Yashamaru

Obito's impromptu trip truly broadened Yaowan's horizons.

He mobilized all the resources of Amegakure, but still couldn't find any trace of Obito.

When he lowered his head and reported the matter to Jigen, he was already mentally prepared to be killed by the other party.

Ai also held this mindset.

Yaowan's actions during this period were no secret among the Inner Circle members, and his several failed incursions had led them to prematurely label this arrogant Uchiha as doomed.

"Is that so?" Jigen raised her head, glanced at Yaowan and Ai, but made no further move.

Yaowan, who thought he would lose another part in the next second, did not experience the expected pain for a long time, and bravely raised his head.

Only then did he realize that Jigen had focused all her attention on the book in his hands and had no intention of saying anything more.

Having become familiar with the other party's style, Yaowan knew this was a signal for him to leave, but was this really the end of the matter?

Even after he and Ai left that room, the heaviness in his heart had not completely dissipated.

"A good-for-nothing who's more trouble than he's worth. Sometimes I really wonder why this kind of idiot could come back alive."

Jigen closed the book, gently waved her hand, and a hidden door appeared in the smooth wall, from which a man slowly walked out.

"Well, Amado, are you satisfied with the conditions I offered?"

Looking at the man before her, Jigen's eyes revealed a hint of admiration.

This guy actually improved the hibernation chamber based on his own design, and even deciphered the Ōtsutsuki's genetic sequence.

Such talent would be of great help to his complete resurrection.

Jigen only spared Yaowan again because Yaowan had successfully brought Amado to the country.

"I am extremely grateful."

Amado lit a cigarette in front of Jigen, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

It possessed neither Ai's arrogance nor Yaowan's palpitations.

He just stood there, puffing away, occasionally glancing at this legendary visitor from outer space.

"I'll leave the work of the Dawn Organization to you. Feel free to tell Scorpion if you need anything."

Jigen didn't like the way the other person looked at him, but he still managed to hold back his anger.

The hibernation chamber allows him to recover after briefly using some of the Ōtsutsuki's power, so that he can personally deal with some enemies he has to face.

Of course, this is all predicated on carving a "wedge".

Having managed to remain hidden in the Shinobi World for so many years, Jigen himself still possesses a certain degree of sleazy nature.

If it weren't for the significant commotion Yaowan caused, he might have waited many more years before searching for pawns he could use.

"You provide the money and the data, I provide the technology—it's a very worthwhile deal."

Amado stubbed out his pipe, exhaled the last puff of smoke, and then left the room under Jigen's slightly displeased gaze.

As the hidden door closed, Amado, who had come to the corridor, changed his expression, his eyes filled with fervor and solemnity.

Amado was not married or had a daughter at this time. She accepted Jigen's invitation entirely because of Yaowan's firm attitude and her curiosity about the Ōtsutsuki.

In retrospect, this has been a journey fraught with both danger and opportunity.

Lighting another cigarette, Amado pondered how to maximize his own interests as he slowly made his way deeper into the corridor.

In Konoha.

Three days have passed since the two advisors attempted to "protect" Karin.

For the next three days, they were extremely careful, whether they were eating or sleeping.

Flowerpots that occasionally fall from upstairs, and Kunai- shaped fish bones that suddenly appear in food—each of these unexpected occurrences reinforced their belief that Danzo was Danzo.

This resulted in them not getting a good night's sleep even once during those three days.

Despite their heavy dark circles under their eyes, the two still showed up on time for the routine meeting of senior management.

Looking around at everyone present, the two were disappointed to find that Danzo was still Danzo.

There was nothing they could do; the other party was merely a lowly "head of the Anbu Training Department," completely unqualified to attend such a high-level meeting.

"If this matter isn't explained clearly soon, I'm afraid the two of us will really have to go see Teacher Tobirama."

Mitokado Homura was filled with pessimism.

In his youth, staying awake for three days and three nights would not have been difficult for him, given his background as a ninja.

But he was the same age as the Third Hokage, and it was time for him to have grandchildren.

As a result of this incident, he's practically been reduced to a subservient position.

"But as you've seen, every time we go, the people from the Anbu Training Department say he's not in the village. What can we do?"

Utatane Koharu, complained irritably.

"That's just his excuse!"

"What can you do then? Force your way in?"

Just as the two were discussing their next move, Karin, the protagonist of the incident, was conducting a study tour with Naruto and others in the newly outskirts of the village.

The so-called new outer area refers to the land that Konoha expanded outwards after demolishing the original outer walls.

Apart from the industrial area in the south, the other areas have been converted into residential areas.

Most of the residents were absorbed from the Land of Fire and neighboring countries.

The main purpose of conducting study tours here is to familiarize students with this new area and also to test the local security environment.

The team responsible for guarding them was a Jonin squad.

Not far from this squad, three other people were responsible for protecting Karin's safety.

They are Haku, Kimimaro, Yamato.

The three of them were squatting on a big tree, watching Naruto and Karin flirt with a red-haired person of similar age.

"Are you also a member of our Uzumaki Clan?"

After receiving permission, Naruto reached out and patted the other person's head.

He gave the other person's red hair a special caress.

Hmm, it's a bit dark; it doesn't look as vibrant as Karin and Mom.

"I... I don't know..."

The boy spoke timidly; this was the first time he had interacted with someone his own age since leaving home.

The older sister and brother always looked like they were facing a formidable enemy, and the uncle also looked worried, preventing them from easily interacting with others.

"So what's your name?"

Naruto pressed on with his questions.

"I..."

Before the other could answer, Yamato, suddenly jumped down and grabbed Naruto's arm with a kind smile.

"Naruto, let's stop here."

"Hey, Yamato- san?!"

Naruto was taken aback, clearly not expecting Yamato to appear before him.

However, Naruto's next words surprised Yamato.

"Are you here to protect Karin?"

This child is indeed clever.

Yamato gave Naruto a deep look, marveling that he truly deserved to be the son of the genius Minato.

"Let's put that aside for now. Your teachers are already looking for you. Why aren't you going to assemble right away?"

After Yamato managed to lure the two away, Haku jumped down from the tree.

Kimimaro has already given chase.

After explaining to Yamato that Karin was being protected, Haku also turned his attention to the child in front of him.

"This child is..."

"The adult leading them is Yashamaru, a rogue ninja from Sunagakure."

Yamato looked at the intelligence he had just received and sighed softly.