"Hmph, the Prajñā Group from the Land of Woods — so you're the remnants that escaped extermination."
Seeing the mask on the enemy's face, Takeshi instantly remembered who they were.
A few sharp whooshing sounds cut through the air. Hearing the familiar flight of shuriken, Takeshi grabbed the collar of a fallen enemy and yanked him up to block the attack.
"Shimura Takeshi! Pay with your life for my comrades!"
A woman's voice came from below, and along with her voice, a pair of arms burst out from the ground.
She tried to grab Takeshi's legs, but he kicked her away hard, then slammed the corpse in his hands onto the ground, snapping one of her arms.
As the Earth Release ninjutsu activated, the flat ground heaved upward, forcing the enemy hidden below out into the open.
Takeshi drove several senbon precisely into the enemy's neck. Without even glancing at her again, he turned his attention to the ones who had thrown the shuriken.
With a flash of his body — the sound of rustling leaves brushed against fabric behind one of the ambushers.
By the time the man tried to turn around, Takeshi had already snapped his neck cleanly.
He smoothly pulled a kunai from the man's pouch and pressed it against another enemy's throat.
"Any last words?"
His cold voice carried a finality that needed no explanation. The Prajñā ninja's throat bobbed as he forced out his own sentence.
"Guh… kill me—"
"Alright."
The kunai sliced through flesh. Blood sprayed — yet not a single drop landed on Takeshi.
Casually, he tossed away the weapon that had just taken a life. The last Prajñā ninja hiding in the shadows collapsed in unwilling silence, a kunai buried deep in his forehead.
"A familiar mask."
Returning to the others, Uchiha Hikari had already removed one of the masks from the corpses, examining it curiously in her hands.
"The Prajñā Group from the Land of Woods… they're the same ones who tried to assassinate me the first time we met."
Takeshi shrugged, snatched the mask from her hands, and threw it far away.
"Don't hold that thing up. Stuff taken off a corpse just looks creepy."
Hikari pouted and muttered irritably, "Creepy? You realize what you just said? You're the one who killed them all, and you think that's creepy?"
"People die when they're killed. They tried to take my life, so I took theirs. That doesn't contradict being creepy."
Takeshi defended his own logic calmly.
"Tch, listen to yourself. You act all high and mighty, but you're still doing the same bloody work."
Hikari clearly despised this hypocritical attitude of his — someone who performed the dirtiest jobs yet talked about ideals.
"This is the fate of shinobi."
Kakashi, watching quietly, understood it all too well.
"Which is why I intend to change that fate."
Takeshi's tone suddenly became deadly serious — gone was his earlier nonchalance.
The abrupt shift in his demeanor caught both Hikari and Kakashi off guard.
"Y-you're spouting nonsense again…"
Hikari stammered, assuming this was just another one of Takeshi's absurd arguments.
"I said, I'll change the shinobi's fate — free them from this endless cycle of killing."
Takeshi turned his head, locking eyes with her.
"Do you believe me?"
"I…"
Hikari's lips parted slightly, but she looked away to avoid his gaze.
"Alright then, let's just keep moving."
Seeing that Hikari didn't want to answer, Takeshi didn't press her.
He had only said it casually anyway — about seventy percent joking, maybe thirty percent serious.
"I believe you."
Hikari suddenly grabbed Takeshi's hand.
"What did you say?"
Feeling her grip tighten, Takeshi froze mid-step and turned his head. Her eyes were filled with sincerity.
Help! I was just bluffing, and now she actually believes me! What do I do?! Urgent!
This time, it was Takeshi who looked away.
If he said it was just a joke now — would he be met with a flurry of punches… or Amaterasu?
"I said, I believe you."
Hikari repeated firmly.
Great. She really bought it.
Having spent enough time around the Uchiha, Takeshi knew very well there was no turning back now — no way to say, "just kidding."
"Heh—hmph. Then watch closely… from behind your future Hokage!"
He forced out the most chuuni line imaginable, awkwardly confident, but it managed to pass. With that, he led the two of them onward, continuing their journey toward the Land of Iron.
...
In Konohagakure.
Once Takeshi's departure was confirmed, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado immediately summoned their former subordinates. Using their positions as advisors, they began meddling in village affairs again.
After giving a few completely useless "instructions" and basking in the flattery of others, the two of them swaggered toward the Hyūga Clan compound.
"Clan Head, Advisors Utatane and Mitokado have gone to the backyard to meet with the Hyūga Elders."
Hyūga Tokuma promptly reported the news to Hyūga Hiashi.
Hiashi, who had been discussing village security measures after the expansion with Nara Shikaku, froze upon hearing that, then glanced at his quiet companion.
"Shikaku, this…"
"They're free to go wherever they want," Shikaku replied evenly. "The village hasn't restricted the movements of the former Main House elders. There's no need for concern, Hiashi-sama."
Though he said so, Hiashi couldn't help but notice something a bit too deliberate in Shikaku's tone.
"As for security issues," Shikaku continued, "the Hyūga Clan has always stood firmly with the village. I'm sure you'll handle it well. But for the rest, I think you'd best discuss it with Captain Fugaku."
Having promised full cooperation from the Hyūga, Hiashi quickly excused himself, departing with his guards in haste toward the clan compound.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
Within the compound, Hyūga Sōgen was equally surprised to see the two advisors.
"With the Fifth Hokage attending the Five Kage Summit, it's our duty as advisors to understand the needs of each clan," Homura explained righteously — while subtly confirming that Takeshi was indeed not in the village.
"I see. Please rest assured — no matter what happens, the Hyūga Clan will always stand with the village."
Sōgen nodded knowingly, making the clan's stance clear.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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