Kirigakure's Scheme

"Oh? Do you have something to add, Shikamaru?" Kiriki Seiryuu glanced sideways at the subordinate who was usually so dull-witted.

To be honest, he did not like Shikamaru very much. The man was rigid in everything he did and knew nothing of flexibility. As a result, even after all these years, he remained an insignificant Anbu member, never valued or promoted, endlessly handling the dirty and exhausting jobs.

"Sir, I have just received intelligence that a group has entered the target bathhouse. It is a strangely dressed middle-aged man leading three children," Shikamaru said with a slight bow.

"Hm? So what?" Kiriki Seiryuu replied indifferently.

"This subordinate conducted a preliminary investigation. That group's movements are highly suspicious. They have not appeared anywhere nearby in recent months, and their sudden appearance now means they may be here to meet with the target."

Shikamaru explained with a grave expression.

Yukino, standing nearby, spoke disdainfully.

"A few little brats and one man scared you? You've been in the Anbu for so long, yet you're such a coward. You've really disgraced Lord Seiryuu."

Listening to Yukino's undisguised mockery, Shikamaru's expression did not change. He paid it no heed and merely spoke in a low voice.

"Captain Seiryuu, this matter is suspicious. From my observations, the middle-aged man leading them should not be underestimated. Moreover, their group composition is strange. Based on my experience, they are very likely a Konoha squad. We cannot be careless."

Upon hearing this, Yukino curled his lips into a cold smile. His eyes shifted before he spoke again.

"So you're questioning Lord Seiryuu's strength? You've got quite some nerve."

Kiriki Seiryuu's expression also changed slightly, and he cast Shikamaru an unfriendly glance.

"That is not what I mean, Captain Seiryuu. I merely think we should proceed cautiously. This mission concerns the village's secrets. We must think carefully before acting!" Shikamaru hurriedly explained.

"Enough. Say no more. Even if they are a Konoha squad, it does not matter. They are merely a team led by a teacher. Konoha now is nothing but a rotten tree riddled with holes and on the verge of collapse." Kiriki Seiryuu looked disdainful, his tone brimming with confidence.

"The village had already planned to launch a strike against Konoha, to test just how far this once-greatest nation has declined. And now, I have happened upon a Konoha squad."

There was an eager edge to the man's voice as he revealed a cruel smile.

"What a gift from heaven, handing me such a great achievement..."

Seeing that Kiriki Seiryuu had made up his mind and clearly would not listen to any advice, Shikamaru could only shake his head helplessly and let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

Seeing Shikamaru's reaction, Yukino revealed a triumphant smile and shot him a provocative look, only to be ignored.

"There is no need to worry about that Konoha ninja. I will deal with him personally when the time comes," Kiriki Seiryuu said confidently, waving a hand.

Inside the hot spring inn, in a secluded private room.

Aburame Keiichi and Chishima Tsurume sat facing each other, speaking in low voices.

"Hanako... how did she..." Aburame Keiichi asked softly, his eyelids lowered.

Chishima Tsurume fell silent at his words, and that painful day flashed through her mind.

Her most beloved mother, dragging her grievously wounded body, had entrusted her final wishes to her while lying in her arms. That pungent smell of blood was still etched into her mind, impossible to wash away or forget.

"Mother intercepted important intelligence from Kirigakure. While being pursued by Kirigakure's Anbu, she was ambushed by the Exploding Blade Shibuki. Her injuries were too severe, and after passing the information on to me..." As she spoke, Chishima Tsurume lowered her head, burying her face in shadow and making her expression difficult to see.

"Hanako was an outstanding ninja. Konoha is proud of her," Aburame Keiichi said firmly, raising his head.

"I know. Mother's greatest wish in life was to do something for the village, and also..." As she spoke, Chishima Tsurume discreetly glanced at Aburame Keiichi.

She did not really understand what charm this taciturn man, who always wore a stern expression, possessed. Even a ninja as outstanding as her mother, one who had always placed the village above all else, had been unable to stop thinking about him in her final moments.

"This scroll contains the intelligence Mother intercepted. I am now handing it over to you, Mr. Keiichi."

Chishima Tsurume offered the scroll in her hands with both hands.

"It not only records the atrocities Kirigakure has committed over the years, but also many of their future strategic deployments." The woman's expression was grave.

"One piece of intelligence in particular is extremely important. It concerns future battle plans against Kirigakure."

"What?" Realizing the severity of the matter, Aburame Keiichi quickly pressed for details.

"Kirigakure intends to use seven special weapons as a foundation, seek out elite ninja suited to wield them, and create a special unit capable of carrying out every kind of ninja operation."

Chishima Tsurume spoke with a solemn expression, enunciating every word.

"Known as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."

"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen?" Aburame Keiichi repeated, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

"At such a critical time, they are suddenly establishing such a terrifying division." The man tugged at his sleeve, his expression heavy.

"They intend to make a move against Konoha..."

"Your intelligence is extremely important. This time, you have rendered great service to the village."

Chishima Tsurume shook her head and said:

"It is only my duty. Besides, this was also Mother's wish."

"There is no time to lose. I will gather the team members at once, and we will return to Konoha as soon as possible," Aburame Keiichi said urgently.

"We? I have to return too? This base is still highly useful. It can bring the village many conveniences. If I leave, won't it simply be abandoned?"

Chishima Tsurume froze before explaining.

However, Aburame Keiichi's expression remained grave as he explained the stakes.

"No, you are thinking too simply. Kirigakure's Anbu may have many parasites and useless fools, but overall, they are not to be underestimated."

"Hanako had made such a huge move this time, and the intelligence she stole was so important. Those Mist ninja were definitely following the trail here." The man looked around.

"I suspect this bathhouse has already been targeted. They may have even been ready to act long ago, only delayed by certain circumstances."

"There's no time to lose. We leave now!"

Elsewhere, in the hot spring.

Amid the rising mist, the spring water enclosed by stone railings gleamed with a soft, silky sheen, while the vapor carried a faint scent of sulfur.

Uchiha Kai and Morino Kei wholeheartedly enjoyed nature's warmth, their tired bodies and minds completely relaxing.

During this idle moment, the boy also allocated the attribute points he had just received. His status panel had changed once more.

[Host: Uchiha Kai]

[Body: 4.9]

[Spirit: 6.2]

[Energy (Chakra): 195]

[Energy Control: Fire (Proficient) Wind (Proficient) Lightning (Locked) Water (Locked) Earth (Locked) Yin (Locked) Yang (Locked)]

[Special Talents: Sharingan (Single Tomoe), Proof of Sweat, Bu'a]

[Skills: Great Fireball Technique, Flower Shuriken Red Claw Technique, Three Body Techniques, Genjutsu—Sharingan, Shurikenjutsu, Konoha Style Taijutsu, Shadow Clone Jutsu, Wind Cutter, Body Flicker Technique, Mirror Heaven and Earth Turn, Seal Evil Law Seal]

[Overall Assessment: Barely mended broken porcelain, possessing a little power, a mayfly in troubled times]

After strengthening his body, a warm current flowed through him. He could feel that he was about to achieve a breakthrough.