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Chapter 36: Uchiha Shisui
After drawing two vials of blood, Hiruko returned to his quarters to pack his belongings. He would be moving into the Hyuga clan's camp. Naturally, breaking the Caged Bird Seal required having the seal itself for reference, so living in the Hyuga camp would be most convenient.
Ritsu also checked his ninja tool pouch, verifying his military rations pills, explosive tags, smoke bombs, and other equipment. After reminding the two elders once more to cooperate fully with Hiruko-sensei's requests, he finally stepped out of the tent.
The moment he emerged, he saw Hyuga Akiba standing by the entrance. He paused, thought for two seconds, then beckoned the girl over with a wave.
"Akiba, come here."
The girl immediately jogged over at his words. "Ritsu-nii, uh, clan head, what do you need?"
"You don't have to call me that. Just like before is fine."
Ritsu reached out and patted the girl's head, asking with a smile, "You still haven't figured out the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists?"
"It's really hard, okay? Do you think everyone's a genius like you, Ritsu-nii?"
At the mention of this topic, the girl's face immediately fell, looking thoroughly dejected.
"Don't get discouraged. Once I finish this mission and come back, I'll teach you hands-on. I guarantee you'll master the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists. Oh, and I'll tell you something in advance: everyone will soon be assigned to different ninja squads to execute missions. Make sure the two elders help screen your assignment and find you a reliable squad. Once you're on the front lines, stay sharp and don't be reckless!"
"Don't worry, Ritsu-nii! I'm not some rookie."
"It's precisely because you're not a rookie that I'm worried you'll try to show off. Anyway, just be careful. I need to go execute my mission now."
Ritsu waved goodbye to his cousin.
When he reached the camp's perimeter, he saw a young Uchiha waiting for him. Black hair, black eyes, wearing a Konoha forehead protector, rather handsome features with an unusually distinctive upturned nose. He wore the typical Uchiha blue-black combat uniform, with a short sword strapped to his back, its hilt protruding over his right shoulder.
The youth was Uchiha Shisui, nicknamed "Shisui of the Body Flicker," the Uchiha clan's greatest genius. He was one of Konoha's sharpest blades against the Mist, having struck such terror into their ranks that they fled at the mere mention of his name.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Shisui-kun."
Ritsu greeted him with a smile.
"Ritsu-senpai—no, I should call you Hyuga clan head now. I only just arrived myself." Uchiha Shisui's attitude was gentle and courteous. He showed none of the arrogant disdain for others that characterized most Uchiha.
"No need to be so formal. Just address me the same as before."
Ritsu reached out and clapped Shisui's shoulder.
This wasn't his first time dealing with Uchiha Shisui. The two had been fighting Mist shinobi on this eastern battlefield for several years now. Ritsu had moved around constantly, and thanks to the Byakugan's tactical utility, he'd teamed up with many different people. Uchiha Shisui was one of them.
The two had cooperated in hunting Mist shinobi more than once, and as a result, they'd developed a fairly decent working relationship.
"Then, Ritsu-senpai, please guide me well again this time."
Uchiha Shisui's smile was gentle.
He was fourteen this year, a full year younger than Ritsu, which was why he addressed him as senpai.
Looking at Uchiha Shisui, one could deeply appreciate what a true genius looked like!
"What ability do I have to guide you? Like before, this time I'll be counting on you to ruthlessly cut down those Mist shinobi, Shisui-kun. I'll assist from the side. Come on, let's get moving. We can talk on the way. If we're late and the Stone Drum Mountain defense line actually gets breached, we'll both face serious consequences!"
Ritsu naturally assumed command.
"Yes, Ritsu-senpai."
Shisui didn't mind being given orders. His personality was so gentle he hardly seemed like an Uchiha at all.
Of course, this lack of objection was predicated on the fact that Ritsu had already proven through past actions that he could genuinely handle command work well, allowing Uchiha Shisui to fight freely and unleash his full killing potential.
---
At the same time, in Aburame Torune's tent.
"Kaito, do you know what you're supposed to do at the Stone Drum Mountain defense line?"
"Find an opportunity to take a cheap shot and eliminate Hyuga Ritsu."
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Aburame Torune felt somewhat helpless as he looked at his subordinate kneeling before him. "Your mission is observation. Collect intelligence on Hyuga Ritsu. Understand?"
"But Danzo-sama's order was to kill Hyuga Ritsu."
The subordinate raised an objection.
"Namikaze Minato tried twice to kill Hyuga Ritsu and failed both times. You think you can kill him with a sneak attack from behind? You think your little tricks can escape those Byakugan eyes? Do you truly believe Hyuga Ritsu managed to eliminate the Hyuga Main Family and rise to become clan head purely through luck?"
Aburame Torune's voice was sharp and severe.
The man named Yamanaka Kaito was left speechless. He wanted to argue back, but with Namikaze Minato's example right there, he really didn't dare claim he was more capable than the Yellow Flash.
"Kaito, recall Danzo-sama's orders more carefully. What Danzo-sama wants is for Hyuga Ritsu to die at the hands of Mist shinobi in a completely reasonable and natural way, without any trace leading back to us. Hyuga Ritsu's death cannot have any connection to the village!"
"Of course, killing Hyuga Ritsu ourselves and then framing the Mist is also an option, but that would require destroying all evidence and doing it flawlessly. However, the battlefield situation is complex and ever-changing. It's nearly impossible to leave absolutely no traces. So it's best if Hyuga Ritsu truly dies at Mist hands."
Aburame Torune's attitude was resolute.
This mission absolutely could not have any flaws. The mission could even fail, but it absolutely must not be botched. Simply put, failing to kill Hyuga Ritsu was acceptable—they could find another opportunity later. But if they killed Hyuga Ritsu without successfully distancing the village from the deed, he would most likely be pushed forward as a scapegoat to die.
That wasn't the outcome Aburame Torune wanted. As a shinobi, he didn't fear death, but he didn't want to die bearing such an infamous crime.
Therefore, the one to kill Hyuga Ritsu could only be genuine Mist shinobi.
"Yes, I understand."
Yamanaka Kaito bowed his head in acknowledgment, his yellow ponytail swaying up and down with the movement.
"If you understand, then depart immediately. Go directly to the Stone Drum Mountain defense line. This is the command authorization I've prepared for you. You'll be reinforcing the Stone Drum Mountain defense line as a medical ninja. Remember, don't do anything unnecessary. While fulfilling your duties as a medical ninja, use your clan's sensory techniques to keep close watch on Hyuga Ritsu. Record his every move for me."
Aburame Torune handed over a document.
After Yamanaka Kaito left, only Aburame Torune remained in the tent. He returned to his desk and began working earnestly and conscientiously. Though holding the position of deputy commander gave him authority to act at his discretion, he still had to perform his assigned duties properly.
However, neither Aburame Torune nor the insects he cultivated within his body detected the pale, fungus-like growth beneath the desk that slowly sank into the ground and disappeared, leaving no trace whatsoever.