In a rented apartment within the civilian district of Konoha, Yakushi Kabuto clutched his shoulder, grimacing as waves of phantom pain radiated from where his shadow clone had been cut down.
After a moment of silence to compose himself, he integrated the clone's memories. His expression grew complicated.
"Careless."
He had known that Yagyu Masahiko was recently promoted to Tokubetsu Jōnin.
However.
He hadn't anticipated that Masahiko—ostensibly just a Special Jōnin—would possess such terrifying prowess. His application of the Shadow Clone Jutsu and Body Flicker Technique...
It was nothing short of godlike.
Yet, Masahiko's actions conveyed a deliberate message:
He is willing to make contact.
ever since Masahiko's promotion, Kabuto had been observing this Academy teacher. As a veteran spy, his instincts screamed that there was something unique about the man. After exhausting his entire intelligence network, Kabuto was now certain of his hypothesis—
Masahiko was deeply trusted by the Third Hokage.
Yet, in the shadows, he collaborated with Shimura Danzō, walking a fine line between the Uchiha clan and Root.
Yagyu Masahiko was just like him.
The difference lay in their clarity of purpose. Masahiko's goals were sharper, his cognition of the world more sober and precise.
"A very valuable individual," Kabuto murmured, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But regrettably, far too dangerous."
When goals align, cooperation with such men is easy. But gaining their loyalty? That is nearly impossible.
Furthermore, Kabuto couldn't guarantee that if he went to meet him in person, he wouldn't be walking into a net cast by both the Third Hokage and Danzō.
"Orochimaru-sama... I will leave the decision of whether to meet him personally up to you."
The unexpected intrusion forced Masahiko to abort his training plan for the day.
His physical stamina and mental energy had already been heavily taxed by his workout, and the brief skirmish had consumed a significant amount of chakra. If another accident were to occur, he couldn't guarantee his own safety.
However, Masahiko was certain of one thing: the intruder was Yakushi Kabuto.
That level of precision with the Chakra Scalpel—aside from Kabuto, there were few medical ninja in Konoha capable of such a feat.
"Kabuto..."
"This is actually a good thing."
Masahiko began calculating his next move. A spy of Kabuto's caliber would never approach him personally again. If the other side was interested in cooperation, they would either send a sacrificial pawn or Orochimaru would come himself.
Masahiko was clear on his stance—he was interested in collaborating with Orochimaru, but he would not accept being treated as a secondary resource or a subordinate.
Moreover, in the short term, he still needed Danzō's resources and political backing. Therefore, the encounter with the "Black Robed Man" had to be reported.
This, after all, was what "loyalty" looked like.
Deep within the forest, a swarm of kikaichū beetles wrapped around a small bamboo cylinder and vanished into the shadows.
In an underground base on the outskirts of Konoha.
Danzō accepted the cylinder, extracted the message within, and scanned it quickly. A low, raspy chuckle escaped his throat.
"It seems some bugs can no longer hold back their patience."
"Danzō-sama, shall I dig this person out?"
Toge, a Root agent, immediately offered his loyalty, kneeling on the ground.
Danzō waved his hand dismissively. "Unnecessary. I know whose subordinate he is. Let him be for now."
"Yes!"
Toge remained kneeling, awaiting further orders.
Danzō looked at the report describing the encounter. The words were filled with professed loyalty and feigned concern for village security. He tapped his finger against the paper, a faint smile surfacing on his face.
Yagyu Masahiko...
Since receiving Root's resource support, the man's strength had improved at a speed far exceeding Danzō's estimates. To achieve this level in just a few months... it was no wonder Uchiha Shisui valued him so highly.
Danzō crushed the paper into dust. "Send a reply. Tell him to continue his current duties. If that side attempts to contact him again, he has my permission to boldly explore the connection."
"Yes!"
Toge stood up and turned to leave.
"Wait." Danzō suddenly called him back.
He smiled faintly, stood up, and undid a seal on the wall to enter a hidden chamber. Moments later, he returned with a scroll.
"Give him this."
"Understood!"
The next day, sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room.
Masahiko opened his eyes. seeing the scroll and letter resting by his bedside, he felt no surprise.
When the Root agent infiltrated last night, Masahiko was still in the System's training space. The intrusion triggered his automatic awakening, allowing him to clearly sense the visitor's arrival. He also knew it was the same Aburame clan member he had dealt with before.
"That narrow bathroom window..." Masahiko thought, stretching. "Only kikaichū beetles could navigate that entry."
He picked up the letter.
Danzō's reply was within his expectations. What surprised him was the accompanying scroll. He unrolled it, and a look of genuine intrigue crossed his face.
This is...
"Research notes on the Water Style: Hard Whirlpool Water Blade!"
Masahiko was slightly astonished.
But then, he let out a soft chuckle. Judging by the contents, this wasn't the original scroll penned by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. It was more likely a compilation of research results from the Anbu or Root's attempt to recreate it.
"He offers benefits, but expects results in return..."
"Truly his style."
He spread the scroll out on the table and began to study it meticulously. Even if it was second-hand research, there was still a wealth of knowledge to be mined from the analysis of such a high-level technique.
After a thorough read-through, he hid the scroll in a concealed spot within the room and headed out for his morning workout as usual.
Ninjutsu research was not the work of a single day. And physical conditioning required persistent, unwavering discipline.
Upon arriving at the Academy, Masahiko was in the middle of preparing his lesson plan—pondering what kind of "hellish training" to inflict upon Naruto and Sasuke for the second period—when he was interrupted.
"Director Watanabe, you could have simply sent someone to summon me. I apologize for making you walk all the way here..."
"With major directives from above, one cannot be too careful," Watanabe Shoji said with a warm, affable expression. "Besides, looking at you... who knows? In the future, you might be the one sitting in my chair."
Masahiko immediately adopted a humble, terrified demeanor, insisting he was unworthy of such praise as he hastily invited the Director to sit.
"Director, you mentioned orders from above?"
"You remember the last meeting, correct? The results are in. Take a look."
Watanabe produced an official document and a mission request form.
Masahiko took them, feigning surprise. "Such an important matter... and it's being entrusted to me?"
"We old timers are just running out the clock on our tenure. If we talk about true ability, we might not measure up to you. You are the most suitable candidate," Watanabe replied.
The document clearly outlined the mission details. But it wasn't the orphanage volunteering request Masahiko had previously suggested.
It was a request from the Konoha Military Police Force.
The mission: Lead students to participate in street cleaning, security patrols, and assist in maintaining public order.
To think they would use the students on the Police Force...
However, after a moment's thought, Masahiko wasn't surprised. With Danzō involved, this was to be expected.
Masahiko smiled and nodded gently. "I understand. So, the second period will be changed to Social Studies Fieldwork?"
"Correct. We are piloting it with your class first. After all... you have experience dealing with Naruto in this regard," Watanabe whispered conspiratorially. "Aside from you, Iruka and Mizuki will be at your disposal. All decisions are yours to make."
"Understood. Should I take the students to report to the Police Force headquarters, or the Hokage Building?"
"Just go straight to the Police Force."
"Very well."
Masahiko nodded in agreement.
As he watched Watanabe leave, the smile on Masahiko's face faded, replaced by a slightly darker expression.
This matter...
It was undoubtedly a hot potato.
The Uchiha clan would certainly not welcome them.
However, the Uchiha were walking a dead end; there was no need to fear a clan destined for the grave.
What Masahiko was contemplating was the political maneuver itself:
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzō making such an arrangement was a blatant move to pressure the Uchiha into rebellion.
Perhaps...
The Night of the Tragedy would arrive much sooner in this life than he had anticipated.