Naruto: Mikoto and Tsunade, don't let either of them go.

After Uchiha Kakuyama finished speaking, he pointed to Shikamaru, whose expression had slightly changed, and said:

"Shikamaru, I believe you've already guessed it. You should explain it to Ino Choji."

Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuyama's words, and glancing at Ino's displeased expression and Choji's adorably foolish eyes, Shikamaru quickly explained:

"Ino, Choji, I'm not laughing at you. It's just that we are, after all, the teacher's students. I'm just cooperating with the teacher's teaching. Otherwise, if I say everything, the teacher will lose face."

Seeing Ino's slightly relieved expression, Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief and explained:

"Actually, from what I understand, the teachers in charge do have a routine of testing students."

However, in my opinion, the teachers are also the final hurdle in selecting students who can become ninjas.

In addition to testing the students' teamwork, the test will also examine their psychological qualities, adaptability, and other comprehensive qualities that make them suitable to become ninjas.

By weeding out those students who are not up to the task, we are not only being responsible to the village, but also to those students who are not suited to become ninjas.

Otherwise, if we really encounter enemies in the future, they won't show us any mercy.

Shikamaru paused for a moment, then continued:

"Why did the teacher just say that these are just formalities for us?"

It's because our Pig-Deer-Butterfly family is a family that cooperates with each other and values ​​teamwork. In addition, we grew up together since childhood, so we naturally have a tacit understanding. Therefore, our teamwork has long reached the standard of our teachers.

Moreover, to put it bluntly, the three of us come from the Ino-Shika-Cho family, and have received elite education and training from a young age. If we still can't meet the teacher's requirements, then there really won't be many students in this cohort who will be able to graduate smoothly.

Ino stared in disbelief at her familiar yet unfamiliar partner. She never imagined that even a graduation test would involve so many twists and turns.

Choji looked at Shikamaru with admiration in his eyes. Although he didn't understand what Shikamaru said, it didn't stop him from admiring him.

Chapter 318 Kabuto Yakushi's Return

Chapter 318 Kabuto Yakushi's Return

Uchiha Kakuzan looked at Shikamaru and slowly clapped his hands to express his praise.

I already knew that Shikamaru was very intelligent, and among the three students, I cared about Shikamaru the most.

Today's test proved that he truly lived up to his reputation and is worthy of becoming the future strategist of Konoha Village.

Uchiha Kakuzan clapped his hands, and after attracting the students' attention, announced:

"You've all heard Shikamaru's explanation, so don't be too nervous about tomorrow's test."

Now, you can disperse. Meet at Training Ground 52 at 9:00 AM tomorrow. Although I won't eliminate you, I still want to test your abilities and get to know you better. So, go back and rest early so you can be in good shape for tomorrow's test.

Before Shikamaru could speak, Ino, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, cried out again:

"Oh dear, teacher, what you're saying makes me even more nervous."

Uchiha Kakuzan ignored her words, casually waved his hand, and said:

"Dismissed, dismissed. Don't be late tomorrow. If you behave well, I'll have a little surprise for you."

After Uchiha Kakuyama finished speaking, he disappeared before their eyes without waiting for their reaction, leaving Ino and the others looking at each other in bewilderment.

When Shikamaru saw that Teacher Kakuyama had suddenly disappeared in front of them, a look of shock appeared on his face for the first time.

However, after realizing what had happened, Shikamaru scratched his head in frustration and said to Ino and Choji with a somewhat listless expression:

"That's all, that's all. I'm exhausted and need to go back and rest."

Shikamaru said this without paying attention to his friends' expressions, and walked away on his own.

However, he also knew in his heart that the reason he was in such a hurry to go back was not to rest, but to discuss what had happened today with his father. After all, his teacher was really beyond his expectations, making him feel like his IQ was not quite up to par.

Ino and Choji were also seeing Shikamaru disband so hastily for the first time, and they looked at each other in bewilderment.

