Chapter 142: The Disappearance of the Third Kazekage
It was early morning. Hoshikawa woke up early because he had a lot to do today. Three days had passed since the Chūnin Exams. Just yesterday, he had received a message from Tsubashi, telling him to go to the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore.
Besides meeting his handler, he also had to make breakfast for Tsunade and Kurenai Yuhi. As for Kurenai, her father, Shinku Yuhi, had taken on a mission and was no longer in the village.
Hoshikawa put on his clothes and left his room. He jogged and quickly arrived at the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore.
"Uncle Tsubashi."
After giving the secret signal, Hoshikawa successfully met with Tsubashi.
"Hoshikawa , congratulations on getting first place in the Chūnin Exams," Tsubashi said with emotion. "You've made history for Kumogakure as a spy."
"Just lucky," Hoshikawa said with a smile. "What did you want to see me about, Uncle Tsubashi?"
"There is one thing," Tsubashi said, his tone serious. "War is not far away. The Raikage wants you to do your part when the time comes."
"Yes!" Hoshikawa 's heart thumped.
"With your current identity and status, you can now get access to many of Konoha's secrets," Tsubashi said, patting his shoulder. "When the war starts, you might be the key to Kumogakure's victory."
"I understand!" Hoshikawa nodded. He was already thinking about how to deceive Kumogakure. The only thing he would miss was the Lightning Release Chakra Mode training method. But it was time to cut ties. Hoshikawa was an orphan, and Kumogakure held no sentimental value for him. As for being exposed, he wasn't too worried. As long as he didn't admit it, Konoha would just think Kumogakure was throwing dirt. After all, no one would believe that Tsunade's student was a spy.
But before he was found out, Hoshikawa had to squeeze out the last bit of value from Kumogakure. Giving them information wasn't out of the question. For example, information about Danzo Shimura.
"Any progress on the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki you were told to find?" Tsubashi asked, suddenly remembering.
"I have a few people in mind, but I haven't confirmed it yet," Hoshikawa said, shaking his head.
"It's best to confirm the identity of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki before the war begins," Tsubashi said in a low voice.
"I'll do my best," Hoshikawa said seriously.
"Any other information?" Tsubashi asked, relaxing and smiling.
"There is one," Hoshikawa said after a moment's thought. "But it's related to Sunagakure."
"Sunagakure?" Tsubashi looked surprised. "What is it?"
"The Third Kazekage has been missing for a long time. He might already be dead," Hoshikawa said slowly.
"Wha... what?!" Tsubashi was stunned, looking at him in disbelief. He thought he had misheard. The Third Kazekage, famous throughout the ninja world for his Magnet Release: Iron Sand, was hailed as the strongest Kazekage. How could he have disappeared or even died without a sound? This was completely absurd! Besides the other four Kages, who else could do something like that?
"Where did you get this information from?" Tsubashi asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"From my sensei," Hoshikawa said without blinking. There was no way Kumogakure would go to Tsunade to verify it.
"Tsunade?" Tsubashi's mouth hung open. "This... this is truly..." He thought for a long time, not knowing how to describe it. The Third Kazekage was one of the five most powerful and influential people in the ninja world!
"This information is very valuable!" Tsubashi suddenly became excited, his voice trembling. "If this is true, then Sunagakure must be in chaos right now."
"Not just chaos, but an unprecedented weakening," Hoshikawa added.
"You're right!" Tsubashi laughed. "We're going to get a huge reward this time!" Even though the information was from Hoshikawa , as his handler, he would still get a cut.
"But the final decision is up to the Raikage," Tsubashi said, taking a deep breath and calming down. "I'll send a message back right now!"
"To avoid any mistakes, it's best for the Raikage to first verify the authenticity of the information," Hoshikawa suggested.
"That's a good point," Tsubashi said, stunned. "You're very thoughtful."
"It's all for Kumogakure!" Hoshikawa said, his voice firm.
"The Raikage will surely reward your loyalty," Tsubashi said with a sigh.
"It's what I should do," Hoshikawa said with a smile.
"Your resolve is even stronger than mine," Tsubashi said with a smile. "You can go back now. I'll let you know when I receive a reply from the Raikage."
"Okay." Hoshikawa then took out another scroll. "This is my friend's new novel."
"A new novel?" Tsubashi's eyes lit up. "I've been waiting for this!" He quickly opened the scroll and started reading eagerly. In his opinion, while the rewards from Kumogakure were good, they rarely gave out direct cash rewards. Most of his income now came from this Konoha Knowledge Bookstore. And Hoshikawa 's friend, Thunder Blade, had become his biggest cash cow after his last novel became a hit.
