Snowflakes fluttered down, and a thin layer of snow had already covered the ground in Konoha. The whole village looked as if it had been wrapped in silver.
The cold weather kept pedestrians off the roads. Only a few sets of footprints marred the pristine snow.
Most shops along the streets had already closed for the night, but the izakaya and a few snack shops were still open.
Inside an izakaya, Jiraiya's real body was gathering information and drinking to pass the time. He had left two Shadow Clones at home to look after Naruto.
"Hey, Fujino, have you heard anything about the Uchiha lately?"
Fujino, sitting in the middle of the izakaya, shook his head and refilled Tianjian's cup.
"Did something happen, Tianjian? You know a lot about this kind of thing. Tell me about it."
Tianjian picked up the cup Fujino had just filled and drained it in one go.
"I overheard someone talking when I passed the mission hall this morning. Apparently, the twelve Uchiha who went to the daimyo's residence on an A-rank mission half a month ago were planning to rebel!"
"Then, on their way back, elite Anbu Ninja ambushed them. Good thing the Anbu stepped in, or who knows what kind of trouble the Uchiha would've caused this time."
Nearby, Jiraiya was disguised as Raino. He pretended to drink while observing the words and actions of everyone in the izakaya.
When he heard the news, his brow furrowed without him realizing it.
Why would the Uchiha suddenly have someone trying to abandon the village? Something's not right. This has to be Danzo's scheme.
Fujino looked surprised.
"Why would the Uchiha do something like that? My cousin is dating a Uchiha Chunin right now. You must've heard wrong!"
"But I've heard something else about the Anbu Ninja. Interested? Want to know what it is?"
Fujino gave him a mysterious look and glanced at Tianjian, signaling for him to pay attention.
Tianjian saw his expression and laughed at him.
"You rascal, you never let me get anything for free. Haha, fine, I'll fill your cup!"
As he spoke, he picked up the wine jug and filled Fujino's cup again. A few drops even spilled over the rim and ran down the side onto the table.
Fujino saw this, picked up his cup, and drained it too.
He wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied groan.
"Heh, since you're my good brother, I'll tell you a thing or two."
"My brother-in-law—the Uchiha Chunin—works a desk job in the Police Force. He told me about it when we were drinking at noon."
"Apparently, there's a branch of the Anbu called Root! The ones who attacked those twelve members of the Uchiha Clan were dozens of Root Ninja who'd gone rogue!"
"Then the Police Force chief and deputy chief got so angry that they went straight to the Root Base and raised hell!"
Tianjian listened with a confused look, poured himself another cup, and drank it.
"Tell me, what's going on between the Uchiha and this Root branch of the Anbu? We must've heard about the same thing, but the stories are different."
Fujino reached out and patted Tianjian on the back.
"Aw, why do you care about all that? It has nothing to do with ordinary people like us. It's just gossip over drinks. Why worry about it?"
"Anyway, we're better off after the Police Force reforms, aren't we? Now we can even come out for a drink at night."
"Back then, if you'd gone drinking at night, the Police Force might've hauled you in for questioning. Enough of that, though. It's ruining the mood. Drink up!"
Tianjian looked relieved.
"You're right. It's got nothing to do with us. As long as we're better off, that's all that matters. Come on, let's drink!"
The two men poured drinks for each other again...
After listening to the whole conversation from his seat in the corner, Jiraiya's expression changed. He sensed something was wrong.
It seems Root has already started making a move against the Uchiha.
But how could Senya have dared to go straight to Root and make a scene?
Looks like I'll be late getting back to Naruto tonight. At least the Shadow Clones are watching him, so it shouldn't be a problem. I'll go to Senya's house tonight and get the full story.
With that, Jiraiya left a ten-thousand-ryō bill on the table, lifted the izakaya's noren, and hurried out toward the Uchiha Clan's district.
The night was beautiful, and snowflakes drifted down, stirring memories of Senya's past life.
Taking in the snowy night, Senya sat alone in the living room and started cooking hot pot.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the window.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Senya set down his chopsticks and turned around.
Jiraiya's big face appeared outside the window.
Senya sighed, walked over, and opened it.
Jiraiya vaulted inside with a practiced, nimble one-handed leap and brushed the snow off himself.
As soon as he entered, the warmth of the room chased away the chill clinging to him.
Jiraiya eyed the large copper pot on the table with curiosity and sniffed.
"Senya, what kind of dish is this? It smells amazing! Quick, get me another set of utensils. I'm joining you!"
Grinning, Jiraiya walked over to the table and sat down. He rubbed his hands together and examined the oddly shaped, yellowish-copper pot.
Senya was helpless. Seeing Jiraiya like this, he couldn't exactly refuse, so he got him another bowl and pair of chopsticks.
Jiraiya took them and fished two slices of meat out of the copper pot.
Ignoring how hot they were, he popped them into his mouth.
"Phew—ah—phew! So hot!"
He chewed a few times and swallowed.
"Senya, this is mutton, right? I've never seen it cooked this way before. It's delicious!"
Senya sat across the table and looked at Jiraiya.
"I came up with this myself. Copper Pot Mutton. You put charcoal in the central chimney to heat it, and use the outer pot to hold the broth. The broth cooks the ingredients and brings out their flavor."
"But you came to see me this late at night. You can't have come just to mooch a meal."
Senya steered the conversation back to the matter at hand.
Only then did Jiraiya clench his right fist and tap it into his left palm, looking as if he'd just remembered something.
"Right, Senya. Did something happen between you and Danzo's Root?"
Now that Jiraiya had finally brought it up, Senya's plan was coming together.
For the next hour or so, the two discussed the matter.
When Senya decided enough time had passed, he prepared to end the conversation and move on to the next step of his plan.
"By the way, you're out this late. What about Naruto? Did you leave him at the Third's house?"
Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively, looking utterly confident.
"Don't worry. I left two Shadow Clones to look after Naruto. He'll be fine in the village, and the Anbu Ninja are watching him too."
Senya responded with a question.
"The Anbu? Are you sure it isn't Root?"
Jiraiya's expression suddenly froze.
"Oh no! Naruto! That old bastard Danzo definitely won't let this opportunity slip by. Come on, let's go check!"
Jiraiya vaulted out the window and rushed toward Naruto's house.
Senya got up and followed him.
Jiraiya, don't blame me for setting you up. Naruto has Asura's chakra inside him, along with the Uzumaki Clan's constitution. A little trouble won't do him much harm. You can't blame me for this...
That's right. The information Fujino and Tianjian had heard at the izakaya had all been leaked by Senya's people on purpose. He wanted Jiraiya to leave Naruto's side that night and give Danzo an opportunity.
Otherwise, how would Danzo dare make a move? This was a classic case of setting a trap and catching the culprit in the act!
Before you continue