Chapter 104 – Haruta's Stunning Intelligence
"Mokuton?"
Tsunade looked at Haruta in utter confusion. As a direct descendant of Hashirama Senju, even if she never spoke of it, there were always lingering thoughts in her heart.
But Mokuton… was never something you could obtain just by wanting it.
Over all these years, only Haruta had awakened it on his own. That fact alone said everything about how impossibly hard it was to gain Mokuton.
So when Haruta suddenly suggested this, how could she not be shocked?
"What are you saying? You actually have a way to help me?"
"There might be a method… though it probably has nothing to do with normal training."
Haruta stroked his chin, pretending to be in deep thought.
"Honestly, it's pretty simple—something similar to… an experiment."
"Experiment?"
Tsunade cut him off with a scoff before he could finish.
"Please. The village has done plenty of experiments. Every single one of them failed."
"There was only one survivor. And don't act like you don't know who I'm talking about. If that's the method you're suggesting—I'd rather not use it."
It was obvious how much she disliked the idea of using her grandfather's cells for Mokuton experiments.
The man was dead—couldn't they let his body rest? But instead, it was dissected, passed around, and used in all kinds of horrific tests.
And worst of all, it was her great-uncle who started the whole thing.
Just because she didn't protest didn't mean she accepted it. And she definitely wasn't going to let something like that be done to herself.
"But… what if that's not it?"
Haruta had expected this. He tilted his head, a faint smile on his face.
The thing was—yes, White Zetsu's cells did originate from Hashirama.
But Uchiha Madara got his hands on them while Hashirama was still alive.
So technically, it wasn't like Tobirama or Danzo desecrating a grave.
That difference mattered—even if it was the same person in essence, people had psychological boundaries.
And besides, the current White Zetsu cells had been so heavily modified by Madara and Black Zetsu, even Hashirama himself might not recognize them anymore.
Which gave Haruta plenty of room to maneuver.
"I'm talking about using my blood and cells to help sensei awaken Mokuton. After all, I've already…"
"You're using yours?"
Tsunade frowned. That was not what she'd expected.
But… weirdly enough, this idea might just work.
Haruta had awakened Mokuton on his own. That meant the active chakra properties in his blood were likely extremely potent.
Plus, Haruta wasn't Hashirama—his cells shouldn't be as dangerously reactive.
But still… that was the problem, wasn't it? Haruta wasn't her grandfather. She wasn't even sure what kind of blood relationship they shared.
Who knew what kind of unpredictable variables that might cause?
And more importantly—
"Have you considered the consequences?"
Tsunade's expression turned serious. She stared hard at Haruta.
"If you go through with this, others will come crawling out of the woodwork. Have you thought about what happens then?"
"But I've got Flying Thunder God—I can just run."
Haruta blinked innocently. Of course he understood what she meant.
He just shrugged and smiled.
"And I'm not weak. I don't think anyone can just take something from me by force. I have that much confidence in myself, sensei."
"…"
Tsunade frowned again. She couldn't deny it—Haruta probably could protect himself.
But still, she didn't like it. There was a line that once crossed, would change everything.
She sighed heavily and finally said:
"Fine. Let me think about it seriously. But listen—don't bring this up again. Especially not to anyone else. Understand?"
"Got it."
Haruta nodded, letting out a soft sigh.
"If you need time, take it. I'm heading to the Hidden Mist soon anyway. We'll talk when I get back."
"But the power of Mokuton shouldn't be lost… and at this rate, we're the only ones who can pass it on."
He wasn't wrong. The Senju didn't get wiped out like the Uchiha, but under the Second Hokage's policies, they'd faded into the civilian population.
If Haruta remembered right, a few of the ninja academy teachers still had the Senju name. The rest? Their bloodline had long since thinned into obscurity.
Haruta had taken advantage of that loophole to pull off a few tricks of his own.
Honestly, if the Senju wanted to produce another Mokuton user—it had to be Tsunade.
"Tch. Let's talk about this later."
Tsunade plopped down on a nearby chair.
"Mokuton or no Mokuton, it's not like the Senju were built on that alone. My grandfather was the first to awaken it—and that was a fluke. No one had it before him.
So stop obsessing over Mokuton.
Without it, what—I'm not me anymore?"
"Well, I heard a story…"
Haruta chuckled. Tsunade was really growing on him—and he could tell she was just looking out for him.
