"Who are you? Is there something you need?"
Seeing someone approach, the Anbu didn't pay much attention. When they had been searching here earlier, plenty of people had gathered to watch.
"I'm Nohara Rin, a student at the Ninja School. Um, I'd like to ask about Senior Hakushi... I heard he defected—is that true?"
There was a hint of hope on Rin's face; even now, she probably couldn't believe this was real.
"It's true. And stop calling him 'senior'. He's just a dangerous renegade ninja now. That night, when there was such chaos in the village—you felt it too, right? That was him and someone else."
The Anbu Squad Leader had seen this kind of thing many times, but still took the time to explain patiently.
When a respected senior or a close friend defected, it was hard for anyone to accept.
But that's the ninja life—it's always intertwined with partings and death.
"How could this be... Couldn't this just be a misunderstanding?"
"A misunderstanding? So many died—you can't just brush it aside as a simple misunderstanding. Give up your illusions. I saw his coldness and ruthlessness with my own eyes that night. No matter how you defend him, he's not the kind and respectable medical ninja you remember. If you see him again, he'll kill you without hesitation. You'd better give up these useless hopes quickly."
The Anbu Squad Leader spoke in a steady, calm tone.
Without paying any more attention to the stunned Rin, they picked up their things and left.
"Captain, wasn't that a little too harsh? She's still just a Ninja School student..."
One of the Anbu members spoke up.
Even though they had given up their obvious identities, they still didn't want someone so young to be exposed to the cruel side of the world so soon.
"This happened right in her life—there's nothing I can do. It's better to cut off her illusions now than let them linger. Lying to her is true cruelty and harm. The other side is a renegade ninja—he won't show mercy just because she was once a comrade."
"I really hope she can get out from under this shadow."
"Then let's just wish her well."
"By the way, Captain, do you think their defection has anything to do with Jonin Sakumo's incident..."
The Anbu member seemed to realize something, and lowered his voice.
"Don't speak carelessly if you have no proof."
The Squad Leader shot him a cold glare.
The Anbu ninja shut his mouth, saying no more.
"Rin, are you still thinking about that guy?"
Watching the Anbu carry away boxes full of items, the Uchiha boy at Rin's side—Uchiha Obito—looked at her with concern in his eyes.
"Senior Hakushi... why did he..."
Hearing Rin say that, Obito knew she still hoped this wasn't true.
Obito turned away silently. Through the gate, he looked at the empty courtyard—no one remained in this luxurious mansion.
That bastard! How dare he hurt Rin so deeply! Next time I see you, I won't let you off! Obito clenched his fists, resolve burning in his heart.
To make Rin feel better, he had to give that guy a real beating—to vent this rage!
"Rin, I promise you—I'll find that guy sooner or later and get the truth about why he left the village. Leave this to me! I'm an elite ninja of the Uchiha Clan!"
Obito made his promise to Rin in all seriousness.
"Mm, thank you, Obito... I'm okay now."
Seeing Rin still forcing herself to be strong made Obito's heart ache as well.
Arghhhh, that bastard is so dead—I'm going to beat him to a pulp for making Rin this upset! Obito's heart was already consumed by anger and frustration at Hakushi.
◎
One day later—
Capital of the Land of Fire, Shion Flower Branch Pharmacy.
"Leader, here's the latest wanted notice issued by Konoha."
After knocking for permission, Insect Man came in from outside, bringing Hakushi the news, and laid a copy of Konoha's wanted list in front of him.
Hakushi picked it up with interest.
Insect Man said from the side, "To be honest, this wanted notice was published a little slower than I expected."
Given Konoha's capabilities, there's no way the wanted list should take this long to come out.
They were still in the Land of Fire. Normally, the list would have reached them yesterday, and the other countries would get it in two or three days.
But even after lingering in the Land of Fire this long, they only received it today.
"After all, they have to consider all sides and keep the impact to a minimum. Compared to other things, the wanted list is the least of their concerns. So it coming out a bit late makes sense."
As for the pursuit squads—even Hidden Rock had joined the fight now. After witnessing the power they demonstrated that night, anyone with half a brain would know that hunting down renegades isn't the top priority right now.
If this war is lost, even catching all the renegades is meaningless—they'd just waste more soldiers and resources.
Hakushi finished reading the wanted notice from Konoha—just as he expected.
—Konoha Ninja Chiba Hakushi, Chunin, purpose for defection unknown, accused of attacking the village and killing fellow ninja. This individual is extremely dangerous. From today, classified as an S-class renegade ninja.
As for Ayane... there was no record at all—completely omitted.
Most likely, they didn't want other villages to know about the Byakugan's existence, so intentionally left her out.
For those who knew, they probably issued gag orders too.
After all, on the night of the incident, Ayane had to face the fewest Konoha Ninja—most died by her hand. If they just silenced the few survivors, they could keep it hidden for now.