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

"It seems you've come to a realization."

“I have been to Ryuchi Cave and have some understanding of that power. Unfortunately, I do not have the ability to obtain Sage Mode. I did not expect that you have mastered it at such a young age.”

Orochimaru sighed softly.

Chiba's lack of summoning beasts from the three holy lands caused him to overlook the possibility of Sage Mode.

Although it is unknown how the other party did it, it is clear that Chiba has mastered Sage Mode, which is the only way to become a "Kage" level being at such a young age.

Otherwise, it simply doesn't conform to the common sense he researched and summarized.

The four people in the side looked at each other, not daring to interrupt for a moment.

They found that…

Orochimaru's tone clearly placed Chiba on an equal footing.

Is Chiba his equal in strength?

Genma glanced at Chiba and secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

He had actually reached such a terrifying level.

That's amazing!

"Since you've come to your senses, you probably don't want to fight me in this state, so I'll accept Kimimaro."

Chiba smiled.

Orochimaru was silent for a moment, then said, "Heh, Kimimaro will not betray me, but if you want to use him for your own purposes, I can do you a favor."

"Oh?"

"You must be very curious about the Corpse Bone Pulse and the Cursed Seal, right? If so, I can let him follow you. Anyway, once you capture him, you're unlikely to return him to me."

Orochimaru licked his lips. "If I can help you uncover deeper mysteries, it would be worth it even if I died."

"Seemingly ruthless, but actually reminding me that his lifespan is short, and that if I want to study him, I need to prolong my life? Orochimaru-senpai, no wonder they follow you so devotedly."

Chiba sighed.

"How about it?"

"You don't need to help anymore. He was already devoted to you, and after hearing these words, he has no hope left."

Chiba smiled and said, "I feel more at ease when I receive it myself."

Indeed, we are all the same kind of people.

Orochimaru nodded slightly. "Next time, I won't make the same mistake again. Also, the old man wants to know my purpose, right? I hope he'll like the gift I left at the base."

Having said that, his figure vanished without a trace.

really.

The research data on Hashirama cells from the base was indeed left behind by Orochimaru himself.

That stack of writings actually describes the fusion of a special human body with Hashirama's cells, and at the end, there is a record of Orochimaru cutting off one of his arms as a gift to someone else.

Orochimaru probably doesn't have the habit of keeping a diary.

and so.

He wrote it on purpose, with Danzo as his target.

In order to provoke Danzo and the Third Hokage to turn against each other, and then continue to carry out his plan to destroy Konoha.

Chiba guessed at the other party's purpose.

That's about it.

He seemed to be deep in thought, then looked at Genma Shiranui and the others.

Why are you making that face?

"That was Orochimaru just now!"

Genma Shiranui offered a reminder.

"Yeah, I've already fought his real body, so why would I be afraid of a shadow clone?"

Even though his Sage Chakra wasn't enough to maintain Sage Mode, it was more than enough to deal with Orochimaru's Shadow Clones; it's just that neither side wanted to fight to that point.

"That Kimimaro..."

"As you can see, we've caught them; they're behind us."

Chapter 143 Kakashi: Luckily I'm not his captain

Deathly silence.

Genma Shiranui and the others didn't know how strong Kimimaro was, but the fact that Orochimaru called him "his most valued subordinate" and that his expression changed drastically after hearing that Chiba had captured him alive was enough to prove that Kimimaro was no ordinary person.

Even if he's not as good as Orochimaru, he might still be Orochimaru's strongest ninja.

If Chiba was able to capture him alive, does that mean he's already on par with the Sannin?

They all had their own guesses.

"I'm not as powerful as you think. I just relied on some secret techniques. If Orochimaru had insisted on fighting me just now, I would have shown my weakness."

Chiba smiled sheepishly.

Genma Shiranui nodded slightly, seemingly believing her, but in reality, he added in his mind—

I'd be a fool to believe you, you little fox!

No one believed Chiba's nonsense, even though it was actually true.

of course.

A few details were omitted.

Genma Shiranui looked at Chiba.

"This situation and the success of Chiba's improved intelligence department are enough to prove that the current Dark Guard is somewhat outdated. I think we should conduct a centralized training for the Dark Guard."

A few seconds later.

It hurts my heart, my friend.

Whose child is like yours?

They all muttered a curse in their hearts, and then the three of them stood together, forming the Flying Thunder Formation.

Chiba dusted himself off and got up to follow his senses back.

The third generation said softly.

"What skill level is needed to send someone? You guys can figure that out yourselves. I'm a bit tired after just going through a battle."

Kimimaro was successfully sent to Konoha.

"Alright, now that it's all settled, I'll go meet up with Captain Yamato. You guys figure it out yourselves."

"Yes, with this kind of pressure, I felt like I was the team member or subordinate."

That's incredibly tactless!

"Well, I can, but not as well as you."

"..."

"Chiba-kun, what should we do next?"

Chiba sent a shadow clone to him.

Konoha's Dark Side.

……

Chiba is...

"Then let's go back?"

"Shiranui Genma said in a low voice."

The Third Generation, along with Yamanaka Inoichi and Ibiki, discussed the reform plan for the Dark Division.

They looked at each other.

Yamashiro Aoba and Chiba's clones helped carry the bag containing Kimimaro inside, while Chiba's real body stood to the side, writing and drawing on a pen and paper, seemingly writing something.

In the ninja world, strength ultimately matters.

In the past, they would have used the Flying Thunder Formation without hesitation, but knowing that Chiba's mastery of the Flying Thunder Formation was deeper than theirs, they felt somewhat uneasy.

The five people here implicitly followed Chiba's lead.

Not long after, his shadow clone appeared, carrying Kimimaro.

"Wait a minute, help me send this person and the information to Konoha."

They decided not to speak to Aoba Yamashiro.

He followed us from behind every day.

Chiba said, emphasizing, "I'm still just a child!"

Seeing the jarring scene, Genma and Namiashi Raido both fell silent.

"Actually, we're no different now."

Chiba pondered for a moment and said, "We can't catch up with the enemy, but fortunately we captured one and obtained some information, so it can't be considered a complete loss."

Namiashi Raido was silent for a few seconds, then patted Genma on the shoulder: "It's a good thing you didn't go."

"..."

Chiba looked bewildered.

"Chiba-kun, will you be hosting?"

"Don't the three of you know how?"