i am kimimaro

"Stop talking nonsense! Even if I'm going to be a Genin for the rest of my life, I won't run away. Even if I'm just a Genin, I will definitely become Hokage! I'll do what I say, that's my ninja way!"

Naruto, bearing immense pressure, slammed the table, releasing all his stress through these words.

His bright blue eyes were filled with determination.

Naruto might hesitate and be confused, but once he made a choice, he would be incredibly resolute.

This was the most charming aspect of him as the Child of Destiny.

Naruto's words also dispelled everyone's anxieties.

Kimimaro looked at Naruto's figure, finding him a bit foolish.

But he had to admit, this foolishness was quite rare.

Not everyone possessed such unwavering courage.

Such a person was destined for greatness.

"Hehe, what an interesting kid."

Ibiki watched as the originally anxious crowd calmed down because of Naruto's words, and he knew that further delay was pointless.

These people had already solidified their beliefs.

His task was complete.

"Congratulations, you have passed the second exam."

Everyone was surprised.

Ibiki then explained the meaning of the last question, and everyone suddenly understood.

At the same time, they were glad they chose to stay.

This exam seemed trivial to Kimimaro now, but it undoubtedly left a deep impression on these young Genin.

In the future, when facing life-or-death situations, this lesson might play a significant role.

Just then, with a crash, the glass window shattered, and a dark figure entered the examination room.

Two kunai were thrown from her hands simultaneously, pulling open a curtain.

"Now is not the time to celebrate. I am the examiner for the second stage, Anko Mitarashi. Prepare to enter the second stage of the exam!"

The young kunoichi, Anko Mitarashi.

Orochimaru's second disciple, also one he abandoned.

Everyone was dumbfounded by Anko's actions.

The second stage of the exam came without warning.

The location: the Forest of Death!

This was also the most dangerous phase of the Chunin Exams.

Because in this stage, killing was not prohibited.

In other words, if there were powerful Genin who wanted to kill all other competitors, they could.

The Chunin Exams were a microcosm of war, and the second stage perfectly embodied this.

If it were a Chunin Exam held by the village itself, there wouldn't be such a cruel exam system.

After all, every village understood the importance of minimizing internal conflict.

Even the brutal Kirigakure, after Zabuza Momochi killed all his fellow examinees, abolished the exam rule requiring them to kill each other.

But in this joint Chunin Exam, killing could not be prohibited.

These Genin were representatives of their respective villages.

Their victory or defeat was related to the village's honor.

In this stage, there would be no rescue; they could only rely on themselves.

"Within five days, the team that captures both the Heaven and Earth scrolls and reaches the tower in the middle of the Forest of Death with all members will pass the second exam."

Anko explained the rules. Everyone just needed to sign the death waiver, take the corresponding scroll, and they could prepare to enter the Forest of Death.

The Forest of Death had forty-four entrances, enough for the remaining twenty-seven teams to enter from different points.

The exam officially began!

"Let's go!"

Kimimaro gave the order, and Suigetsu and Jugo followed closely behind him into the Forest of Death.

"Boss, let's just rush to the tower and ambush them. Or how about we make a big move and defeat all the participants?

Then only the three of us would be left, and we would definitely become Chunin. Back then, when Zabuza-senpai killed all the examinees in his year, it became a legend in Kirigakure.

Maybe we can become a new legend today."

Suigetsu cracked his knuckles, ready for a fight.

But Kimimaro's next words immediately dispelled his thoughts.

"Suigetsu, I didn't come to participate in these children's games."

"Huh? Then what do you want to do, boss?"

Suigetsu looked puzzled, and Jugo also focused his gaze on Kimimaro in front.

"I have only one goal, Hinata Hyuga! Find Hinata Hyuga's location as soon as possible and capture her!"

A cold glint flashed in Kimimaro's green eyes.

"Hinata Hyuga? You're after the Byakugan?"

Suigetsu was surprised.

"That's right. The Hyuga clan's Kekkei Genkai is very likely the key element to cure my bloodline disease."

Kimimaro revealed the crucial reason for his participation in the Konoha Crush plan.

The Hyuga clan's Kekkei Genkai!

To replenish his genes, he had to obtain the Hyuga clan's Kekkei Genkai.

But directly taking their eyes might not be useful and could even cause rejection, making it not worth the risk.

For example, Nagato was implanted with the Rinnegan by Madara, and although he gained immense power, it also put a tremendous burden on his body, and he couldn't fully unleash the Rinnegan's power.

If even Nagato, with his Uzumaki lineage, struggled, let alone another Sharingan recipient, Kakashi Hatake.

An elite Jonin who constantly ran out of chakra was unique.

Although Kakashi's Sharingan increased his potential, his shortcomings were also obvious.

Whether it was a blessing or a curse, only he knew.

There was also Ao from Kirigakure, who received a Byakugan transplant. Although he seemed to have no major problems, the increase in his strength didn't seem significant either.

From existing cases, directly transplanting eyes was definitely not the best strategy.

As for what to do, Kimimaro had already thought it through.

But before that, he needed suitable test subjects.

The Hyuga clan was divided into the main family and the branch family. The branch family existed to protect the pure bloodline of the main family.

The main family didn't need to form teams with other ninja and go on dangerous missions. They only needed to become strong under the guidance of the clan head.

The sign that Hinata was abandoned was her becoming a member of Team 8.

If Hiashi Hyuga hadn't been soft-hearted, Hinata's forehead would already have the Caged Bird Seal.

Kimimaro's bloodline disease was caused by pushing the Shikotsumyaku to its limits, so he needed the purest Hyuga bloodline for treatment.

The Hyuga main family was the best choice.

And currently, there were only four people in the main family.

One was Hiashi Hyuga's father, who was now old and frail, and his bloodline power was almost depleted.

The second was Hiashi Hyuga himself.

This Hyuga clan head was already over forty years old and hadn't even reached the Shadow rank, indicating that his bloodline wasn't that great.

The remaining two were Hanabi and Hinata.

Between these two, Kimimaro ultimately chose Hinata.

On the one hand, Hanabi was under the protection of the Hyuga clan, making it difficult to act.

On the other hand, Hinata was called the princess of the Hyuga clan by Toneri Otsutsuki, and her Byakugan was also called the purest Byakugan.

This showed that in terms of bloodline power, Hinata was even superior to Hanabi.

It was just that Hinata's personality couldn't awaken her powerful bloodline.

That had nothing to do with Kimimaro.

He currently only needed the purest Hyuga bloodline.

(End of Chapter)