The examination room was heavy with tension as Yakushi Kabuto revealed more information about Satoru.
"Satoru, a ninja of Sweet Ninja Village," Kabuto began, his tone calm but deliberate. "Mission experience: five D-rank missions, six C-rank missions..."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion. "That sounds kinda normal. Isn't Mr. Bandage supposed to be, like, super powerful?"
But Kabuto's next words caused a ripple of shock.
"However," Kabuto continued, adjusting his glasses, "there is an A-rank mission where it's recorded that he assisted in abducting the princess of the Land of Waterfalls. Additionally, he was jointly wanted by several countries before the bounty was recently withdrawn."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"What?!" Naruto exclaimed, his blue eyes wide with disbelief.
Sasuke's gaze darkened, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. That sounds exactly like something he'd do… but what has he been up to all these years?
Sakura, on the other hand, paled slightly. Her thoughts flashed back to Kakashi's warnings. It's true… he really is dangerous.
Kabuto, noticing the ripple of reactions, played his part masterfully. "It's unclear exactly what role he played in that mission, but the involvement alone is noteworthy. Especially for someone ranked as a genin."
Naruto, trying to reconcile this with his impression of Satoru, protested, "That can't be right! Mr. Bandage wouldn't do something like that… right?"
Satoru, still munching on his three-color dango, looked entirely unbothered by the attention. "Oh? Did they really say that about me? I had no idea I was so famous."
His casual attitude only deepened the mystery, and the candidates began whispering among themselves.
"I thought he was just some nobody from a small village."
"Abducting a princess? That's insane."
"And he was wanted by multiple countries? What kind of ninja is this guy?"
Even the normally laid-back Shikamaru was unsettled. "This guy is… something else," he muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. A genin pulling off A-rank missions and surviving an international manhunt? Either he's incredibly lucky or scarily competent.
Sasuke, however, was unfazed by the speculation. His eyes were fixed on Satoru, his mind racing. The second brother I know would absolutely pull something like this, but why hasn't he said anything? What's he hiding?
Meanwhile, Sakura leaned closer to Sasuke and Naruto, whispering, "I told you. Kakashi-sensei was right—these three are dangerous. We need to keep our distance and stay on guard."
Naruto hesitated, his usual trust in Satoru wavering under the weight of Kabuto's revelations. "But Mr. Bandage doesn't seem like a bad guy…"
Kabuto, sensing the growing doubt, seized the opportunity to sow more mistrust.
"Sweet Ninja Village, despite its name, isn't as innocent as it sounds," he said, his voice grave. "It's a haven for rogue ninjas. Most of them will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. If Satoru comes from such a place… well, draw your own conclusions."
The implications hung heavily in the air.
The candidates began shifting away from Satoru's group, their wary eyes darting between the trio.
Hozuki leaned toward Satoru, her voice low. "It feels like we've been painted as villains."
Satoru shrugged, unfazed. "Let them think what they want."
Bai, ever composed, added, "It's likely deliberate. He's trying to isolate us from Naruto and his team."
Satoru nodded, his pale blue eyes briefly flickering with understanding. So cautious, Kabuto. Are you trying to prevent us from interfering with Orochimaru's plans?
As the murmurs grew louder, Kabuto finished with an innocent smile. "Of course, this is all just information I've gathered. How accurate it is… well, that's for you to decide."
Naruto stepped closer to Satoru, his expression conflicted. "Mr. Bandage, is this stuff true?"
Satoru grinned, ruffling Naruto's hair. "Does it matter? Stories are just stories, kid. Focus on the exam."
Naruto blinked, his confusion deepening.
Sakura, meanwhile, pulled Sasuke aside. "We can't trust them. You heard Kabuto—they're dangerous."
Sasuke's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. "Maybe," he said, his voice measured. "But I'm not so sure everything is as it seems."
As the proctor entered the room and called for silence, Satoru leaned back, his casual demeanor intact despite the growing suspicion around him.
Go ahead, Kabuto. Play your games. But don't think I won't be watching you too.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 160 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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