NABC Chapter 55 Rumors, Preliminaries
Chapter 55 Rumors, Preliminaries
Currently.
There are two main rumors circulating in the village about Orochimaru.
On one hand, Orochimaru was dissatisfied with his failure to become Hokage and had a long-standing grudge against his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
On the other hand, it is said that Orochimaru actually used his own companions for human experiments, killing many of his fellow villagers in the process.
Even more concerning, there are rumors that Orochimaru's human experiments were conducted with the tacit approval of the Third Hokage.
The reason for Orochimaru's defection was that the Third Hokage demanded that Orochimaru hand over the results of his experiments.
In general, these rumors are definitely fueled by someone with ulterior motives.
However, the third generation leader made no explanation and let the dirty water be splashed on him, causing many speculations to arise in the village.
Red Bean is very sad.
Many fans were unaware that she had become Orochimaru's disciple.
As a result, before she could even show off when she returned, her teacher... became a traitor.
Thinking of this, Hongdou's gaze towards Qingwu became somewhat complicated.
The rumor only says that before Orochimaru defected, he attacked Qingwu, who possessed the Wood Release bloodline limit, during the Chunin Exams in order to take revenge on the Third Hokage.
It doesn't say that Orochimaru coveted Qingwu's special power.
But Hongdou knew perfectly well that Orochimaru had taken the risk of appearing because he was after Qingwu.
Wood Release bloodline ninjas are no longer a secret in Konoha.
The news that the Third Hokage had detained a Wood Release ninja from Root had already spread far and wide.
The story of Qingwu encountering the Cloud Ninja while on a mission in the Forest of Death and using Wood Release to repel them had long been circulating among the various clans.
Therefore, many people came to watch the exam today.
Qingwu looked around and spotted many familiar faces.
Representatives from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans also came.
While chatting with Iruka, Qingwu learned about the rumors circulating in the village over the past two days. After thinking about it, he roughly understood the Third Hokage's purpose.
Rather than being secretly watched by Danzo, it's better to take this opportunity to spread the news of the two Wood Release ninjas widely.
In addition, after the exam, they planned to recruit him into the Shadow Guard.
It will have to be brought to the forefront sooner or later.
Moreover, the sudden appearance of two Wood Release bloodline limits in Konoha is of extraordinary significance to the village.
Even for the Third Hokage himself,
The rumors that slandered him because of Orochimaru will be dispelled as he joins the Anbu or even becomes a member of the Shadow Guard with his Wood Release bloodline limit.
Wood Release greatly enhances the Hokage's reputation.
Having figured these points out, Qingwu felt... he couldn't let Hiruzen Sarutobi get away with it.
The third generation gave him 30 taels last time, and when he handed over "A" to the third generation, the third generation said he would reward him, but he never did, it was just talk.
No!
We have to make a killing this time.
With rumors spreading to this extent, which village doesn't have spies from other villages?
It seems the Third Hokage doesn't plan to send him to the battlefield for the time being.
If the Hidden Cloud Village knew that he or "Jia" had gone to the battlefield, they would definitely send out experts to deal with them.
Thinking of spies, Qingwu also thought of Nonoyu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
The misappropriated task funds are still unaccounted for.
"We need to ask for more money this time," Qingwu muttered to himself.
"Huh? Qingwu, what did you say?" Iruka turned his head and asked, "Money? You're short of money again?"
"Oh, I remembered the reward for the last mission," Qingwu replied, "I haven't seen Chino-senpai since then, how am I going to give it to her?"
"It's quite strange," Iruka shook his head. "I haven't seen my predecessor in the village since."
"They're here!" Hongdou suddenly said.
"Whoosh!"
A figure landed in the center of the examination room, and the noise in the room quieted down.
"I'm one of the examiners for the preliminary rounds!"
The Konoha ninja, his face bearing extensive burn scars, looked around and exclaimed, "—Namishi Raito!"
He pulled out a notebook from behind his back, opened it, and quickly read out the exam rules.
It's clear that he's a decisive and efficient ninja.
"So——"
"The exam begins!"
After reading the rules, point to the large screen set up in the examination room.
The candidates' names on the screen began to flash.
Qingwu also focused his attention on the big screen.
Most of the remaining people are ninjas from Konoha.
As the host country, they had the largest number of examinees, and in the second round, the Qingwu team did not steal the scroll from the Konoha ninjas they encountered.
"Beep beep beep beep beep beep—"
As the names flashed, the first group of opponents quickly appeared.
Mitarashi Azuki VS Obtuse
A commotion broke out at the scene.
Konoha's Anko and Kumogakure's Don are both popular contenders in this tournament.
This first matchup is going to be very interesting.
Qingwu frowned and reminded him, "That bald guy is quite strong."
He paused for a moment, then couldn't help but remark, "He looks about the same age as our examiner."
Qingwu has already fought that bald captain of the Cloud Ninja, and he does indeed look about the same age as 20-year-old Namiashi Raito.
"Hmph!" Red Bean slammed her fists together. "I hope he can take a beating. I'm just about to vent my anger."
After saying that, Hongdou was the first to jump off the stands.
Yunren's bluntness was said to his two teammates, and he also left the examination room.
After confirming that both candidates were ready, the examiner nodded in unison, "Begin!"
Whoosh!
The moment the examiner finished speaking, Hongdou had already made her move.
He instantly appeared beside the Cloud Ninja, his sleeves bulging... but nothing happened.
She seemed to hesitate for a moment before drawing a kunai and stabbing it.
Without turning his head, the figure of the Cloud Ninja, stabbed by the kunai, turned into a piece of wood.
"Substitution Jutsu!"
Hongdou slightly opened her beautiful eyes, and a strong wind came from behind her.
Zizizi!
With Lightning Release chakra imbued in his fist, Cloud Ninja Dun's attack appeared incredibly powerful.
Bang!
Red Bean also used the substitution technique.
When it reappears, quickly form hand seals: Si-Chen-Mao-Yin!
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
The high-speed, straight-line flames shot directly at the Cloud Ninja.
"snort!"
Despite the danger, the bald man remained calm and shouted, "Lightning Release: Lightning Wall!"
Red Bean's Dragonfire Technique struck the arc-shaped shield, exploding into a burst of electricity and fire.
Red Bean gritted her teeth, continued to close in, and launched a melee attack with a kunai in hand.
However, she was at a complete disadvantage in terms of physical skills.
The two fought quickly, and Hongdou soon found herself at a disadvantage.
Qingwu, standing in the stands, frowned. "This girl... doesn't want to use Orochimaru's techniques?"
From the initial hesitation to the fact that Anko has never used snake-type ninjutsu, Qingwu couldn't help but have this guess.
Iruka suddenly realized, "So that's how it is."
He then said anxiously, "But if this continues, Hongdou will lose."
Qingwu gently shook her head, showing respect despite not understanding.
"Red Bean, go for it!" Iruka shouted, megaphone-shaped his arms downwards. "Give it your all!"
At this moment, Hongdou had no choice but to dodge.
The Cloud Ninja are known for their physical skills, and they are at a disadvantage due to their size.
"Bang!"
A prolonged defense will inevitably lead to defeat. Hongdou was struck on the shoulder by a lightning-infused punch from a Yun ninja, and her body spun and flew away.
But the Yunren relentlessly pursued them...