"Involution" Ninjas (Seeking Reads)

In mid-May, the weather began to turn warm.

Inside the Hokage Building, Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned as he looked over the latest reports, while Mitokado Homura, standing to the side, spoke calmly:

"Hiruzen, we both knew this situation would arise sooner or later."

"The impact of our low-priced commissions is spreading constantly. Both Sunagakure and Iwagakure have noticed this, and as the number of commissions they receive continues to dwindle, war will inevitably break out."

Konoha has a large number of ninjas, a good reputation, and relatively cheap prices, which has led more people to seek them out for missions.

The impact is most severe on C-rank and B-rank missions; some merchants in the Land of Wind have even abandoned Sunagakure ninjas, all of which is the result of Konoha's aggressive competition.

"We certainly don't plunder like Kumogakure, but the result is the same."

"Resentment is inevitably appearing in surrounding countries, and for them, war is the best way to resolve it."

"Taking the initiative is a good strategy; passive peace is not true peace."

Utatane Koharu, eyes narrowed, also offered her opinion. At this point, simply cutting off the "arm" the enemy reaches out with would not solve the problem.

"I will not drag Konoha ninjas into a war; this is a strategy we established long ago."

"Ōnoki has recently hired some personnel from the black market. What we need to do now is give a warning to those who accept such commissions."

"Jiraiya has already obtained accurate intelligence that the Iwagakure jinchuriki seems to be making some moves. We will split up to handle this."

As one of the Five Great Nations, hiring black market bounty hunters made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel that the Tsuchikage had lost all dignity. He intended to teach him a lesson to prevent Iwagakure from truly starting a war.

"A jinchuriki? What stage has our development of the jinchuriki reached?"

Danzo, who had been acting as a background figure, suddenly opened his eyes and asked with a serious expression. Regarding this question, Sarutobi Hiruzen still did not give a precise answer:

"Having a jinchuriki participate in battle is the worst choice. Every village's sealing jutsu has flaws; once they lose control, they become a nightmare for both sides on the battlefield."

Some time had passed since the last inquiry, and it was clear that the development of the jinchuriki had not yet met expectations. Danzo was somewhat dissatisfied with this and spoke up to remind him:

"The sealing jutsu we inherited from the Uzumaki Clan should be put to use."

"If the opponent uses a jinchuriki, the village must also be prepared. Hiruzen, controllable weapons are what we need."

Danzo gave his advice with a blank expression, but the two advisors were somewhat surprised to hear this; their old friend seemed exceptionally concerned about the jinchuriki.

What the three in the room did not know was that Root had been secretly cultivating Wood Style ninjas, and as the test subjects grew, so did his ambition.

Although they could not compare to the First Hokage's Wood Style, as long as they could suppress the Tailed Beasts, that was enough!

"If you find this matter difficult to handle, you can leave it to Root..."

Facing his silent "old friend," Danzo offered his suggestion again, but Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally would not agree and immediately refused sternly:

"This is not Root's job!"

Danzo, having been rejected, still felt disappointed. If he could master the power of Wood Style and the Nine-Tails, the position of Hokage might no longer be an issue.

By the end of the four-man discussion, Sarutobi Hiruzen insisted on strengthening security and once again rejected the strategy of taking the initiative.

No one questioned him; war is uncontrollable, and for Konoha, maintaining the stability of the village remained the top priority.

As he left the room, Danzo narrowed his eyes again. The appearance of Wood Style made him value Orochimaru's talent even more, and he had new ideas regarding the power of the Tailed Beasts:

"Root needs a controllable jinchuriki."

The decisions of the high-level officials did not have much impact on the genin. Students who had graduated not long ago were buried in D-rank missions, and even the best teams could only perform C-rank missions at most.

Obito Uchiha, who had finally welcomed his holiday, was busy helping an old lady again. Thanks to the recent D-rank missions, the elderly had been a huge help!

As he said goodbye to the old woman at the hospital entrance and accepted a piece of candy, Obito smiled brightly. Just as he was about to leave, a girl's voice reached his ears:

"Obito, are you helping an old lady again? Thanks to you, this week's missions went well!"

Rin Nohara greeted him while holding a notebook. Seeing the girl's sweet smile, Obito felt the fatigue on his body vanish after being praised, and he responded happily and loudly:

"Haha, as long as I can help you, Rin! It should be my turn to take care of you!"

Seeing the handkerchief Rin Nohara handed over, Obito's face turned red. He wiped his face twice in embarrassment and immediately whispered:

"I'll return it to you after I wash it. Thank you, Rin!"

Not minding the handkerchief, Rin Nohara nodded and then shared the news she had received:

"Tobitake-kun plans to join the Intelligence Division, so we might not be able to team up with him for much longer."

"Shizune told me that the team-leading ninjas will be adjusted later. We might even have an outstanding jonin leading us!"

"Thanks to Obito's hard work, Team 7 has the best results of all the squads!"

Obito really didn't know how to evaluate that strange teammate of his, but having spent nearly two months together, he still felt a bit lost at the prospect of him leaving:

"Rin, are you going to leave and join the Medical Corps too? Medical ninjas are probably safer."

"I might really be unable to protect you all..."

"What are you saying, Obito! Didn't we agree that you were going to become Hokage?"

Rin Nohara stopped in her tracks and looked at Obito with a serious expression. The latter realized the girl seemed angry and immediately began to stammer in a panic.

"Don't look down on yourself, Obito, you are truly amazing."

"I will stay in Team 7 and keep watching over you!"

"Rin..."

Encouraged, Obito felt his eyes redden; the feeling of being cared for by the one he loved was like possessing the entire world.

"Let's work hard together! If we become Chunin, maybe we'll have a chance to be on the same team as Kakashi again!"

"If we're going to take the exam, we have to double our efforts now. The seniors say the first time is very hard to pass..."

Lost in thoughts of the future, Rin Nohara did not notice the twitch at the corner of Obito's mouth; for the girl, Kakashi remained the object of her admiration.

Late May, 4:00 AM. Shu Furukawa finished his routine practice of the Strength of a Hundred Technique, the Sage Technique chakra stored methodically on his forehead.

"Lord Shu, the progress is fast! Your sensory perception has strengthened again."

Katsuyu wiggled her antennae on his shoulder. Shu Furukawa, sitting in meditation, opened his eyes and instinctively touched his forehead, then said in a low, regretful voice:

"If only I could absorb natural energy on my own to complete the refinement."

What Shu Furukawa looked forward to was [Qi Refining Stage cultivation], which Katsuyu could not understand, so she could only continue to offer comfort in her soft, mellow voice.

"I might not be able to summon you for the next two months. This joint combat mission seems like a troublesome affair!"

"It is no matter, Lord Shu."

By nearly 5:00 AM, a fully armed Shu Furukawa had already arrived at the village gate. Kakashi waved in greeting, and the young Chunin from the Hyuga clan nodded along.

With the Ino-Shika-Cho trio leading the team, once the time arrived, Yamanaka Inoichi looked toward the three squads and solemnly instructed:

"Beyond the 'clearing' operation, we must also coordinate with Lord Jiraiya's squad to complete the infiltration."

"Give it your all. Move out!"