Reborn into Naruto World with Tenseigan

Somewhere remote in the Land of Fire

“What’s going on with the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam? Does Amatsukami have some involvement in it?” ‘Madara’ asked while looking at ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ standing not too far away.

After learning that the five great shinobi villages are organizing the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam, ‘Madara’ came to confirm the situation. And naturally, the best candidate for confirming everything is the current Hokage Hyuga Kuroto. Aside from wanting to confirm the situation, ‘Madara’ also intends to test Hyuga Kuroto, whether he will honestly answer the question or would he try something…?

But ‘Madara’ felt a bit odd and focused his eyes on the body of ‘Hyuga Kuroto.’ He couldn’t tell exactly, but he felt that something was amiss with ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ standing in front of him. It’s just that he couldn’t tell the exact problem despite observing the guy with his Mangekyō Sharingan.

‘Is it because it’s a Shadow Clone?’ thought ‘Madara’ doubtfully, then quickly denied his reasoning on the account that, ‘But last time nothing was amiss!’

As ‘Madara’ was thinking, ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ frowned and answered, “The idea of the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam was proposed by Iwagakure, and the other villages accepted the proposal to hold the Exam… why do you think Amatsukami would have anything to do with the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam?”

“By Iwagakure?” mumbled ‘Madara’ doubtfully. Naturally, he did not blindly trust Kuroto’s words. If it was any other Shinobi Village who proposed such an idea, ‘Madara’ wouldn’t think too much… but if it’s Iwagakure, then there’s a distinct possibility of Amatsukami’s involvement in the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam. His reasoning was based on the possibility of Deidara being Dojin of Amatsukami, though he couldn’t be certain.

Something on the scale of the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam between the five great shinobi villages has never been held. Such a great event wouldn’t occur without a good reason.

‘Are they trying to restore the morale of the five great nations? Or is it an attempt to recover their reputation and economy? But the possibility of a trap is also substantially high… but this event is also a big one, and there would be too many things to manage… if I can somehow take advantage of it and capture at least one Jinchūriki… No, it’s better not to risk it when we are in preparation mode… Even Nagato isn’t ready yet, it would take him more time to get ready…’ thought ‘Madara.’

At this time, ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ added, “By the way, both the Jinchūriki of Nine-tails’ and Seven-tails’ are also participating in the Exam…”

“Is that so?” ‘Madara’ narrowed his eyes. Now that he had learned this piece of information, he was more certain, ‘Yeah, this is definitely a trap.’ The participation of both the Jinchūrikis in the Chūnin Promotion Exam is definitely a bait to lure Akatsuki from hiding. ‘Madara’ doesn’t believe that the five great nations would allow the two Jinchūrikis to participate in such a high-profile event considering the possibility of Akatsuki targeting them. However, if he were to consider the involvement of Amatsukami, then it all makes sense. ‘The members of Amatsukami would probably protect them in secret… moreover, there’s also the problem of Hatake Kakashi’s Flying Raijin Mark on them… As long as that mark is present on the two Jinchūrikis, they can be evacuated at a moment’s notice… Yes, it all makes sense now… It’s best not to act when we aren’t ready!’

At this time, ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ questioned eagerly, “So… what do you think? This is a good opportunity, right?”

“Certainly…” nodded ‘Madara’ as he closely observed ‘Hyuga Kuroto,’ and after a while of silence, he said, “Stay on your toes… I will give a signal…” He has already decided not to make his move with half-assed preparation, especially now that the probability of this entire event being a trap is so high. Of course, this doesn’t mean he can’t keep the Five Great Nations on edge. Therefore, he gave such a response.

Hearing the response from ‘Madara’ Kuroto’s lips curved slightly for a moment then immediately returned back to normal. It wasn’t a big reaction, however, ‘Madara’ clearly noted that curve with his Sharingan, and his eyes further narrowed, ‘I see…’ and he spoke, “Well then… wait for my signal…’ then without waiting for any response, he disappeared into a spiraling whirl.

