Chapter 83: Cats Have Nine Lives
"Let me confirm one more time, Owl."
Hayate crossed his arms, his tone serious as he spoke in a grave voice: "Are you really going to undertake this infiltration mission alone?"
"Yes, I've made my decision. I'll go solo." Uchiha Kazuki nodded slightly. "Kirigakure is famous for its assassination techniques. It's located in a remote region, completely surrounded by water, and has maintained an isolationist policy for years. Whether I have backup or not makes little difference. In fact, a single operative presents a smaller target and makes intelligence gathering considerably easier."
After considering it for a moment, Hayate had to agree with his assessment: "You're right. Kirigakure releases very little information about the outside world. The more people we send to infiltrate, the easier it becomes to be exposed."
However, Hayate was genuinely concerned about allowing someone the Hokage valued so highly to carry out such a dangerous mission alone. After brief deliberation, he retrieved a scroll from his vest and handed it over: "Since you've already made your decision, I won't argue further. But please accept this."
"What is it?"
Uchiha Kazuki reached out and took the scroll but didn't immediately open it.
"This contains the list of Konoha's deep-cover operatives infiltrated into Kirigakure." Hayate's voice turned icy, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. "If necessary, these agents can be reactivated. If the situation demands it, even if they all perish, your safety must be guaranteed. Understand, Owl?"
"Isn't this a bit... extreme?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Kazuki's heart trembled slightly, genuine surprise appearing on his face.
The importance of this list was self-evident.
Any spy capable of long-term infiltration into an enemy nation was undoubtedly an elite among elites. Perhaps their combat strength wasn't the greatest, but their character and loyalty were certainly beyond question.
Moreover, behind each operative lay countless sacrifices made to ensure their successful infiltration. Konoha must have expended tremendous resources and effort, making each agent extraordinarily valuable.
Yet now, Hayate was suggesting they sacrifice these precious operatives to ensure his safety.
"Heh, don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."
Hayate patted his shoulder, his cold demeanor melting away as he chuckled: "This is also the Hokage's intention. You are far more important to Lord Third than those operatives!"
This is one of the benefits of raising Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust level.
At least for now, Uchiha Kazuki's value far exceeded that of many others—including even Danzō.
"Please convey my gratitude to the Hokage."
Uchiha Kazuki displayed a grateful expression before speaking solemnly: "I will definitely complete the mission Lord Hokage has assigned me!"
"Travel safely."
Hayate didn't say anything more, but spoke with the concern of a senior officer: "We'll be waiting for your return, Owl."
"Ah, don't worry."
Uchiha Kazuki waved casually and turned to leave the ANBU headquarters.
Watching his retreating figure, a smile unconsciously appeared on Hayate's lips.
No one had ever seen this ANBU deputy commander show such kindness to a newcomer. The ANBU operative beside him scratched his head in confusion and asked: "Captain Hayate, do you really think that highly of the kid?"
Thwack!
The operative received a sharp rap on the head, clutching his skull and crouching in pain.
"Tell the others to be careful from now on."
Hayate regained his usual coldness, glancing at the crouching operative as he spoke in a deep voice: "That young man... before long, he'll become someone we all answer to."
Hearing this, the crouching operative gasped sharply. The only person they answered to was that position. He stared at Hayate in disbelief, swallowing hard: "You... you mean... Owl will soon become the ANBU Commander?"
"That's correct."
Hayate didn't deny it, crossing his arms: "The Hokage thinks very highly of Owl. If he completes this mission successfully, his achievements will be more than sufficient."
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't explicitly stated this, anyone with discerning eyes could understand the Hokage's intentions.
This mission to infiltrate Kirigakure and investigate potential warfare served multiple purposes: it was a comprehensive test of his abilities to determine if he was qualified to wield the sharpest blade in the Hokage's arsenal; it also provided tremendous achievements that would silence dissenting voices and opposition.
Of course, all of this was contingent on Uchiha Kazuki's ability to complete the mission successfully.
The ANBU operative quickly grasped the full situation, clicking his tongue in amazement: "No wonder the Hokage was willing to give him the spy network list."
"Heh, don't worry about that particular list."
Hayate seemed to recall something amusing and couldn't help but chuckle: "Those operatives... the Hokage obtained them from Danzō."
Thinking back to that situation, Danzō had practically been bursting with rage.
The spies he had painstakingly positioned over years were immediately commandeered by Sarutobi.
And most importantly, they were being given to the person Danzō hated most.
Reportedly, Danzō was so furious that he snapped his favorite cane clean in half upon returning to Root headquarters.
A vast, gray ocean stretched endlessly, shrouded in thick fog.
As far as the eye could see, everything was enveloped in swirling mist, reducing visibility to less than ten meters.
A massive merchant vessel, flying commercial flags, moved at a crawl across the foggy waters, slowly making its way toward its destination.
Although Kirigakure prioritized secrecy and isolation, the village maintained necessary external trade relations.
After all, shinobi were human too—they needed food, supplies, and basic necessities. Kirigakure's territory was resource-poor, and despite its proximity to the ocean, the village's standard of living remained precarious beyond fishing operations.
Thus, a specialized group of merchants emerged, dedicated to facilitating trade between Kirigakure and the outside world.
Of course, these merchants all operated under Kirigakure's constant surveillance.
Uchiha Kazuki's infiltration method was relatively straightforward: he simply purchased passage and boarded the ship under the guise of tourism.
The Land of Water was vast, and outsiders weren't prohibited from traveling to areas outside Kirigakure's direct jurisdiction. Over the years, a portion of their revenue had actually come from tourists and travelers.
"First time visiting the Land of Water, young man?"
Uchiha Kazuki, who had been standing at the ship's railing lost in thought, suddenly heard a voice behind him.
Turning around, he saw a short, middle-aged man dressed like a typical sailor. Dark-skinned and weathered, the man approached warmly, flashing a mouthful of teeth stained yellow from tobacco.
"How did you know this is my first time here?" Uchiha Kazuki asked with apparent curiosity.
The sailor grinned, pointing at their surroundings as he explained: "This place is always so foggy you can't see anything. Nobody usually wants to stand around on deck."
"I see."
Uchiha Kazuki nodded as if suddenly understanding, not denying it: "This is indeed my first visit to the Land of Water. I'm quite curious about it."
"Listen, kid—the Land of Water isn't exactly a friendly place."
The sailor leaned casually against the railing, looking at him with meaningful eyes: "Sometimes, too much curiosity can kill the cat."
"Is that so?"
Uchiha Kazuki smiled faintly, adjusting his glasses with one finger: "But I've heard that cats have nine lives."
[End of Chapter 83]
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