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Orochimaru had escaped, and the Third Hokage along with others had been taken away by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. With their absence, the burden now fell on Kitahara Hitoshi.
Kakashi thought this to himself.
But—
"You all heard it. The Third Hokage and the others were taken away, but the Anbu and members of the Root remained."
"So now, you're all under my jurisdiction and command," Kitahara Hitoshi declared.
He stepped onto Shukaku's stomach again, positioning himself higher as though he were looking for a platform to be seen. But it felt more like a demonstration of power.
"Ah… this…"
Some of the Anbu members were clearly unsettled.
"Are you denying the Second Hokage's orders?"
"This is Konoha's Second Hokage we're talking about. If you oppose him, then you can be listed as traitors."
"Or do you plan to consult the Third Hokage or Danzo?" Kitahara Hitoshi added calmly.
The Anbu fell silent.
Where would they even begin to look?
Everyone knew the Third Hokage had been reprimanded by the Second, and Danzo had literally been beheaded by Tobirama.
Tobirama's stance was clear.
If you didn't comply, you were going against the village.
"And Danzo probably won't survive," Kitahara Hitoshi added.
The Root members stood in stunned silence.
"What should I do?" a Root member asked, speaking up first.
"So do we!" the other Root members echoed immediately.
Their response was proactive, almost too quick—betraying Danzo on the spot without hesitation.
It was obvious.
They had all seen the vision of Tobirama beheading Danzo and assumed Tobirama intended to restore his time with his students, so Danzo's death felt permanent.
In the group chat:
Han: This is...
Minato: This...
Tobirama: No surprise. Shimura Danzo formed the Root and recruited people by threatening their families with cursed seals.
Tobirama: The brainwashing worked, but none of the average Root members actually liked him. The missions? Dark, cruel, and exhausting.
Tobirama: Naturally, they all defected.
Han: Tobirama, you're back and talking fast as always.
Tobirama: My focus is split. One part in this chat, the other outside.
Kitahara Hitoshi observed the scene.
"Seems life in Root was never pleasant," he commented.
The Root members lowered their heads.
"What do we do now?" asked Anbu—led by Yamato—finally breaking the silence.
Yamato had caught Kakashi winking at him.
If even Root was obedient now, Anbu had no excuse. Did they think the Third Hokage could protect them?
Was he even still Hokage? The man was about to retire from old age!
Everyone thought it over and promptly submitted.
"Then, Shukaku, revert to your original form," Kitahara Hitoshi ordered.
Once Shukaku relinquished control, Gaara with his distinctive red hair was revealed.
The seal used by the Sand Village was trash. Either Shukaku was in control, or Gaara was. There was no in-between.
Now that Shukaku had gone dormant, Gaara woke up.
This was probably the first time Gaara had ever passed out.
And it had only been an hour since the start of the second Chunin Exam.
At least Gaara might still be able to participate.
But—
"Kitahara-kun, is this really the way to wake someone up?" Kakashi asked, unable to hold back.
Because Kitahara Hitoshi had woken Gaara with three massive slaps.
"As a Jinchuriki, Gaara has had it rough," Kakashi added.
"He came here as a weapon to invade Konoha," Kitahara Hitoshi replied. "Why are you sympathizing with an enemy of the village?"
"...Hmm… That's true."
Kakashi nodded.
He remembered the way Shukaku had spoken of Gaara's past in the chat.
"But Gaara… his strength is still developing. His future, too, is uncertain."
"But in Konoha, we have Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—all stronger and more stable than Inuzuka Kiba or Aburame Shino."
"So try to nurture him," Kitahara Hitoshi said. "Be his sun. If you give him that warmth, he'll trust you forever."
"That's what he was missing in the Sand Village."
"Even though his biological father sent assassins after him, he never betrayed his village."
"His M-rank personality has already been forged," Kitahara Hitoshi said. "We can use that."
"!?"
Kakashi was alarmed by how casually Kitahara Hitoshi talked about using Gaara.
Gaara wasn't even from Konoha!
What did he mean by 'manipulate casually'?
Kitahara Hitoshi saw Kakashi's dumbfounded expression and reached out to stroke the fur of the ninja rabbit who had passed out from exhaustion.
"Shukaku has joined Konoha," Kitahara Hitoshi said. "So why can't Gaara?"
Kakashi blinked. "No… I guess there's no problem with that."
Right.
As long as they kept Shukaku and got rid of Gaara…
"But what about the Sand Village?" Kakashi asked cautiously.