Once something like this started, it was hard to stop. But… he wasn't even using his own blood this time. He was just waiting to see what happened.
"Oh? What kind of story?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. Still, she leaned forward—curious.
"Go ahead and speak. Hope it's not something boring."
"Alright, sensei."
Haruta nodded slightly. After thinking for a moment, he spoke gently with a warm smile.
"Once upon a time, there was a highly accomplished monk residing in a secluded temple. As his reputation and status grew, he gradually collected countless renowned robes from all over the land.
But despite his status, the old monk was never truly satisfied. One day, he caught sight of a robe belonging to a wandering monk from afar. That robe dazzled his eyes and disturbed his heart.
In order to obtain it, he resorted to theft, arson, even murder. Tragically, he was eventually discovered, and as a result, his reputation was ruined beyond repair.
Later, someone asked him on his deathbed: 'You are a monk, detached from worldly desires, wealth and fame meaningless to you—so why couldn't you let go of a single robe?'"
"Tch, what kind of boring parable is that?"
Tsunade pursed her lips, clearly unimpressed—but curiosity still got the better of her.
"Go on. What did the old monk say? I doubt you'd bother telling me something that pointless."
"Of course not. It's not boring at all. Even as he lay dying, the old monk smiled and replied—"
Haruta shrugged slightly, his gaze landing softly on Tsunade.
"'If I didn't wear this robe, how would the world know I had truly let go of it all?'"
Once the story was finished, Haruta fell silent.
He wasn't sure if it was the right thing to say at that moment—after all, he wasn't a monk. But it was simply how he saw things.
Even so, the meaning behind the tale was painfully clear. Tsunade furrowed her brows, obviously struck by it.
She grunted lightly after a long pause.
"What's with all that nonsense? Don't tell me you're planning to become a monk or something?"
"No way. I've got no interest in shaving my head and chanting sutras."
Haruta immediately shook his head and chuckled.
"I'm still waiting to get married. No way I'm becoming a monk!"
"Then don't tell me such useless stories."
Tsunade shot him an annoyed glare, then stretched lazily and muttered,
"Ugh, whatever. Stop reading that scroll. I'm not going out anymore. Come over here and massage my shoulders."
Haruta's words had clearly stirred her thoughts. She no longer felt like going out drinking, not with her mind in such a mess.
She needed time to calm down, to reflect and sort through her feelings.
"Okay."
Looking at Tsunade's elegant, voluptuous figure, Haruta raised a brow slightly. Still, he nodded and walked over.
A shoulder massage? That he could do.
"Not bad. A bit unrefined, but acceptable."
Tsunade closed her eyes, murmuring softly. Yet even as she enjoyed Haruta's hands kneading her shoulders, her thoughts drifted back to Mokuton.
Yes, she had always told herself she didn't care—but when it truly appeared, could she really resist its temptation?
Thinking about it now, she realized she might not be as indifferent as she claimed.
Even if she said it didn't matter… deep down, part of her still desired it.
"It's all that damn Haruta's fault…"
Tsunade sighed inwardly. The story Haruta told replayed in her mind again and again.
She didn't fully understand the ways of monks or their philosophies, but the message in the tale was crystal clear.
Clothes make the monk, just as robes define identity. Haruta had placed that "monk's robe" in front of her—so should she take it, or walk away?
And if she did… what then? If she didn't… what then?
"This brat's brought me a real headache."
Feeling the warmth of Haruta's hands, Tsunade sighed again. His reminder echoed in her mind.
Even if she didn't care, a Senju with Mokuton… and one without it—were two very different things.
It was true, the Senju Clan didn't rise solely because of Mokuton. But her grandfather, the First Hokage, had made that power a legend.
Now that Haruta possessed it, who knew what might happen next? More wielders of Mokuton might emerge, increasing the odds of revival.
"Wait—crap!"
Suddenly, a terrible thought struck Tsunade.
Konoha had done so much in pursuit of Mokuton. Now that Haruta had appeared, they'd definitely push even harder to replicate that power!
If so… the methods they'd use? She didn't even want to imagine it.
.....
"Any updates on Haruta and the others lately?"
"Uh… not at the moment."
"Damn it! That kid loves causing chaos—how the hell has he been so quiet lately?"
"Maybe he's still recovering? That Iwagakure mission wasn't that long ago."
Kirigakure, deep underground—
Black Zetsu rubbed his temples, utterly exasperated as he fended off Obito's endless questions.
