Mission: Contact Kirigakure Traitors

After all, to become the perfect jinchuriki of the Three-Tails and maintain a connection with it, one's character must be decent; he doesn't look like a tyrant by any measure.

Furthermore, the current rebellion in Kirigakure is likely inseparable from the uprising of the Kaguya Clan mentioned in the original story.

Indeed, Kirigakure is plagued by internal strife and external threats, a complete mess.

Just as Aragaki Yasushi was frantically filling in the blanks in his mind, Uchiha Yashiro raised his hand to signal for silence. The tent fell quiet instantly, and he cleared his throat before speaking.

"That is the situation as it stands. I have already transmitted the intelligence back to the village, but the higher-ups have yet to reach a decision."

"However, we cannot simply wait around. Delays only invite trouble, so we must prepare in advance."

"I have decided to send a few people to infiltrate Kirigakure and make initial contact with the ninja clans there."

"Regardless of whether we ultimately intend to join forces with them to take down the Third Mizukage or use this opportunity to seize Kirigakure, we must first gauge their true intentions and make thorough preparations."

At this point, Uchiha Yashiro scanned the tent and announced the names in a solemn tone: "Uchiha Inabi, Hyuga Homura, Aragaki Yasushi, and Uchiha Shisui."

"You four will form a squad to infiltrate Kirigakure and take responsibility for contacting those ninja clans dissatisfied with the Third Mizukage."

"For now, keep it to simple contact and assess the situation. As for what to do next, I will issue further instructions once we receive a response from the village."

He emphasized specifically: "This mission must be kept strictly confidential. Do not expose your tracks under any circumstances. If you encounter danger, you are authorized to abandon the mission immediately to prioritize your own survival."

Aragaki Yasushi's heart skipped a beat.

Good grief, I've barely had a moment to rest, and here comes another mission?

Still, being able to earn some points makes it worth it.

He stood up immediately, exchanged glances with Uchiha Inabi, Hyuga Homura, and Shisui, who was standing to the side, and replied in unison: "Yes!"

At the same time, a familiar system notification popped up before Aragaki Yasushi's eyes.

[Mission: Contact the Kirigakure Rebels]
[Reward: Points +1000]

Holy cow! A full 1000 points?!

Aragaki Yasushi was shocked.

But on second thought, this mission might result in being hunted by the entire village of Kirigakure.

Thinking about it that way, 1000 points actually seems a bit low.

However, since it's just making contact and not asking him to overthrow the Third Mizukage's rule, a lower amount is understandable.

Besides, once Yashiro issues follow-up instructions—whether it's taking down the Third or seizing the village—it will surely trigger higher-reward system missions. Wouldn't that be a massive windfall?

Aragaki Yasushi glanced at Shisui again.

To send Shisui on such a high-risk mission—Yashiro is clearly trying to pad the kid's resume!

Sigh, the ways of the world.

Sigh, the ninja clans.

After the meeting, Aragaki Yasushi walked out of the tent.

The four of them gathered together to discuss their departure.

The Uchiha and Hyuga clans have never gotten along.

Therefore, even though Hyuga Homura and Uchiha Inabi were standing close, they remained expressionless throughout, the atmosphere between them cold enough to freeze someone. They didn't even exchange a glance, acting like total strangers.

Shisui, being warm-hearted, tried to ease the tension by approaching Hyuga Homura to strike up a conversation, but Hyuga Homura completely ignored the "evil Uchiha brat," not even sparing him a look, making it clear he had no time for anyone from the Uchiha clan.

The scene was so awkward it was painful, and Aragaki Yasushi felt the urge to teleport away on the spot.

It wasn't until Aragaki Yasushi walked over that Hyuga Homura managed to squeeze out a faint smile, showing him at least a little respect.

After all, Aragaki Yasushi isn't exactly in the same camp as Uchiha Inabi.

Furthermore, Hyuga Homura had heard about Aragaki Yasushi standing up to Uchiha Yashiro.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Therefore, Aragaki Yasushi is a friend.

At this moment, Uchiha Inabi frowned, his tone as stiff as if someone owed him millions: "You will lead this mission."

"Me?" Aragaki Yasushi was stunned on the spot, his face full of disbelief.

Is this something Uchiha Inabi would actually say?

Although he is a Jonin, he was only recently promoted and lacks seniority.

Moreover, because of the incident with Kakashi's Sharingan, he and Inabi had some minor friction.

Aragaki Yasushi had assumed Inabi would target him at every turn and give him a hard time, so he was incredibly surprised that this guy would voluntarily let him take command.

Even though his tone remained foul and he didn't offer a single pleasant expression, this move was still unexpectedly shocking.

Uchiha Inabi couldn't be bothered to waste words with him; he pointed at Hyuga Homura and said with clear disdain: "This guy definitely won't listen to my orders. Rather than having internal strife ruin things, it's better to just let you do it."

Upon hearing this, Hyuga Homura merely chuckled, neither refuting nor agreeing.

His expression made it clear he was quite satisfied with this result.

At least they didn't have to take orders from those evil Uchiha geezers.

Aragaki Yasushi raised an eyebrow, not bothering with false modesty: "Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony. I'll take command."

"Does anyone have any other business? If not, let's set off now."

Shisui was the first to nod, looking eager: "No problem, I'll follow your lead, Jonin Aragaki."

Uchiha Inabi and Hyuga Homura didn't object either; they nodded silently, maintaining their cold, aloof demeanor and ignoring each other as usual.

Aragaki Yasushi smiled: "Then let's depart."

A few days later, after traveling with extreme caution, the four of them finally arrived at Kirigakure.

Rather than using the Transformation Technique, they had found some civilian clothing and used makeup to disguise themselves as ordinary merchants.

The Transformation Technique looked convenient, but maintaining it for long periods was riddled with flaws.

It was far too easy for Mist Ninja to notice something amiss.

For long-term infiltration, simple physical disguises were the most reliable.

Low-profile and inconspicuous, they were less likely to blow their cover.

Although Kirigakure was highly isolated due to the Bloody Mist policy and maintained strict defenses against the outside world, it was still an island nation adrift in the sea. It couldn't grow enough food, so the majority of its daily supplies had to be obtained through trade.

Precisely because of this, Kirigakure's control over civilians wasn't particularly strict.

Even during wartime, it was only slightly more severe than usual, with no major changes.

After all, ordinary civilians had no chance of coming into contact with the village's secrets, so they weren't worth focusing on.

It was those disguised as ninja spies who required the most attention.

Aragaki Yasushi and his team had disguised themselves as small-time merchants traveling for trade.

After entering the city, they found an inconspicuous inn to settle in.

Once inside the room, the four quickly gathered together, closed the door, and prepared to discuss their subsequent actions.

Aragaki Yasushi cleared his throat and began assigning tasks: "Inabi, you'll come with me to make contact with the Kaguya Clan. According to Yoiichi Kumade's intelligence, they are the main force opposing the Third Mizukage. We'll establish a connection with them first."

"Homura, you are responsible for scouting around Kirigakure. Use your Byakugan to gather intelligence on the village."

"Shisui, you stay at the inn on standby. You're responsible for receiving orders transmitted by Jonin Yashiro."

The three listened and had no objections.

Aragaki Yasushi nodded with satisfaction: "Good. Since no one has any objections, let's stick to our roles and begin."

"Remember, keep it low-profile. Don't cause a scene."