"It's simple," Kitahara Hitoshi replied. "From today onward, the Sand Village no longer exists."
"..."
Kakashi froze.
"What!?"
He was stunned.
Kitahara Hitoshi was already heading toward the stronghold in the Forest of Death for the second Chunin Exam, leaving behind only a glimpse of his back.
Kakashi had no choice but to carry the unconscious Gaara and follow.
In the group chat:
Kakashi: Minato-sensei, what does Kitahara Hitoshi mean?
Minato: I need a moment to think about it.
Tobirama: I believe he's planning to exploit Sand Village's involvement in the Konoha Collapse Plan and then annex their territory.
Tobirama: That's what he meant when he said he wanted absolute initiative.
Kakashi: ??
Tobirama: I may have made a mistake. I originally just wanted him to oversee the Chunin Exams to gain experience.
Tobirama: I didn't expect him to make such a huge move so quickly.
Han: So is this good or bad?
Onoki remained silent, trying to pretend he didn't exist.
Because this was terrifying.
When Kitahara Hitoshi spoke, Onoki had no doubt the next Hokage chosen by the Second Hokage would be Kitahara Hitoshi himself.
And this new Hokage… was more ruthless than any before.
The First Hokage sought peace through kindness. Tobirama fought to protect that dream. The Third was gentle and often got pushed around.
Onoki remembered clearly: Iwagakure had actually lost during the Third Ninja World War when sparring with Konoha. But the Third Hokage didn't want to continue the fight and signed a peace treaty quickly.
It wasn't cowardice.
Then there was the Fourth Hokage, Minato, brilliant on the battlefield. But as Hokage, he shared the stage with the Third, never fully in control.
Now?
The Fifth Hokage...
Was this man planning to trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War already?
Onoki glanced at Mizukage, who was also acting invisible.
Her soul form wore a calm expression.
But Onoki could tell she was just as nervous.
She had been flattering Kitahara Hitoshi shamelessly since the Land of Waves mission. She was probably already aligned with him.
Watching her was pointless.
She might even be eager for Kitahara Hitoshi to take full control.
Because nothing the Third Hokage said mattered anymore.
Tobirama: Well… I'm thinking.
Tobirama: At this point… What's said can't be taken back.
Senju Tobirama: But if he's choosing this path, then I have to step up as well.
Hashirama: Huh? Tobirama, what are you planning to do?
Hashirama: Isn't Kitahara Hitoshi about to start a war?
Senju Tobirama: ...Brother, don't joke.
Senju Tobirama: There have already been three great ninja wars.
Senju Tobirama: And which eye of yours sees that a war is definitely going to break out?
Hashirama: Huh?
Senju Tobirama: Think about it. The Mizukage is now in the group, and so is the Tsuchikage. Aren't both of them Konoha's allies?
Onoki: Well... Iwagakure and Konoha coexist. We live and die together.
Onoki quickly voiced his loyalty.
From the live broadcast, everyone could see that Tobirama said Orochimaru had released his Edo Tensei, so he would disappear soon.
But Senju Tobirama has always been crafty. Even Chiyo from Sunagakure calls him shameless.
He's the kind of guy who invented tandem paper bombs.
So Onoki didn't dare take him lightly. Even if Tobirama could no longer act on behalf of Konoha, Iwagakure still couldn't stand against Kitahara Hitoshi.
At first, Onoki thought Hitoshi was merely powerful, with potential comparable to the First Hokage. But now, those ninja rabbits under his command are terrifying.
Kokuo once belonged to Iwagakure, but now Onoki doesn't dare say anything.
The only thing he can do is act cowardly.
It reminded him of his youth—back when Hashirama and Madara were alive, the other villages could only submit. That terrible feeling of helplessness was back.
Is this what they call fate?
Terumi Mei: My Kirigakure is naturally an ally. If none of you want to support Kitahara-kun, I will.
Terumi Mei: But then he'll be our Sixth Mizukage.
Senju Tobirama: Not a chance.
Tobirama rejected the idea immediately.
He wasn't foolish. Even the somewhat foolish Third Hokage could see Konoha's limits. If the stronger ones didn't bear the pressure, Konoha would collapse.
Terumi Mei: I was just saying. Anyway, he won't come.
In truth, Terumi Mei felt a little regret.
Yes, Kitahara Hitoshi wouldn't come, but now that he was targeting Sunagakure, that meant they'd be dragged in too.
