Chapter 189 - Men make Plans...

Lee took several deep breaths of air as he was sprawled on the ground.

Daichi, who was sitting near him, spoke. "Looks like the training your sensei is putting you through is starting to show. You were able to survive a lot longer and that's even with those weights you have on."

Lee looked at Daichi at that. "So you noticed?"

The young gamer smirked. "Of course I did. You're not the only one training with weighted gear."

Lee slowly sat up and smiled at his friend. He expected something like that.

Daichi got up and went to Lee. He placed his palms on Lee's chest and began using medical ninjutsu.

Lee was fascinated as he watched his friend work. "Is that medical ninjutsu?"

"Yes. I learned it during my time at the capital."

"That's incredible." Lee grinned as he looked at his friend. 'Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu. Now medical jutsu too... It's as if there's no end to his talent and potential. He's amazing.'

Daichi moved his palms to Lee's arms and legs and gave him a quick full body check up. 'In just one year Lee was able to go from being a nobody to a monster in Taijutsu. In canon he did it with nothing but his will and determination. But now I wonder how strong he'll be with me aiding in his growth.'

A few moments later Daichi completed his work. "Done."

Lee got up and looked himself over in wonder. "I feel good as new."

"That's because the tears in your muscles and cells are all healed without impeding your growth. Now you can train again right away without needing to waste time for rest and recovery. Lee, I want you to meet me here every weekend if possible. I'll heal all the wear and tears on your body." Daichi smirked as he replied.

The bowl cut ninja's eyes widened as he understood the implications. "That means I can train much more and become stronger a lot faster."

"That's the idea." Daichi smiled looking at the kid who had stars and tears in his eyes.

"Ohh my great friend Daichi. Thank you!" Lee jumped and tried to hug his friend who quickly dodged him.

"Easy Lee. Not a hugger… And it's not that big a deal. Here. Take these as well…" Daichi took out a small bottle from his pocket and tossed it to his friend. Inside the bottle there were several round pills of the same color.

"What's this?" Lee asked as he examined the glass bottle.

"Those are special nutrient pills I created. The vitamins, proteins and minerals contained in each of those pills will speed up muscle growth and strengthen your bones. They'll be a massive help for your training. Oh! But make sure you only take one every 24 hours. And make sure to only take them when you train. And drink plenty of water after you do."

Lee's eyes widened as he held the precious item. He couldn't believe how much his friend was helping him. He looked at Daichi and had a complicated expression on his face.

"You've given so much help. But I don't have anything to give you…" Lee said in a small voice.

Daichi placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You don't need to give me anything you idiot. You're my friend. Now come on. Let's go get something to eat."

Lee nodded with a wide smile. 'Someday I will definitely repay your kindness.'

—-

Hiruzen was going over the list of few Genins taking part in the Chunin exams happening in the stone village. He thought about the one name he rejected from the list.

'If Daichi and Kakashi hadn't made such a commotion with their previous mission I would have let the boy take the exam. He would have definitely passed and then Kakashi would have been free to take Sasuke and Naruto under him. But now… For the next chunin exam, I need to see how things are with that village before I make a decision... In the meantime I'll have to make other arrangements for Naruto and Sasuke as well. Hmm… If not Kakashi, then perhaps Tenzo could train them… He has experience with the Sharingan, fighting alongside Kakashi. And his wood style will be useful if Naruto ever loses control over the Nine tails.'

He frowned as he looked at a particular name.

'Kabuto Yakushi is taking part in this test as well and based on his previous track record he's going to intentionally fail the exam… He must be attending these exams to either spy on possible targets for Orochimaru or contacting him without drawing attention…. I can't get rid of him at the moment. He is a crucial piece in my plans…'

The Kage then began going over reports his spy in the Root sent.

'Danzo is suspicious. So I won't be able to make contact for a while. Identity of the primary target is still unknown.'

Hiruzen sighed as he leaned back. 'Right now is the calm before the storm. But what is the Linchpin that will set off that storm? When would Orochimaru attack? Would it be an assassination attempt or something else? And with the Reanimation jutsu under his command, I can't predict who all he'll bring… Without the crucial information I cannot make a move on Danzo as well. I need to take them both out at once.'

"Sir, Kensei Yasaji is here to see you." At that moment his secretary came in and informed him. Hiruzen nodded and a few minutes later Daichi's grandfather walked into the room. Hiruzen made a gesture and the hidden guards quickly left the room.

Kensei walked into the middle of the room and Hiruzen could tell that he was not happy. "Why didn't you tell me the Daimyo was aware of our actions?"

The old kage sighed and replied. "He confronted me during my visit to the capital. And I couldn't exactly lie to him."

"That man is more resourceful than I thought. I made sure to keep my movements under wraps and yet he found out…?"

"He is not someone to be trifled with. You should know that… Did he summon you to his court? How did you know?"

Kensei was quiet for a while and then asked. "He summoned me to his chamber and wanted to know what I had found out. He said you told him about Danzo's interference but didn't tell me any details. Since he asked, I couldn't lie or keep the information to myself. He said he will look into the matter himself and told me to stop."

Hiruzen nodded his head. "I see…" 'So it went better than I assumed.'

"What I want to know is how much you told him and how he took the news?"

"He was angry. Understandably so. But he said he'll deal with Danzo's men in the capital and there won't be any interference from his people. And with the information he has now, I doubt it would be a difficult task."

