Part Time Employee in Konoha

Chapter 356: Extra: Meeting Orochimaru

The opportunity arrived quickly.

Uchiha Sasuke finally encountered Yakushi Kabuto.

Before the written test of the Chūnin Exams, all the participating Genin gathered in the preparation room, and naturally, Yakushi Kabuto was among them.

Unfortunately...

This preparation room was crowded with people.

However, Kabuto was very active in the room, approaching Uchiha Sasuke as if they were already acquainted.

"Sasuke-kun."

Kabuto held a stack of information on the participants of the Chūnin Exams and pulled out Sasuke's ninja info card, smiling as he said, "You are the strongest participant in this Chūnin Exam according to my info cards..."

"Hmph..."

Sasuke felt Kabuto was deliberately mocking him. A dignified third-generation leader of the Root and a bunch of Genin taking the Chūnin Exam together, being rated as the strongest Genin...

How could he speak of such a thing?

"I still want to meet some strong ninjas in the exam..."

Sasuke ignored the ninja info cards, staring intently at Kabuto, and solemnly spoke in code.

"You'll show me, won't you, Kabuto-senpai?"

"..."

Kabuto's smile turned playful.

This kid came to him on his own!

Did this kid know about his hidden strength, or did he know that Orochimaru had also infiltrated the Chūnin Exams!

"..."

Kabuto stared at Sasuke.

After a while, Kabuto's mouth curled into a mysterious smile, and he nodded with a grin: "Of course... I can."

This kid was walking right into his trap...

Just as well...

He was also looking for a new vessel for Orochimaru!

This kid's talent and strength, even his handsome appearance, made him a perfect candidate for Orochimaru's new vessel. Kabuto decided to hand Sasuke's information to Orochimaru, hoping that Orochimaru could bring more interesting events to the ninja world!

"That would be perfect."

Sasuke nodded with satisfaction.

The written test of the first Chūnin Exam began soon after.

For other ninjas, it was a test of cheating and willpower; for Uzumaki Naruto, it was pure torture; but for Uchiha Sasuke and those who had taken the Chūnin Exam before, it was a walk in the park.

Sasuke was more curious about Karin and Kabuto, especially Karin, who looked very different from her real-world self, appearing dazed while taking the test.

However...

He would find out soon.

After the first exam, the second exam would be a battle between ninja squads, and Karin would inevitably reveal her true nature. Kabuto was also willing to help him connect with the hidden Akihara Kagura...

Hmm...

Everything was going as planned.

If all went well, he might return to his world today. Should he handle his teammates' affairs before leaving?

Kakashi and Naruto were not doing well in this world...

After the written test ended.

All the Genin who passed headed to the Forest of Death for the second exam. Sasuke kept surveying his surroundings, waiting for Akihara Kagura to appear, but sensed a familiar evil chakra nearby.

"Hmm?"

Sasuke turned to see a tall Grass Ninja wearing a bamboo hat.

Noticing Sasuke's gaze, the Grass Ninja slightly lifted his hat, revealing a sinister smile and licking his lips.

This familiar action...

Sasuke immediately recognized him.

Wasn't this Orochimaru?

Orochimaru, this persistent guy, had appeared in this world too? Or was Akihara Kagura here, which is why Orochimaru showed up?

Never mind.

Orochimaru's appearance was also beneficial.

He had close ties to Akihara Kagura.

Sasuke's gaze swept over Orochimaru, seemingly disregarding him, and continued to focus on Karin and Kabuto.

"Hehehe... little Uchiha..."

Orochimaru lowered his voice with a sinister smile: "Looks like I might get an excellent vessel this time..."

Just in time...

During the Forest of Death exam, he could thoroughly test Uchiha Sasuke's talent. He had long desired a vessel with Sharingan!

The second exam involved obtaining Heaven and Earth scrolls. Each team had one scroll and had to obtain the other through battle and reach the central tower in the Forest of Death to pass.

Therefore...

