"Just as you predicted, Hokage-sama seems very interested in the intelligence I delivered."
The Chūnin Exams had not been canceled despite Konoha being attacked. The only change was that the nobles, who were originally scheduled to arrive the day after tomorrow, had altered their plans.
Kisame returned to the dormitory building and respectfully bowed toward the boy who appeared rather short in stature.
"This Fifth Hokage has none of the bearing of a true Kage. Once he gains benefits, he never lets them slip away. But at least, he's a man of sentiment."
The boy stepped out from the shadows, revealing a handsome face.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi.
Yet what appeared here was not his true body, but a shadow clone.
"Since the Seven Swords of the Mist are already in our hands, the main goal of participating in this Chūnin Exam has been achieved. What remains is to bring all our comrades back to the village. Kisame, I trust in your strength."
Looking at his loyal subordinate, Yagura showed a relieved smile.
"I will not fail you."
Kisame lowered his head slightly, then voiced his doubt: "However, from what I observed, that so-called Akatsuki Organization seems far stronger than Konoha..."
The unspoken meaning was clear: why didn't Kirigakure choose to ally with such a powerful group?
"With the unknown always comes risk. Konoha may be strong, but they are still of the same world as us. But those people who possess unknown technology—"
At the mention of the Akatsuki Organization, a flicker of dread crossed Yagura's eyes.
They were indeed powerful, but also extremely dangerous.
As Mizukage, he could never entrust the village's future to such people.
"Konoha has just been attacked. That vengeful Hokage will definitely not let the matter rest."
Kisame understood the Mizukage's meaning and bared his shark-like teeth.
...
Inside a cave, Obito removed his mask and chewed on dry rations alone.
By now, he was almost certain that Amegakure was indeed the Akatsuki Organization's hiding place—just as Takeshi had suspected.
The reason for his judgment was simple: in the Land of Rain, he had seen several Uchiha directing Ame-nin.
Among them were familiar faces, clansmen who had once left the village together with Yōwan during the Fourth Hokage's era.
After swallowing down a few bites, Obito began planning his next move.
Just seeing a few familiar faces wasn't enough to be certain that the fool Yōwan was truly here.
He still needed more decisive proof.
And also to confirm whether Yōwan had other unknown forces backing him.
That tallest building... it seemed to be the Akatsuki Organization's base of operations...
Mask back on, Obito straightened up and slowly sank into the ground.
...
Konoha.
"That child is reckless, and he has a unique sense of justice. I'm really worried about him..."
Jiraiya once again voiced his concerns, his tone becoming increasingly urgent.
As if Obito had already been discovered by the enemy, and was at this very moment enduring cruel interrogation.
"You should have more faith in your student. And didn't you say you didn't even like that kid?"
Takeshi glanced outside at the Hokage Rock he had recently completed. Finally—it was finished.
"This isn't about liking or disliking. It's about the village's interests."
The seriousness on Jiraiya's face was genuine.
"Jiraiya-sama is right. Perhaps we should dispatch a squad to provide backup."
Kakashi also sided with Jiraiya.
"First, it's still uncertain whether there truly are enemies in Amegakure. Second, after just being attacked, we're already busy rebuilding defenses and hunting down the Sky-nin. We don't have the manpower to spare."
Moments ago, Tobitake Tonbo and other capable special jōnin had already been assigned to lead teams on missions. That alone showed how thoroughly Takeshi had squeezed Konoha's resources dry.
Surely they couldn't reassign the personnel monitoring the Chūnin Exam venue?
Among the Sannin, the only one still handling real work was Jiraiya.
But no matter what, Takeshi could not allow him to go rescue Obito.
"Let me go. I was planning to pass near the Rain Country border anyway on my way to the Land of Snow. It won't delay me too much."
Seeing the stalemate between Jiraiya and Takeshi, Kakashi volunteered.
"Jiraiya-sama, given the current situation in the village, it really isn't suitable for you to leave. The Fifth Hokage has managed to unify opposition voices, but only through pressure from the Internal Affairs Division."
"The Uchiha radicals have severed ties with the village, while the Daimyō faction and the conservatives have merely been temporarily silenced."
"And with that group of outsiders stationed in Kikyo Pass Fortress, the burden on your shoulders remains heavy."
Kakashi's words were an attempt to give Jiraiya a way out.
But Jiraiya clearly had no intention of taking it.
"You're too weak, Kakashi."
Jiraiya didn't hide his lack of confidence in Kakashi's strength.
"The enemy has the legendary Rinnegan. With your current power, you can't possibly handle it."
Beneath his mask, Kakashi's lips moved twice, but in the end, he couldn't reply.
Compared with Obito and Takeshi, he had indeed lost the title of genius.
At best, he was now just a promising young jōnin.
"Jiraiya, that was uncalled for."
Takeshi's expression hardened.
"Don't bring up Obito again. I have my own arrangements. You both have missions—focus on completing them. That's what matters most right now."
With that dismissal, Hakuyun Sōken and Terauchi, serving as Hokage's guards, stepped out and escorted the two away.
Silence once again filled the room.
As soon as Takeshi sat down, the window opened from outside.
Landing with a soft thud, Uchiha Hikari, lollipop in her mouth, scowled at him.
"You brat. Why didn't you tell them the truth?"
"It's not the right time yet. And if they found out, who knows how badly they'd blow up."
Takeshi turned his head toward her.
"And you too. I heard from Ibiki—you actually used a Mist ninja's head as a stepping stone to charge out of the exam hall."
"Tch."
Hikari's attitude was hostile as always.
...
While the two bickered, Obito had already slipped into that suspicious building using his ocular powers.
Clap.
At almost the same moment, Jigen, seated on his extravagant chair reading an unknown book, snapped it shut.
He glanced upward, brows knitting as if lost in thought.
After a brief pause, Jigen left his seat, walked up to a wall, and pressed his fingers against it.
Once done, his mood clearly improved. Returning to his chair, he pulled a wine glass full of red wine from the void.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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