Escape From Konoha

"I have to say that the leader was a little too biased this time."

On the back of the huge rock, there was an indentation where people could sit and rest. After releasing the ninjutsu, Kisame opened his eyes and said these words to Itachi.

Itachi just happened to open his eyes at this time, and when he heard Kisame's words, there was no obvious emotion on his face.

"Is this really okay, Itachi?"

"what do you mean?"

Itachi stood up from the ground and put the bamboo hat with wind chimes on his head.

The Sharingan is looming under the cover of the bamboo hat, emitting a cold scarlet light.

"I heard that Orochimaru had some issues with you in the past. This time he tried to take away your brother. It was probably an act of revenge against you. And judging from the leader's tone, it seems that he is also on Orochimaru's side."

Kisame also stood up from the ground, patted the wrinkles on his clothes, and swept the dust away.

Finally, he put the sword Samehada back and hung it up, and turned to look at Itachi's Sharingan.

"The importance of Orochimaru to the leader is self-evident. In fact, I am not angry about this kind of thing. Besides, he was just my backup eye... That stupid brother was temporarily stored with Orochimaru. alright."

Itachi's tone always remained calm, or rather a strong confidence that he had everything in his hands.

This kind of confidence that is different from ordinary people can be clearly felt even by Kisame.

"As expected of you, Itachi. If it were me, it would not be so easy to deal with the Sannin. There is a high chance that Orochimaru will kill him."

Kisame chuckled, and nothing other than a smile could be seen in his smile.

"You're too modest, Kisame."

Itachi's Sharingan eyes were still calm, but everyone could hear the importance he attached to Kisame in his words.

"No, I'm just telling the truth."

"Let's just treat it like this. Next, I'm going to be alone and deal with some personal matters. We'll meet at the same place in half a month."

Itachi withdrew his gaze, looked into the distance, and said calmly.

Kisame raised his eyebrows and looked at Itachi with scrutiny.

"Itachi, it's dangerous to act alone at this time. It's not just Kumogakure who is eyeing our organization now. Konoha may also take practical action, and there may even be Iwagakure who also lost his tailed beast. If you don't mind If so, I can take action with you, since I’m pretty free now by myself anyway.”

"...Okay, but don't talk too much."

Itachi looked into the distance, and after a long time spoke, agreeing to Kisame's request to follow him.

"Of course, I think you should know that I am the most secretive ninja. And if you die, it will be very troublesome for me. So, let us get along well in the next few days."

Listening to Kisame's unusual kind words, Itachi snorted, accepting Kisame's kindness which was not out of goodwill.

The Akatsuki organization was originally a concentration camp for renegade ninjas. The renegade ninjas here kept each other warm, feared each other, and guarded each other. There was no real trust in others.

Although Nagato provides a relatively stable living environment for the rebellious ninjas, this does not mean that these rebellious ninjas will truly be loyal to Nagato.

Firstly, due to Nagato's strong strength, secondly because the cost of betrayal again was too high, and the huge profits promised by Nagato, it resulted in the apparent 'stability' of the Akatsuki organization, and created a great cause that everyone was working for. And the illusion of desperate struggle.

For this reason, even if he knew that Kisame might have been tasked by Nagato to monitor him, Itachi would still put a certain amount of trust in Kisame.

If Kisame can betray his fellow teammates, he may not betray his boss Nagato in the future... Trust is a luxury for rebellious ninjas.

Naked interests are the most essential and true portrayal of this organization.

For Itachi, these team members are enemies with different positions, but they are also trustworthy 'comrades'. It just depends on how you define and utilize their value.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing, let's go."

Itachi shook his head and walked straight forward.

The wind chimes hanging on the bamboo hat began to shake, and the clear tinkling sound drifted into the distance.

◎

In the empty room, there are about a dozen root ninjas conducting investigations here.

The information files that were originally placed on the bookshelf, as well as the computer tools that stored the research materials, all disappeared from the room.

Shan Zhongfeng's gloved fingers gently touched the empty bookshelf, passing slowly, as if he was feeling something carefully.

Then he turned his eyes elsewhere, and carefully searched every corner where he looked.

"How's it going? Have you noticed anything unusual?"

The sound reached his ears, and he walked over and asked.

Shanfeng turned his head. He nodded first, then shook his head, and said to Tie Gen: "I don't know if this is a breakthrough. I have been investigating here for several days, and the only feeling I have here is One, the cleanliness of the reference room is a bit strange."

"Do you feel that way too?"

Takegen asked.

Obviously, he also felt that the stolen reference room was so clean that it was a bit weird.

"Well, it's so clean here, but I can't tell you exactly what's strange. To be honest, this is my first time feeling this way. What do you think?"