Choji grabbed another handful of potato chips and stuffed them into his mouth. Looking at Ino, he said somewhat indistinctly:

"Ino, let's go back too. Even Shikamaru couldn't handle it and looked troubled. There's no point in us staying here. Let's go back as soon as possible, tell our families what happened today, and see what they say."

Ino snapped out of her daze when she heard Choji's words. She looked at her friend, who was always eating, with a hint of surprise, but she didn't say anything. She muttered a few complaints under her breath before going back with Choji.

Today really challenged Ino's worldview. Not to mention the powerful and handsome new teacher, even her childhood friends showed some charm that she had never noticed before.

She had always thought of herself as the strongest in Class 10, but now it seemed that her friends had been letting her win all the time. This realization was hard for the proud Ino to accept.

However, she wasn't the kind of person to make a fuss unreasonably, nor would she throw a tantrum over this. Instead, she fell silent and began to reflect on her own behavior, wondering if she was too self-centered and neglecting her friends.

Uchiha Kakuzan didn't concern himself with these matters. He had plenty of ways to discipline the brats. After all, he had spent a month in the genjutsu teaching the most talented young members of the Uchiha clan. He already possessed unique insights into how to teach students, so he simply left them there without any qualms. He could deal with everything tomorrow.

The reason Uchiha Kakuzan left in such a hurry, even using space-time ninjutsu in front of those three kids, was because just now, Tsunade had used chakra to stimulate her space-time mark.

However, judging from the frequency of Tsunade's provocations, although the matter was quite important, it did not endanger her life.

Therefore, after giving his instructions in a hurry, Uchiha Kakuyama used a space-time ninjutsu to leave the spot.

In the next instant, Uchiha Kakuzan had already arrived in front of Tsunade through the spatial imprint. He quickly glanced at his surroundings and, seeing that he was still in the Hokage's office, breathed a sigh of relief before looking at Tsunade. He believed that Tsunade would not have used the spatial imprint to find him unless it was an emergency.

Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Qiu Shan-jun had arrived so quickly. After all, this matter was too important, and she was already somewhat at a loss. She needed to discuss it with Qiu Shan-jun.

Seeing that Qiu Shanjun was looking at her, Tsunade's expression turned somewhat serious as she spoke:

"Lord Qiushan, look who's here!"

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Uchiha Kakuyama turned his gaze to the figure standing in front of the desk. He had only glanced at the surroundings briefly and hadn't paid attention to this figure.

With his silver-gray hair, harmless smile, round-framed glasses, and ordinary ninja attire, this person wasn't particularly outstanding.

At that moment, this person looked at Uchiha Kakuyama and a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Lord Qiushan, it's been a long time. I have not disappointed you and have returned to report."

That's right, this person is Kabuto Yakushi, the spy sent by Uchiha Kakuyama to Orochimaru's side.

Originally, Kabuto Yakushi hadn't contacted them for a while, and Uchiha Kakuzan thought he had been exposed, discovered by Orochimaru, and imprisoned or silenced. He even felt a little regretful about this, after all, Kabuto Yakushi was a true genius.

To his surprise, the Yakushi Kabuto actually appeared alive and well right in front of him.

Since Uchiha Kagakuyama had previously changed Kabuto Yakushi's contact person to Tsunade because he found it troublesome, it's quite reasonable to see him here.

Uchiha Kabuto was naturally delighted that he had returned alive. Without hesitation, he walked over, patted Kabuto on the shoulder, and said with a smile:

"Good lad, it's been so long since we last contacted each other. I thought you'd already met your end with Orochimaru. I never expected you to show up in front of me like this; it certainly gave me a fright."

Seeing that Lord Qiu was still as attentive to him as before, his smile softened even more.

For someone who was used to being a spy, what saddened him most was that everyone was wary of him, and even if he made great contributions, no one treated him as one of their own.

Chapter 319 The Fate of Spies

Chapter 319 The Fate of Spies

When Kabuto saw that Lord Okayama was completely at ease with him, a happy smile appeared on his lips, and even the depths of his usually calm eyes began to ripple with emotion.

