The Hokage's office, a space usually filled with the gentle rustle of paperwork and the quiet hum of village life, was now charged with a palpable tension. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat hunched over a series of scrolls and projected images, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. The flickering light from the projection illuminated the lines etched into his aged face, each a testament to years of experience and vigilance.
He replayed the footage from the preliminary matches, his gaze fixated on Kabuto Yakushi. Kabuto's movements, his seemingly innocuous interactions, his subtle shifts in expression—Hiruzen analyzed them all, searching for the telltale signs of deception. He noted the precise, almost clinical way Kabuto interacted with other genin, the way his eyes lingered on certain individuals, particularly Sasuke.
"There's something… off," Hiruzen murmured, his voice barely audible. "He's too composed, too controlled."
He switched to a series of medical reports, his gaze scanning the detailed descriptions of Kabuto's medical expertise. He questioned the depth of Kabuto's knowledge, the potential applications of his skills beyond simple medical assistance. "His abilities are far beyond that of a normal medic," he mused, tapping a finger against the report. "What is he truly capable of?"
The ANBU, their forms shrouded in shadows, delivered their reports. "Kabuto Yakushi," the lead ANBU began, his voice a low, modulated whisper, "is aware of our surveillance. He is not openly moving around the village as a normal participant would. He is staying in hidden locations, and only coming out when needed to avoid suspicion."
"Hidden locations?" Hiruzen echoed, his gaze sharpening. "What kind of hidden locations?"
"Abandoned buildings, secluded areas within the forest," the ANBU replied. "He moves with caution, avoiding any direct confrontation."
They continued, detailing Kabuto's interactions with various individuals, seemingly casual conversations that yielded no concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Orochimaru," he muttered, the name a low growl. "What are you planning?"
He recalled Orochimaru's past actions, his obsession with acquiring power, his relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge. "His interest in Sasuke," Hiruzen mused, "it's genuine, but is it the whole picture? Is it merely a small part of a grander design?"
He considered the possibility of a larger-scale operation, a plan that extended beyond the confines of the Chunin Exams. "Kabuto is a key component," he concluded, his voice laced with certainty. "He's a vital instrument in Orochimaru's unseen scheme."
He issued orders to the ANBU, instructing them to increase their surveillance of Kabuto, to delve deeper into his activities. "Be discreet," he emphasized. "We cannot afford to alert him to our suspicions."
He then turned his attention to the village's defenses, reviewing the security protocols, ensuring that the Jonin and Chunin were prepared for any potential threats. "We must be ready," he declared, his voice firm. "Orochimaru will not hesitate to strike."
In a hidden location within the village, Kabuto Yakushi calmly tended to his medical supplies, his movements precise and methodical. He was aware of the ANBU's surveillance, their presence a faint hum in the back of his mind. But he remained unconcerned, his confidence unwavering.
He reflected on Orochimaru's instructions, the intricate details of their plan. He waited patiently, his gaze fixed on the shadows, knowing that the time for action would soon arrive. He smiled, a thin, unsettling smile that hinted at the chaos to come.