Shanfeng frowned and tried hard to think about the indescribable weird feeling in this stolen data room.

"Could it be because of the word?"

Takegen paused and spoke out his thoughts.

"Word? What word?"

Shanfeng was slightly startled, staring at Tiegen's face. He didn't understand what the 'word' he mentioned at this time meant?

Gegen pointed to the bookshelf, walls, and floor, and said: "Based on my observations these days, I think the strangest thing about this stolen reference room is that all the 'words' in it were taken away by someone. Gone. In other words, after a certain 'criminal' raided it, not a single thing with 'words' written on it was left in this reference room. The most unusual thing here is probably this."

You know, even in the data room, there are a lot of meaningless paper files, which record non-research data, such as duty schedules and the like, are also posted here.

There are a lot of waste products like this, but you can still tell that they are waste products at a glance. There is no need to go out of your way to appraise them to determine their value.

However, things like this were still taken away, leaving nothing behind.

After hearing what Qiogen said, Shanfeng suddenly seemed to understand something and his expression changed.

"I see, this indescribable strange feeling is caused by the 'words'... But why is the other party insisting on taking away all the 'words'? If it is to confuse our sight, what is the meaning of this? It’s not big at all, and there is no need to do this at all. Moreover, some of the words were written on the walls and floors by the staff on duty when they were bored..."

Shanfeng looked at the walls and floors in some places, and found out the reason for the inexplicable missing piece.

Because of this, Shanfeng was even more troubled.

Thinking about what the other party's purpose is and what kind of message they want to leave behind.

However, despite Shanfeng thinking about it for a long time, he still couldn't understand what the other party's intention was in taking away all the things related to the word.

"Could it be because the thief was not very smart? For example, the other party couldn't tell which of the information here was important and which was unimportant, so he took away everything related to the 'word'..."

Taking root boldly makes this assumption.

"No, you don't need to think about it to know that it is impossible. Someone who can sneak in silently and steal such a large amount of information and documents in a very short time is definitely not an ordinary person. It is impossible for him to have such basic common sense. We can't even tell the difference. The reason why he did this must have a deeper meaning. As long as this is discovered, it may be able to provide unexpected help to our investigation work..."

Shanfeng insisted on his own idea, believing that the infiltrator who stole the data must have left behind some extremely critical information by stealing the data and files with such abnormal behavior.

Otherwise, it would be too childish to speculate based on the idea of ​​​​taking roots.

As a jounin of the root, Shanfeng believed in his keen intuition that he had been dealing with for many years, which made him realize that this matter was definitely not simple.

There must be some unknown secret behind it that they haven't noticed.

Listening to Shanfeng's serious analysis, Zhigen couldn't help but rub his chin and think, as if he had some enlightenment.

He also felt that his guess was a bit too much for his daughter-in-law, and Shanfeng's inference was more in line with normal logical judgment.

It's just that Zhigen is not as obsessed with the answer as Shanfeng, but said:

"Okay, but I'm not particularly good at reasoning. I'm going to report to Danzo-sama on the progress of the work here."

"Understood, I will be in charge of the investigation here. You can go and report the matters here to Danzo-sama."

After Shanfeng finished what he said about getting the roots, he lowered his head again and looked like he was thinking. It seemed that he planned to dig deeper into this matter.

◎

Late November.

The weather is getting colder.

The weather on this day was very gloomy, giving people a sign that it was about to rain.

In fact, this day is indeed an extremely heavy day for Konoha.

That is the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, who will be buried today.

The death of the Third Hokage has been kept secret by the senior management. Now that the matter is revealed, it is only after a new Hokage appears in Konoha and has stronger self-regulation ability that they dare to announce it.

After all, this kind of thing is too sudden for uninformed people.

The cause of death of the third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen is a bit confusing.

According to the official definition given by Konoha, he was suddenly betrayed by the spy Kakashi Hatake and sacrificed heroically under the double assassination of Orochimaru when the Anbu protection manpower was insufficient, fighting to the last moment.

After these two men successfully assassinated the Third Hokage, Hatake Kakashi, who was trusted by the first two Hokages, left Konoha with Orochimaru and officially joined Orochimaru's camp.

Therefore, when it was announced that the third Hokage had died heroically, the S-class wanted document regarding Kakashi Hatake, the former ANBU minister of Konoha, was sent to various countries as quickly as possible and was widely circulated among the people.