"Another novel that sounds interesting just from the outline," Tsubashi said, closing the scroll.
"My friend wants to publish this one, 'The Steel Witch,' as both a novel and a manga, just like the last one," Hoshikawa said, stating his terms.
"No problem," Tsubashi promised. "Tell your friend not to worry. We'll get it out as soon as possible." Time was money. With Thunder Blade's current reputation, every minute they wasted would be a loss of ten thousand ryō.
"Thank you, Uncle Tsubashi," Hoshikawa said, then said goodbye and left the bookstore.
He had decided to tell them about the Third Kazekage's disappearance after thinking about it. According to the original timeline, in less than a year, Sunagakure would declare war on Konoha, starting the Third Great Ninja War. The reason for this was the internal strife caused by the Third Kazekage's disappearance. If they didn't redirect the conflict, it would completely erupt. Since the outcome was already bad, what was the harm in telling Kumogakure? In theory, no matter how Kumogakure reacted, it wouldn't have much to do with him.
Hoshikawa was deep in thought as he arrived at Tsunade's house. He took out his key and opened the door.
"Sensei," Hoshikawa said, stopping in front of Tsunade's room and knocking on the door. A moment later, the door opened.
"Why are you so early today?" Tsunade asked, leaning against the door frame, her eyes half-closed and her voice groggy.
Hoshikawa 's eyes widened. Her body was pressing against the door, making her outline distorted and spectacular.
"It's not early anymore, Sensei," Hoshikawa said, steadying himself.
"Then go make breakfast," Tsunade said with a yawn, turning and flopping onto her bed, leaving Hoshikawa with a stunning view of her back.
"Don't sleep. You still have to get ready," Hoshikawa 's eyes instinctively fell on her pale legs.
"I know," Tsunade said weakly, half-dead. "And one more thing, throw my clothes in the washing machine for me."
Hoshikawa 's mouth twitched. He really wanted to go up there and spank her. Hoshikawa looked away and closed the door. He thought for a moment and went to the bathroom. Tsunade's clothes were just lying there, not far from the bathtub. Her coat, top, pants, and underwear were all mixed together. There was no need to worry about her figure changing, thanks to the Strength of a Hundred Seal.
"Wait!" Not long after Hoshikawa left, Tsunade suddenly sat up. She held her head, feeling embarrassed. She had just remembered how private those clothes were. Although she and Hoshikawa were close, they were still a man and a woman. But it was too late now.
"Looks like I need to be more careful in the future," Tsunade sighed. "This kid isn't a child anymore." She changed her clothes and left the room. As she passed the kitchen, she glanced at Hoshikawa and then went into the bathroom. The clothes she had left on the floor last night had already been picked up. The washing machine was running. Tsunade subconsciously bit her lip. Thankfully, she was thick-skinned and quickly put it out of her mind.
After she finished getting ready, Tsunade returned to the living room.
"Sensei, do you have any plans today?" Hoshikawa asked, handing her a pair of chopsticks.
"No," Tsunade said casually. "You guys have been preparing for the Chūnin Exams for so long without a break. Let's take it easy for another two days."
"Alright," Hoshikawa said, standing up. "I'll be heading back now, Sensei."
"What do you mean?" Tsunade's eyebrow went up. "You don't want to spend time with me?"
"No, that's not it," Hoshikawa explained. "I'm going back to make breakfast for Kurenai."
"..." Tsunade was taken aback. "Go on," she said.
Hoshikawa nodded, turned, and left. The door closed softly with a thump. Tsunade looked at the steaming pork bone ramen and suddenly lost her appetite.
Hoshikawa returned home, opened the door, and found Kurenai Yuhi already up. She was sitting on the couch in her pajamas, not watching TV but applying lipstick. Under the light, her lips shone with a moist glow, looking soft and delicate.
"Are you hungry?" Hoshikawa walked over and caught a faint, sweet scent.
"I'm hungry," Kurenai said, pursing her lips and putting away her lipstick. "What do you say you teach me how to cook?"
"Okay," Hoshikawa said, reaching out to stroke her slightly curly hair. "What do you want to learn?"
"Rice balls," Kurenai said, tilting her head.
"Rice balls?" Hoshikawa was a little surprised. "Why rice balls first?"
"If I learn how to make rice balls, I can make a bento box," Kurenai said, blinking.
"Oh? Are you making a bento for me?" Hoshikawa asked with a smile.
"No way!" Kurenai's face flushed. "It's for my dad!"
"What about me?" Hoshikawa said, poking her cheek.
"It depends on my mood!" Kurenai glared at him, stood up, and her dainty, jade-like feet made a light pattering sound on the floor as she hurried into the kitchen.
...............
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