By the time Karura and Yashamaru left, a crescent moon already hung high in the sky.
Ryuji sat in his room, contemplating his next steps.
While the plan was simply to find a target and replace them with the Wood Release puppet he would create, his group had just arrived in Konoha. They would undoubtedly be under close scrutiny.
This was evident from the Third Hokage placing them in the future Uchiha Clan's compound.
Rash action now could easily lead to exposure.
Furthermore, this location was far from Konoha's center, requiring a long trek back and forth. The surrounding area was devoid of buildings and trees, offering a clear line of sight.
Add to that the Aburame Clan residing in the nearby forest... the movements of the Sunagakure's delegation were almost certainly under Konoha's surveillance.
Ryuji knew it's better to wait a while before acting.
As long as the Sunagakure's delegation didn't cause trouble, Konoha's wariness would gradually diminish over time.
By then, the resistance to action would be much lower.
Secondly, war was imminent.
Konoha's focus would shift to the frontlines, presenting more opportunities.
Finally, finding a suitable target would also take time.
After all, this was a Wood Release user. He couldn't just pick anyone for the replacement.
'For now, rest. Hopefully, there will be good news in the morning.' Thinking to himself, Ryuji lay back on the tatami and fell into a deep sleep.
Summer in Konoha was hot; even the nights were stifling and humid. Not using a blanket felt just right.
…
The next day, a downpour.
The sound of rain drumming on the roof tiles woke Ryuji.
He opened his bleary eyes and sat up somewhat listlessly.
Knock knock!
The door was tapped.
Ryuji looked up. The silhouette of a young woman was outlined against the paper sliding door.
He patted his cheeks to clear his head, then said, "Come in."
Whoosh!
The door slid open, and Karura entered.
"Leader, Orochimaru's arrangements have been finalized. The teachers and Medical-nin we brought have been assigned to intern at the hospital and the Shinobi Academy, starting today. Would you like to go and see the situation?"
"Of course. Wait for me to wash up and have breakfast first."
As the leader of this mission, it was both proper and sensible to assess the situation firsthand.
Moreover, the Academy was an excellent place to search for a target.
"The school is about to start classes. They probably can't wait for you."
"You all go ahead and do what you need. Don't worry about me."
"Yes."
After receiving the order, Karura silently withdrew from the room.
Ten minutes later, Ryuji finished his morning routine, put on a raincoat, and slid open the paper door.
The summer rain was torrential, as if someone were pouring water from a great height. It drummed against the roof and ground with a rapid pitter-patter.
Ryuji glanced around. The courtyard was empty and desolate.
Interning at the hospital, attending classes at the Shinobi Academy, scouting locations to familiarize themselves with the terrain...
Even though this was a friendly diplomatic exchange, just in case, they needed to be prepared for potential conflict with Konoha and know the precise escape routes.
Whether exchange students or guards, everyone had their duties. The Genin had gone out for supplies.
Ryuji tightened his raincoat and plunged into the rain.
Leaving the future Uchiha Clan's compound, he entered a quiet path, walking alone...
Heavy rain, a secluded lane, walking solo.
A perfect, melancholy scene.
Ryuji did feel uncomfortable; the raincoat clung unpleasantly to his skin.
He quickened his pace and soon arrived at the commercial district.
Under the downpour, the normally bustling streets were eerily quiet. Only occasionally did someone hurry past.
Ryuji scanned the street, spotted a familiar shop, and excitedly hurried over.
"Boss, a bowl of your signature ramen!" Ryuji called out loudly as he lifted the curtain.
However,
As soon as he lifted the curtain, he was met with two pairs of startled eyes.
Spiky blond hair, a handsome face, wearing a green flak jacket, a Konoha's forehead protector, a smile that seemed to radiate warmth… the very picture of a heartthrob.
—Minato Namikaze.
To Minato's right sat three youths, around ten years old.
Their features were too distinctive; Ryuji recognized them at a glance.
Silver-haired Kakashi.
Short brown hair, large dark brown eyes, a cute face adorned with purple markings… Nohara Rin.
Black hair, oversized goggles, a bright, cheerful smile… Uchiha Obito.
"You!"
Kakashi sprang to his feet, his hand already on the hilt of the sword at his back.
If Minato hadn't grabbed his hand first, he likely would have already drawn his blade.
Hearing the commotion, the slower-to-react Rin and Obito finally looked over, puzzled.
They shifted their gaze to Ryuji, whom Kakashi was confronting.
At first, there was nothing, but when they saw the forehead protector on Ryuji's head, their eyes widened slightly.
"Sunagakure?"
"Why is a Sunagakure's Shinobi in Konoha?!"
The first question came from Rin; the second exclamation was Obito's.
Not only did he exclaim loudly, but he also fumbled, knocking over a bowl of ramen on the table, causing a moment of flustered activity.
'At first glance, just a clumsy kid. Who would have thought he'd become the mastermind behind the Fourth Shinobi World War, nearly destroying the entire world later?' Ryuji narrowed his eyes, studying Obito, wondering if he should eliminate him now and replace him with a puppet.
If his puppet could still catch Madara's eye, he could prematurely send Black Zetsu packing.
However,
This thought had barely surfaced before Ryuji dismissed it.
Obito's will was too resolute, too stubborn.
If he modeled a puppet's soul after Obito's personality, the creation would almost certainly defy him. Even if it couldn't resist his direct control, it could use self-destruction to ruin his plans.
If he didn't use Obito's personality for the soul, the puppet would undoubtedly be exposed.
Because Obito's personality was too distinctive.
Then, kill him to disrupt Madara's plans?
Again, this thought was dismissed as soon as it appeared.
Without Obito, there would be a Uchiha Ebito.
What Madara needed wasn't Obito specifically, but a pawn to execute his plan.
While Madara was nearing his end, with the Outer Path Statue's Chakra sustaining his life, it was unclear how many more years he could hold on.
Kill Obito, only to create another unknown executor of the Eye of the Moon Plan?
That plan was foolish.
"What are you doing here?!"
The unfriendly voice pulled Ryuji from his thoughts. He glanced at the interrogating Kakashi, a slight smile curling his lips.
"You don't know?"
Hearing this, the hostility on Kakashi's face receded slightly, replaced by reluctant resignation as he sat back down.
Of course, he knew about the Sunagakure's delegation's visit. He just didn't know the specific members.
Hearing Ryuji's amused tone now, he immediately understood: this guy was part of the delegation.