"Speaking of that Takumi…"
"We were careless last time we were defeated by that guy. We didn't even use the Cursed Seal back then."
Mentioning the previous time they were easily defeated by Takumi, Tayuya looked frustrated.
During that battle, they didn't even have time to use the Cursed Seal before Takumi easily defeated them.
This matter had been like a thorn in her heart, making her very unhappy.
If she had the chance, she really wanted to ride on Takumi's face and properly vent her anger.
"Do not question Orochimaru-sama's decisions. Remember, we are merely tools in Orochimaru-sama's hands."
"As tools, we must have the awareness of being tools."
Sakon looked at Tayuya with icy cold eyes.
"Tch!"
Tayuya curled her lip and turned her head away.
Seeing the atmosphere getting stiff, Kabuto stepped in as a peacemaker with a kind smile.
"Stop arguing. Aren't we all comrades fighting together? The upcoming matters are very important for Orochimaru-sama. You wouldn't want Orochimaru-sama's plan to fail because of your own actions, would you?"
Kabuto's words struck right at the hearts of the four.
The four were unruly and arrogant, but held immense respect for Orochimaru.
If what Kabuto said actually happened, even if Orochimaru didn't punish them, they probably wouldn't forgive themselves.
Thinking of this, the expressions of Tayuya and the other three also changed, becoming serious.
'There was still some time before the plan began.'
'During this time, we absolutely must not reveal our true intentions!'
Seeing the change in expression on the four's faces, the smile on Kabuto's face grew wider.
"Besides, you know best how strong Orochimaru-sama is. With him personally taking action, is there anything he cannot accomplish?"
"Do you dare question Orochimaru-sama's power?"
Although on the surface he looked amiable, Kabuto inwardly felt nothing but disdain for these four teammates.
'Just stay put quietly.'
'All that nonsense is so annoying.'
And just at that moment…
Creeeak~~
The room's door was pushed open.
Five pairs of eyes immediately looked over.
Upon seeing the newcomer, they immediately dropped to one knee.
"Orochimaru-sama!"
Hearing the four's unison call, Orochimaru, his face gloomy, nodded but did not reply.
At this moment, he was in a sorry state, his clothes torn and tattered.
All of it was the result of his fight with Takumi.
Seeing Orochimaru's appearance, Kabuto's heart couldn't help but sink.
'Oh crap, was I actually right?'
'Did Orochimaru-sama fail?'
The scheming Kabuto immediately understood that he absolutely must not speak now and risk touching Orochimaru's sore spot.
But even if he didn't speak, there were naturally those who couldn't read the atmosphere.
"Orochimaru-sama, I presume you've already captured that brat, right?"
Jirobo looked up, his face wearing a fawning smile.
His intention was to flatter.
But how could he know the frustration currently in Orochimaru's heart?
Hearing Jirobo's words, Orochimaru's face stiffened sharply.
His originally gloomy face seemed like it could drip water.
'This idiot!'
Kabuto screamed inwardly.
He lowered his head even further, afraid of being noticed by Orochimaru at this moment, lest he become collateral damage.
"Hmph, the timing wasn't good today. He managed to escape. Next time, I will definitely capture that brat!"
Orochimaru snorted coldly, casually making up an excuse.
After all, they didn't know the real situation.
"That brat is really lucky! But that's only because Orochimaru-sama wasn't serious. If Orochimaru-sama were to get serious, wouldn't capturing that brat be easy?"
Kidomaru also tried to be clever, speaking flattering words.
"That's right. I was careless."
Orochimaru nodded, very satisfied with the way out Kidomaru provided.
'He escaped?'
Kabuto muttered inwardly, his head still lowered.
'Orochimaru-sama is really single-minded, he can't even come up with a good reason!'
'Damn, your eye is all black and blue, and you're saying he escaped?'
Kabuto glanced back at the other two Sound Four.
Their eyes were all complex.
Clearly…
They didn't believe Orochimaru's story either, but none of them exposed it.
…
Inside the Forest of Death.
After dealing with the trouble that was Orochimaru, Takumi didn't need to worry for the time being.
At least not until the second exam was completed.
Now that the threat of Orochimaru is gone…
'Let's hurry and regroup with Hinata and the others. I wonder how they're doing.'
'I hope they didn't run into Gaara and his team.'
Takumi couldn't help but feel a bit worried.
In terms of raw strength, the ones who could completely overpower Hinata's team of three were probably only Gaara and his team.
Mainly because Gaara at this stage was still an edgy, dark character, way too overpowered for other Genin.
A Jinchuriki was essentially a massive cheat code.
But that's how the Shinobi World was… there was never any so-called fairness. It was all about who had more hacks.
If Takumi didn't have the simulator, he would just be an ordinary Shinobi among the masses.
After some searching, Takumi successfully regrouped with Hinata and the other two.
"You already got the other scroll?"
Takumi was somewhat surprised.
While he was fighting Orochimaru, Hinata's team of three hadn't been idle either.
They successfully obtained the other scroll through a trap, meeting the clearance condition.
"Hehe, don't underestimate us. Even without you, we're plenty strong."
Kiba wiped the corner of his mouth, his face full of pride.
'Now you'll look at me differently, right?'
Compared to Kiba's excitement, Shino appeared very calm.
"As long as you calculate carefully, achieving victory is a very simple matter."
Shino's calm and collected voice could soothe people.
But his low presence was indeed a problem.
At the very least, no one else paid attention to his words just now.
Kiba and Hinata's attention was on Takumi, while Takumi's attention was on Hinata.
"You worked hard."
Takumi reached out and patted Hinata's small head. Hinata's face immediately turned rosy.
'Takumi-kun is so gentle!'
Shino stretched out his hand in vain.
"Cough, please don't ignore me..."
The four then headed directly to the abandoned tower deep in the forest, successfully submitted both scrolls, and became the first qualifying team.
"Now we just need to wait. I wonder if the others can pass."
Kiba found a corner and lay down directly, hands behind his head, letting Akamaru lie on his chest.
"Let's find a place to stay. Seven days is still a long time."
Takumi led the group of rookies away from the tower.
Soon, the second round of assessment ended, and the number of passers was drastically reduced.
From over a hundred remaining examinees, only about twenty were left.
Moreover, compared to the first round's assessment, this exam also had casualties.
The main culprit was naturally Gaara, who had the heaviest killing intent.
"That guy reeks of blood."
Kiba glanced at Gaara, his expression extremely grave.
'Just how many people has this guy killed?'
'Akamaru is actually this scared!'
Looking down at the trembling Akamaru in his arms, Kiba's eyes were filled with wariness.
"Don't worry, I'm here."
Takumi patted Kiba's shoulder.
Feeling the steadiness transmitted from Takumi's hand, Kiba's tense heart relaxed considerably.
"Lucky you're here. Otherwise, there probably wouldn't be anyone who could stop that monster."
Kiba couldn't help but sigh.
'Right, we still have Takumi. No need to be afraid of that guy!'
Hearing this, Takumi showed a light smile.