Chapter 50
"Hey, this spot is hidden enough, right? If we climb any higher, we'll almost reach the top of the tree." A few blades of grass poked out from between the leaves above Aburame Hatsuizumi's head.
"It's quite secluded. I didn't spot any other teams nearby." Hyuga Chinano activated her Byakugan (White Eye), scanning the area. After confirming there were no threats, she pushed Aburame Hatsuizumi, who had her head sticking out, back into cover.
"It's not just enemy teams we need to worry about here. But why don't we take the initiative and attack first?" Hatsuizumi casually swatted away a centipede that had crawled onto her shoulder. The insects she had scattered along the way had already detected multiple unfamiliar chakra signatures. Though they couldn't pinpoint exact locations, they had a rough idea of the general area.
"We're far enough from that place, so we can consider it. But we're one person short, so a two-versus-three fight will be tough." Hyūga Chinano was more cautious. Their odds of winning would be better when Zixu returned.
"But Chinano, if I remember correctly, two members of the Hyuga clan are taking the exam this time. The one named Hinata... What are you going to do?" Hatsuizumi asked knowingly. She was fully aware of Hinata's status—heir to the Hyuga main family, practically the little princess of Chinano's clan.
"There aren't many chances like this. In the Chunin Exams, life and death are uncertain." Hatsuizumi's tone carried a sinister edge. Perhaps it was lingering resentment—revenge for the time Chinano had scared her by saying there was a mother worm growing inside her. That incident had shaken her so badly that it completely altered her worldview.
"Come on, what's the point of killing her? She doesn't even know the Caged Bird Seal (Juinjutsu: Sōke no Juinjutsu). Killing her would only enrage the elders of the main family. The most likely result? A bloody conflict between the main and branch families. If they have to kill someone, it won't be a girl who knows nothing." Uzumaki Hatsuizumi had long grown used to Aburame Hatsuizumi stirring up trouble. This girl looked harmless most of the time, but she had a ruthless streak.
"Ah, Zixu's back already?" Hatsuizumi muttered as a small insect in her palm twitched, making her hand itch. That was the signal—Zixu had arrived nearby.
Chinano reopened her Byakugan, and her vision pierced through the surrounding obstacles, instantly spotting Zixu under the tree.
Zixu looked better than ever. He was in an exceptionally good mood—who knew what he had just discussed with Orochimaru? One thing was clear, though: there was no way he'd let Orochimaru take his body. Instead, he even recommended a few alternatives.
"Uzumaki Naruto and the Calabash Brothers, both of them have insane vitality. Take over their bodies, and I guarantee you'll live a long life."