From the border of the Land of Fire to the village of Konoha, even at a ninja's pace, it would take two full days.
In other words, Kakashi had at least two days to prepare for the arrival of these unexpected guests.
Kumogakure (Yun Yin) had clearly stated its intention to stir up tension, and their goal was none other than the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan.
Although Kakashi was aware of this, he couldn't openly approach the Third Hokage about it.
First and foremost, there was no viable explanation for how he obtained this intelligence.
If Konoha's extensive information network hadn't picked it up, how did Kakashi know?
Even if the Third Hokage wouldn't necessarily question it, once suspicion arose, it would inevitably create distance between them.
That gap in trust would complicate everything.
So, plainly, this intel couldn't be shared directly with the Hokage.
That left everything on Kakashi's shoulders.
He sifted through fragments of memory from the original events in the manga, flipping through what he knew of the incident, trying to find a new angle.
In truth, Kumogakure's tactic was always to provoke a response.
Konoha, at this time, lacked the resolve and unity to push back with full strength. More importantly, Hiruzen Sarutobi yearned for peace.
Thus, both the Hyuga clan and the Third Hokage would ultimately choose to compromise.
Had the Second Hokage still held power, it would've been a different story—Yun Yin's delegation likely wouldn't have made it out of Konoha alive.
The Second Hokage was a pioneer of militaristic strategy, whereas the Third was more of a defensive statesman.
It wasn't that Hiruzen was weak. But in a world like this, showing restraint isn't rewarded with praise—it invites aggression.
When strength is overwhelming, mercy can be seen as benevolence—just like it was with the First Hokage.
But if strength is lacking, the same mercy appears cowardly.
It was unfortunate that Konoha wasn't united. If all forces could combine—the Anbu Root, the Hokage's personal guard, and the Uchiha clan—their collective might would be formidable.
But casting aside these thoughts, Kakashi's focus now was singular: preventing Kumogakure's scheme from unfolding within Konoha.
This was the village Minato-sensei and his own father had given their lives to protect. Kakashi, having inherited their will, couldn't stand idly by.
If Sakumo Hatake were still alive, he would've long drawn his blade at such provocation.
"In this world, strength is still everything."
If Minato-sensei were still here, the Fourth Raikage would never have dared to act so arrogantly.
Thinking of Minato, a flicker of inspiration flashed in Kakashi's eyes. He pulled out a three-pronged kunai he had crafted.
He had made three such kunai using knowledge gained from his Mangekyō Sharingan.
Touching his chin thoughtfully, Kakashi murmured, "This might be the key to resolving this farce."
A plan forming in his mind, Kakashi allowed himself a rare smile.
Kumogakure… this time, you'll lose both your pawn and your plan!
Two days would be enough time to prepare.
He bit his thumb and began forming hand signs.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Boom!
A small cloud of smoke cleared to reveal—Pakkun!
"Yo, Kakashi. It's late. What's up?"
Kakashi got straight to the point.
"Pakkun, I have a task for you. Here's what's going on…"
A short explanation later, Pakkun nodded.
"Got it, Kakashi. I'll handle it."
"I'm counting on you."
Under the pale moonlight, Kakashi watched Pakkun disappear into the night.
Time is tight, Pakkun. Please, don't fail me.
—
Meanwhile, in the Land of Lightning, the Kumogakure delegation moved slowly in their carriage.
Sancun sat silently, aware that this journey to Konoha was likely a one-way trip.
But he didn't mind. With his friends and family long gone, the only thing he still cared about was his devotion to Kumogakure.
If he could give his life for the village's sake, he would accept it gladly.
His death would not be in vain if it meant completing this mission.
Among the delegation, only one other knew the true objective—Kuze.
The rest were left in the dark, not from distrust, but because secrecy increased their chances of success.
The fewer who knew the plan, the lower the risk of it leaking out.
Kuze had been briefed after Sancun accepted the mission. His role was clear: apply pressure to Konoha.
But Kuze was not the mastermind. His job was to act as the front—after that, the Fourth Raikage would intervene.
The plan was straightforward: use Sancun's death as leverage. If Konoha gave in, all the better. If not, the Raikage would appear on Konoha's border in person to escalate the threat.
Hiruzen, unwilling to spark war, would be forced to compromise.
Kumogakure had committed thoroughly to this mission.
"Sancun, are you ready?" Kuze asked, walking beside the carriage.
Sancun smiled faintly. "There's nothing to prepare. The moment I left the village, I knew. I'll give my life for Kumogakure. I'm not afraid. I've made peace."
Kuze sighed.
"Hey, Sancun…"
"Kuze, your job is more critical than mine. I'm entrusting this to you."
"Don't worry. With Konoha's current state, they won't dare cross us. Our plan will work."
"Let's hope so. But… the closer we get to Konoha, the more uneasy I feel."
Sancun frowned, his instincts prickling.
This strange sense of dread had lingered since the journey began.
Kuze patted him on the shoulder. "You're just nervous. Stay calm."
"I hope that's all it is."
Sancun couldn't shake the feeling, but with no logical reason behind it, he set it aside.
The mission was what mattered now. He had to be in peak condition.
Sancun had been chosen not for raw power, but for his exceptional infiltration skills.
That was what made him suitable for this suicide mission—penetrating the Hyuga clan's compound.
It was a path with no return, but he held no regrets.
Because his heart held unwavering faith—his love for Kumogakure.
For that love, Sancun was ready to give everything—even his life.
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