The Iwagakure mission wasn't even that long ago! Did Obito already forget what a colossal mess Haruta and his team caused?
Sure, he helped you take the fall for it with his void trickery. But in doing so, he also created a huge identity crisis—you're lucky your "Madara" cover hasn't been blown.
But no—Obito just wouldn't stop obsessing over Haruta. He'd already controlled the Mizukage for years. Couldn't he tell this was the time to cool off?
Let the heat die down before moving again—was that really so hard?
Black Zetsu was developing a headache. He really didn't want to keep arguing with Obito about this—there was just no point.
Years had passed. Why hadn't this guy matured even a little?
"You should be focusing on other matters. Stop fixating on that kid."
Black Zetsu sighed and glanced at Obito.
"For instance—Sunagakure has sent a formal letter. They're requesting a ceasefire and diplomatic talks."
Kirigakure had been harassing Suna for years. Though the pressure eased after Suna pulled out three years ago, low-level attacks continued nonstop.
And all of that? Came from Obito.
Because Obito wanted Kirigakure to bleed. His "Blood Mist" campaign was pure vengeance—for Rin.
Obito couldn't forgive what happened back then. Kirigakure had to pay—even if there were more layers to the truth.
But facts didn't matter to Obito. Kirigakure liked sneak attacks? Then let them enjoy guerrilla hell with no reinforcements or supply lines.
"Why bother with them? I'm not giving up my personal training ground."
Obito scoffed. He had no respect for Sunagakure—just the sight of them disgusted him.
Had they not lit the fuse for the Third Shinobi War, Rin would never have died.
"They sent envoys. Offered genuine concessions. And your constant attacks are stirring discontent even within the village."
Black Zetsu gave him a long look.
"You may hate Kirigakure, but remember—so long as you control the Mizukage, you can continue eroding them from within.
Lose that control… and you lose everything."
"Hmph. Then I'll just find another one to control."
Obito sneered—but deep down, he knew it wouldn't be that easy.
They had only managed to dominate Yagura—the Fourth Mizukage—because he was a Jinchūriki.
Normally, Jinchūriki were immune to genjutsu. The tailed beast inside them would just shatter the illusion.
But the Mangekyō Sharingan was different. It could control both the Jinchūriki and the tailed beast.
A power unique to the Mangekyō. A divine gift… or perhaps a curse reserved for the Uchiha alone.
Swapping hosts wouldn't be so simple next time.
"So you're saying… we negotiate?"
"Yes. When the time is right, accept their terms. Suna isn't useless."
Black Zetsu relaxed a little. At least Obito was listening. Still, his soul felt tired.
He'd mentored so many generations of Uchiha. Some were fools, sure—but he always thought those were the worst batch.
Now, with Obito?
He wasn't so sure anymore.
Sure, Obito had his moments—he could see the truth, act decisively.
But more often than not… he was just an impulsive idiot.
Case in point? The Nine-Tails incident. And now, dragging Haruta—this walking disaster—into his path.
Still, it was too late to turn back now. If Obito was the worst, then so be it.
Easier to manipulate. And with Madara's shadow behind him—perhaps, just perhaps—this generation still held the greatest potential.
"Use them, huh?"
As Black Zetsu mused, Obito rubbed his chin.
"You mean using their resources to win people over, and also spy on Konoha?"
"Exactly. Suna is Konoha's ally, and geographically closer too."
Black Zetsu nodded. Obito was like a light switch—on and off—always keeping him on edge.
"They also don't want to be completely dominated by Konoha. There's plenty of leverage we can exploit.
How far we go… depends on the upcoming negotiations. Suna's not exactly a trustworthy partner either."
"Fine, then it's settled. When they arrive, treat them well."
Obito nodded decisively.
He didn't think he needed Suna's help monitoring Konoha.
He had White Zetsu for recon. He could go himself if needed.
But if someone else wanted to play watchdog for free—why not?
Especially if they could dig up info on that damned Haruta.
"And if they can uncover intel on Shimura Danzō… even better."
Haruta was one of Danzō's people—Obito hadn't forgotten that. And he knew Pain had his eye on Danzō too.
If they could wipe out both pests at once? That would be a blessing for the entire shinobi world.
After all, both of them were cancers infecting the system.
.....
Meanwhile, on a ship headed for Kirigakure—
"Finally, I get to move again!"
Haruta stood at the bow, stretching lazily as sea mist swirled around him.
