(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
****************
"So, you did all this?"
Anko learned what happened from him in great detail, which he provided at her pestering.
As he finished his explanation, she looked at Colt in disbelief.
"That's Orochimaru… right? How can he get his ass kicked by a newly graduated Genin?"
"If you don't believe it, there's nothing I can do about it, you can just think that he was playing around or something."
Colt shrugged, dismissing Anko's questioning.
His strength was obvious to him, he didn't care what the others thought.
"No, no, no," Anko waved her hands quickly, "I just need some time to digest this, after all, the facts are just too shocking and amazing."
There was nothing wrong with this.
Anyone who heard this news will have their brains shut down for a few minutes.
Anko's performance was not bad. Considering her relationship with Orochimaru and her great knowledge about him.
'But to think that this kid before me is that… strong?'
"You came just in time. The three of them have already collected the scrolls needed to pass. Can you help me take care of them? You can send someone to escort them. I'll go grab another scroll and come back."
Anko smiled boldly: "No, since they have collected the scrolls and encountered Orochimaru it might happen again. As such this is a special situation now so I will escort them into the tower myself."
Hearing that, Colt had no objection, it was better that way.
The two separated, and Colt wandered around for a while and got the scroll from a group of hapless Kusagakure ninjas.
Through [Kagura's Eyes], he found that Ino and the others also came to the tower, so Colt did not delay.
When he came to the central tower, he handed the scroll to the Chūnin who was the gatekeeper. After qualifying for the knockout round, he walked in.
Kakashi was already standing there with a serious face.
"Follow me, the Third Hokage is already waiting for you."
Colt was not surprised at all. If such a big thing happened, the Third would definitely question him as a witness.
When they came to an office, in addition to the instructors of each group of novice Genins, there were also many Konoha shinobi.
After seeing Colt, Ibiki took a step back without a trace and came behind Anko.
Anko glanced at the guy strangely.
"Colt, Anko has already told us about what you reported, but I'd like to hear the story in person."
The old man didn't waste time with nonsense, before getting to the point.
But Colt couldn't blame the old man.
If Orochimaru really appeared, this Chūnin exam would not be smooth.
Colt told them again from the beginning to the end, and at that moment, Asuma couldn't help but exclaim.
"You mean you fought off Orochimaru? You?"
Colt gave him a sideways look without explaining.
The way he worded it was a bit crass, besides Asuma was not a beautiful woman so he couldn't care less to answer him.
"Asuma, I can vouch for Colt's abilities and anything he said in my name!" Kakashi said in a deep voice.
Asuma was startled at that.
"Okay," Asuma said but his brows were still raised, as If in disbelief.
After all… If Kakashi said so, doesn't it mean that Colt's strength had far surpassed him?
The Third Hokage was speechless.
But he kept smoking his pipe, and as such the whole office was filled with smoke.
Colt frowned uncomfortably.
Finally, the Third Hokage seemed to have made a decision in his heart and snuffed out the pipe.
"The Chūnin exam will continue. The ANBU will increase the patrols in the village, and inform me immediately if Orochimaru is found!"
After speaking, the two ANBU wearing cat face masks knelt on one knee and disappeared instantly.
"Lord Hokage, isn't this a risky move? Since Orochimaru dared to show his face in public, he must have some purpose and is well prepared."
Only then did Colt realize that it was Shikamaru's father, Shikaku Nara, who was speaking.
This was no ordinary Jōnin, although his strength was not that outstanding in Konoha, but he was the squad leader of the Jōnin class and the think tank of the Third Hokage and by extension Konoha.
"Shikaku, I understand what you said, but the invitation letters for the main competition in a month, have already been placed on the tables of dignitaries from various villages and countries."
"Once we announce the cancellation, not only Konoha's reputation would be greatly damaged, but even the daimyo of the Land of Fire may cut down the funds we receive in a fit of anger."
This was the dilemma and helplessness the Third Hokage was facing.
The arrow was nocked on the bow already, and as such, it had to be released.
After Shikaku heard this, he bowed his head slightly and stepped back.
He understood now.
The Third Hokage looked at Colt again, and said with a little gratification.
"The reason things didn't turn out that bad was all thanks to you this time"
"Now, you can go down and have a good rest, as for the rest of you: You're dismissed."
In the face of Orochimaru's conspiracy, a strong person who could stand on his own finally emerged in their village.
This may be the only good news today.
As a group of Konoha shinobi practitioners should be, all of them dispersed instantly.
Kakashi took Colt out of the office and came to a healing ward.
Inside Sasuke was still unconscious, while Naruto was alive and kicking.