Terumi Mei: @Kakashi, ask Kitahara Hitoshi—how many ninja villages should remain in the current ninja world?
Kakashi: Huh?
Terumi Mei: Just ask him.
Kakashi:
Onoki: @Kakashi, hurry up and ask him.
After all, Onoki had long held respect for Hashirama and couldn't resist chiming in.
Despite Terumi Mei's assertiveness, even she had a trace of unease.
Was Kitahara Hitoshi aiming only for Sunagakure, or would he go after the others one by one?
Hashirama: I feel like the Kage have become soldiers on the battlefield.
Hashirama noticed the unease brewing in the other shadows.
Senju Tobirama: Eh...
Senju Tobirama: Brother, what should I even say to you?
Senju Tobirama: You once said belief and trust were the path to peace, but reality has shattered that ideal. Kitahara Hitoshi will not follow your path.
Senju Tobirama: During the first Five Kage Summit, you directly bowed to them. I was stunned.
Senju Tobirama: Even if I wanted to stop you, I couldn't.
Senju Tobirama: We all know you're powerful, but you're too generous. That's why others take advantage of Konoha.
Hashirama: Does that mean trusting in love and others doesn't work?
Black Zetsu: Of course it doesn't.
Hashirama: Oh? Mr. Black Zetsu, what's your view?
Black Zetsu: Well... consider this an unofficial version of history.
Black Zetsu: Legend says the Sage of Six Paths believed in others and in the power of love.
Hashirama: Oh, I've heard that. The books say the Sage was incredibly generous.
Senju Tobirama: He's the reason chakra was shared among ninjas, leading to today's civilization.
Black Zetsu: But the version I know differs a little.
Black Zetsu: The origin of ninja lies in the sect founded by the Sage of Six Paths.
Black Zetsu: When he grew old, he had to choose a successor.
Black Zetsu: His elder son Indra was a genius, while the younger, Asura, was known for his generosity.
Black Zetsu: The Sage, much like Hashirama, believed in love and the potential of others.
Senju Tobirama: And then?
Black Zetsu: You've seen how it ended.
Black Zetsu: The ninja sect collapsed, and war never stopped.
Black Zetsu: Even before Hashirama, many cried out for love and failed.
Senju Tobirama: History repeats itself.
Senju Tobirama: Trusting others alone is meaningless.
Senju Tobirama: But how do you know all this, Mr. Black Zetsu?
Of course—because he lived through it.
Back then, Black Zetsu was still young. He tried to manipulate Indra in order to revive Kaguya, but it didn't go well. The Sage of Six Paths, eccentric as he was, didn't choose the prodigious Indra. Instead, he favored the soft-hearted Ashura.
And thus, the pattern was set.
Whether it was Ashura or Hashirama, both reincarnations of the same will, both overly generous despite their overwhelming power—peace didn't last.
After Ashura's death, the ninja sect splintered.
After Hashirama's death, came the ninja wars.
History always repeats.
Hashirama: That's such a heavy truth...
Hashirama: But I still can't be sure if the path you're on is correct.
Senju Tobirama:
Senju Tobirama:
Tobirama knew exactly which path Hashirama was referring to—the path of Uchiha Madara.
And truthfully, Tobirama had always leaned more toward Madara's way. Rather than seeking peace through kindness, it might be better to secure it through strength.
But he also believed Hashirama's path had potential, which was why he never stopped him.
In the end, it seemed he was also wrong.
But to openly admit Madara was right? Tobirama couldn't bring himself to do that.
Kakashi comes back online
Kakashi: Uh... why does it suddenly feel so heavy in here?
Senju Tobirama: Kakashi, do you understand Kitahara Hitoshi's intentions?
Kakashi: ...Didn't I just say them? Were you not listening?
Senju Tobirama:
Everyone had been so absorbed in the historical discussion that they forgot.
Terumi Mei: So, what's the result?
Terumi Mei pressed on—after all, she had asked first.
Kakashi: Alright then.
Kakashi: Kirigakure and Iwagakure are safe. Kitahara-kun said this time it was Sunagakure who attacked Konoha, so his counterattack isn't excessive.
Senju Tobirama: Hmm.
Kakashi: But he added something else.
Senju Tobirama: What did he say?
Kakashi: The Five Great Shinobi Villages system has lasted for sixty years. But the truth is, it's pointless.
Kakashi: Because war breaks out too easily. He believes it's better to reduce the number of villages.