Not only that, Konoha's top brass claimed in official intelligence that the elder Danzo's attack on the Third Hokage was not intentional, but was misled by the spy Hatake Kakashi, and he did something wrong without noticing, and Hatake Mukakashi is another nail planted by the traitor Orochimaru in Konoha. All the criticisms Konoha has encountered during this period are all because of Orochimaru's carefully planned conspiracy. Everyone has been used by the traitor Orochimaru. …

Therefore, in view of the great harm the rebellious ninja Orochimaru has to Konoha and even the ninja world, Konoha will adjust the pursuit of Orochimaru to the highest level and rope in the rebellious ninja Orochimaru and Hatake Kakashi as soon as possible. Bringing the matter to justice is something that Konoha cannot afford to delay at the moment.

Once such news was announced, it immediately caused an uproar in Konoha Village.

Although most people, in line with the expectations of the senior officials, began to launch fierce attacks on the rebellious ninja Orochimaru, many ninjas were filled with indignation and actively requested to join the pursuit force to kill Orochimaru.

But there are also a few calm factions who express doubts about this matter. They even do not believe that Kakashi, who has made countless contributions to Konoha, would betray Konoha... They asked the top management to reveal the real truth. When they saw the top management bring it out, they succeeded. When the weapon used to kill the Third Hokage, the White Fang dagger, misfired.

The medical ninja who conducted the autopsy on the Third Hokage, after repeated examinations, came to the unanimous conclusion that the wound that killed the Third Hokage completely matched the shape of the wound stabbed by the White Fang dagger. It can be confirmed that the third Hokage died from the White Fang dagger.

This undoubtedly further confirmed the testimony of senior officials that it was Hatake Kakashi and Orochimaru who killed the Third Hokage despite insufficient ANBU protection.

Therefore, on this day that was not suitable for traveling, the top management of Konoha, headed by the fifth generation Hokage Tsunade, began to carry out the grand funeral of the third generation Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Condolences to the Third Hokage who unfortunately died heroically in the large-scale chaos in Konoha.

All the Jonin who stayed in Konoha participated. Even the Jonin who was stationed far away on the border heard about this incident and some rushed back to Konoha without stopping to attend the funeral of the Third Hokage.

Although the appeasement policy adopted by the Third Hokage in foreign affairs during the Third Hokage's reign caused many ninjas within Konoha to be dissatisfied with it, and also spawned terrorist organizations like the Roots that were separated from the Anbu... But after the other party had been in power for thirty or forty years Over the years, everyone has recognized his great achievements in connecting the past and the future.

With the power of one person, he reconciled the friction between the ninja clan and the civilians, and successfully resolved many conflicts left over from Konoha's history for the stability of Konoha's environment.

Therefore, even the fighting factions who are dissatisfied with the various appeasement policies of the Third Hokage will not openly boycott the other party's funeral. It is also a solemn mourning for the other party's death in the line of duty.

The dead are the greatest.

"I didn't expect that I would be so busy when I came back, attending my teacher's funeral... I really don't know what to say..."

After the crowd gradually dispersed, Tsunade stood in front of the tombstone of her teacher, the Third Hokage, and looked at the black and white photo, which showed the kind smile of an old man, with a complex look on her face.

In terms of policy, she is not a traditional conservative, and what she does is not in line with tradition.

Because of this, she has a lot of dissatisfaction with some of the policies implemented by her teacher, the Third Hokage.

But this does not mean that she agrees with the radical ideas of the fighting faction in the village. Therefore, on the one hand, she resists the fighting organization headed by Danzo, and privately believes that this is a cancer of Konoha.

She has never objected to the existence of fighting ideas, but Danzo's fighting ideas are too extreme. This too extreme fighting ideas will cause an extremely bloody and cruel high-pressure reign of terror within the village... and eventually form an alternative version of blood. Village of Mist.

"Because of this, your return is very important, so as not to make Sarutobi-sensei's sacrifice meaningless. I will handle Orochimaru's affairs, you only need to manage the village well. Shikaku is an indispensable You have so much talent, you have to make good use of it."

Jiraiya, standing next to Tsunade, said.

"It's too dangerous for you to investigate Orochimaru alone. I heard that he has a huge organization behind him that supports him."

When Tsunade heard Jiraiya's proposal, she immediately frowned and rejected it.

"That's why I have to investigate him. In addition, things have been difficult for that organization recently. I heard that Iwagakure and Kumogakure have organized a pursuit force and started to hunt down the members of this organization. Although the two villages have not united, they I think when faced with the joint pursuit of two ninja villages, even the most powerful ninja cannot truly remain indifferent."

After all, people are not made of steel. There are always times when they need to eat and sleep, and it is impossible to stay alert all the time, otherwise it will put a huge load on the body.

Most of the rebellious ninja who betrayed the village did not die in direct battles, but were unable to survive alone in the outside world. When they were exhausted, they were easily killed by the village's pursuing ninjas.