All Genin had to fight in the Forest of Death!

Sasuke wasn't concerned about Orochimaru's interest in him; he was focused on the Grass Village ninjas in the corner, especially the red-haired girl, Karin, whose presence made him smile.

"The second exam, get ready to start!"

After signing the liability waiver, the proctor, Mitarashi Anko, arranged the teams' starting points in the Forest of Death.

When the exam time started, Anko didn't waste a moment, ordering the gates of the Forest of Death to be opened!

The Genin rushed in!

Team 7 quickly entered the forest!

Sasuke leapt ahead, landing on the ground and using the chakra sensing technique left by the Second Hokage to detect all the chakra around him!

"Head that way!"

Sasuke pointed in a direction, telling Naruto and Sakura, "There are the most ninjas there; we can gather the scrolls we need quickly!"

"What?"

"Go to the place with the most people?"

Naruto and Sakura were startled.

Sasuke stood up and looked back at his companions: "Only there can we collect the scrolls quickly!"

"Isn't it dangerous?"

Sakura shivered in fear, hugging herself.

"Don't worry about danger..."

Sasuke chuckled, holding out his hand confidently, "I am the greatest danger in the Forest of Death!"

"..."

Naruto and Sakura were speechless.

Since the exam was team-based, they couldn't separate from their teammate and followed Sasuke.

Meanwhile.

Orochimaru and his subordinates entered the Forest of Death, heading straight for Sasuke!

"Find those kids!"

"Yes!"

They split into three directions.

However, they didn't need to search hard, as Sasuke and Team 7 weren't hiding, even causing a big commotion.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

A huge fireball exploded in the forest!

Three Genin teams who had just encountered each other were stunned by the massive fireball and looked towards the source!

"A jutsu of this level..."

The nine Genin were shocked!

Although the Great Fireball Technique was only a C-rank Fire Release jutsu, Sasuke's fireball was over ten meters in diameter, its power intimidating!

"Hand over your scrolls…"

Uchiha Sasuke suddenly jumped to the ground, stepping on a rock with a face full of arrogance. He looked at a group of younger genin, smiling slightly, "By the way, has anyone seen the ninjas from Grass Village and Konoha?"

"....."

Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura followed behind him.

"....."

The group of genin looked at each other in confusion.

"A bunch of kids?"

A tall genin immediately became aggressive, swinging a kunai as he charged towards Uchiha Sasuke, "Don't get too cocky!"

"Yeah!"

"They're just kids!"

"Who do you think you are!"

Two other genin followed closely behind their teammate, charging forward!

Whoosh!

Uchiha Sasuke rushed towards them, his ninja sword instantly unsheathed, a sharp flash of the blade cut through the air, and the first genin who charged was killed on the spot, blood spurting from his neck!

In that instant, the black-haired youth transformed into a reaper walking in the Forest of Death. After slashing another genin, he grabbed the last one by the throat and slammed him to the ground!

After all...

Every team needs at least one survivor.

"I'm not really interested in killing..."

Uchiha Sasuke didn't even look at the enemy he had pinned to the ground. Instead, he pulled a kunai from his ninja pouch, playing with the blade's edge, "I hope you cooperate, otherwise, I do know a few interrogation techniques..."

Not just a few...

Root ninjas are exceptionally skilled in these techniques.

As an independent division outside the Hokage's system, Root ninjas rarely acted collectively with other departments, so they were trained to be all-rounders, even having their own medical units independent of the medical department.

"....."

The remaining two teams of genin exchanged glances.

"Let's run!"

Sensing Uchiha Sasuke's formidability, the two teams decided to flee in the opposite direction!

"Don't let them escape, Naruto..."

Uchiha Sasuke seemed very familiar with these two teams.

"Okay!"

Uzumaki Naruto's eyes became resolute. This blond kid quickly formed a hand sign, letting out a low shout, "Shadow Clone Technique!"

With the activation of the jutsu, countless shadow clones appeared from behind him, surrounding the area in an instant!