"Colt, you are here too!"
After seeing him, Naruto seemed very happy.
Colt smiled and nodded.
"Naruto, you go out first, I have something to talk to Colt about," Kakashi said.
"Okay." Naruto opened his mouth to say something, but then he stopped and walked out anyway.
There were only two people left in the room, and Sasuke who was in a coma.
At this time, Sasuke was in a coma not because of the injury, but because his body was adapting to the changes brought about by the [Cursed Seal].
Staring at the black 3-Tomoe, Kakashi clearly felt the evil Chakra attached to it.
"Do you have a way to fix it?"
Colt shook his head. Essentially, this was not a type of injury, and the healing technique would naturally be ineffective.
"I suggest you seal this [Cursed Seal] first, the natural energy inside is not suitable for the current Sasuke."
Kakashi looked solemn.
As a disciple of Jiraiya's line, he also had an understanding of sage arts and natural energies passed down from the three holy places.
From what he knew, learning it was dangerous, and even his teacher Namikaze Minato struggled.
What exactly was Orochimaru trying to do?
"If that's the case, then I'll seal it up."
Kakashi was also very decisive, and immediately asked Colt to protect him and began to help Sasuke by sealing it.
During this period, Sasuke was also awakened by the pain he felt, and with his strong perseverance, he helped Kakashi to successfully complete the seal of this cursed mark.
At that moment, Sasuke who was still panting spoke up.
"Colt, what the hell is that monster? Why is such a strong existence still a Genin?"
Sasuke still felt some discomfort in his neck, and massaged the area with his hands to relieve the soreness.
"Sigh, that person is not a genin…"
'A while later, there will actually be two outrageous Genins in the ninja world, who would almost destroy the entire continent. And you, Sasuke would be one of them…'
Colt couldn't help but complain inwardly.
However, the information of Orochimaru was still said.
Only then did Sasuke know that he had come across a rather scary opponent.
"Then, I'll see you later"
Seeing that he was okay, Colt didn't stay any longer and turned to look for Ino and Hinata.
The entire second test lasted five days. Due to Colt's intervention, the three groups of them passed the test in less than a day.
This means that they have more than enough time to rest.
And these days, naturally, will not be wasted in vain.
After a short recovery, Sasuke, Naruto, and even Hinata and Ino silently found a place to start their practice.
Only when you have seen the greatness of the world can you understand your own insignificance.
Although several people did not really understand the world, they already knew their weaknesses.
Colt was also pulled by Ino and Hinata to do sparring.
Only Sakura was still confused.
She did not possess powerful ninjutsu like Naruto and Sasuke, nor did she possess family secret techniques like Hinata, Ino, and the others.
Even for training, she doesn't know what to do.
In the end, Kakashi couldn't stand it anymore, so he started to teach her some Genjutsu.
Taijutsu was not good for her, and she didn't have a huge amount of chakra for ninjutsu.
As such only Genjutsu with higher requirements for Chakra control was suitable for Sakura.
A few days passed by in a flash, and all the genins who made it to finally participate in the knockout round gathered.
A total of twenty-two people.
Even the earliest after the teams Colt helped, which was the Hidden Rain Village, they ended up entering the tower on the third day.
Everyone stood in the middle of the field, and Temari looked at Colt, who was chatting with Hinata and Ino.
After hesitating for a while, she walked over.
"Thank you for letting go of Gaara that day."
On that day, Colt obviously held back. It was obvious to all.
Although he gave her another beating, she still had to thank him for not killing her brother.
Moreover, after Gaara woke up, his attitude changed a lot, and he actually knew why he was doing those weird things.
This makes Temari a little happy.
Hearing this, Colt looked at the expressionless Gaara and shook his head.
"Don't mention it, I just didn't want to ruin certain things too much."
Temari's heart skipped a beat.
'Does he know something about our plan?'
And Gaara stared at Colt with mixed feelings in his heart.
On the one hand, he desperately wanted to kill Colt to prove his existence.
But on the other hand, it was Colt who let him sleep peacefully, and most importantly...
He let him discover that someone in this world still cared about him.
To this day, Gaara will never forget the scene where Temari stood in front of him without hesitation. She did not care for her own self, and tried to protect him, even after all he had done to scare her…
Soon, the Third Hokage showed up with a group of examiners, looked around at the ninjas present, and stayed on the three of the sand shinobi for a while.
Hayate Gekkō, who seemed to be about to die at any moment, also appeared.
Colt looked at the thick dark circles under his eyes, and how he was coughing twice after saying a few words every time.
A question mark popped up in his mind.
How come such a sick person is still a ninja?