Danzo's life wasn't easy right now.
Since Root was disbanded, he had few people left under him.
Although the Ninja who left Root were all placed under the Tongue Root Curse Seal, Sarutobi Hiruzen was clearly also guarding against his old comrade plotting. Not only did he disperse those Root Ninja, he also arranged other Ambu Ninja to watch them, and even often assigned them dangerous missions, while preventing them from having the opportunity to transmit information to Danzo.
As a result, it became difficult for Danzo to use his former subordinates.
Furthermore, Danzo was notorious, and with his involvement in the Uchiha massacre, the major families deeply detested him.
If Danzo dared to cause trouble at this time, he would definitely not fare well.
Danzo naturally admired a genius like Natsuki who could perform one-handed hand signs, but Natsuki had too good a relationship with a group of children from prominent families. He had even visited and dined at their homes, and knew the heads of the Nara, Akimichi, and Aburame families. How could Danzo make a move?
In addition, there was another point, the Ninja Kill card game that Natsuki invented was too popular.
Even the Daimyo played this game and specifically asked for the inventor's name.
Therefore, Danzo didn't dare to easily move against Natsuki, and also understood that Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely not allow him to make a move. Instead of making things awkward later, it was better to pretend not to know.
"Damn it! Sly little brat! I should have investigated you earlier!"
That's right, if Danzo had investigated earlier, the situation would have been different.
Back then, Ninja Kill hadn't become popular, and Danzo was still being frustrated at the card table. If he had taken advantage of his anger to vent on Natsuki, the little guy who invented the card game, no one would have stopped him.
It was useless to regret it now.
"Hmph! When I become the Fifth Hokage, won't you little brat still be under my command? And that evil Uchiha little brat and the Nine-Tails little brat, they will all have to obey the orders of me, the Fifth Hokage! Just wait, I will definitely become Hokage!"
Ninja Academy dismissed.
Natsuki said goodbye to his friends and went to the market to buy some ingredients.
He planned to make a table full of dishes tonight to reward Tenten for her hard work on the mission, and also make some meat buns for Tenten to eat during missions.
Tenten loved meat buns.
As Natsuki was selecting ingredients, he caught sight of a white-haired, glasses-wearing man smiling as he passed by.
The man with glasses had a gentle smile, giving off a kind feeling, and he was wearing a forehead protector, clearly a formal Ninja, but Natsuki noticed him because he recognized the person.
The Dream Weaver, Kabuto Yakushi!
That's right, this guy is currently a spy lurking in Konoha!
Kabuto Yakushi, in order to help Orochimaru find a suitable body for the Impure World Reincarnation, is lurking in Konoha to investigate information on young Ninja, and will participate in the Chunin Exams several times over the next two years, until Orochimaru chooses Sasuke, after which he will launch the Konoha Crush, and this guy is also one of the main people in charge.
So, this guy is deliberately passing by now to observe him, the genius who can use one-handed signs and has just been exposed?
Or is he just passing by?
As for Kabuto Yakushi, Natsuki actually didn't know how to evaluate him. This guy was a genius, a tragic figure, and also someone who had harmed countless people.
However, this world was twisted, and many things couldn't be simply distinguished by right and wrong.
Anyway, if Kabuto Yakushi dared to set his sights on him, he would definitely not spare him!
As for the Konoha Crush, it naturally had to be prevented as much as possible. It didn't matter if Sarutobi Hiruzen died or not, but Tenten's family also had quite a few businesses in Konoha, so it would be best if they weren't affected.
After Kabuto Yakushi left, Natsuki was no longer in the mood to select ingredients, so he casually picked some fresh ones and returned to the Ninja Tool shop.
A few days later, Team Guy finally had a rare break from missions and was scheduled for training. Tenten also got Kai's permission to take Natsuki to watch.
Natsuki prepared a pile of food to bring along.
Team Guy's training was very hard, and compared to other flashy gifts, delicious food was the best.
Soon, Natsuki followed Tenten to the training ground. Xiao Li and Neji were already training, and Kai was instructing them from the side.
"Teacher Kai, Neji, Xiao Li, we're here."
Tenten introduced, "This is my boyfriend, Natsuki. You might have heard his name. The Ninja Killing Card Game sold at my family's Ninja Tool shop was made by him."
"Ah? Ninja Killing was made by Natsuki?"
"Ah? Ninja Killing is sold at Tenten's family's Ninja Tool shop?"
Clearly, Kai and Xiao Li's points of interest were different. At this time, they were all curiously looking at Natsuki.
Neji was also curious about Natsuki because Tenten had said that Natsuki was stronger, so he was definitely a good opponent. He would have to find time to spar with him later and test Natsuki's level.
Natsuki quickly greeted them: "Teacher Kai, Xiao Li, Neji, hello. I brought some food over, let's eat together. Training is so hard, you need to replenish your nutrition. By the way, I brought a lot of beef, you'll definitely like it."
Beef, rich in protein, a favorite of Taijutsu Ninja!
Even a Jonin like Kai didn't necessarily eat beef often.
Soon, with Tenten's help, Natsuki directly spread out a table and served the braised beef and other dishes. The few of them started digging in, and Kai and Xiao Li ate with greasy mouths, praising the food endlessly.
"By the way, Tenten said you wanted to train in the Eight Gates."
Kai said while gnawing on the beef, "I'm sure Tenten told you, training in the Eight Gates is not simple and requires a very high level of physical strength. Let me check your physical condition. If you don't meet the requirements, even if you brought such delicious beef, I can only refuse."
Natsuki said calmly, "Teacher Kai, feel free to check. My body is no weaker than yours!"
Kai didn't delay upon hearing this and immediately started feeling his muscles. After feeling several parts, he couldn't help but praise, "Your muscles are quite firm, full of power. You must have also gone through passionate training, right? Very good, your physical strength is excellent and temporarily qualifies. Next, let's have a youthful competition. I need to see if your muscles are just for show!"
"Okay! I'll accept any test Teacher Kai gives me!"
Natsuki was very confident in himself. It was just testing muscles and strength. He had been training under several times gravity all these years and also paid attention to body maintenance. Not only was his strength formidable, but he also had very few hidden injuries in his body.
If even this didn't qualify, then Xiao Li wouldn't be qualified to learn the Eight Gates at all.
After they had eaten enough and digested for a bit, Natsuki and Kai stood facing each other, with Xiao Li acting as the referee.
Tenten watched nervously from a distance. Although she had confidence in Natsuki, Teacher Kai was an Elite Jonin! How could he be so easy to deal with?
"Start!"
As Xiao Li's voice fell, Natsuki instantly disappeared from his spot.