Onoki: Reduce villages?
Kakashi: Yes. He said since Sunagakure and Shukaku now belong to Konoha, that only leaves four villages.
Kakashi: But even four is unstable.
Kakashi: So he thinks there's no need for Kumogakure to exist anymore.
Kakashi:
Minato:
Senju Tobirama: Incredible.
Big Zhuzi Hanhan: So, are you still going to start the Ninja World War?
Kakashi: This is not clear.
Senju Tobirama: Huh?
Kakashi: Uh… he went to flirt. You see.
Namikaze Minato:
The Big Pillar is Silly:
Senju Tobirama: Huh!? He still has time to flirt with girls? Isn't he going to work?
Kakashi: No.
Kakashi: Because he divided up all the work.
Namikaze Minato: Huh!?
During his tenure as the Fourth Hokage, Minato was always meticulous with everything and acted immediately upon issuing orders.
But now Kitahara Hitoshi... is... has he really divided everything?
Of course, he has.
Kitahara Hitoshi allowed Tobirama to enjoy his free time, but he never planned to sacrifice his own leisure. He didn't want to personally oversee another Chūnin Exam, so he simply stepped away.
The whole plan had already been processed for convenience.
The Chūnin Exam was originally arranged by the Third Hokage, so the personnel involved remained the same.
1. Find Anko, who was discarded by Orochimaru, and have her continue as examiner.
2. Proceed with the third exam as per the original plan.
These arrangements and personnel were predetermined, so the Chūnin Exam could continue unchanged.
However, there remained the Konoha Crush Plan involving Orochimaru and Sunagakure.
That part was easier to manage.
With the Fourth Kazekage missing and Orochimaru on the run, this became a matter of arrest.
All the ninja involved in the plot, including those from Sunagakure, needed to be detained.
Since the Root and Anbu forces were available for reassignment, arrest duties were delegated to them.
As for Sunagakure, they had not only lost their tailed beast weapon but also the Fourth Kazekage.
This made the village the weakest among the Five Great Nations.
So naturally, they came under direct control.
It would be a shame not to accept something delivered so easily.
Thus, the ninja from Sunagakure could be considered under Konoha's administration now.
But this created a new problem...
"Baki-sensei..."
Kankuro and Baki were imprisoned together.
Gaara had just been sent back by Kakashi, and upon waking, was instructed to continue the Chūnin Exam with Temari.
Kankuro, however, was left behind.
"Weren't we allowed to continue? Why am I still here?" Kankuro didn't understand why he was excluded.
"Our Sunagakure is finished this time," Baki said, shaking his head.
"While Gaara and Temari were instructed to continue with the exam, it's clear they're being groomed to obtain the rank of Chūnin for Konoha's benefit," Baki said with a sigh.
Kankuro's eyes widened.
Because...
Wasn't he also part of the Sunagakure team that came for the Chūnin Exam?
Yet only Temari and Gaara were being allowed to continue...
Kankuro:
So why was this happening?
Was he unqualified to be a Chūnin?
Did they no longer need him?
In the Forest of Death.
Boom.
After defeating a pair of rogue ninja who attempted to attack Cloud Shinobi Village, Team 7 secured the Earth Scroll and rushed toward the central tower.
But just as the trio moved forward with Hinata, Kitahara Hitoshi suddenly disappeared with a bang.
"Eh!" Naruto froze for a moment.
"No." Sasuke was momentarily stunned.
"Kitahara-kun... disappeared?" Hinata was startled as well.
Naruto didn't respond immediately.
"This clone is incredible," Sasuke said. "I didn't even realize it was a clone that entered the exam with us."
"It just doesn't make sense," Naruto said. "If he had something to do, he'd have told us first."
"Because I'm coming now," Kitahara Hitoshi said.
Only then did everyone realize that Kitahara Hitoshi had arrived with two more people and rejoined them.
"Hinata, you have the Earth Scroll," Kitahara Hitoshi said as he handed her a Sky Scroll.
"It really is the Sky Scroll."
"Thanks."
Hinata took the scroll with both hands, though her eyes glanced suspiciously behind Kitahara Hitoshi.
Behind him stood two people from Sunagakure.
One was Temari, known as the flower of Sunagakure, and the other—Gaara, who had previously been tricked by Sasuke.
But Gaara's current state was... peculiar.
His face had been slapped on both sides.
Based on Hinata's experience during the time she let Black Hinata control her body, she could tell that both slap marks came from Kitahara Hitoshi.
