Chapter 21: Using Orochimaru as a Shield

"Konoha Village, known as the strongest of the Five Great Shinobi Nations!"

"And, compared to the other countries, the Land of Fire, where Konoha is located, is the most fertile land!"

"Naturally, the other villages are constantly eyeing Konoha with envy!"

"So, to avoid war, Konoha must seize every opportunity to showcase its strength, and this Chunin exam is no exception!"

"This time, Konoha originally selected three Genin, all of whom are quite powerful. I managed to get you a chance!"

"Here are the profiles of the three candidates. Take a look and choose one as your challenge target."

Shisui quickly returned and placed three files in front of Uchiha Akira.

These were the profiles of the three Genin originally selected by Konoha's higher-ups.

The first file was Yakushi Kabuto. Judging by the photo, he appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing glasses, giving off a scholarly vibe.

However, there wasn't much detailed information about him; he was recommended by Danzo.

Seeing this, Uchiha Akira felt a slight stir in his heart. The timeline had advanced several years compared to the original story. Was Yakushi Kabuto still working under Danzo at this point?

Kabuto's strength was not to be underestimated. When he first appeared in the original story a few years later, he already had the strength of an elite Jonin!

The second file was for Inuzuka Hana, a kunoichi from the Inuzuka clan, and the older sister of Kiba Inuzuka, one of the "Rookie Nine" in the original story.

She already possessed the strength of a Chunin, and combined with the Inuzuka clan's secret techniques, she could bring a combat pet into battle, giving her a natural two-on-one advantage.

The last file was for an old man named Kosuke, who looked to be about sixty years old.

"This is..." Uchiha Akira's heart stirred slightly as he looked at the old man's profile.

This eternal Genin from Konoha was somewhat familiar to him.

In the original story, he was a Genin for life, even though the Second, Third, and Fourth Hokages all held him in high regard. His overall strength was said to be comparable to that of a Jonin.

So, among these three, Kosuke was the strongest, with Kabuto possibly coming in second.

After reviewing the information on the three candidates, Uchiha Akira picked up Inuzuka Hana's file, indicating that he wanted to challenge her.

"Very well. Tomorrow, at the training grounds outside the Hokage Tower, the winner will represent Konoha Village in the Chunin exams!"

Shisui nodded, said nothing more, and left to make the arrangements with the Hokage.

Upon learning that Uchiha Akira would be challenging Inuzuka Hana, the Third Hokage naturally sent someone to notify her.

At the same time, he arranged for the battle between the two to take place the next day.

"Uchiha Akira, huh? Only six years old, and already at the level of a Chunin?"

"In just a few months, he awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan?"

"I saw him during the academy's opening ceremony. His combat intelligence is quite impressive. I wonder how he'll fare this time?"

"Sigh, the Uchiha have indeed been restless lately. It seems we'll need to keep a closer eye on them. If they do launch a coup, even if we manage to suppress it, Konoha would be severely weakened."

...

Standing by the window of the Hokage Tower, looking in the direction of the Uchiha clan, the Third Hokage murmured to himself.

It's often said that Konoha is a cradle for geniuses.

But in the Third Hokage's eyes, the Uchiha clan is the real cradle of geniuses!

As long as one awakens the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, they become nearly invincible at the Jonin level, with no weaknesses.

The power of the Sharingan has been feared throughout the ninja world since the Warring States period, and not without reason.

...

The next morning, Uchiha Akira spent some money and began a new round of life simulation.

His ninjutsu was sufficient, but he still lacked chakra.

So, Uchiha Akira decided that this life simulation would focus on how to survive longer!

[Three months later, you return from Kumogakure, and your name as a genius shakes the ninja world!]

[Eight months later, after training diligently, your chakra reserves have increased significantly!]

[Nine months later, you become an A-rank missing-nin from Konoha and arrive in the Land of Rice Fields, where you meet Orochimaru!]

[Orochimaru is very interested in your body and keeps you in Otogakure!]

[During this time, Danzo tries twice to take you back from Orochimaru, but both times, Orochimaru stops him!]

[Two years later, Orochimaru uses the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique to take over your body, and you die!]

...

In this life simulation, Uchiha Akira decided to lie low with Orochimaru.

As expected, he survived for about a year longer before Orochimaru took his body!

It was rumored that his talent surpassed even that of Shisui and Itachi Uchiha, so naturally, Orochimaru was very interested in his body!

He chose to enhance his chakra reserves. After two years of rigorous training, Uchiha Akira felt that his chakra had increased by about 40%!

A 40% increase on top of a Chunin's base level—this boost wasn't bad at all!

Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 82 at patreon.com/Emik01