A Belated Warning!

Snowflakes drifted down, and a thin layer of snow had already accumulated across Konoha's ground, wrapping the entire village in silver.

The cold weather had left few pedestrians on the streets. Only a handful of footprints disturbed the pristine snow covering the roads.

At night, most shops had long since extinguished their lights and closed their doors. Only the Izakaya and a few snack stalls remained open.

Inside the Izakaya, Jiraiya's original body was gathering intelligence while drinking to pass the time, having left two Shadow Clones at home to watch over Naruto.

"Hey, Fujino, have you heard about what's been going on with the Uchiha lately?"

Fujino, seated in the middle of the Izakaya, shook his head and refilled Tianjian's cup.

"Did something happen, Tianjian? You know more about this sort of thing. Tell me."

Tianjian raised the cup Fujino had just filled and drained it in one gulp.

"I passed by the mission hall this morning and accidentally overheard some people talking. They said twelve Uchiha ninja who went to the Daimyo's Mansion on an A-rank mission half a month ago were planning a rebellion!"

"Then, on their way back, they were intercepted and killed by elite Anbu ninja. Good thing the Anbu stepped in—otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble the Uchiha would have stirred up again."

Nearby, Jiraiya was disguised as Laiye. He pretended to drink while actually observing the words and actions of every customer in the Izakaya.

When he heard this, his brows furrowed unconsciously.

Why would the Uchiha suddenly have people wanting to defect from the village? Something's wrong. This must be Danzo's scheme.

Fujino looked thoroughly astonished.

"Why would the Uchiha do something like that? My cousin is dating a Uchiha Chunin right now. You must have heard wrong!"

"But I do have another piece of news about the Anbu. Interested? Want to hear it?"

Fujino wore a mysterious expression as he shot Tianjian beside him a meaningful glance.

Seeing Fujino's expression, Tianjian laughed and cursed.

"You bastard, you really won't let me get anything for free, huh? Hahaha, fine, I'll fill it up for you!"

As he spoke, he lifted the wine jug and refilled Fujino's cup until a few drops even spilled over the rim and slid down the side onto the table.

Seeing that, Fujino immediately lifted his cup and drained it in one gulp as well.

He wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied groan.

"Hehe, since you're my good brother, I'll tell you a little."

"My brother-in-law—the Uchiha Chunin I mentioned—does clerical work in the Police Force. He only told me about this while drinking with me at noon today."

"Apparently, there's a branch within the Anbu called Root! This time, the ones who attacked those twelve Uchiha ninja were dozens of Root ninja who had rebelled!"

"Then the Police Force's chief and deputy chief got furious and went straight to that Root base to raise hell!"

Tianjian looked puzzled after hearing this. He poured himself another drink and swallowed it.

"Tell me, what exactly is going on between the Uchiha and this Anbu Root? We must've heard about the same thing, but the stories are different."

Fujino reached out and patted Tianjian on the back.

"Ah, why bother worrying about that? It has nothing to do with commoners like us. It's just drunken gossip, so why do you care?"

"Anyway, ever since the Police Force reforms, haven't our lives been better than before? We can even come out drinking at night now."

"If this were before, you might get taken away by the Police Force for questioning just for drinking at night. Enough of that—it's a real mood killer. Drink, drink!"

Tianjian looked relieved as well.

"You're right. It has nothing to do with us. As long as we're living better than before, that's enough. Come on! Drink!"

The two poured drinks for each other again...

After hearing the entire conversation, Jiraiya, seated in the corner, changed expression and sensed that something was amiss.

It seemed Root had already begun moving against the Uchiha.

But how could Senya dare to run straight to Root and cause trouble like that?

It seemed he would be going back later than usual tonight to keep Naruto company. Fortunately, the Shadow Clones were watching him, so it should not be a major problem. He needed to go to Senya's house tonight and get to the bottom of this.

With that thought, Jiraiya left a ten-thousand-ryo note on the table, lifted the Izakaya's curtain, and departed, racing toward the Uchiha clan compound.

The night was enchanting, and falling snow stirred memories of Senya's previous life.

Watching the snowy night outside, Senya sat alone in the living room, heating a hot pot.

Suddenly, a knocking sound came from outside the window.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Senya set down his chopsticks and turned to look.

Jiraiya's large face appeared outside the window.

Senya sighed, walked over, and opened the window.

Jiraiya swiftly and skillfully braced himself with one hand, vaulted through the window, and brushed the snow from his body.

The moment he entered, the warmth of the room began to drive away the chill clinging to him.

Jiraiya looked at the large copper pot on the table with curiosity and sniffed it.

"Senya, what kind of way of eating is this? It smells amazing! Hurry, get me another set of utensils—I'm joining in!"

Grinning, Jiraiya walked over to the table, sat down, rubbed his hands together, and began examining the strangely shaped bronze-colored pot before him.

Senya was helpless. Seeing Jiraiya like this, he could hardly refuse, so he fetched him another bowl and chopsticks.

Jiraiya took them and immediately fished out two slices of meat from the copper pot.

Ignoring how hot they were, he stuffed them directly into his mouth.

"Hiss—ha—hiss! So hot!"

After chewing a few times, he swallowed them.

"Senya, this is mutton, right? It's my first time seeing it eaten like this. It's unbelievably good!"

Senya sat across the table and looked at Jiraiya.

"I invented this style myself. Copper Pot Mutton. Charcoal burns inside the central cylinder, while the outer pot holds the broth. The broth heats the ingredients and enhances their flavor."

"But you came to see me so late at night. You can't possibly just be here to mooch a meal, can you?"

Senya brought the conversation back on track.

Only then did Jiraiya clench his right hand into a fist and strike it against his left palm, looking as though he had suddenly remembered something.

"That's right, Senya. Did something happen between you and Danzo's Root?"

Now that Jiraiya had finally brought it up, Senya's plan had effectively fallen into place.

For the next hour or so, the two discussed the matter.

Seeing that the time was about right, Senya decided to end the topic and move the plan to its next stage.

"By the way, you're out this late. What about Naruto? Did you send him to the Third Hokage's house?"

Jiraiya waved a hand indifferently, looking utterly confident.

"Don't worry. I left two Shadow Clones to watch Naruto for me. Nothing will happen in the village. Besides, Anbu ninja are keeping an eye on him too."

Senya immediately followed up with a question.

"Anbu? Are you sure it isn't Root?"

Jiraiya's expression suddenly froze.

"Oh no! Naruto! That old bastard Danzo would never let an opportunity like this pass! Quick! Let's go check!"

Jiraiya vaulted out through the window and immediately rushed toward Naruto's home.

Senya rose and followed after him.

Jiraiya, don't blame me for setting you up. Naruto has Asura's Chakra inside him, as well as the Uzumaki Clan's physique. A little roughing up won't cause any serious problems. Jiraiya, you can't blame me...

That was right. The information Fujino and Tianjian had received at the Izakaya had both been deliberately leaked by Senya's people, all so Jiraiya would leave Naruto's side tonight and create an opportunity for Danzo.

Otherwise, how would Danzo dare to make a move? This time, this was baiting the fish into enforcement!