In Kabuto Yakushi's world, he only trusts two people: his adoptive mother, Nono Yakushi, and the man before him, whom he serves—Kyuuyama Uchiha.

So, after Lord Qiu patted his shoulder hard, although he still felt some pain due to his small size, it put his mind at ease.

Becoming a spy, especially a top-tier spy, actually involves a strange cycle.

That is, even if you have made great contributions and hold a high position, no one will trust you. Even if this person is your leader or the biggest beneficiary, they will still be wary of you and take precautions against you.

This is the tragedy and fate of spies. Even he and Shimura Danzo, the former leader of Yakushi Nonou, were planned to let them kill each other, and then let Orochimaru clean up the mess. If Uchiha Kakuzan hadn't controlled Shimura Danzo in time, who knows how many more tragedies would have occurred.

After composing himself, Kabuto respectfully addressed Uchiha Kagakusan, saying, "In reply to Lord Kagakusan, the reason we lost contact before was because Lord Orochimaru's experiments had reached their most critical stage, which is why he sealed off all means of communication with the outside world. This prevented me from sending timely information to Konoha."

Uchiha Kabuto's words jolted him awake. If he wasn't mistaken, Orochimaru's experiment was to perfect the forbidden technique—the Impure World Reincarnation—which was also the reason he sent Kabuto.

Why didn't Uchiha Kakuzan cause trouble for Orochimaru all these years? You have to know, with Uchiha Kakuzan's strength, he could have easily subdued Orochimaru long ago.

First, Orochimaru himself is a troublesome enemy. Although his strength is not very strong, his intelligence and talent are top-notch.

If Uchiha Kagami were to try to control him using 'Kotoamatsukami', he would likely be able to sense it. He could either fake his death to escape or actually die and then resurrect in a place unknown to anyone, using methods he left behind, so that no one could find him.

Secondly, Uchiha Kakuzan was also afraid that if he really controlled Orochimaru, it might affect his talent and thus delay his development of new ninjutsu.

Therefore, Uchiha Kagakusan sent Kabuto Yakushi, a top-notch spy, to Orochimaru's side. That way, even if Orochimaru did develop something extraordinary, Kabuto could still get Orochimaru's work for free.

Uchiha Kakuzan coughed and looked at Yakushi Kabuto, saying:

"What experiment did Orochimaru conduct? Was it successful?"

Just as Kabuto was about to answer, Tsunade, who had been standing to the side, couldn't help but continue.

"Of course it succeeded. That despicable Orochimaru, after perfecting the forbidden technique of Impure World Reincarnation, actually set his sights on my two grandfathers."

As Tsunade finished speaking, she couldn't help but punch the desk, smashing it to pieces. This left Kabuto and Shizune, who were standing nearby, somewhat embarrassed and forced to dodge aside.

Tsunade ignored them and looked at Uchiha Kakuzan, saying:

"Kyuu-kun, Orochimaru has angered me. I just heard Kabuto say that he has prepared the materials for my great-grandfather and great-grandfather's Impure World Reincarnation."

Moreover, Orochimaru also harbored wicked intentions towards Konoha Village, planning to cause trouble during the Chunin Exams.

Kabuto Yakushi and his two companions were spies sent to the village by Orochimaru.

Do you think I should just wipe them all out?

Uchiha Kakuyama looked helplessly at Tsunade, who was still in a rage, and without caring that there were onlookers, he immediately pulled her into his arms and comforted her:

"Tsunade, it's alright. I'll deal with Orochimaru sooner or later, but not now. I still have some use for him. Once everything settles down, we'll deal with him properly, hang him up, and dry him into snake jerky."

Hearing what Qiu Shan-jun said, Tsunade's mood calmed down a bit, and she playfully punched him lightly.

"Orochimaru just looks like a snake, but he's not a snake."

