After all, anyone who could become the Three-Tails' Perfect Jinchuriki and communicate with it heart to heart couldn't have a bad nature. He didn't look like a tyrant at all.
Besides, Kirigakure's rebellion this time was probably connected to the Kaguya Clan's uprising in the original story.
As expected, Kirigakure was beset by internal and external troubles and in complete disarray.
Just as Aragaki Yasushi was wildly speculating to himself, Uchiha Yashiro raised a hand and pressed it down. The tent fell silent at once. He cleared his throat and began.
"That's the situation. I've already sent the intelligence back to the village, but the higher-ups haven't made a decision yet."
"But we can't just sit around waiting. We need to prepare in advance before things get worse."
"I've decided to send a few people to infiltrate Kirigakure and make contact with the ninja clans there."
"Whether we ultimately join forces with them to take down the Third Mizukage or seize the opportunity to capture Kirigakure, we need to learn the situation and make thorough preparations first."
At that, Uchiha Yashiro swept his gaze around the tent and solemnly called out their names: "Uchiha Inabi, Hyuga Homura, Aragaki Yasushi, Uchiha Shisui."
"You four will form a team and infiltrate Kirigakure. You'll be responsible for contacting the ninja clans that are dissatisfied with the Third Mizukage."
"For now, just make contact and find out what's going on. Once we hear back from the village, I'll give you further instructions."
He emphasized, "You must keep this mission secret. Don't let anyone discover your whereabouts. If you encounter danger, you may abandon the mission. Your safety comes first."
Aragaki Yasushi's thoughts stirred.
Well, he'd barely had a chance to rest, and now he had another mission?
Still, he could earn some points, so it wasn't a bad deal.
He immediately stood and exchanged glances with Uchiha Inabi, Hyuga Homura, and Shisui, who was standing nearby. Together, they answered, "Yes!"
At the same time, the familiar system prompt appeared before Aragaki Yasushi.
[Mission: Contact the Kirigakure Rebels] [Reward: +1000 points]
Whoa! A full 1,000 points?!
Aragaki Yasushi was startled.
But then he thought about it. The whole of Kirigakure might end up hunting him down over this mission.
In that case, wasn't 1,000 points a little too stingy?
Still, he was only being asked to make contact, not overthrow the Third Mizukage's rule, so a smaller reward made sense.
And once Yashiro gave them further instructions, whether they took down the Third Mizukage or seized the opportunity to occupy Kirigakure, surely that would trigger a system mission with a bigger reward. Wouldn't that make him a fortune?
Aragaki Yasushi glanced at Shisui, who was standing nearby.
Yashiro had actually sent Shisui along on such a high-risk mission. It was obviously an opportunity to build up the kid's credentials!
Sigh, the ways of the world.
Sigh, the ways of a ninja clan.
After the meeting, Aragaki Yasushi walked out of the tent.
The four gathered to discuss their departure.
The Uchiha and Hyuga Clans had never gotten along.
So although Hyuga Homura and Uchiha Inabi stood close to each other, both kept their faces expressionless. The air between them was cold enough to freeze someone, and they didn't even exchange glances. They were going out of their way to act like strangers.
Shisui, on the other hand, was warmhearted and tried to ease the tension. He went over to strike up a conversation with Hyuga Homura, but Homura completely ignored the evil little Uchiha brat. He didn't even spare Shisui a glance, making it clear he couldn't stand the Uchiha.
The scene was so awkward you could practically carve out a three-room apartment from the silence. Even Aragaki Yasushi wanted to teleport away on the spot.
Only when Aragaki Yasushi walked over did Hyuga Homura manage to squeeze out a faint smile, at least giving him a little face.
After all, Aragaki Yasushi wasn't exactly on Uchiha Inabi's side.
Besides, Hyuga Homura had heard about Aragaki Yasushi standing up to Uchiha Yashiro.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
So Aragaki Yasushi was a friend.
At that moment, Uchiha Inabi frowned, his tone as stiff as if Aragaki Yasushi owed him millions. "You'll lead this mission."
"Me?" Aragaki Yasushi froze, looking utterly incredulous.
Was that really something Uchiha Inabi could say?
Though Aragaki Yasushi was also a jonin, he had only just been promoted and had very little experience.
Besides, he and Inabi had had a minor disagreement over Kakashi's Sharingan.
Aragaki Yasushi had thought Inabi would target him at every turn and refuse to give him the time of day. He hadn't expected the man to voluntarily put him in charge.
Inabi's tone was still unpleasant, and he still hadn't given Aragaki Yasushi a friendly look, but the gesture was surprising all the same.
Uchiha Inabi couldn't be bothered to explain. He pointed at Hyuga Homura beside them, his voice full of disdain. "That guy definitely won't follow my orders. Rather than let infighting ruin the mission, you might as well lead."
Hyuga Homura merely chuckled. He neither agreed nor disagreed.
He was clearly quite satisfied with the outcome.
At least he wouldn't have to take orders from an evil old Uchiha.
Aragaki Yasushi raised an eyebrow but didn't make a fuss. "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony. I'll take command."
"Does anyone have anything else to take care of? If not, let's set out now."
Shisui nodded first, looking eager. "No problem. I'll follow your lead, Aragaki-san."
Uchiha Inabi and Hyuga Homura didn't object either. They silently nodded, still wearing their cold expressions and ignoring each other.
Aragaki Yasushi smiled. "Then let's go."
Several days later, after traveling cautiously, Aragaki Yasushi and the others finally reached Kirigakure.
They didn't use the Transformation Technique. Instead, they found some civilian clothes, disguised themselves, and passed as ordinary civilians.
The Transformation Technique seemed convenient, but a disguise worn for a long time was bound to develop flaws.
It was easy for Kirigakure shinobi to notice something was off.
For a long-term disguise, the simplest method—changing their appearance—was still the most reliable.
It kept them inconspicuous and made it less likely they'd slip up.
Kirigakure had become very insular under the Bloody Mist Policy and kept a tight watch against the outside world.
But it was an island country isolated overseas, with little land suitable for growing crops. A large portion of its daily necessities had to come through trade.
For that reason, Kirigakure didn't keep too close an eye on civilians.
Even during wartime, the restrictions were only a little stricter than usual. Not much had changed.
Ordinary civilians had no chance of learning the village's secrets, after all, so there was no reason to pay them special attention.
It was spies disguised as villagers who needed closer scrutiny.
Aragaki Yasushi and the others posed as merchants traveling to do business.
After entering the village, they found an inconspicuous inn and settled in.
As soon as they entered their room, the four quickly gathered and closed the door to discuss what to do next.
Aragaki Yasushi cleared his throat and began assigning tasks. "Inabi, you're coming with me to contact the Kaguya Clan. According to Yoiichi Kumade's intelligence, they're the main force opposing the Third Mizukage. We'll establish contact with them first."
"Homura, you're responsible for looking around Kirigakure and using your Byakugan to gather intelligence."
"Shisui, stay here at the inn and wait for orders. You'll receive any instructions sent by Jonin Yashiro."
The three had no objections.
Aragaki Yasushi nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Since nobody has any objections, let's each handle our part and get started."
"Remember, keep a low profile. Don't attract attention."
Before you continue