"Bird in a Cage"... (Part 1)

In mid-July of the 46th year of Konoha, the members of Jiraiya's squad breathed a collective sigh of relief as they successfully reached the outskirts of Konoha.

Akimichi Choza came to a halt, patting his stomach as he spoke loudly:

"I'm going to have a massive feast once we're back in the village. Since we managed to return in one piece this time, I've got to build up my energy reserves!"

Jiraiya, leading the group, let out a hearty laugh at these words. Even though they hadn't achieved their expected goals and the mission had hit a few snags, he remained in high spirits:

"How about we grab a few drinks? The alcohol in the Land of Grass just doesn't compare to Konoha's, and the snacks weren't nearly rich enough!"

"Though, the girls there were unexpectedly pretty..."

"Jiraiya-sensei! We aren't at the age to be drinking yet."

Minato Namikaze took the initiative to cut Jiraiya off, turning his head to look at the others behind him with an apologetic smile.

"What does that matter! Minato, don't underestimate the kids!"

"Kakashi, you'd surely agree with my point of view—the Toad Sage needs more inspiration to create even more interesting stories!"

Seeing Jiraiya's winking and gesturing, Kakashi turned his head away in embarrassment, though in his heart, he actually agreed with the sentiment.

Having read the Toad Sage's manuscripts, Shu Furukawa couldn't quite judge the man's creative talent, but the impact of certain scenes was undeniably powerful:

"Captain Shikaku, is the scar on your face alright? You're still single, aren't you!"

Shu Furukawa's attempt to change the subject made the whole group burst into laughter; Nara Shikaku had certainly "ruined his looks" on this mission.

"A man ought to have a few scars! It serves as a reminder not to underestimate any opponent."

"Come to think of it, I was in quite a sorry state. It's thanks to all of you that I made it back to the village; I can't afford to let my guard down from here on out."

With two injuries now marking his face, Nara Shikaku smiled and rested his arms behind his head, showing no concern at all for the scars.

"Don't let your guard down, Shikaku. Take this as a lesson!"

"If it weren't for Shu, Kakashi, and Hideichi having such outstanding strength, you would have had a very hard time dealing with that encounter."

"A ninja needs a brilliant mind, but one must also value their own raw strength."

Yamanaka Inoichi gave a stern, resolute warning. Not every team composition would have such exceptional members, and he didn't want his good friend to slack off and meet an unfortunate end.

"I know. Even if training is the most troublesome thing in the world, I'll keep at it!"

Nara Shikaku responded solemnly. Recalling the night they were surrounded, he knew that if Shu Furukawa and Kakashi had been even a fraction slower, the outcome would have been entirely different.

"Forget about the mission. Once we turn in the report, just go and relax!"

"Ninjas need a balance of work and rest. I'll handle all the follow-up paperwork."

Jiraiya flashed a confident smile and made a loud promise. Minato's two teammates cheered; while high-level missions paid well, they were truly exhausting.

As the group reached the village gates, they happened to run into Tsume Inuzuka's squad returning from outside.

"Kuromaru! You're being disobedient again!"

Tsume Inuzuka, with her wild hair, shouted a complaint as her dog sprinted toward Shu Furukawa. Kuromaru, who had grown a few sizes larger, responded immediately:

"I just wanted to ask if Shu had any more of those Military Ration Pills."

"This is to help you improve your strength, too!"

The large dog looked somewhat fierce, completely unlike Kakashi's small ninken. Shu Furukawa smiled, patted the dog's head, and handed the remaining pills from his bag to Kuromaru, cautioning him:

"This is all I have left. Remember, don't eat too many at once—there's a risk of mutation. You don't want to turn into a monster, do you?"

The specially crafted Military Ration Pills contained traces of natural energy; compared to the secret medicines of the Inuzuka clan, they were far more effective and helped the dog strengthen its body...

"Tsume is still too fierce..."

A look of regret crossed Kuromaru's canine face. He had wanted to introduce Tsume Inuzuka to the group so they could become a family and bolster the pack.

Ignoring his master chasing after him, Kuromaru ran off, though he didn't forget to remind Kakashi before leaving:

"Kid, next time have Pakkun bring that fellow Akino over. I'm going to give him some proper training!"

Watching the massive, imposing dog, Kakashi looked on with envy. His own ninken only knew how to complain...

The group expanded, and they walked into the Konoha gates laughing and chatting. At the back of the line, Hideichi Hyuga felt a complex mix of emotions.

He truly envied these free-spirited companions, while he was nothing more than a tool for his clan.

Inside the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and his two advisors were present. Danzo sat on the other side of the room with his eyes narrowed, listening quietly to Jiraiya's report.

"Based on the final intelligence we received, we have basically locked onto the Iwagakure Jinchuriki."

"As for the grudge between Ōnoki and the Jinchuriki mentioned in the reports, it remains unconfirmed for now. Next time, I am confident I can test the extent of the Jinchuriki's development."

As soon as Jiraiya finished speaking, Danzo, who had remained silent until then, immediately added:

"I have two more leads on my end. We must send more intelligence personnel to follow up."

Everyone in the room understood what Danzo meant. Once their work was done, the only outcome for Root intelligence operatives was death.

No one objected. With the Five Great Nations constantly infiltrating one another, sacrifices for the village were inevitable.

"How did Hideichi Hyuga perform?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was not discussing intelligence work; in that regard, Danzo was the professional. He was more concerned with the attitude of the Hyuga clan.

"Shikaku's team was able to bring back intelligence this time largely thanks to Hideichi Hyuga's contributions."

"The offensive and defensive capabilities of the Rotation were a massive help in battle."

Jiraiya reported truthfully. Upon hearing "Rotation," the people in the room nodded in agreement. With this secret technique combined with the Byakugan, the Hyuga were truly worthy of being called Konoha's strongest clan.

Whenever war broke out, the Hyuga clan always sent elites to contribute to the village. The people in the room did not care about status; attitude was what mattered more.

"We may face the enemy's Jinchuriki next time. Jiraiya, do not be careless!"

"Minato's Flying Thunder God must become even more refined. That child's talent is beyond imagination; he is the future of the village."

Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen praise him with a chuckle, Danzo narrowed his eyes and spoke up in warning:

"I do not wish for Minato Namikaze to associate too closely with the Jinchuriki, as this will bring great risk to the village."

"That is Minato's freedom. As his teacher, I have no right to interfere."

"That's enough, Old Man. I need to go grab a drink."

Responding with some dissatisfaction, Jiraiya turned and walked away without sparing Danzo a glance.

"Bang..."

As the door closed, Danzo opened his eyes and looked at the others. For a moment, no one spoke, until finally, Utatane Koharu broke the silence:

"Lady Mito mentioned this matter. I support Danzo's position. We all know what the consequences will be if things spiral out of control."

"There is no need to discuss this. Kushina's chakra is very special; we only need to trust Lady Mito's arrangements."

Sarutobi Hiruzen trusted his "family" as always. Mitokado Homura kept his head down in silence, while Danzo stood up abruptly and said in a deep voice:

"Hiruzen, you will regret this."

"..."