The situation had become… strange.
Maruboshi Kosuke's final report suggested that the Land of Waves was possibly being controlled from the shadows by Kirigakure. Then, he was found dead at Konoha's perimeter barrier—his corpse turned into a deadly sealing trap by someone well-versed in fūinjutsu.
Sarutobi had spent the last two days pondering whom to dispatch to investigate Wave.
But before he could decide, the Bounty Station suddenly delivered the corpse of Ao, the Mist jōnin listed on Konoha's gold-class bounty notice. The only shinobi in Kirigakure who possessed a Byakugan.
The Bounty Station could not identify the hunter-nin who brought him in.
But both Kosuke and Ao shared disturbing similarities: their brains had been destroyed, making it impossible to retrieve any useful intelligence from the bodies.
Two events, linked by the same pattern.
The Third Hokage immediately sensed a deliberate hand working against Konoha.
"Any updates from Kirigakure regarding the Fourth Mizukage?"
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen turned toward the darkened corner of the room.
A masked ANBU—tiger mask—stepped out soundlessly.
"Our operatives have yet to obtain reliable information. What we can confirm is that the Fourth Mizukage died immediately after the Three-Tails went berserk.
The latest reports only mention that Kirigakure is currently electing a new Mizukage, and that they have dispatched teams across the shinobi world in search of the Six-Tails Jinchūriki."
Hiruzen's expression darkened another shade.
"And Root's intelligence channels?"
The tiger-masked ANBU bowed his head slightly.
"Root reports that they have no active informants remaining inside Kirigakure."
Hiruzen's eyes hardened.
"…I understand. Have Shikaku and Yamato report to my office."
–––Ding-ling-ling!
School dismissal bell.
Once the other students filed out of the taijutsu hall, Chōji waddled over to Naruto and Hinata, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Finally, just one more self-study period left… Naruto, I'm gonna go buy snacks. Want anything?"
Shikamaru immediately turned, astonished.
"Chōji, you're treating us to snacks? I've known you forever—this is the first time!"
Chōji flushed red.
"N–No, actually… um… I… uh—"
"I'm good," Naruto said with a small laugh.
He pulled out a few bills and handed them to Chōji.
"Just bring Hinata a few different flavors of chestnut puffs."
Hinata turned bright pink, tugging lightly at Naruto's sleeve.
"N–Naruto-kun… two bags are enough…"
"Oh?"
Naruto smiled, then looked to Shikamaru.
"If you want something, just tell Chōji."
"Ahhh, so that's why…"
Shikamaru clicked his tongue as Chōji pocketed the money.
"Forget it, I'm not much of a snack-eater. For a second I thought you were actually treating."
"I'll be back soon!!"
Chōji vanished out the dojo door with surprising speed.
Shikamaru sighed, then frowned.
"Hey Naruto, you sure your monthly allowance is enough? You're always buying stuff…"
"Of course it's enough," Naruto replied, meeting his eyes.
"You should already know—there are plenty of people in the village who won't even take my money. So even if I don't get a lot each month… I can still save plenty."
Shikamaru's expression tightened, complicated.
He had only meant it as friendly concern, but Naruto's straightforward answer landed heavier than expected.
The air grew awkward.
A moment later, Hinata tugged lightly on Naruto's sleeve again, whispering nervously:
"N–Naruto-kun… some students from another class just entered the dojo…"
"We should head back," Naruto said gently.
Then he glanced at Shikamaru.
"Your face looks a bit pale. Feeling unwell?"
Shikamaru exhaled and managed a smile.
"No… I'm just suddenly regretting not getting snacks when I had the chance."
"Maybe Chōji will share later."
"Don't kid yourself. Ask anyone—when has an Akimichi ever given up food?"
Hinata whispered:
"Shikamaru-kun… if you want, I can give you a bag of my chestnut puffs…"
"No way," Shikamaru waved both hands.
"Naruto bought those for you. And again—I don't like snacks."
"…Okay."
Talking idly, the three walked back to class. Chōji had already returned, his desk piled high with snacks.
He immediately pulled two bags from the heap and rushed them to Naruto.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes and returned to his seat. Naruto passed the puffs to Hinata, then went back to his usual corner by the window.
As he turned his head, Shikamaru leaned over from the front row and whispered:
"Why don't you let Hinata sit next to you?"
Without looking up, Naruto replied:
"With your intelligence, you shouldn't be asking that kind of question."
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, then leaned back with his hands behind his head.
"Fine. I'm just bored. Dad's been acting weird lately. Even though we haven't graduated yet, he keeps making Chōji, Ino, and me practice joint formation tactics. Haven't even had time for shogi…"
He paused.
"By the way, Naruto—you play shogi? It's self-study hour anyway. Want a match?"
"I can play," Naruto said calmly. "But I don't like shogi."
"Why not?"
"You're asking too many questions today."
Naruto's gaze drifted back to the window—just in time to catch sight of a spiky-haired man walking by below. Only then did he continue:
"What I dislike is that a shogi board always begins with two players moving the pieces."
Shikamaru frowned slightly.
"You can't play without an opponent. That's the whole point."
Naruto smiled faintly.
"People who like shogi always see the world as a chessboard. They enjoy the feeling of manipulating every piece, controlling every part of the battlefield, winning with perfect strategy…
But tell me, Shikamaru—"
His eyes sharpened.
"Have you ever considered how the pieces feel?"
Shikamaru's expression grew serious.
"I have."
Naruto paused, surprised.
"And what did you conclude?"
Shikamaru closed his eyes and exhaled.
"No one wants to be a piece."
–––At the Same Time — Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage was discussing the Wave investigation with Shikaku.
"Fire Lord, based on my analysis, elder Kosuke's death and the Mist jōnin's death are definitely connected to the Land of Waves."
Shikaku said gravely, poring over the two reports.
Hiruzen nodded.
"Yes. Kosuke's last intel pointed to a hidden Mist presence behind Wave. And just days later, someone brings in a Mist jōnin's corpse for bounty. This is no coincidence."
"Given all this… who do you think we should send?"
Shikaku thought for a moment.
"I think—"
FWIP!
An ANBU wearing a bear mask appeared on the balcony.
"Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen frowned.
"Yamato? That was fast. Where's Kakashi?"
"Captain Kakashi is still at the Memorial Stone."
Hiruzen sighed.
"Bring him to me."
PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.
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