Inside a rented apartment in Konoha's civilian district, Yakushi Kabuto pressed his shoulder, phantom pain pulsing where his Shadow Clone had been cut.
After a moment's pause he sorted the memories, his expression turning complicated.
"I let my guard down."
He already knew that Yagyu Masahiko had been promoted to Special Jonin.
But…
He hadn't expected a mere Special Jonin to possess such terrifying strength; the way Masahiko wielded Clone Jutsu and the Body Flicker Technique was simply divine.
Still, Masahiko's trail told him one thing:
The man was willing to make contact.
Ever since the promotion, Kabuto had been observing the Ninja Academy teacher.
A spy by trade, he'd sensed something unusual about Masahiko.
After exhausting every information network, Kabuto's suspicions crystallized:
Masahiko enjoyed the Third Hokage's complete trust.
Yet in the shadows he also cooperated with Danzo, shuttling between the Uchiha and Danzo.
Yagyu Masahiko was just like him!
The difference was that Masahiko's goal was clearer, his awareness and purpose razor-sharp.
"A valuable man—too dangerous, unfortunately."
If their aims aligned, cooperation would be easy, but loyalty would be impossible.
Secondly…
Kabuto couldn't guarantee that if he went in person he wouldn't walk straight into a net woven by the Third Hokage and Danzo.
"Lord Orochimaru, you decide whether to meet him yourself."
…The unexpected intrusion forced Masahiko to scrap today's training schedule.
He had already burned plenty of stamina and focus on drills, and the recent battle had drained a good share of Chakra.
Another surprise and he might not be able to protect himself.
Still…
Masahiko was certain the intruder had been Yakushi Kabuto.
A Chakra scalpel of that caliber belonged to almost no one else in Konoha.
"Kabuto…,"
"Could be useful."
Masahiko began mapping out his next moves.
A spy of Kabuto's level would never show up personally.
If cooperation was on the table, either a disposable pawn would come… or Orochimaru himself.
One point, however, was non-negotiable:
He was willing to work with Orochimaru, but not as a second-hand resource.
Besides…
In the short term he still needed Danzo's resources and support, so the "Black-Robed Man" encounter had to be reported.
That was loyalty.
…In the forest, swarms of Kikaichu wrapped around a bamboo scroll and vanished into the trees.
In an underground base on the outskirts of Konoha…
Danzo took the scroll, skimmed the letter, and let out a low chuckle.
"Some insects are losing patience."
"Shall I dig this person out for you, my lord?"
Thorn hastily pledged his loyalty.
Danzo waved a hand.
"No need. I know whose dog he is; let him run for now."
"Yes, sir!"
Thorn knelt, awaiting further orders.
Danzo reread the account—lines of loyalty laced with worry—tapped a finger, and smiled thinly.
Yagyu Masahiko, backed by resources, was advancing faster than projected.
In mere months he had reached this level.
No wonder even Shisui kept an eye on him.
Crushing the paper to dust, Danzo said, "Send word: let him continue. If the other side reaches out, dare to try."
"Yes, sir!"
Thorn rose to leave—Danzo suddenly called him back: "Wait!"
Smiling, Danzo undid a seal and stepped into a hidden chamber.
He produced a scroll.
"Give him this."
"Yes, sir!"
…The next morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into the Room.
Masahiko opened his eyes to find a scroll and letter beside his bed; he wasn't surprised.
A Root operative had slipped in while he'd been in the training dimension; the intrusion had automatically roused him.
Moreover…
He knew the visitor was the Aburame clansman who had contacted him before.
"Only a window that narrow in the toilet…"
"Only Kikaichu could manage it."
He picked up the letter.
Danzo's reply was expected; the attached scroll was not.
He opened it, eyebrows lifting.
Research notes on the Hard Vortex Water Blade!
Masahiko blinked.
Then chuckled.
From the content, this wasn't Senju Tobirama's original work but most likely an Anbu/Root copy study.
"A gift, but one that expects returns…"
"Typical of him."
He spread the scroll on the table and studied it carefully.
Even second-hand research yielded useful knowledge.
After a thorough read he hid the scroll and headed out for his usual training.
Ninjutsu research is never a one-day task;
physical training demands relentless discipline.
At the Academy, preparing lessons, Masahiko planned something tough for Naruto and Sasuke's second period—
"Sir Watanabe, if HQ needs me you could've sent a runner; no need to come personally…"
"Orders from above—can't be careless. And who knows, one day you may sit in my chair."
Watanabe Shoji beamed.
Masahiko assumed a humble, almost flustered manner and hurried to offer a seat.
"My lord, new orders?"
"Remember last meeting? The decision's out—have a look."
Shoji produced a dispatch and a mission form.
Masahiko took them, startled. "They're giving something this important to me?"
"We old-timers are just filling seats; in real strength you outclass us. You're the best choice."
On the paper: not the orphanage request he'd proposed, but a Security Division assignment—
students would sweep streets, patrol, and keep order.
Using the Security Division… yet after a moment's thought Masahiko wasn't surprised.
With Danzo involved, nothing was unexpected.
He smiled and nodded. "So second period becomes social practice?"
"Exactly. Pilot it in your class—after all, you and Naruto have experience."
Shoji lowered his voice, "Besides you, Iruka and Mizuki will take your orders. You decide everything."
"Understood. Do I report to the Security Division or the Hokage Building?"
"Security Division will do."
"Very well."
Masahiko nodded.
Once Shoji left, his face darkened.
This job… was a hot potato.
The Uchiha would hardly welcome them.
But the Uchiha were on a dead-end road; no need for fear.
What bothered him:
Hiruzen and Danzo were forcing the Uchiha to revolt.
Perhaps… the clan-eradication night would arrive sooner than expected!
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