Nara Shikakaku, Hatake Sakumo, and Tsunade led 2,000 Konoha shinobi toward the Land of Rivers.
There was no farewell, no ceremony.
In silence, the shinobi left Konoha in groups, following their captains one by one.
The Yellow Dog Unit would serve as the Hokage's eyes on the River Country frontlines—his official envoy to the war zone.
***
After hiding for a long time in the caves near , the moment his wounds were healed, Chōta made his way to the forward base under construction.
The base was positioned in central River Country, guarding the eastern breadbasket region.
The perimeter walls and watchtowers had already been completed. Tents for the various squads were still going up.
Chōta waited a long while until Hatake Sakumo finally stepped out of the command tent.
"Chōta!" Sakumo's face, usually so tense, lit up with surprise and relief. "I thought something had gone wrong with your mission. It's good to have you back."
Chōta handed him a sealed mission scroll."Lord Sakumo, I uncovered some sensitive intelligence. I'd like to report it to you privately."
Sakumo glanced back at the Nara Clan strategists behind him."You may go rest."
One of the Nara shinobi gave Chōta a longer-than-necessary look before silently departing.
When they reached a quiet place, Chōta spoke in a low voice:
"Lord Sakumo, this mission... it was meant to be a death sentence.
Captain Sarutobi Senjin split our squad of three up and ordered us to infiltrate the Oasis from different angles. It was a suicide mission, but we went anyway—for the mission's sake."
"A member of the ANBU appeared and saved me. I had no ties to him. He simply gave me a message to deliver to you."
Sakumo's expression turned instantly cold.
"Wait. You're telling me Sarutobi Senjin ordered three chūnin to infiltrate a heavily guarded Suna stronghold?"
That kind of order was something Sakumo detested more than anything.
The air around him chilled, a quiet but unmistakable killing intent bleeding into the space. Sakumo was a loyal comrade to his fellow Konoha shinobi—but when it came to enemy villages, he showed no mercy.
"As deputy commander, I'll personally review that mission file."
Chōta continued:
"My own situation doesn't matter. Captain Chōta died during the mission anyway.
What matters more is what the ANBU told me.
He said the higher-ups believe there's a faction forming around you. That they're investigating us."
Chōta met Sakumo's eyes, voice tight with concern.
"Lord Sakumo, we know we're no 'faction.' But to the higher-ups, any power not pledging direct allegiance to the Hokage is a tumor.
Just look at how the Uchiha Clan has been suppressed. Even the Senju Clan is in decline now, all because they've clashed with the leadership's decisions in the past.
Please—be careful."
Sakumo responded:
"The ANBU are investigating a faction that doesn't exist? And this ANBU agent chose you to deliver that message? Why? That's not like them. The ANBU follow the Hokage without question."
Just as Yako had predicted, Sakumo wasn't about to accept this at face value.
Chōta explained:
"The ANBU wore a fox mask. Very powerful.
He said he supports you. Believes the merit-based exam system should replace the current recommendation system. Maybe he used to serve with you on missions, before he joined ANBU.
Aren't we all here because we served on missions under you?"
"...I understand," Sakumo said after a pause. "I'll keep an eye on any moves from the higher-ups. You all stay alert too."
Inside the tent of the ANBU division commander, Yako received his next mission.
Yellow Dog addressed him sharply:
"The frontlines don't require ANBU support for now. But in the capital of River Country, there are two troublesome nobles who need to be dealt with—quietly.
With Sunagakure declaring war on Konoha, some of the nobles are looking to profit from it.
A few are siding with Suna early, hoping to take over Konoha's assets in River Country once we lose.
Fox. You're to eliminate two nobles—core supporters of Sunagakure.
Per our agreement with the Daimyō, Konoha can't touch the nobles publicly. So this assassination must be discreet. No one can trace it back to us."
Yako accepted the scroll and quickly skimmed the contents.
Assassinating nobles was one of the ANBU's most routine tasks. There were always arrogant nobles who thought they could play both sides between the shinobi villages.
Yellow Dog continued:
"They'll definitely have Suna guards nearby. Be careful. Minimize collateral damage—especially buildings and civilians.
If we go overboard, the Daimyō won't be fooled. He'll know it was us."
"Understood."
Yako returned to his squad's tent and called over White Ram.
"White Ram, take the team. We're headed to the capital."
White Ram's kikaichū were perfect for gathering intel.
***
The capital of the Land of Rivers straddled both sides of the Yoshimizu River.
A deep canyon ran through the city, the river carving a furious path ten meters below. Several wooden bridges spanned the gorge, connecting both halves of the city.
On either side lay residential areas, commercial zones, noble manors, and the Daimyō's castle tower.
Yako and the White Ram Squad entered the capital disguised as traveling merchants.
After settling into an inn, Yako gave his orders:
"White Ram, you'll monitor our targets—General of the Left and the Court Minister of the Inner Palace.
Track their movements, habits, and guard arrangements.
Especially their Suna escorts.
Don't make contact with any Konoha guardian shinobi stationed in the Daimyō's castle. They must not be linked to this in any way.
When the time comes, the assassination must leave no visible trace. We can't give the Daimyō an excuse to retaliate."
White Ram nodded."Understood. I'll begin surveillance immediately."
Once his team was gone, Yako removed his ANBU mask, replaced it with a plain face covering, and walked out of the inn dressed like a merchant.
In the shinobi world, many people wore masks. His disguise wouldn't raise suspicion.
Of course, with ANBU's pitiful budget, he couldn't afford to do much actual shopping. He wandered aimlessly, window-shopping.
Eventually, he found himself standing on a great bridge.
Beneath him, the river roared—white foam crashing through the canyon.
A posted notice on the bridge caught his eye.
It described the war between the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass, and how it had disrupted coal shipments from the Land of Earth. The capital was facing a severe coal shortage—power generation was at risk.
The River Country's Ministry of Finance had issued a bounty:One million ryō to anyone who could solve the power crisis.
Yako looked down at the roaring river again.An idea began to form.
'A free million ryō… why not?'
If he got into the Ministry, he'd get close to the nobles—closer to his targets.
Following the instructions from the notice, Yako arrived at the Ministry of Finance.
It functioned as both the treasury and central bank of River Country—an immensely powerful institution.
"I can solve your power crisis," he told one of the officials. "Take me to the Treasurer."
The official eyed the ninja blade on Yako's back and assumed he was a powerful freelance shinobi.
Soon, a group of officials entered the room, escorting a woman at their center.
She exuded authority—early thirties, tall, graceful, and undeniably commanding. Her hair was tied up in a high bun, revealing the curve of her white neck.
She wore a fitted white gown, elegant but perfectly modest. Her presence was magnetic.
What truly caught Yako's attention, though, were her rimless glasses—framing a face of striking refinement.
"I am Koiji Chisa, Treasurer of River Country," she said. "I hear you claim to have a solution for the coal shortage?"
Yako replied, "I can't fix your coal supply."
Chisa frowned slightly."Then why are you here?"
"Even the most powerful merchant guild in the Land of Fire couldn't get coal out of the Land of Earth right now—not even with dozens of Konoha shinobi."
He paused, then said calmly:
"But I can sell you hydroelectric technology.With River Country's terrain, you don't need coal. You can run your cities on water."
"Hydro… electric?" Chisa's eyes lit up.
She had never heard the term before—but she was definitely intrigued.