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

Although this fits his identity as a mad scientist, that guy is very interested in me, and who knows, he might "turn love into hate" and give me a big surprise.

In addition, Orochimaru is definitely interested in my research, just as I am very interested in Orochimaru's research data.

Orochimaru is right.

In terms of research, Chiba and Orochimaru share similar passion and pursuit.

To prevent thieves, he set up a sensory barrier at the research institute.

Also.

If Kabuto insists on joining the research institute, Chiba plans to have a "confrontation" with him, and the two sides will sit down and have an honest talk.

of course.

Whether it's just talking or escalating to physical violence, Chiba can't guarantee otherwise.

the next day.

Chiba is currently conducting research.

"Chiba-kun, Yamato-sensei sent me to find you."

"Is something wrong?"

"It seems like we need to gather."

Upon hearing the call to assemble, Chiba had no choice but to pack up his notes and come out of the house.

It seems the mission has come to an end.

Chiba looked at Tenten helplessly and found that she also looked annoyed and wanted to fight someone.

In that instant—

"Pfft!"

Chiba couldn't help but laugh out loud.

really.

Happiness is built on the suffering of others.

"why are you laughing?"

Tian Tian gave him a disgruntled look, then stomped her feet and left.

On the way, she kept complaining that she had figured out the secrets of the Fang-Separating Dark Blade and that she could forge a new ninja tool as long as she had some more time.

Then, he angrily clenched his fist every day.

"If Yamato-sensei doesn't have anything important to do and just wants to take a test, I guarantee he'll suffer a terrible fate!"

"can you?"

Chiba couldn't help but laugh and joke.

Tian Tian glared at him: "Are you helping me or him?"

"help you."

"Hehe, once I've finished researching ninja tools, I'll forge you a new knife."

"it is good."

Chiba and Tenten each said one sentence.

Once outside the research institute, they sped up.

Not long after, at the training grounds outside the Forest of Death, Chiba saw Yamato, Gekko, and Sasa.

Seeing Tenten's displeased expression, Yamato coughed lightly and said, "I've gathered everyone here not for training, but because there's an important mission we need to complete."

"An urgent mission?"

Tian Tian paused for a moment after hearing this, then asked, "What level?"

"Tentatively rated as Grade A".

"what?"

Tenten and Kazusa screamed in surprise.

A-level mission?

What a joke!

"Is this a task we can accept? Yamato-sensei, you're not trying to fool us!"

He always looked doubtful.

Chiba was lost in thought—

Could it be that the Third Hokage ordered their team to participate in the operation at Orochimaru's base?

but.

With Tenten and Kazusa in the team, isn't this too risky?

He looked at Yamato, his eyes also seeking confirmation.

Yamato knew he couldn't hide it from Chiba.

He answered honestly, "This mission is aimed at one of Orochimaru's strongholds in the Land of Grass. The difficulty of the mission is unknown, but our role is to cooperate with other teams, not to be the main combat force."

"because I?"

Chiba seemed lost in thought.

If there are any reasons why I must participate, there are only two: one is my special sensory abilities, and the other is that Orochimaru is interested in me.

And that’s it.

My own strength is strong enough.

The Third Hokage must have considered all aspects, including the situation with Mizuki, which led him to make up his mind to eliminate Orochimaru.

Even if we can't eradicate them, at least we can uncover more intelligence.

"Correct."

Yamato nodded.

Then, he looked at Tenten and Kazusa, "If you don't want to participate, you can withdraw now, and we will temporarily add two more team members."

"I'm worried that I'm not capable enough."

Tian Tian directly expressed her thoughts.

Persistence is not always a good thing.

For Yamato and Chiba, a teammate who does more harm than good is sometimes worse than having no teammate at all.

Tian Tian understands this very well.

Kazusa too.

That's why they both remained silent.

"Would you like to hear my thoughts?"

Yamato broke the silence.

"Uh, you go ahead."

"I think you can go. We're not the main force for this mission; we're just cooperating. Otherwise, it wouldn't be an A-level mission."

Yamato said.

Chiba then added, "Actually, I don't think we need to worry about it. We should trust the team's abilities. I don't believe you haven't made any progress during this time."

"of course not."

Tenten and Kazusa responded in unison.

"That solves it, doesn't it? Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

"..."

Who is the captain?

Yamato secretly slandered.

but.

Considering Chiba's talent and creativity, he kept his words to himself and stood aside quietly watching Chiba's performance.

"Alright, Yamato-sensei, when do we leave?"

"This is an urgent task."

Yamato said seriously, "Now, this mission is rather special and needs to be kept secret."

"no problem."

All three agreed at the same time.

However, before leaving, Chiba leaned over and pulled Yamato aside to ask in a low voice, "Which teams are with us this time?"

"Genma Shiranui and the others, followed by the Anbu squad and Shiki Aburame."

"Row."

This lineup is alright.

They are capable of both offense and defense, and it's unlikely that they will be too weak or a liability.

The quality of the ANBU is uneven, and it's really hard for Chiba to trust just the ANBU squads.

After thinking about it...

"Will that person make a move?"

"That one?"

Yamato paused for a second before realizing who Chiba was talking about.

Danzo.