A week had passed in the blink of an eye. After organizing his files and settling things with Kabuto and Nonō, he was back on the move.
He had no idea what this mission would bring.
But honestly? He wasn't too worried.
He'd left Flying Thunder God kunai and sealing marks along the route. If things went south, he had plenty of exit strategies.
Plus, he was in a pretty good mood. If the Kirigakure mission went well, he might score another big batch of free points.
And that? Made him very, very happy.
"You bastard… couldn't just stay in the village, could you?"
Beside him, Yugao sat quietly watching the ocean, shaking her head before suddenly whispering with a hint of curiosity,
"You never told me… did you upset sensei again?"
"How would I know?"
Haruta let out a low sigh, looking slightly frustrated. To be honest, even he wasn't entirely sure what went wrong.
"The last time we talked about Wood Release, she suddenly asked me to massage her shoulders. I thought it was just a normal request, but halfway through, she just… ran off."
Ever since then, Tsunade had been acting like she was avoiding him altogether!
Frankly, Haruta had no idea what he'd done wrong. Even if he had a few thoughts, he knew how to separate priorities.
Just like how he'd always looked down on Danzo's brainwashing tactics—especially compared to someone like Orochimaru.
Orochimaru knew how to manipulate the human heart. He could tailor his approach depending on the person. When it came to war orphans—those abandoned by the world—just a little warmth would make them flock to him like moths to a flame.
Danzo, on the other hand, preferred brute force. His so-called "indoctrination" was just oppressive control through jutsu and coercion.
In Haruta's words from his previous life: Orochimaru seduces you with finesse until you're addicted. Danzo? That guy's a walking police report waiting to happen.
Even without resorting to mind control, Haruta preferred using the Orochimaru method—subtle, smart, effective.
"Sigh… don't let Tsunade-sensei's appearance fool you. She may look young, but she's practically middle-aged now."
Haruta sighed again, wondering silently if Tsunade had hit that stage in life—thirty like a wolf, forty like a tiger. Still, what came out of his mouth was:
"Middle age comes with crises, right? Maybe it's just menopause."
"..."
Yugao glared at him. This guy really had no filter!
"You'd better watch your mouth. Or I'm telling sensei."
"Yes, yes, I get it."
Haruta laughed and gently took Yugao's hand. Of course he knew she wouldn't really snitch. She cared—just didn't know how to say it.
"I'm just concerned for her, that's all. But anyway, let's get serious—how's your prep for the Kirigakure mission?"
"No worries. I've gotten everything ready. Plus, Tsunade-sensei's taught me a lot."
Yugao smiled, confident in the upcoming operation.
Last time in Iwagakure, she'd managed to assist Shisui against the Iwa-nin forces. That alone proved how far she'd come under Tsunade's guidance.
Now, between her brows shimmered a faint lavender mark, a subtle glow that matched her hair. It was undoubtedly the Strength of a Hundred Seal—Tsunade's signature.
"I was wondering where you two had disappeared to. Turns out you're here flirting."
Suddenly, Jiraiya emerged from the cabin with a goofy grin, calling out loudly.
Haruta barely reacted, but Yugao turned beet red at once.
Behind Jiraiya, Kakashi and Tenzo followed him out of the cabin.
"Since everyone's here, time for a quick briefing."
Jiraiya's expression turned serious as he glanced at the thick mist outside.
He may have looked carefree and jovial, but that was just how he masked his burdens. Truth was—he didn't want to come to this godforsaken place. Especially not with Haruta.
But things had already come this far, and now he could only press on. Still, he had to issue a stern warning first.
"You all know what we're walking into. Kirigakure isn't a pushover. Their recent policies have made them a mystery. Even with our intel networks, solid information is scarce."
"So we have to be extra cautious. No surprises. No screw-ups!"
When he said that, his eyes were almost locked entirely on Haruta.
Not just Jiraiya—even Kakashi was staring at Haruta with that please don't start anything look. After all, Haruta had a talent for chaos.
Tenzo, though, looked like he couldn't care less. As someone molded by Root, accomplishing the mission was pure instinct—thinking too much only got in the way.
But working with a guy like Haruta? That was something he actually found… fun.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. I won't mess around."
Haruta nodded, but then glanced at Jiraiya and Kakashi with a puzzled look.
"But let's be real here… I wasn't the one who acted out last time, was I?
Jiraiya-sensei, I wanted to capture someone and interrogate them. You were the one who insisted on sneaking into Iwagakure for intel, right?"