"Eh!"
"Why did you bring people from Sunagakure here?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Sunagakure has been confirmed to be part of the plan to destroy Konoha during the Chūnin Exam," Kitahara Hitoshi replied.
Temari and Gaara were clearly uncomfortable with the truth being revealed.
"So it really was an attack," Sasuke and Naruto said, now on guard around Gaara, likely due to Kitahara Hitoshi's earlier warnings.
But judging by the slap marks on Gaara's face...
Precautions may no longer be necessary.
"So it turns out Sunagakure was defeated by Konoha," Naruto remarked.
"They're guilty now, so they must pass the Chūnin Exam and become assets for Konoha's future," Kitahara Hitoshi said.
Temari and Gaara's expressions grew darker, but neither protested.
Temari's teacher and younger brother had both been captured, and Gaara—when Shukaku awakened—had voluntarily entered the sealed chamber, realizing just how strong yet cowardly the tailed beast was.
With Shukaku defeated, Gaara knew he couldn't win.
"Eh!" Naruto gasped. "Was Grandpa Third so decisive?"
"No," Kitahara Hitoshi said. "The Third Hokage has been captured by Orochimaru's reanimated Second Hokage."
Sasuke and Naruto were speechless.
Um...
It was difficult for them to comprehend.
"Is the Second Hokage a demon?"
"He took Grandpa Third!"
Naruto said.
Senju Tobirama: Cough cough...
Senju Tobirama: This Naruto...
Tobirama, having been called out, nearly coughed up blood. He had come to rectify the situation, yet this was the thanks he received.
Namikaze Minato: But... Naruto grew up treated this way, and still called the Third Hokage 'Grandpa.'
Namikaze Minato: It stings a little.
Senju Tobirama: I'm interrogating Sarutobi right now, Minato. Hold on.
Big Pillar Hanhan: It's great, I can use my body again.
Senju Tobirama:
Senju Tobirama: Don't be envious, big brother. I didn't want to use my body for this kind of work.
Big Pillar Hanhan: True.
So everyone got back to work.
About twenty minutes later, Kitahara Hitoshi received word from Kakashi that Mitarashi Anko had been found. She had been knocked out by Orochimaru but had now recovered and resumed her role as examiner for the second Chūnin Exam.
Meanwhile, the body of the Kusanagi ninja, whom Orochimaru had impersonated, was also discovered.
Clearly, Orochimaru had killed that ninja directly when disguising as him but spared Anko when impersonating her.
Perhaps it was due to Anko having once been his student—he showed her mercy.
Sarutobi's disciples had a pattern of showing mercy.
The Third spared Orochimaru, Orochimaru spared Anko,
Jiraiya spared Nagato,
Minato spared Obito.
It felt like Konoha had inherited a strange habit.
Beep.
Kitahara Hitoshi resumed the Chūnin Exam, and the live broadcast to the small group continued.
But apart from him, Konoha's ninja forces were all engaged in their duties.
The live broadcast for today's small group session came to an end.
The live broadcast for today's small group session came to an end.
And the broadcast wrapped up.
Duiko Black Zetsu:
One person remained silent—Black Zetsu.
Konoha's ruined estate began operating again, and the rusted machinery turned once more.
Chaotic things returned to motion.
But to Black Zetsu, Konoha and the ninja world were meaningless.
All that mattered was the exhausted ninja white rabbit lying on Kitahara Hitoshi's shoulder.
So...
Beep.
The small group broadcast ended for today.
Welcome to return tomorrow.
Beep.
The system sent out its prompt.
And Black Zetsu watched with icy resolve.
As a dutiful son, I can no longer watch my mother work so hard.
Kitahara Hitoshi runs so fast. Even though his ninja movements are smooth, doesn't he either put a towel on the ninja rabbit's shoulder or store it in his pocket?
But instead, he just lets it lie flat while sprinting.
I didn't see it frown the whole time. Is it uncomfortable?
Team 13 arrives at the central tower.
According to the rules of the exam, you passed the second exam.
So congratulations, rookies. You will become the proud Chūnin of your respective ninja villages by passing another exam.
Chūnin is just the beginning of the ninja path. I hope you will not become arrogant.
Inside the central tower of the Forest of Death, the real Mitarashi Anko continues her duties.
Instructing students.
She is also miserable.
In the past, she was a disciple of Orochimaru, but was abandoned. With her own strength, she became a Jōnin of Konoha and was also arranged to be the examiner of the Chūnin exam.
