After a few days, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Kakashi.
Hiruzen asked Kakashi, "You know about Konoha's barrier system, right?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yeah, it's the system that catches anyone sneaking into the village without permission."
Hiruzen's expression turned serious. "Someone seems to have breached the barrier and has entered and exited the village multiple times."
One of Hiruzen's aides added, "The technical cipher for bypassing the barrier is known to only a select few within Konoha. It could be a traitor leaking information, or perhaps there exists a shinobi capable of breaking through the barrier on their own."
Hiruzen continued, "If it's a traitor, we could identify them by changing the technical cipher. But I prefer to believe there is someone who can pierce the barrier. Kakashi, I want you to investigate this matter."
Konoha was currently prioritizing resolution of the Uchiha Clan issue, so Hiruzen truly had no extra energy to spare for other matters.
Those who knew the secret technical cipher for passing through barriers were all core-level ninja within Konoha. If even one among them proved to be a traitor, it would turn into a massive headache.
One of Hiruzen's aides handed Kakashi a map. "This is part of the barrier system layout. Some areas show very high reaction frequencies."
Looking at the map, Kakashi furrowed his brow. "This is..."
"The area surrounding the Uchiha district. We'd like to install a barrier system there as well, but that area is their autonomous zone, so we're unable to set one up."
Hiruzen warned him, "Make sure no one finds out the Anbu are behind this investigation!"
"Yes sir!"
He was now inside the Uchiha clan grounds.
Obito Uchiha materialized from the space-time dimension and looked at the tree before him, reaching out to gently touch it.
It had been a long time since he last visited the Uchiha Family Estate. Returning here once again, Obito's feelings were somewhat complex.
Suddenly, Obito glanced toward his right and immediately activated [Kamui] to vanish away.
After Obito disappeared, Itachi Uchiha stepped out from behind the tree wearing an Anbu mask. His expression remained grim beneath the mask.
Not far away, on a nearby branch, a snake flicked its tongue, observing everything silently.
After many days of investigation.
Kakashi arrived at the Hokage Tower and reported his findings to Hiruzen.
"Whoever the intruder may be, based on current intelligence alone, we still cannot determine their exact intentions. Our only option right now is to station personnel at critical points along the barrier system and coordinate with the Barrier Team. Immediate action must be taken when any reaction occurs. Without such a manpower-intensive approach, tracking down the intruder would be nearly impossible."
Hiruzen sighed. "Right now, we just don't have enough people available to handle this."
Kakashi thought for a moment before making a suggestion. "Then we'll have to strengthen patrols using the Konoha Defense Unit. However..."
Seeing Kakashi hesitate, Hiruzen questioned him further. "What is it?"
Kakashi responded, "I just returned from visiting the Uchiha district, and the atmosphere felt off—very tense."
"It feels isolated, doesn't it."
"Yeah, they seem quite resistant towards outsiders entering their territory."
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated for a moment before saying, "I see. I'll handle the matter regarding the Konoha Defense Unit. This mission is over."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood."
...
"This is what's going on. Recently, Anbu has been moving people around a lot. It seems they're targeting the Uchiha. My subordinate, Itachi Uchiha, was secretly appointed as an Anbu squad captain by Danzo. I don't know exactly what he's been up to since then, but I have a feeling something big is about to happen."
In the forest of Konoha, Kakashi leaned against a tree as if speaking to himself.
Chinya's voice came from above the tree. "Yes, something is definitely coming. Konoha is preparing to move against the Uchiha, and Itachi Uchiha has become their chosen pawn. Originally, I was their candidate for dealing with the Uchiha, but now their focus has shifted to Itachi. This is their usual pattern—they rarely act directly themselves.
Kakashi, after this Uchiha matter is resolved, we'll be leaving Konoha. Will you stay here or come with us?"
Kakashi paused briefly before replying, "For now, I think I'll stay in Konoha. If I leave with you right now, I probably won't be much help. Plus, Hiruzen still trusts me greatly—it would be a shame to completely cut that connection."
Chinya nodded. "Alright. If you stay in Konoha, keep an eye on two people."
Kakashi asked, "Neji Hyuga and Naruto Uzumaki?"
"Exactly," Chinya confirmed. "After I leave, the Hyuga might cause trouble for Neji. What Neji is doing now is unacceptable to them. I'll talk to him about it later. If he runs into trouble, tell him to come to you. If even you can't resolve it, notify me—I'll take him out of Konoha."
Chinya took out a ring and tossed it to Kakashi. "Keep this ring. Just pour your chakra into it, and it'll reach me no matter where I am."
Kakashi accepted the ring. "Alright, I understand."
Chinya continued, "As for Naruto, he hasn't bought into the Will of Fire philosophy yet. His thinking is free. Once I leave, I'll reveal everything to him.
After that, you should leave Anbu and become a Jonin to lead a team—specifically, to mentor Naruto. Keep a close watch on him. I'm afraid he might go off the rails once he finds out the truth. While I'm still in Konoha, elders like Hiruzen fear me, so they wouldn't dare harm Naruto.
But once I'm gone, if they realize Naruto isn't fully loyal to Konoha, they may try to control him by force.
Right now, Miyuki is our ally, and Naruto will most likely become our ally in the future as well. So until he grows stronger, please continue watching over him."
Kakashi agreed. "Alright, I'll make sure those two are safe."
Chinya smiled and said, "Good, then it's settled. When you finally leave Konoha, that'll also be the right time for Sōnagi to become your disciple. And by then, it'll be time for you to head to Ryuchi Cave to learn Sage Arts."
A faint smirk barely twitched beneath Kakashi's mask. "I understand… Teacher."
Chinya used the [Shifting Body Technique] and vanished from atop the tree.
Kakashi also got up and left the forestland.
Past midnight.
Itachi Uchiha had not fallen asleep. Instead, he lay in bed, staring fixedly at the ceiling, his thoughts circling around that third choice.
This third choice could protect both Konoha and the Uchiha Clan.
Although this method was just as extreme, it was far preferable to what Danzo had demanded—slaughtering his entire clan.
Having already made up his mind, Itachi Uchiha set his gaze with quiet determination.
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