"..."
Jiraiya twitched but didn't respond.
Haruta then turned to Kakashi.
"And Kakashi-senpai—what about the incident in the Land of Grass? That wasn't me acting wild. The situation demanded swift action. We'd have lost everything otherwise."
"In the end, didn't we benefit Konoha? We even brought back a lost Uzumaki descendant, didn't we?"
"..."
Kakashi lowered his head in silence. Sure, they'd succeeded… but if they hadn't? He didn't even want to imagine the fallout.
"So yeah, if anyone was reckless—it was you two, not me."
Haruta shrugged dramatically.
"I'm just a humble tool of the village, doing my best to follow orders. Whatever the captains decide, I can only obey. Isn't that right?"
For a moment, Jiraiya seriously regretted even starting this conversation. Kakashi clenched his fists—he was this close to hitting someone.
They suddenly found themselves envying Shisui, who'd left the ANBU. Maybe that guy really was the smartest of them all.
(Well… partly because of his clan situation.)
"I agree."
Tenzo nodded, immediately earning Kakashi's glare. He quickly switched the topic.
"Anyway, Haruta, what's your plan this time? Where do we start investigating?"
"Yeah," Yugao chimed in. "You were the one who suggested Uchiha Obito might be in Kirigakure. Got any leads?"
Though she knew Haruta could go overboard sometimes, she didn't think he was wrong. Maybe it was because she already leaned toward his side. But more importantly—Haruta had actually done a lot for the village.
No point dwelling on the past. The real question was: What now?
"To be honest, I wasn't sure where to begin," Haruta said, rubbing his chin before his eyes landed on Jiraiya—and a slow smile spread across his face.
"But after our last mission in Iwagakure, I think you gave me some inspiration, Jiraiya-sensei."
"..."
Jiraiya opened his mouth, unsure whether he wanted to drop the whole "sensei" title or just walk away from this entire conversation.
Either way, he had a bad feeling.
"Don't tell me we're sneaking into Kirigakure?"
Tenzo's eyes lit up, but Kakashi couldn't take it anymore. He punched him on the forehead.
"Shut up, idiot! You think we don't know who caused that last disaster just because someone else took the fall?!"
"You're not seriously considering this… are you?" Jiraiya asked wearily. He had thought of the same thing, but quickly shook his head.
"Kirigakure is massive. We can just hide in the mountains and observe. Why does the investigation have to start inside the village?"
"And have you thought about this? Iwagakure was only willing to talk because Kumogakure kept them in check."
"Kirigakure is isolated by the ocean. There's no one to balance them!"
On the continent, every war triggered a domino effect.
Haruta and the others had burned down the Tsuchikage's office. That was a huge slap in the face. But even Ōnoki had no choice but to tolerate it—because a full-scale war would've triggered another Shinobi World War.
Konoha already had poor relations with Iwa and Kumo. Iwa and Kumo hated each other, too—there were even personal vendettas and deep grudges.
Then there was Sunagakure, desperate to recover, and Amegakure, with its semi-god Hanzō hungry for expansion.
One spark could blow the whole ninja world sky-high.
Everyone still bore scars from the Third War. No one wanted to reignite the flames.
Especially Konoha, Iwa, and Suna—war-weary and depleted. If a new war broke out, Kumo would dominate from the start.
Yeah, Kumo lost a Raikage, but their military actions were small-scale and opportunistic. In their fights against Konoha, they mostly loitered around the Land of Hot Water, as if just helping the Fourth Raikage boost his reputation.
But in the Land of Grass, Whirlpool, and Rivers? Those battles had been brutal.
Nobody wanted Kumo to profit. That's why Ōnoki chose to blame Obito for the fire—whether or not he believed it.
Kirigakure, though, was a different story. Surrounded by ocean, they were hard to retaliate against.
With the seas as their shield and unparalleled Water Release jutsu, they were a nightmare in any aquatic battlefield.
And their grudge against Konoha ran deep—rumor had it that during Konoha's founding, Hashirama invited the Kiri clans to join. They refused. Then Madara showed up and forcibly expelled them, driving them into the Water Country, where they barely survived.
That hatred had never died. Every ninja war—they struck Konoha hard.
If they angered Kirigakure this time, it might trigger another round of attacks.
"I understand all of that, Jiraiya-sensei."