The Shadow Clone Technique clearly had a more intimidating effect than Uchiha Sasuke.

The thousands of shadow clones left the two teams in despair. They didn't think they could escape from such an overwhelming number...

Team 7 obtained three scrolls.

However, these teams didn't have the information Uchiha Sasuke wanted.

Since the Forest of Death exam had just begun, they hadn't had a chance to explore before running into each other by coincidence, so they naturally didn't have much intel.

"We've got the Heaven and Earth scrolls..."

Uzumaki Naruto was quite pleased with the three scrolls.

At least this ensured they could pass the second round of the Chunin Exams.

"Let's head to the tower and finish the exam..."

Haruno Sakura tugged at her collar, nervously asking her teammates.

"No rush..."

Uchiha Sasuke stopped mid-sentence, sensing an approaching evil chakra. He immediately signaled his companions to leave, "Sakura, Naruto, you two get back, someone's coming!"

"Huh? Who is it!"

Uzumaki Naruto was still excited!

Having just teamed up with Sasuke to defeat three teams, his confidence was sky-high, and he wasn't inclined to retreat!

"Not someone you can handle..."

Uchiha Sasuke motioned for them to hide, his voice turning serious, "All the teams in this area have been dealt with by us. You'll be safe hiding nearby. I'll come find you after I deal with this guy..."

"I'll go with you..."

Uzumaki Naruto started to speak but was interrupted.

"Impressive indeed..."

A chilling voice echoed around them, accompanied by a murderous intent that seemed to lower the surrounding temperature!

"....."

Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura were so frightened they involuntarily retreated, their bodies trembling as they watched a tall, thin figure emerge from the forest!

It was a genin wearing a bamboo hat!

When the hat was lifted, a sinister smile appeared on his face as he examined the three kids of Team 7, sticking out his tongue.

It was Orochimaru.

Orochimaru hadn't expected Team 7 to be so bold, using chakra to fight right at the start of the Forest of Death exam, which immediately alerted him to the situation.

"Uchiha Sasuke..."

"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki Uzumaki Naruto..."

"Didn't expect you kids to be so fast..."

"You two leave."

Uchiha Sasuke waved his hand, indicating for his teammates to leave. He faced Orochimaru's killing intent without flinching, stepping forward, "Naruto, Sakura, this guy isn't someone you can handle..."

"Sasuke!"

"Sasuke-kun!"

Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura were still worried.

"Go."

Uchiha Sasuke turned his head slightly, not wanting his companions to overhear certain things, his voice growing colder, "Stay far away, as far as possible..."

Then, realizing he sounded too stern, he softened his tone, "Don't worry, this guy isn't my match. He's the same as Zabuza we encountered before, just one look and I can take him down. I just want to test my strength with him..."

"One look..."

A flicker of resentment crossed Orochimaru's eyes as he recalled something unpleasant, his smile turning even more sinister.

"Heh heh..."

"Just like Itachi..."

"But..."

Orochimaru smiled while forming hand signs slowly, "If you want your companions to leave, let's see if you have what it takes to stop me, Sasuke..."

Zzzt!

A string of lightning flashed!

Uchiha Sasuke's body burst forth with tangible chakra!

"Body Flicker Technique! So fast!"

Orochimaru's heart trembled with shock, confirming something, "Kabuto's intel was right, this kid has mastered the Raikage's Lightning Body Technique..."

As Orochimaru processed this, Uchiha Sasuke's figure had already reached him, his ninja sword raised towards Orochimaru's neck!

"This kid..."

Orochimaru could even feel the cold edge of the blade!

Despite underestimating Sasuke and not avoiding the attack, the kid's speed and swordsmanship still surprised him...

"Hmph..."

Uchiha Sasuke's eyes showed contempt, clearly not taking Orochimaru seriously, "Forming hand signs so slowly in front of me, isn't that underestimating me a bit too much, Orochimaru?"