoha together with Lord Orochimaru?"
Kakashi replied, "No, not exactly. Lord Orochimaru's target is Hiruzen Sarutobi. Chinya-sensei is merely an assistant and has no intention of destroying Konoha. I already met Chinya-sensei in the Land of Waves last time. This time when he comes to Konoha, Sounagi will also accompany him. You'll get to meet them too."
A smile appeared on Neji's usually stern face. "Finally, I'll get to see Sensei and Sounagi again. I really have missed them."
Soon after, Neji's smile gradually faded, as if he fell into deep thought.
Noticing Neji's contemplative expression, Kakashi asked, "What's wrong? Have you nearly completed your part already?"
What Kakashi referred to was naturally the plan Neji had been working on for a long time.
Regaining focus, Neji nodded. "Yes, almost. Over these years, I've convinced all the clansmen I could possibly convince. There are 14 family members total. As for the rest, even if I'm given more time, I probably won't be able to persuade them anymore. So I've been thinking—should I ask the teacher for help during this opportunity to assist us in leaving Konoha? Kakashi-sempai, what do you think?"
After thinking for a moment, Kakashi answered, "In my opinion, if you've already convinced everyone you can, then it's better to leave sooner rather than later. After all, none of us know what unexpected events might occur in the future. Think carefully about it yourself. The Chunin Exams still have some time before they begin. But once you've made your decision, contact Sensei so that they can prepare to receive your clansmen."
Neji nodded. "I understand. I'll consider everything carefully during this period."
"Alright then, I'm taking my leave now. If you have any issues, use the ring to contact me, and I'll come find you."
Kakashi vanished using the Shifting Body Technique.
Neji returned to the training area to continue both practicing and pondering.
...
Elsewhere,
Chinya, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi had reached the border of the Land of Wind.
Along the way, Kabuto Yakushi had left many marks, hoping that Sasori would see them and contact him.
After entering the desert of the Land of Wind,
Chinya asked, "Lord Orochimaru, how are you planning to lure Rasa out?"
Orochimaru smirked and replied, "It's simple. Just say that I plan to attack Konoha together with you and cooperate with Sunagakure Village. Rasa will definitely be tempted because Konoha has always been Sunagakure's biggest rival."
Orochimaru summoned a snake, scribbled a message on a scroll, fed it to the serpent, and sent it ahead to slip into Sunagakure Village and deliver the message to Rasa.
"Alright, let's find somewhere more hidden and wait for Rasa to make his move."
Chinya, Orochimaru, and Kabuto found an extremely well-hidden spot in the desert and waited for Rasa there.
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