Sarutobi Hiruzen's Eye for People

There was no denying it: Sarutobi Hiruzen was a devious old bastard, and he really did have a good eye for people.

Kabuto had indeed been entrusted by the great Shogun to infiltrate the Akatsuki Organization, gather intelligence, and steer its actions to provide cover for Konoha's sinister plans. He was a spy doing dirty work in the shadows.

To make his defection more convincing, Xuanye had even sacrificed his own reputation. The story released to the public was that Kabuto had ambushed Orochimaru, freed Hidan, an S-Rank test subject, and been designated an S-Rank Rogue Ninja by the Land of Fire.

In short, he was extremely dangerous. Patrols were to report any sighting immediately and never act on their own.

The reason for his defection was airtight, too. His beloved teacher had been brutally murdered by Uchiha Genya, so he had bided his time, stolen the Summoning Scroll of Ryūchi Cave from Orochimaru, and mastered Senjutsu. When he returned, Uchiha Genya discovered him.

The two fought a fierce battle. Kabuto had barely escaped using a special Secret Technique and had ultimately become a proud rogue ninja.

As for Hidan, he had completely submitted. Xuanye had promised him that once this undercover mission was over, he would receive Konoha residency.

Then he would be a proud Konoha ninja!

Xuanye did not have much faith in Hidan's intelligence, though, so Kabuto was leading the undercover mission.

Xuanye had also dangled a grand reward before Kabuto: once he returned, he would be promoted straight to a full ministerial rank. It would be a meteoric rise!

At the moment, Kabuto wore a red cloak, its hood concealing his inhuman features.

He had not yet changed into the black robe with red clouds. Beneath his hood, his eyes gleamed with mockery as he looked