https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-301-Watchful-Eyes-in-the-Darkness/12558372/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-303-Team-Minato-vs-Kirigakure-s-Strongest-Squad/12558374/
Chapter 302: Uchiha Madara's Understanding of Obito
Chapter 302: Uchiha Madara's Understanding of Obito
In a dimly lit cave, Black Zetsu looked at Uchiha Madara with a puzzled expression and asked, "Why did you choose Uchiha Obito? Uchiha Itachi seems to have better natural talent."
Itachi was two years younger than Obito, but he had always been ahead in terms of strength.
"That's because you don't understand the Uchiha clan," Madara replied with a self-satisfied smile, his aged face creased with wrinkles. "You only see the difference in their innate talent, but you fail to perceive the love within their hearts. Obito is a very special member of the Uchiha clan. While most Uchiha keep their emotions hidden, Obito's love overflows. He has so much love to give that he selflessly helps those in need. Once this immense love is awakened, he will gain immense power."
Madara believed that a true Uchiha was one who had awakened their capacity for love, and he was convinced that Obito's full potential would surpass that of Itachi.
"Moreover, Obito's personality makes him easy to manipulate," Madara added, revealing another reason for his choice. Obito's gullibility made him all too easy to deceive.
"As expected of Madara-sama," Black Zetsu said with a mocking smile.
Madara paid no heed to Black Zetsu's expression, for he knew that the creature was not capable of genuine mirth. Instead, he began to outline his plans to his companion.
...
"Obito and his team have excellent taijutsu skills," Sarutobi Hiruzen commented as he watched the monitors, observing how Obito's team had swiftly turned the situation in their favor.
This was the first time they were holding the Chunin Exams in collaboration with Kirigakure, and Hiruzen was taking it very seriously. Kirigakure rarely involved itself in the affairs of the mainland's four great ninja villages, and if Konohagakure could gain Kirigakure as an ally, it would greatly improve their position in the current tumultuous state of affairs.
"They've all been very diligent in their training. I wasn't nearly as skilled as them at their age," Minato remarked, sitting alongside Hiruzen in the monitoring room.
Obito, Kakashi, and their team impressed Minato as both talented and hardworking.
At a young age, Obito had already awakened the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan and achieved the level of two tomoe.
Kakashi, on the other hand, possessed exceptional speed and a high level of proficiency in ninjutsu.
Although Yahiko Rin was considered an outstanding student, she seemed ordinary when compared to Obito and Kakashi.
"Being able to teach students who surpass yourself is a true testament to your teaching abilities, Minato. It shows that you have great potential as an instructor," Hiruzen said with a smile.
"If anything, it's all thanks to Mu Yue's excellent teaching," Minato replied, shaking his head.
He was well aware that while he had played a part in the growth of Obito's team, Mu Yue had been the primary influence. After all, even during the bell test, Obito's team had demonstrated their ability to work together and defeat a jonin-level opponent.
"Don't be so modest, Minato. Obito and the others have spoken highly of you as well," Mu Yue said, engaging in a friendly exchange of compliments.
"You both have made great contributions. Don't be too humble," Hiruzen said, stroking his small beard. As he turned his attention back to the monitors, he noticed an interesting team from Kirigakure.
"That team of Kirigakure ninjas is quite bold. Are they trying to attract the attention of all the nearby teams?"
Mu Yue looked at the display screen, which showed Momochi Zabuza, Hoshigaki Kisame, and Kurozaki, who had created a large bonfire by piling up trees and setting them ablaze. The fire raged fiercely, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Mu Yue was not surprised by this development, as Kurozaki had already publicly revealed his scroll information during the preliminary rounds, almost as if he was asking for trouble. Such behavior was not out of the ordinary in the Forest of Death.
After all, their team was overqualified for the exam; in addition to Kisame, who possessed 7,000 chakra points, Zabuza and Kurozaki were also exceptionally strong, with stats that far exceeded those of a typical chunin.
Mu Yue immediately recognized that this team from Kirigakure was sent specifically to stir up trouble. While Zabuza was still quite young, Kisame and Kurozaki were clearly beyond the level of genin and should not have been participating in the exam.
"Kakashi can hold off Kisame, while Obito takes on Zabuza or Kurozaki. They have a high chance of victory," Mu Yue assessed after glancing at the positions of the two teams. She then proceeded to analyze the strengths of both sides.
In a one-on-one battle, neither Obito nor Kakashi would be able to defeat Kisame. Obito's fire-style jutsu would be countered by Kisame's water-style jutsu, and Kakashi lacked the raw power to overcome him. As for Yahiko Rin, she wasn't crucial to the battle's outcome; as long as she could hold off one opponent, that would be sufficient.
When it came to overall team strength, Team Minato was the clear favorite in this Chunin Exam. Might Guy and Kisame were both formidable opponents, but their teammates were not on the same level.
