A Delayed Awakening!

Snowflakes drifted down, leaving a thin layer of snow on the ground in Konoha. The entire village was wrapped in a silver coat.

The freezing weather meant few pedestrians were on the streets, with only a few sets of footprints marring the pristine snow.

In the night, most shops had long since extinguished their lights and closed, leaving only the Izakaya and a few small eateries still in business.

Inside the Izakaya, the real Jiraiya was there gathering intelligence while enjoying a drink, having left two Shadow Clones at home to look after Naruto.

"Sigh, Fujino, have you heard anything about the Uchiha lately?"

Fujino, sitting in the middle of the Izakaya, shook his head and refilled the cup for Tianjian beside him.

"Did something happen? You usually know more about these things, Tianjian. Tell me about it."

Tianjian lifted the cup Fujino had just filled and downed it in one gulp.

"I was passing by the mission hall this morning and accidentally overheard someone saying that twelve Uchiha ninjas who went to the Daimyo's estate for an A-rank mission half a month ago were planning a rebellion!"

"Then, on their way back, they were intercepted and killed by elite Anbu ninjas. It's a good thing the Anbu stepped in, otherwise, who knows what kind of chaos the Uchiha would have stirred up."

Jiraiya, disguised as Raino, pretended to be drinking while actually observing the words and actions of everyone in the Izakaya.

Upon hearing this news, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

Why would anyone in the Uchiha suddenly want to betray the village? This isn't right; it must be Danzo's conspiracy.

Fujino looked astonished.

"How could the Uchiha do such a thing? My cousin is currently dating a Chunin from the Uchiha clan; you must have heard it wrong!"

"However, I do have some other news regarding the Anbu. Are you interested? Do you want to know?"

Fujino wore a mysterious expression, glancing sideways to signal Tianjian.

Seeing Fujino's expression, Tianjian laughed and cursed.

"You guy, you really don't let me take any advantage, haha. Fine, I'll fill it up for you!"

As he spoke, he lifted the sake flask and filled Fujino's cup again, even letting a few drops spill over the rim and slide down onto the table.

Seeing this, Fujino picked up the cup and downed it in one go.

He wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied groan.

"Heh heh, since you're my good brother, I'll tell you a thing or two."

"My brother-in-law, that Uchiha Chunin, works in the Police Force. He only told me when we were drinking at noon today."

"He said there is a branch of the Anbu called Root! The twelve ninjas who attacked the Uchiha clan were actually dozens of ninjas from Root who had defected!"

"Then, the head and deputy head of the Police Force were so furious that they went straight to that so-called Root base and caused a huge scene!"

Tianjian looked confused after hearing this and poured himself another drink.

"You say, what is going on with the Uchiha and this so-called Root? We both heard about the same event, but the versions are completely different, aren't they?"

Fujino reached out and patted Tianjian on the back.

"Oh, why do you care so much? It has nothing to do with us commoners. It's just idle gossip over drinks, why bother?"

"Besides, we've had it better since the Police Force reform, haven't we? We can even come out for drinks at night now."

"If it were before, you might have been dragged away for questioning by the Police Force just for drinking at night. Let's not talk about this, it's a mood killer. Drink, drink!"

Tianjian felt relieved after hearing this.

"You're right, it has nothing to do with us. As long as we're living better than before, that's enough. Come! Drink!"

The two continued to pour drinks for each other...

Sitting in the corner, Jiraiya's expression changed after hearing the whole story; he sensed that something was wrong.

It seems Root has already begun to move against the Uchiha.

But how could Senya dare to go directly to the Root base to cause trouble?

It looks like he would have to return late to keep Naruto company tonight, but fortunately, with the Shadow Clones watching, it shouldn't be a big problem. He had to go to Senya's house tonight to get to the bottom of this.

Thinking of this, Jiraiya left a 10,000-ryo banknote on the table, lifted the Izakaya's door curtain, and left, heading toward the Uchiha compound.

The night was enchanting, and the falling snowflakes stirred up memories of Senya's past life.

Watching the snowy night scene, Senya was alone in the living room, heating up a hot pot.

Suddenly, a knocking sound came from outside the window.

"Thump, thump, thump."

Senya set down his chopsticks and turned to look.

Jiraiya's large face appeared outside the window.

Senya sighed, walked to the window, and opened it.

Jiraiya moved with agility, skillfully supporting himself with one hand to vault inside, then patted the snow off his body.

As soon as he entered the room, the chill on his body began to be dispelled by the warmth inside.

Jiraiya looked at the large copper pot on the table, his curiosity piqued, and he sniffed the air.

"Senya, what kind of way of eating is this? It smells so good! Quick, add another set of cutlery and count me in!"

Jiraiya walked to the table with a grin, sat down, and began rubbing his hands together while eyeing the strange, copper-colored pot.

Senya sighed helplessly. Seeing Jiraiya like this, he couldn't really refuse, so he fetched him another bowl and pair of chopsticks.

Jiraiya took the utensils and immediately fished two slices of meat out of the copper pot.

Ignoring the heat of the meat, he shoved them straight into his mouth.

"Sss—hah—sss—so hot!"

He chewed a few times and swallowed them down.

"Senya, this is mutton, right? It's my first time seeing this way of eating it. This is delicious!"

Senya sat across from him, watching Jiraiya.

"I invented this way of eating myself. It's Copper Pot Mutton. The cylinder in the middle holds charcoal for heat, and the outer pot holds the broth, which cooks the ingredients while infusing them with flavor."

"But, you didn't come looking for me in the middle of the night just to mooch a meal, did you?"

Senya steered the conversation back on track.

Jiraiya then struck his right fist into his left palm, wearing an expression that said he had just remembered.

"That's right, Senya. Did something happen between you and Danzo's Root?"

Seeing that Jiraiya had finally brought it up, Senya felt his plan had officially been set in motion.

For the next hour or so, the two of them discussed the matter.

Seeing that the time was about right, Senya intended to end the topic and push the plan to the next stage.

"By the way, if you're not going back this late, what about Naruto? Did you drop him off at the Third's place?"

Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively, looking completely confident.

"Don't worry, I left two Shadow Clones to look after Naruto. Nothing will happen in the village, and besides, there are Anbu ninjas watching over him."

Seeing this, Senya countered with a question.

"Anbu? Are you sure it isn't Root?"

Jiraiya's expression suddenly froze.

"Oh no! Naruto! That old man Danzo would never let an opportunity like this pass. Quick! Let's go, we have to check on him!"

Jiraiya vaulted out the window and immediately rushed toward Naruto's home.

Senya stood up and followed in Jiraiya's footsteps.

Jiraiya, don't blame me for setting you up. Anyway, Naruto has Asura's chakra and the constitution of the Uzumaki Clan; a little trouble won't cause any major issues. You can't blame me for this...

That's right, the information Fujino and Tianjian at the Izakaya received had been intentionally leaked by people Senya sent. The whole point was to get Jiraiya away from Naruto tonight and create an opportunity for Danzo.

If he didn't do this, how would Danzo ever dare to make a move? This move, this move was nothing but entrapment!