"How is your current situation?" Tsuchihashi asked, pouring him a glass of water.
Hagawa took a couple of sips and recounted his general experiences, omitting only the part about the system.
"You actually possess such talent?" Tsuchihashi's face showed surprise, which was quickly followed by regret. "If I had known earlier, I never would have let you come." Sending a genius to be an undercover agent was clearly a waste; he could have had a much greater impact in the Cloud Village.
But it would be very difficult for Hagawa to leave now that he was on Hiruzen's and Danzo's radar.
"I am willing to stay in Konoha!" Hagawa said with a determined look. "Everything is for the sake of the Cloud Village!"
I had no choice before. Now, I just want to be a good ninja.
The light of the righteous path shone upon Tsuchihashi's face. He said with great emotion, "With people like you, how could the Cloud Village not prosper!"
You're really getting into your role, huh. But thinking about it, the atmosphere in the Cloud Village was indeed quite good—not too much intrigue, and strength was what earned respect.
Hagawa went along with it smoothly. "It is what I ought to do."
Tsuchihashi took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. He looked at Hagawa and said, "Your situation is very different from what I anticipated, so the original mission is no longer suitable."
The Cloud Village's original plan was for Hagawa to blend into the orphanage and gather intelligence. But now that he had joined the Ninja Academy and gained the attention of Konoha's high-ranking officials, the plan naturally had to change.
Tsuchihashi fell into deep thought. To be fair, Hagawa's current situation was even more beneficial to the Cloud Village, because he now had the qualifications to climb the ladder. The reason the Cloud had succeeded in kidnapping Kushina was that they had utilized a spy within the Anbu. But once used, that asset was gone. They were in desperate need of a spy in the mid-to-high echelons.
"Hagawa, your mission from now on is to be a true genius," Tsuchihashi said after some thought.
Hagawa understood his thinking immediately. This was indeed the most suitable mission for him. He had already passed Hiruzen's inspection. As long as he didn't blow his cover, he was an authentic Konoha ninja who could climb his way to the very top, step by step.
"If you run into any emergencies in the future, come find me at the Konoha Bookstore," Tsuchihashi said, patting his shoulder. "Be careful. The hope of the entire village rests on you now."
"I understand," Hagawa said in a serious tone.
"Keep up the good work," Tsuchihashi said with a smile. "There will definitely be corresponding rewards in the future. Perhaps you'll even earn the appreciation of Lord Raikage and be taught Nintaijutsu."
"Thank you, Uncle Tsuchihashi." Hagawa's eyes lit up, and he smiled as well. He was seriously craving the Cloud Village's Nintaijutsu. The Fourth Raikage's version was famously powerful, with an impressive combat record in the original series.
"Take a couple of books when you leave, so you don't arouse suspicion," Tsuchihashi reminded him.
"Can I take a few more?" Hagawa asked, thinking of his stated purpose for the day trip: the orphanage. Books would make a good gift and would also help him maintain the lie he told Shinku Yuhi.
"You can," Tsuchihashi said after a pause, "but not too many. At your age, you wouldn't have the money for it."
As expected of a veteran spy. He's got all the angles covered. You're on another level, uncle!
Hagawa went downstairs, selected seven picture books that children would enjoy, and left the Konoha Bookstore. He stopped just as he stepped outside. Not far away, a familiar figure appeared: Obito Uchiha. He was helping a white-haired old lady cross the street.
Hagawa thought for a moment, decided not to go over and say hello, and turned towards the orphanage instead.
"Thank you for your trouble again today, Obito."
The old lady glanced in Hagawa's direction. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes for an instant before she immediately resumed her benevolent appearance.
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