While Obito could defeat Kakashi, their actual power levels were not too far apart, and Yahiko Rin's support and offensive capabilities added an extra layer of advantage.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the Chunin Exams, Mu Yue had used her appraisal ability to check the status of all the students during the rules explanation, ensuring that no powerful imposters had infiltrated the exam. As a result, she was also aware of the strengths and weaknesses of every student on the field.
Mu Yue continued to observe the screens, witnessing a team from Kusagakure and a team from Konohagakure successively engaging Kisame's team.
"It's just ninjas from a small village like the Grass Ninja Village. This won't be a chance to prove our strength," Haku sighed.
Hearing this blatant discrimination against their village, the three Grass ninjas glared angrily.
"You bastards, don't look down on us Grass ninjas! We may not have as many top-notch strong people as your big ninja village, but we're not pushovers!" the Grass ninjas shouted defiantly as they drew their ninja tools.
Swoosh! Swoosh!!
The three Grass ninjas threw shuriken at Haku with all their might.
Having anticipated their attack, Haku swiftly dodged and countered with his own shuriken.
"If this is all you've got, don't be surprised if others look down on you," Zabuza unsheathed the long sword on his back and charged at the three Grass ninjas.
Shing!
Zabuza's timing was impeccable as he cleanly sliced off the arm of a Grass ninja who was frantically dodging.
"Yoshimura!" The two surviving teammates cried out in rage and despair at the sight of their fallen comrade.
However, Kisame gave them no time to mourn as he burst forth with chakra and rushed towards them.
"What kind of strength is this? Is this guy even human?"
In the clash of fists and feet, the two Grass ninjas felt Kisame's immense power and their faces paled in fear.
Even when outnumbered two to one, Kisame easily overwhelmed them with his taijutsu, while Haku took the opportunity to stab one of the Grass ninjas with his short blade.
The Grass ninja with the severed arm stood no chance against Zabuza and was swiftly killed.
In less than three minutes, the Grass ninja team was annihilated.
"They're so strong. Good thing you're cautious, Salt, and suggested we observe first," Inuzuka Midori remarked as she watched Zabuza and his team cut down the Grass ninjas with ease.
"These guys must have something up their sleeves to act so arrogantly. Those who act tough without the skills to back it up don't last long," Nara Salt commented calmly.
As holders of the Heavenly Scroll, Inuzuka Midori was eager to engage and take their scrolls, but Nara Salt held her back.
"Let's take a detour and retreat. We have plenty of time. It's only the first day, and we don't need to rush to collect the Heavenly and Earthly Scrolls. With Chiyo's information, there's no need to take unnecessary risks," Nara Salt decided, leading his team on an alternate route.
Aburame Chiyo had placed insects in the wooden hut where the scrolls were distributed, allowing them to gather intelligence on most of the teams' scroll possessions.
"Are you going to keep hiding in the shadows and spy on us? You're worse off than those Grass ninjas, at least they had guts," Zabuza called out to the hiding Nara Salt and his team.
"Damn, we've been found," Nara Salt frowned as he glanced at Zabuza, Kisame, and Haku's positions.
He noticed that the trio had subtly blocked off some of their retreat paths after the fight. Nara Salt initially thought they were searching for other teams, but now he suspected that they might have discovered them during the battle.
"Retreat!" Nara Salt alerted his teammates and dashed towards the rear.
"Since you're here, don't leave so soon," Haku threw several kunai at Nara Salt's team and chased after them with a burst of chakra.
Kisame and Zabuza also sprinted at full speed, blocking Nara Salt's team from escaping.
Nara Salt wasn't naturally fast, and he knew they would eventually be caught. So, he stopped in an area with dense tree shadows.
"You already have the Heavenly and Earthly Scrolls. You can head straight to the central tower and complete the exam. Fighting us is meaningless, and are you sure you want to take on this unnecessary risk?" Nara Salt said sternly, ready for battle but still hoping to avoid it if possible.
At that moment, he was prepared to fight, but he would much prefer to avoid it, especially since he wasn't confident in their chances.
"That's right, and Green isn't someone to be trifled with. If you keep chasing, White Fang will bite you," Inuzuka Midori added, referring to the small white dog on her shoulder.
"Woof Woof!" The little dog, White Fang, barked menacingly.
Aburame Chiyo remained silent but released his insects, signaling his determination to fight.
"How can it be meaningless? The point of this exam is to prove that you are better than others. Defeating all of you would be the ultimate proof of our excellence," Haku replied with a cruel smile.
Nara Salt's strategy would have worked in a regular exam, but Zabuza and his team weren't here just to take the exam.
"Let's see if a ninja from the Leaf Village is stronger than those Grass ninjas," Zabuza said as he pointed his bloodstained sword at Nara Salt.
At this point, Nara Salt knew that the battle was inevitable.
(End of Chapter)
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