Chapter 54
After successfully suppressing the Curse Seal, Uzumaki Zixu turned to Aburame Hatsuizumi, asking about her thoughts—essentially probing her views on Konoha. Her response was unsurprising. She still felt some attachment to the village, but it wasn't particularly strong. Moreover, she believed Sarutobi Hiruzen's policies had significant flaws.
"Well, that's enough. I might be making some big moves soon. Why do you want to follow me?"
I don't know what Zixu told Hatsuizumi, but once he finished laying out his plan, she immediately started rubbing her hands together, excitement flashing in her eyes. Given her personality, whatever he proposed must have been thrilling.
When Hyuga Chinano woke up, Hatsuizumi couldn't wait to fill her in. Chinano was a little shocked but not surprised. Zixu taking such action was well within expectations.
With books, an exam drags on; without them, it's over in a blink. The days inside the Forest of Death flew by. For most candidates, it was a living nightmare—not only did they have to guard against enemy ambushes, but they also had to remain constantly alert to the forest's lurking dangers. Survival was a brutal challenge.
Only Zixu's team lived comfortably, breezing through the trials until they finally reached the central tower. There, they smoothly combined the Heaven and Earth scrolls, summoning Gouda Takeshi. By now, two teams had already become infamous throughout the forest—teams no one dared to provoke.
The first was the Sand's "Gourd Boy," Gaara, who carried a massive gourd on his back. This guy was like a rabid beast, attacking any team he saw and slaughtering without hesitation.
The second was Zixu's group. They were much less aggressive—so long as you didn't show any bloodthirsty intent, your life wouldn't be in danger. However, if you provoked them, the red-haired boy would eliminate your entire team in an instant.
When Zixu and his group finally arrived at the central tower, the Third Hokage himself made an appearance in the surveillance room. After helping Mitarashi Anko suppress the black magatama-shaped Curse Seal burning on her neck, his gaze landed on the screen displaying Zixu. His eyes narrowed.
"Orochimaru... With your personality, I'd expect you to desire his body more than anything, yet you placed a curse on Itachi's brother instead..."
He recalled the promise Itachi had made to him.