Konoha: Unable to learn ninjutsu, they had to develop their own.

Chiba ignored him and knocked him unconscious with a single punch. Then he had the parasitic insects transport him to the Third Generation.

This beetle is incredibly strong, and it was also the most enthusiastic about absorbing chakra just now.

That's a bit of a mess!

They didn't lose, but they were made to look rather disheveled by the three Sound Ninja.

Although I knew that ordinary ANBU were unreliable, I still didn't expect them to be this bad.

Jirobo noticed its difference.

however.

Jirobo's cursed seal was not perfect, and he should have already used it once before. Using it again meant he was prepared to die.

Soon, he was grabbed by a beetle.

of course.

How can it be!

"you……"

It should be called a kind of spirit beast that can eat anything!

Jirobo was powerless to resist.

He was also seriously injured. If he hadn't hidden inside the mouth of the giant snake and avoided the third generation's massive bullets, he might have needed an emergency body replacement by now.

Even so—

Orochimaru knew that he could not hold out until the Konoha Collapse Plan was about to be completed.

I need a body transplant in a very short time!

"That wretched Yagyu Chiba! I've given him chances time and time again, but he keeps rejecting my kindness!"

Orochimaru was furious.

This time, his injuries were mostly caused by Chiba.

"Lord Orochimaru, this time it's not safe. It's really not a good time to go and watch the excitement."

Kabuto Yakushi emerged from the shadows.

This was one of their secret outposts in the Land of Fire. It wasn't large, but it was well-hidden. He had been waiting here for some time.

of course.

It's just a shadow clone; the real body is still in Konoha.

"Heh, indeed, that Chiba guy is really... How did he find out about me? He seems absolutely certain that I am Orochimaru. Kabuto, what do you think?"

Orochimaru's tone gradually softened.

He was furious in the heat of the moment, but after calming down, he couldn't help but admire Chiba's abilities.

and so.

He wasn't particularly concerned about the danger he was facing; rather, he was more worried that his weaknesses had been exposed!

Although there are suspicions that he is from the Yamanaka clan, Yamanaka Inoichi was not with Chiba and the others when they were in Sunagakure.

He wanted to hear Dou's thoughts.

Kabuto was treating Orochimaru, and could only ponder the situation while treating him.

But my thoughts quickly drifted off course...

Although his injuries weren't as severe as when he was kicked by Might Guy's Seven Gates, Orochimaru's body was already patched up, and if this continued, he might really have to replace it completely.

Coming to his senses, Dou said, "I have no clue either, but I'm more curious whether Chiba has such strength."

"Hmm, that kid has mastered a special ninjutsu, and his strength has suddenly increased a lot. He even hit me from a distance."

A hint of doubt flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

What exactly is that state of being?

too weird.

Ordinary techniques could not unleash such powerful force instantly. Could it be an improved version of the Eight Gates Formation?

If it were someone else, Orochimaru wouldn't believe that the Eight Gates Formation could be modified.

But Chiba...

That's not necessarily true!

That boy is a bit evil.

Orochimaru pondered for a long time before asking, "What's his relationship with Might Guy?"

“In the early years, it was Jonin Might Guy who recommended him, and that’s how the graduation exam came about.”

As an intelligence ninja, Kabuto Yakushi knew everything about him.

Aside from what specific ninjutsu Chiba had researched, he could get his hands on all other information about Chiba's life.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.

Metkai.

"You suspect it's the Eight Gates Formation?"

Kabuto Yakushi pondered, "The Eight Gates can indeed unleash terrifying power instantly, but ordinary people simply cannot control that kind of violent chakra."

"Chiba-kun is no ordinary person. Those who consider him an ordinary person are probably already dead."

Orochimaru's lips curled slightly, and then he said, "Of course, it could also be some other technique that we don't know about."

"Could it be Sage Mode?"

"He obtained the contract for the Parasitic Worm from the Oil Maiden's house. If he has already made a contract with the Three Holy Lands, does he still need the Parasitic Worm?"

Orochimaru shook his head.

He doesn't believe Chiba has mastered Sage Mode.

That kind of power...

Most people simply cannot grasp it.

Even though Chiba is no ordinary person, he is no different in the face of Sage Mode.

He stopped dwelling on it.

He suffered a great loss this time, mainly because he was caught off guard. If he had known that Chiba had such explosive ninjutsu, he would not have been so careless.

In ninja battles, intelligence is of paramount importance.

but.

This also means...

At only thirteen years old, Chiba's power after unleashing its full potential had already reached a terrifying level.

Absolutely elite Jonin level.

Even higher.

Another Uchiha Itachi?

No.

In a sense, he was more talented than Itachi because he didn't have the Sharingan.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the Sharingan.

Orochimaru sighed.

Without the Sharingan, even the greatest talent has its limits.

"Pity."

Orochimaru sighed softly.

The pharmacist was treating patients while pondering the problem.

Orochimaru's obvious weakness...

impossible.

He couldn't see any flaws in Orochimaru's disguise, so how could the other party recognize him at a glance?

unless.

"Lord Orochimaru, I've been thinking about it, and if you really have any distinguishing features, it's only in your soul and spirit. Your outward disguise is absolutely flawless."

The pharmacist continued his previous answer.

Orochimaru pondered for a few seconds.

This guess coincided with his, except...

If it's a matter of the mind, how could Chiba discover that there was something unusual about his soul?

impossible.

Could it be that he also has a secret technique deal with the mountain clan?

Those families are so generous!

The current state of Konoha is somewhat outrageous.

"Continue to investigate this matter. There's no need to rush to leave. Continue to infiltrate Konoha and try to join the research institute. Help me see what Chiba is up to."

Orochimaru said.

As it turns out, Chiba's research should not be underestimated.

He claimed to be helping civilians acquire more ninjutsu, but in reality, he probably secretly researched even higher and stronger ninjutsu, or even forbidden techniques himself.

Orochimaru put himself in Chiba's shoes and realized that this was exactly what Chiba had done.

Yakushi nodded, then lowered his head and said, "What about the red copper armor and the sword, Misumi?"

“I will handle them.”