"He will want something in return when all this is finished. He isn't someone who does anything without playing an angle."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and spoke. "Yes I'm well aware. It's always a headache when dealing with him."

"Will this interfere with the plans put in place?" Kensei was concerned that now with the Daimyo involved things would get out of hand.

"No. This actually works better for us. We can focus on the internal matters of the village now that Ryuga is keeping an eye on things in the capital."

Kensei nodded and they both sat in silence. They discussed their plans and a short while later the old man got up and bid the kage farewell, and left for home.

—-

Hidden Stone Village

Onoki went through the names of the candidates that came from the Leaf village and he was somewhat disappointed. 'So Hiruzen didn't send him after all. This would have been an excellent venue to see just how strong Tsunade's student is. Well, next time...'

At that second a Jonin came in and kneeled. "Lord Tsuchikage, all the participants have arrived and are waiting in the hall."

The kage of the Stone village nodded and soon the Chunin exams would begin.

It wasn't just the stone ninjas who were looking for Daichi. Several Genins looked closely at the handful of ninjas from the Leaf village and frowned.

A Genin with the headband of the Mist village frowned as he didn't find his target. 'So he didn't show up huh. Either his teacher didn't recommend him or he pussed out like a bitch. Either way I can't get the information needed. And Lord Mizukage told me to test his strength during the exam… Oh well…'

A Genin with sunglasses and green hair looked around and sighed in annoyance. 'Great. That kid from the Leaf is a no show. Guess there's nothing to do except tell the Raikage that the kid didn't come. Something tells me he won't be happy.'

During all this a certain Genin with the Leaf village headband was sitting quietly in the room trying not to draw any attention to himself. But that didn't mean he was unaware of the eyes lingering on him and his teammates. 'For some reason the Genins from the other great villages are keeping an eye on everyone from the Leaf village. But based on their dismissal of us, I'm sure we're not their targets… Hmm… They must have been looking for Daichi. After the Treasure incident at the capital, and his relationship to a Sannin, it's no surprise.'

As the Genin was in thought his teammate called out to him as the proctor for the exam entered the room. "Hey Kabuto, look alive. The exams are starting."

"Right." Kabuto Yakushi replied as he focused his attention on the Jonin. There was also something else that required his attention but he sent someone just as capable in his place.

As the tests were taking place, two people were meeting in secret in one of the houses in the village.

"Here are the reports you wanted…" A man with ash grey hair and black circular glasses said as he handed over a scroll to his colleague.

A snake crawled out of the sleeve from the man and swallowed the scroll before disappearing back into the shadow.

"Tell me, Kabuto, how are things going in the Leaf?"

"You know you can always come and check it out for yourself…" The bespectacled Genin replied.

"Kukuku… It's not time yet for my return."

"I'm sure the Third Hokage would have the surprise of his life when he sees what you have in store for him, Lord Orochimaru."

The man now identified as one of the Sannin chuckled hearing those words. "My return all depends on him. I need to see what his potential is…"

"Based on my observations Sasuke Uchiha is head and shoulders above his peers and his talent is incredible. He is quite skilled in the ninja arts. It seems he has indeed inherited his brother's potential. Maybe not on the same level as Itachi but he is talented nonetheless."

Orochimaru nodded his head and became quiet. "But he is not the strongest in that generation is he…?" Even though the Sannin phrased it like a question he already knew the answer.

"No. The most talented one in that generation is Daichi Hekima… I was surprised to learn that he studied under your former teammate. Based on what you told me, I didn't think Lady Tsunade would have accepted another apprentice." Kabuto replied as Daichi's picture came to his mind. He was curious to test his medical skills against one trained by another Sannin.

"Yes. It was a surprise to me as well. And what shocked me more is that he only studied under her for two years. Tsunade wouldn't half ass anything. That includes teaching someone her skills. So if that boy returned to the village after just two years-"

"Then that would mean he only needed that much time to learn everything he could from her." Kabuto finished.

"Yes. I'm eager to meet him. Someone who's trained by Tsunade and currently under Kakashi Hatake's tutelage. He's bound to show promise. I was hoping he'd be here. But it seems that's not the case."

Kabuto narrowed his eyes and looked at his master. "Are you planning on giving him the curse seal Lord Orochimaru?"

The snake Sannin looked at his subordinate with a menacing grin. "Kukuku… Is that a problem Kabuto?"

Kabuto shook his head and spoke. "Not at all… But as I'm sure you know, if you attack Daichi then I have a feeling Lady Tsunade won't just sit back and do nothing. And then there is also his grandfather."

"Kensei Yasaji. An old feeble man just like Sarutobi sensei. Both far past their prime. They are of no concern… It seems Daichi will get to enjoy his carefree life for a few more months. I'll meet him in the Chunin exams. And if he shows as much talent as the rumors say, then I'll see if I can't sway him my way." Orochimaru gave a small laugh as he imagined the look on the boy's face when they would eventually meet.

"Well then, I'll keep you updated. My chakra is running low. So I'll be going now…"

"If you find any interesting specimen, do collect some samples for me won't you Kabuto, Kukuku…"

The Genin smiled and slightly bowed. "Of course my Lord." The next second he vanished in a puff of smoke indicating that he was a shadow clone.