With ‘Madara’ gone, ‘Hyuga Kuroto’ smiled lightly, ‘Well, that takes care of the Akatsuki problem… they probably wouldn’t create trouble for Kuroto-san for the time being…’ then weaved the hand sign and dispersed the Shadow Clone.

…

Uchiha Compound, Konohagakure

“Tou-san, Kaa-san, rest assured… in this Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam, I will defeat everyone, and become a Chunin while also making sure to make a name for the Uchiha Clan…” Facing his father and mother, Sasuke made such a declaration. He was confident and very eager. He failed to graduate as the top student, therefore, he wants to use this Chunin Promotion Exam to make up for his mistakes in the Graduation Exam.

Hearing Sasuke’s declaration, Fugaku pondered for a moment then spoke, “I heard Itachi mention that Deidara of Iwagakure is also participating…”

At the mention of Deidara’s name, Sasuke’s eyes turned cold as he thought to himself, ‘Rest assured Tou-san… He won’t be able to escape… I will make sure to get intelligence on Homusubi from him and find a way to retrieve your eyes.’

Although Deidara being Dojin of Amatsukami is just speculation with no definitive proof, Sasuke doesn’t intend to reason with the guy. Compared to others who are trying to make him talk with words, he would rather use his Sharingan to cast a Genjutsu on him, and then talk. In his eyes, all the members of Amatsukami are enemies for they killed many Uchiha Clansmen and poached his father’s eyes.

Mikoto expression her concern, “Sasuke… Deidara has mastered the Dust Release, it’s better not to push yourself too much… that Kekkei Tōta… it’s one of the most dangerous Ninjutsu…”

“I will find a way to get past that…” answered Sasuke while looking at the ground.

After a while of silence, Fugaku spoke, “Don’t embarrass yourself or the Uchiha Clan… as for defeating Deidara and retrieving my eyes, forget about it… the way you are now… you are incapable of accomplishing such a feat.”

“But Tou-san…” Sasuke tried to explain, however, Fugaku decided to cut him off, “Alright, that’s the end of this conversation… Now, go and prepare for what’s to come in the Exam.”

“Yes…” Sasuke gave a scrappy response with a dejected expression and quietly exited the room.

After making sure that Sasuke had gone, Mikoto sighed, “How long do we have to keep this up? I really can’t bear to see the sadness on Sasuke’s face… aren’t we putting too much pressure on him??”

Fugaku folded his hands over his chest and spoke in a deep voice, “He was born in the Uchiha Clan, this is a fate he must bear…” he paused for a moment and said lightly, “Besides, he is our son, and he was born with exceptional potential… there is no adversity he cannot overcome.”

Mikoto smiled gently and shook her head. She knows her husband better than anyone. He may not be very open when praising Sasuke, but when it’s just the two of them, all he ever talks about is Sasuke. Thinking of Sasuke and the Chūnin Promotion Exam, Mikoto expressed her worry, “Still… the participants this time are rather dangerous… I am afraid Sasuke might end up hurting himself…”

“Itachi informed me that Shisui and Shinichi will be keeping an eye on the entire exam. Under their watch, Sasuke might suffer a few defeats, but his life wouldn’t be in danger… so you can rest assured,” answered Fugaku.

“I see… if it’s the two of them, then I am indeed relieved…” nodded Mikoto. As for suffering a few defeats? She understood very well that such things are important for growth, so there’s no problem.

At this time, Fugaku asked, “By the way… how is Kiyomi doing? Her squad is also participating, right?”

Mikoto sighed, “That girl is intent on mastering the Jutsu Itachi and Izumi-chan had given her before the Chūnin Promotion Exam… for this, she is carrying out special training with Izumi-chan, and Mitarashi Anko.”

“I see… well if she can succeed, then her strength would improve, and that would be a relief,” said Fugaku to which Mikoto agreed.

…

Walking out of the Mansion, Sasuke made his way to the training ground with a cold eye, “Deidara…” He wasn’t going to give up so easily on extracting intelligence from Deidara. He doesn’t know if such an opportunity would come again in a short while, therefore, he must capitalize on it at any cost without causing any major conflicts between the five great nations. He needs to gather intelligence on Homusubi’s whereabouts as well as the state of his father’s eyes in order to retrieve them.