Seeing that Tsunade had been calmed down, Uchiha Kagami gently patted her back and then said to Yakushi Kabuto:

"It seems Orochimaru has completed the improvement of the Impure World Reincarnation technique. Have you mastered this forbidden jutsu?"

Kabuto Yakushi emerged from the corner where he had been hiding, took out a small scroll from his ninja tool pouch, and respectfully handed it to Uchiha Kakuzan with both hands, saying:

"Lord Qiushan, you have lived up to my expectations and have fully recorded and mastered the revised Impure World Reincarnation technique. This scroll contains a complete record of all the methods and processes of this forbidden technique,"

Uchiha Kabuto accepted the scroll from Uchiha Kabuto, but instead of opening it immediately, he looked at Kabuto and said:

"Kabuto, you have completed this mission perfectly. What are your plans for the future? Do you want to continue being a spy, or do you want to become an ordinary person? Don't worry, I will take care of it for you."

When Kabuto heard Lord Qiushan's words, his eyes reddened. It was because of Lord Qiushan, who could always leave him a way out, that he was able to serve him wholeheartedly.

After regaining his composure, Kabuto looked at Uchiha Kakuzan and asked:

"Lord Okiyama, may I be so bold as to ask about my foster mother, Yakushi Nonou, how she is doing now?"

Tsunade, upon hearing Kabuto's words, glanced at Qiushan-jun with amusement, preparing to see how he would respond.

Upon hearing Kabuto's words, Uchiha Kagami paused for a moment, then awkwardly scratched his face with his fingers, his gaze drifting slightly ahead, and said:

"Oh, you mean Nono? She's my family doctor now. She checks on my health regularly, and when she's not busy, she goes to the orphanage to look after the orphans she's taken in. You might know some of them."

Looking at Lord Okayama's expression, Kabuto's heart sank uncontrollably.

For a top-notch spy, the ability to read between the lines is the most basic skill.

As for Uchiha Kagakusan's expression, not only would anyone know it, but even an ordinary person would know that he was hiding something from them.

Chapter 320 Kabuto and Nono

Chapter 320 Kabuto and Nono

Kabuto Yakushi's heart skipped a beat when he saw Uchiha Kagami looking around and talking about it.

You must understand that Kabuto is a rare spy in the ninja world. There are people who can compare to him, but there are really no people who can achieve his level of success.

As a natural-born spy, he possesses an almost instinctive talent for sensing certain expressions and atmospheres.

Therefore, upon seeing Lord Qiushan's expression, he immediately knew that something must have happened to his mother, otherwise Lord Qiushan would not have such an expression.

What Kabuto Yakushi cares about most is his adoptive mother, Nono Yakushi, the person who gave him all the warmth and illuminated his entire world. For his adoptive mother, the woman who gave him life and a surname, he embarked on the path of espionage back then, a path of no return.

And what he fears most is, of course, the silent disappearance and death of the people in this world who are the best to him.

In that case, if he doesn't even know that he narrowly escaped death, what's the point of all the things he did?

Tsunade, who had been observing from the sidelines, helplessly clutched her head at this moment. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she slapped Uchiha Kagami on the shoulder and said somewhat irritably:

“You’ve already done it, what are you embarrassed to say? Kabuto is Nono’s adopted son, he’s not an outsider, he’ll find out sooner or later. Your nagging will only increase his anxiety and make him misunderstand.”

Having received Tsunade's warning, Uchiha Kabuto noticed Kabuto's unusual expression and realized he couldn't hide it any longer. Under Kabuto's questioning gaze, he awkwardly scratched his head and said:

"Actually, Nono is pregnant. I've arranged for her to recuperate in a secret place, so..."

Kabuto Yakushi had assumed that something had happened to his foster mother and had prepared for the worst. However, after Lord Okayama spoke, he realized that some things were indeed beyond his expectations.

Kabuto was very clever. After processing what Lord Okayama had said, and seeing the somewhat embarrassed man, he immediately realized who the culprit was.