"Kitty, you really understand me!"
Hearing this, the kitty, moved nearly to the point of combustion, obediently nodded her fluffy little head.
After over twenty years together day and night, how could she not understand Rinjin?
Seeing the kitty nod, Rinjin continued:
"Since you understand me so well, you naturally know my weakness.
To put it harshly, I'm soft-hearted. To put it nicely, I value bonds."
At this, the kitty nodded obediently again.
It was precisely because of this trait that the kitty was so fond of Rinjin.
Only a heart that had been silent for hundreds of years could be so moved by a man who cherished and protected her.
Though she never said it aloud, he never let her face danger—the kitty was well aware of all his actions.
When he had dangerous business to handle, he'd shamelessly sent her to Kumogakure. Even when that bastard Sanraizi blackmailed him, he didn't hesitate.
All of this was firmly etched in the kitty's memory.
On the other side, Rinjin, harboring his own schemes, continued:
"So I also deeply care about my friends and family.
Tsunade may have tricked me into marriage, but she's still my wife. Yawai may be full of schemes, but she did... uh... roll around on the ground back then!
So I want to protect them.
I'm immortal—Uchiha Madara and his accomplices can't do anything to me, but you're different. I have to protect you all!"
Speaking with righteous determination, Rinjin's sensory abilities locked firmly onto Tsunade and Yawai outside the door.
Seeing flickers of emotion cross their faces, Rinjin finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
Phew~ Finally don't have to juggle so many problems!
The next afternoon.
Hokage Office Conference Room.
The vast conference room now held only two people.
The soon-to-retire Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the incoming Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Clearly, these two were conducting the most classified intelligence handover.
After passing the village's defense maps and barrier distribution charts to Minato, Sarutobi looked deeply at his grand-disciple before pulling a palm-sized scroll from his sleeve.
On the scroll, bright red characters marked it as "SECRET."
After hesitating for a moment, Sarutobi seemed to steel his resolve and placed the scroll on the table:
"Minato, this intelligence may be one classification level below the village defense maps, but don't underestimate it.
Moreover, it must never be revealed to anyone outside your absolute inner circle."
Having learned from experience, Minato immediately nodded and, with Sarutobi's approval, took the scroll.
Unrolling it, seven large characters immediately caught his eye:
Revised File: Sōhoku Rinjin
Name: Sōhoku Rinjin
Birth Year: Konoha Year 10
Profile: Originally the son of the Third Kazekage of the Land of Wind, later abducted by the Cult of Jashin and made an experimental subject. Escaped at age seven, became a disciple of Sōhoku Mizuguma in Amegakure, then sent to Konoha as a spy.
Due to various circumstances, became a double agent for both Konoha and Amegakure, later assigned to Kumogakure. Single-handedly orchestrated the "Pig Iron Catastrophe."
According to partial undercover intelligence, this individual later infiltrated Kirigakure for unknown purposes; engaged in decisive battle with an unidentified powerful opponent, suspected to be an Uchiha clan member.
Rebuilt Amegakure, rescued numerous Uzumaki clan members from Kirigakure's control. Later infiltrated Sunagakure, suspected of undermining Fourth KazekageRasa.
Known Abilities:Two-Tails Matatabi jinchūriki, Magnet Release inherited from Third Kazekage, Lightning Release Chakra Mode and Heavenly Transfer Technique from Kumogakure, Eight Gates, Five Elements Seal, Impure World Reincarnation, Flying Thunder God Technique, Summoning Technique (Shikkotsu Forest), Multi-Size Technique, Sage Art.
Notes:
Hostility prohibited unless causing major catastrophic damage
Entry into Konoha's upper echelons forbidden
Minimal contact recommended unless absolutely necessary
Should hostilities arise, Jiraiya is to handle personally
After reading everything, Minato's brow had furrowed deeply.
He never would have imagined that the teacher who had once instructed him in the Flying Thunder God Technique was so feared by Konoha's upper leadership.
Yes! Feared!
Beyond Rinjin's biographical information, every single word in the scroll reeked of deep wariness and apprehension.
He was truly shocked.
With this realization, Minato couldn't help but ask:
"Third Hokage, why is this file classified as secret?"
Hearing this, Sarutobi wore an expression that said 'I knew you'd ask that,' and spoke in a grave tone:
"In this intelligence report, the prohibition against Sōhoku Rinjin entering the upper echelons was established by the Second Hokage. Everything else represents decades of painstakingly gathered intelligence.
It's precious, but there's also necessity in having the right people know about it.
So determining exactly who should know this intelligence will truly test your judgment of character.
If the wrong people learn of it, those with ulterior motives might use it to provoke conflict between Rinjin and the village.
If the right people don't know about it and problems arise, the village will have to swallow the bitter consequences.
Actually, this situation is partly my fault—I shouldn't have allowed this guy to stay back then!"
Hearing this, Minato didn't take the bait, instead asking again:
"Then why should Jiraiya-sensei handle any problems personally?"
"Jiraiya and Rinjin have been close since childhood. Rinjin even stood up for Jiraiya once!
That's my second point for you.
Sōhoku Rinjin deeply values bonds. Most everything he does revolves around protecting his friends and family.
Sometimes I even suspect he has some compelling reason that forces him to act this way.
This will also be your method for reasonably managing the village's relationship with him in the future."
Hearing this, Minato nodded seriously.
Without being Hokage, one couldn't know how heavy the burden on one's shoulders truly was.
So he felt it necessary to have a proper conversation with Teacher Rinjin.
If both sides could coexist harmoniously and help each other, diplomatic pressures would ease
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