At the inn, Samui proposed, "Since Lord Hokage invited us to take a good look around Konoha, why don't we go now and get familiar with the layout?"
This was their first time in the Leaf. They already had maps of Konoha and their target, the Hyuga compound, but caution demanded on-site reconnaissance.
"Fine," Dodai agreed. He would be the primary actor in this mission. Caution was essential. Failure would be costly. Even if the timid Leaf did not kill him, the secondary objective of peace talks would be jeopardized.
Meanwhile, Kakashi returned to the Hokage Building to report. "Lord Hokage, everything is arranged."
"Well done, Kakashi," the Third Hokage said with a smile. All that remained was the ceremony the day after tomorrow. That would end the external war. The conflict had drained Konoha's strength, and within the village the Uchiha remained a volatile element. Ending the war would benefit the village.
Kakashi glanced at him. "Lord Hokage, should we send the Anbu to keep the Cloud envoys under surveillance?"
They were outsiders. He worried about plots.
The Third Hokage's smile faded. "No need. They came with sincere intent to make peace. If we tail them, we insult them and harm the talks. Besides, this is Konoha's home ground. They cannot stir up a storm. If they are wise, they won't do anything excessive."
Kakashi said no more. This was Konoha's stronghold. Powerful ninja were everywhere. The visitors likely would not be reckless. The two leaders felt competent but not overwhelmingly so. If Cloud intended trouble, they would not send people this weak.
To avoid arousing suspicion, Samui and Dodai bathed and changed into clean kimonos before strolling Konoha's streets, rather than heading straight for the Hyuga district. The bustling avenues outshone Cloud by far. Perhaps that prosperity had lulled Konoha into complacency.
After a leisurely circuit, they drifted toward the outskirts of the Hyuga grounds, observing from a distance to plan entry and escape routes. As they circled the compound, they noticed an Uchiha clansman. The fan crest was known across the shinobi world. Seeing him on Hyuga turf made them wary—and curious. The Uchiha Sharingan was also a formidable eye. On the battlefield it lacked the Byakugan's range and strategic utility, but it massively amplified individual power—like that Copy Ninja, Kakashi, who had escorted them. Copying ninjutsu was a broken-level ability.
This trip's objective did not include taking Uchiha eyes, so they kept acting casual and continued their stroll.
Ryōsuke had noticed them. He had never met the Cloud delegation leader, but Samui was unmistakable: blonde hair, fair skin. In his mind, she even outshone Tsunade in presence. She looked highly suited for childbearing. According to the original plot, the pair should be scouting now, which meant the story would not deviate.
He did not plan to stop them. He intended to let Hiashi Hyuga kill the Cloud leader as in the original, forcing the Third Hokage to sacrifice Hizashi Hyuga, stoking the Hyuga clan's hatred. Cloud came to abduct Hinata, got a leader killed, yet Konoha demanded a Hyuga life in payment. A proud man like Hiashi would not be without resentment. That was Ryōsuke's cue. He would not watch Konoha ninja die a suffocating death. He would let the story push the Hyuga against the Hokage, then extend a favor to them. They would not become vassals, but when the Uchiha fought Konoha, the Hyuga might at least refrain from interference. For now, he only had to wait for the performance and play his part.
After a full loop around the Hyuga grounds, Dodai and Samui had already formed a mental map and could plan infiltration and escape. They then wandered through other districts, both to mislead observers and to prepare for future operations with more field study. They could hardly believe the Third Hokage let them swagger through Konoha gathering intel. Absurd. No one even seemed to be tailing them. Any Leaf ninja they encountered felt incidental, not assigned to surveillance. That freedom let them roam widely and test escape routes.
At night, they returned to the inn. Their on-site survey of infiltration and egress proved highly feasible. Dodai spoke, excited. "Samui, we act tomorrow at midnight. You head north of Konoha first. Once I seize Hinata, I'll link up with you there, and we'll escape together."
If they succeeded, the peace decision would collapse. War or peace would be for the Fourth Raikage to decide. Most likely Konoha would swallow it. Cloud dared to fight, and from the Hokage's demeanor, the Leaf did not wish to.
Samui accepted. A blonde beauty like her had no reason to linger in Konoha if the plan worked. "I'll wait at the rendezvous, then move fast. We'll exit Konoha and rush to the border. Our people will receive us. Even if Konoha reacts, it will be too late."