As for whether he can win against Deidara or not, Sasuke believes that there would be an opportunity. No one is undefeatable because every Jutsu has its weaknesses. All they need to do is devise a plan against Deidara.

While making his way to the training ground, suddenly, Sasuke felt something and looked behind him, ‘Birds?’ He noticed a few small birds sitting on a tree branch.

‘There’s no… Chakra Signature?’ A moment ago, he felt someone staring at him, but upon looking back he noticed that it was only a few small birds with no Chakra fluctuations. They couldn’t be a Summon or the result of a Jutsu.

“Am I thinking too much?” mumbled Sasuke as he shook his head and made his way to the training ground for the special training.

…

Inside one of the inns in Konohagakure

Jūgo stretched out his hand and allowed the small bird to land on it. He listened to the chirping of the birds for a while, then spoke to Kimimaro resting on the other side of the room, “Uchiha Sasuke is currently moving toward one of the training grounds… the window is small, it would be prudent to not act for now, as it would alert him and the Uchiha Clan before we can carry out the mission.”

Along with Kimimaro, Haku, and Guren, Jūgo is also one of the Otogakure ninjas who has come to Konoha. Along with his ability to perform the Sage Transformation, Jūgo is also capable of communicating with birds and animals, making him highly skilled in reconnaissance, and has been keeping an eye on Uchiha Sasuke ever since they entered Konohagakure.

Hearing Jūgo’s reminder, Kimimaro nodded lightly, then spoke, “Let’s wait until the exam begins, we will have an opportunity at that time.”

Unlike other ninjas participating in the Chūnin Promotion Exam, the Otogakure ninjas have a different reason for participating in the Chūnin Promotion Exam. It is to complete the mission given to them by Orochimaru, and that is to kill Uchiha Sasuke.

Suddenly, Kimimaro’s eyes narrowed as he looked in one of the corners of the room.

Almost at the same time, Jūgo followed Kimimaro’s gaze and noticed a spider in the corner.

Whiish!

All of a sudden, a Senbon was shot from the other corner of the room, but before it could pierce the spider, the spider was encased in a pinkish crystal. After trapping the spider inside the crystal, Guren picked it up and observed it, then shook her head as she crushed the crystal, “It’s just a puppet… Sunagakure’s ninja is probably trying to gather intelligence…”

Kimimaro retracted his gaze, “Ignore them… We don’t need to be concerned about them.”

…

Inside another Inn

Kankurō’s eyes jumped the moment his Chakra thread was disconnected from the puppet.

Noting Kankurō’s reaction, Temari asked in a concerned voice, “How did it go?”

Kankurō shook his head with a sigh, “Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Otogakure… all of them instantly noticed the puppet I tried to put in their inns in order to gather intelligence…”

Temari nodded, “I see… it’s as Pakura-sama told us… we can’t underestimate other participants this time…” then she turned to Sen of Team Kankurō, and said, “Try to use your Dōjutsu to gather intelligence without overworking yourself… we need to know as much as possible before the exam officially begins…”

Sen nodded, “I understand Temari-sama!”

Temari then turned to her best friend, “Itsuki-kun… please… can you help me with Amegakure’s squad?”

There was no need for her to say anything as Itsuki had already dispersed from Iron Sand in the air and was using the third eye technique in order to find the Amegakure’s squad. Before they left Sunagakure to participate in the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam, Pakura personally summoned the two of them and informed them to be very cautious of the Amegakure squad, and not to unnecessarily antagonize them. The two of them don’t know the exact reason behind Pakura’s warning, so they are trying to gather some intelligence on the Amegakure squad.

“They aren’t at the inn…” mumbled Itsuki as he opened his eyes.

…

Somewhere else in Konoha

Looking at the signboard that stated ‘Konohagakure Casino’ in front of them, both Samsara and Tengu were unsure of the reason why Raijin appeared there, and asked with puzzled expressions, “Raijin-sama… why have we come here?”