But she was almost humiliated by being impersonated by Orochimaru.
And the current situation…
It's somewhat strange.
Because.
Anko examiner, what do you mean?
Kitahara Hitoshi and the others were the third team to pass the exam due to a slight delay.
When they arrived at the central tower, they found Mitarashi Anko with several assistant examiners distributing high-quality towels and food to the candidates who had entered the central tower.
Sliced premium carrots.
The normal test time is three days and three nights.
So you should handle your own food.
However, I am a generous person, and I can be regarded as your senior, so I will provide you with some treatment as a reward.
Anko explains it this way.
It's just that no one eats only carrots.
However, it's good to have proper food. Sliced high-grade carrots could be considered fruit, so the candidates didn't ask for anything else.
Kitahara Hitoshi's team also received towels and carrots.
He opened the towel, wet it, and wiped his face, then cleaned the ninja rabbit as well.
It was then that a hand reached out and held his wrist.
Hinata's eyes also noticed this.
So that means the person holding him now should be a girl.
Kitahara Hitoshi turned his head and saw the examiner, Mitarashi Anko, standing in front of him.
I'll give you another towel, Mitarashi Anko said.
It's not a good idea to share with people and pets, Anko added.
Kitahara Hitoshi glanced at his tired pet rabbit.
The rabbit didn't seem to mind.
Or perhaps it had always been waiting to be served and thus didn't care that much.
But at that moment, Anko had already handed him the new towel.
Then she wet it, wrung it out, and carefully wiped the little claws of the Shinobi Rabbit, her movements cautious, even trembling slightly.
She seemed very careful and nervous.
She didn't appear to dare touch it directly, just held the towel in place until the ninja rabbit pressed its paw on it with slight annoyance.
I'll take care of it, Kitahara Hitoshi said.
No, I can do it, Anko refused.
Kitahara Hitoshi folded his arms.
Was Mitarashi Anko always this proactive?
Could it be she's flattering him because she knows he was entrusted by the Second Hokage?
Or is it because she knew she had been nearly impersonated and sabotaged by Orochimaru and realized he had helped, so now she's showing gratitude?
No.
Kitahara Hitoshi's gaze landed on Mitarashi Anko's neck.
Her left neck was clean.
The right side was also spotless.
Kitahara Hitoshi went silent.
Just as he thought.
This Anko is definitely abnormal.
He remembered when he went into the Forest of Death to continue the exam with Temari and the others, Kakashi had given him a message.
When Orochimaru used Impure World Reincarnation, he was initially going to capture two Anbu directly.
But in the end, only one was used, and the other was swapped out.
The replacement died instantly.
Yet the corpses they found weren't just Konoha's people. All of them were pale, featureless, and genderless. It was very strange.
This description came to Kitahara Hitoshi's mind immediately—White Zetsu.
In the original story, during the Fourth Ninja World War, White Zetsu had a real impact. They could mimic other ninjas, replicating not just appearance but also chakra attributes.
Perfect for infiltration.
So was White Zetsu impersonating Konoha's Anbu?
White Zetsu are scattered across the ninja world, constantly eavesdropping. Their ability to record and relay information makes them the equivalent of a living surveillance network.
In terms of combat power, they're comparable to Genin.
But their numbers are their strength.
So one or two infiltrating Anbu isn't surprising.
But something is off…
Because.
The current Mitarashi Anko is fake. The real Anko was a disciple of Orochimaru, originally used in a curse mark experiment, and thus had the Heaven Curse Mark on her neck.
But this version of Anko had a perfectly clean neck.
That's not right.
It's a fake.
So is it White Zetsu?
No.
White Zetsu are low-level deceivers and wouldn't be this precise in their work. Even if they impersonated someone, they wouldn't be able to handle exam procedures and candidate questions so smoothly.
So…
It's not White Zetsu. It's Black Zetsu.
And the way this person handles the ninja rabbit so carefully—it really fits the image of a dutiful son.
Kitahara Hitoshi quietly picked up the ninja rabbit.
And stuffed it into his pocket.
The rabbit looked up in confusion.
It wondered why Kitahara Hitoshi had suddenly gotten so serious.
Anko examiner, Kitahara Hitoshi said.
I have some questions to ask you.
Anko was silent.
What's the problem? she asked, sensing Kitahara Hitoshi's attitude had turned somewhat forceful. Can't you be a little gentler?
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