Haruta nodded. To him, Kirigakure felt a lot like Pre-Industrial Britain before the Pax Britannica. Chaotic and unbalanced.
No naval doctrine. No off-shore balancing. Just reckless action.
"But even so, I have a wild—but potentially very useful—idea."
"Oh? Let's hear it," Jiraiya said, sighing. "As long as it's not too insane…"
"I've long suspected that Uchiha Obito is a petty and vindictive man."
Haruta didn't hold back. If Obito really had infiltrated Kirigakure, then he intended to squeeze every last bit of value out of that before this mission was over.
"Look at what happened with Fourth Hokage. Minato-sama didn't even do anything, but Obito still blamed him—tore his family apart, destroyed everything."
"So why would he spare Kirigakure?"
"And I've been wondering—why are so many of Kiri's actions so… bizarre?"
"Like attacking Sunagakure without supply lines or reinforcements—sending their shinobi to die for nothing."
"That kind of irrational behavior makes me think… maybe Obito is controlling someone. Maybe even the Mizukage himself."
The moment Haruta said that, the entire group fell silent.
It was a bold theory—but the more they thought about it, the more sense it made.
And if it was true… their mission just became ten times harder.
"Besides, destroying a village isn't like targeting a person."
Haruta smiled faintly, eyes sweeping the group.
"Take the Fourth Hokage. Obito only needed to manipulate Minato's love for the village, his wife, and his child.
"If it were me, I'd threaten the baby. Force Minato to take the child to safety—then strike at the jinchūriki directly."
"..."
Jiraiya pressed his lips together, frowning slightly.
Why did this brat sound like he had personally experienced it?
He knew Minato all too well. If something like that really happened, Minato probably would have taken the child and left Kushina behind. In that case, the Nine-Tails...
"But if the goal is to destroy an entire village—if the plan is true, absolute revenge—then the method has to change."
Haruta didn't care what Jiraiya was thinking. He simply shrugged and continued.
"The most effective way... is through policy. Quietly, insidiously, eliminate them with a series of government measures.
I recall Kirigakure once had a 'Blood Mist Policy'. Now imagine expanding that policy—wouldn't that count as a kind of orchestrated implosion?
And what about what we discussed earlier—raiding Sunagakure? Frame those incursions as trials. Only the elite are allowed to go.
Wouldn't that amount to... a targeted purge of all the geniuses in the Hidden Mist?"
At this point, Haruta paused.
Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the others wore complicated expressions. Perhaps people like Kakashi, Tenzo, and Yuugao couldn't fully comprehend what it meant to destroy a village through policy alone—it was simply too foreign to their worldview.
But as Haruta spoke, a chilling realization slowly took root in their hearts.
Jiraiya, who had always disliked these kinds of scheming tactics, couldn't deny what he now understood.
And it was precisely because he understood that he realized—this situation was far more dangerous than he'd imagined.
"A... high-ranking official?"
Jiraiya's lips tightened again. For the first time, he seriously considered telling the boatman to turn around.
Forget this mission—maybe they should just run.
The complexity... the danger of this task—it was starting to remind him of that mission in Iwagakure.
"Or maybe... even worse."
Jiraiya sighed, but he couldn't help glancing again at Haruta.
This kid... was as sharp as the rumors said. He had actually figured all of this out on his own?
Sure, someone else might have been able to think of it too, but to extrapolate this much from so little intel? To simulate behavior based on individual personalities?
And then there was his ability to understand the darkest sides of human nature...
This kid could literally be Hokage.
Danzo, just what kind of monster were you raising? And what exactly are you planning?
At that moment, a middle-aged man approached and whispered:
"Sir, we're about to reach the harbor."
The man had a dark, weather-worn face and a solid, muscular build. He looked every bit like a simple fisherman or ferryman who lived off the sea.
No one knew his name, nor did anyone bother asking.
After all, he was one of the Anbu operatives Konoha had painstakingly embedded in the Land of Water.
The blockade around Kirigakure was too strict. It had taken them immense effort to get just one chess piece in place—they had to protect him at all costs.
"Understood."
Jiraiya nodded, his expression complicated. He glanced at the faint silhouette of the crude port in the distance and sighed softly.
He already knew this mission was going to be a mess. But it was too late to back out now.
All he could do was steel himself and face whatever lay ahead.
Once the boat docked, they parted ways with the boatman and slipped into the surrounding forest.
But this time, no one spoke.
Haruta's chilling words still echoed in their minds.
---
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