"But……"

"Stop talking about me, your job here is not easy either." Jiraiya interrupted Tsunade and said solemnly: "You are now the Hokage of the village, and the people you have to deal with next are comparable to Orochimaru. Guys are much more dangerous.”

"The country of ghosts?"

Tsunade knew what Jiraiya was referring to.

"Yes, the danger of Orochimaru is only personal, but the danger of the Demon Country is an entire country. Compared with your work, this is not difficult for me at all. I have a hunch that the Demon Country will soon It will cause a bloody storm in the ninja world, you have to be careful and don't get in the other person's way."

"Having said that, there is actually a lot of trade between Konoha and the Kingdom of Demons. Cooperation with the Kingdom of Demons does not necessarily bring bad results."

Tsunade paused and spoke from a neutral and objective perspective.

"The kingdom of ghosts is just using trade as an excuse to spy on the reality of our Konoha. The person who leads that country is the one who will bring about the disaster that will destroy the ninja world as prophesied by the big toad sage. As Konoha ninjas, we must not Ignore the issue."

Jiraiya said with a serious expression, the solemn look in his eyes silently conveying his hostility and fear towards the Kingdom of Ghosts.

"...You still believe in that prophecy? You know, I don't really believe in prophecies."

Tsunade spread his hands helplessly.

"The Great Toad Immortal is an existence at the same level as the Slug Immortal. You, who signed a contract with the Slug Immortal, should be aware of their mighty power. As mortals, if we can see a corner of the Immortal's prophecy, it is enough to feel that life has no regrets."

Jiraiya's attitude was extremely firm.

"...Sorry, I still can't agree."

"I know. But it is my responsibility to guide the son of prophecy to save the ninja world. Next, I will take him to Mt. Miaomu."

"He? The Son of Prophecy?"

Facing the confused Tsunade, Jiraiya nodded and replied:

"It's Naruto. According to the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage, he will be the key to leading the world to peace."

"A little kid... are you serious?"

Tsunade was taken aback.

"I believe he has that potential."

"Your statement is a bit too messy."

"This is a request from the Great Toad Sage. It wants to see Naruto."

Seeing that Tsunade seemed to have the intention of refusing, Jirai also continued: "Besides, letting Naruto go to Mt. Miaogi earlier may allow him to learn fairy arts in advance. This is also a good thing. Anyway, he has already signed a contract with Mt. Miaogi. According to the contract, sooner or later he will go to Miaomu Mountain. With me watching him personally, what else do you have to worry about? "

"It's because of you, an idiot, that I feel uneasy."

Just when Tsunade was in a dilemma whether to agree to Jiraiya's request or not, two consultants, Koharu and Mito Kabuto, came over.

"Tsunade, let Jiraiya take Naruto there, the magic of Mt. Miaogi is indeed a powerful trump card. If Naruto can learn the magic of Mt. Miaogi, Konoha will be more confident in facing other countries. You must know that in the letters left by the first generation of adults, immortal arts are also highly respected."

"Why are you two here to join in the fun?"

Tsunade looked at the two advisors.

Mitomonyan didn't care about the displeasure in Tsunade's tone, but replied: "It's not a bad thing for Naruto to follow Jiraiya to Mt. deterrence."

Tsunade probably understands the meaning of Mitomonyan, and the prophecy is put aside for now, let Naruto learn the magic of Mt. matter.

And what Mitomonyan said is right, Konoha does need more fresh troops, especially the deterrent power of top ninjas.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto can be said to be the most promising one.

"Okay, I agree with this matter... However, regarding the inheritance left by Minato and Kushina, let Naruto handle it as soon as possible. You who have held the legacy of Minato and Kushina for so many years, as high-level people, Not ashamed either."

Having said that, Tsunade looked into the eyes of the two consultants with dissatisfaction.

"Because his identity was not disclosed in the past, so that..."

"Then the earlier it was made public, wouldn't there be so many troubles? And the work of trying to conceal the identity of Injuriki has not been done well... I really don't know what you have been struggling with all these years, is it your face, or is it so pitiful? What about ridiculous self-esteem?"

Tsunade's pungent and critical words made the faces of the two consultants dull, and they walked away in despair.

"You are really unreasonable. It's exactly the same as in the past. Aren't you afraid that they will stumbling you in your work later?"

Seeing the two consultants running away in embarrassment under Tsunade's words, Jiraiya blushed.

"If you keep pampering them like Sarutobi-sensei, then there will be problems. Don't worry, these two old guys will be hard-pressed. Only by doing this can I control Konoha smoothly."

After Tsunade finished speaking, under the watchful eyes of Jiraiya, he left without looking back.