"Why bother coming to see me, an old man, when you have the time?"
The rooftop of the Hokage building provided a vantage point over all of Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood there, accompanied by a white-haired man.
This man was none other than one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya.
On the eve of the Chūnin exam, Jiraiya had returned to Konoha. He had met with Naruto and taught him the Summoning technique. Now, he was here to confer with the Third Hokage about something important.
"It's been quite a while since I returned. I wanted to drop by and say hello!" Jiraiya replied.
"Idiot, the old man already knew you were back!" Hiruzen retorted.
Jiraiya chuckled, glancing mischievously at Hiruzen. "I know, your old technique allows you to oversee all of Konoha at any time!"
"Is that so? I've never used such a technique to spy on the women's bathhouses, if that's what you're implying!" Hiruzen responded, coughing awkwardly.
Jiraiya persisted with a grin, "Really? Old man, considering your weakening body, perhaps you should indulge a little!"
Their banter shifted to a more serious tone as Hiruzen inquired, "How is Naruto doing?"
Jiraiya nodded approvingly, "He's doing well. He's a good kid with strong talent."
When the topic of talent arose, Hiruzen wanted to discuss Uchiha Sasuke. However, Jiraiya had already taken notice of Sasuke's potential.
"Old man, in this generation, Konoha has been blessed by the gods. Naruto is talented, but there are others in this generation who may have even greater potential."
Hiruzen's curiosity piqued, "Who do you mean? Is there someone more talented than Naruto?"
Jiraiya's gaze shifted towards Sasuke, who was from the Uchiha clan. "It's a pity that he seems to be from the Uchiha clan."
Hiruzen's expression changed slightly, indicating his mixed feelings about the Uchiha clan.
"What about the Uchiha clan?" he inquired.
Observing Hiruzen's reaction, Jiraiya continued, "Kakashi told me that Uchiha Sasuke's talent might be exceptional. Even during wartime, Sasuke could stand out."
Jiraiya turned to Hiruzen, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Konoha has a genius on its hands. Don't let him slip away."
Hiruzen's response was immediate, "Do you think I need your reminder?"
With a puff of his pipe, Hiruzen added, "After the Chūnin exam, I've decided to take him on as my apprentice."
He pondered for a moment before saying, "Naruto is doing well too. Perhaps I'll take him under my wing as well."
Hiruzen's gaze shifted towards Jiraiya, his tone serious. "The future of Konoha might rest in the hands of these two young ones."
He glanced at Jiraiya once more, "Don't leave again. Konoha is stretched thin in terms of manpower."
Jiraiya smiled, "When has Konoha ever had enough manpower?"
"I still have my own mission to fulfill. But this time, I wanted to warn you that during my investigation, I found traces of Orochimaru. He might take advantage of the Chūnin exam to cause trouble in Konoha."
At the mention of Orochimaru, Hiruzen's expression darkened. "Don't worry. Orochimaru won't be able to wreak havoc under my watch."
Jiraiya's sigh was barely audible. That was precisely what he was concerned about.
With only one day remaining until the Chūnin exam, the atmosphere was tense.
In another part of Konoha, Naruto and Sakura were engrossed in conversation when an aggressive interloper disrupted their exchange.
"Is this the caliber of Konoha's ninja? Not very impressive," the newcomer taunted.
"No different from an idiot," he added, mocking Naruto.
Naruto turned his gaze to the person who had appeared at the intersection.
"Who are you calling an idiot, you bastard?"
"Obviously you! A ninja from Konoha," the provocateur retorted.
Naruto scrutinized the forehead protector on the intruder's forehead and realized he was a Sand Shinobi here for the Chūnin exam.
Kankuro, the instigator, seemed surprised by Naruto's fierce response.
"Such strength! He specializes in physical combat," Kankuro noted, taking a step back.
He prepared to summon the puppet concealed behind him, but a voice intervened.
"Enough, Kankuro!"
Naruto and Sakura glanced up at the figure in the tree—a peculiar individual carrying a gourd.
It was none other than Gaara, the gourd-wielding Sand Shinobi.
Gaara's attention was focused on Naruto and Sakura, and he inquired about someone unexpected.
"Uchiha Sasuke... do you know the ninja from Class 7?"
Confusion lingered on Naruto and Sakura's faces. Why was Gaara asking about Sasuke?
Temari's voice interjected, shedding light on the matter.
"Gaara, don't you remember? These two are Genin from Class 7. One is Naruto, and the other is Haruno Sakura."
Gaara still appeared baffled as he regarded Naruto and Sakura.
"I only remember Uchiha Sasuke. I have no memory of these two," Gaara responded blankly.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged incredulous looks. Why was Gaara singling out Sasuke and ignoring them?
Exasperated, Naruto retorted, "What's the big deal?"
Gaara's smile was eerie as he replied, "Nothing much. Just pass on a message for me."
"What message?" Naruto demanded.
"Tell Uchiha Sasuke that I want his head."
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