157. Knowing

"So, Shikaku." Mitokado Homura's voice rose to a rare, shrill pitch. "Are you implying that before we even discovered that rift, people from that ocean might have already infiltrated our Ninja World for who knows how long? And that even now, they still have agents lurking among us?"

Inoichi had just stepped into the Hokage's office when he was struck by this piercing interrogation. To be honest, he had always found this advisor's voice grating, much like a duck's quack.

Wow.

When he saw the crowd gathered in the office, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

What is this, the start of the Fourth Great Ninja War?

Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Kakashi, Shikaku, Asuma, Kurenai, Shibi Aburame, Hayama Shirakumo, Maruboshi Kosuke, and several masked Anbu captains... plus himself. Essentially, the core of Konoha's authority and its high-level combat power were all gathered here.

If a Tailed Beast from any village were to fire a Tailed Beast Bomb at this spot right now, the Fourth War would be over before it even began.

Inoichi kept this dark, unfunny joke to himself and silently retreated to a corner. At this moment, he was merely an observer; he would digest the situation on his own, and when it was his turn to speak, the Hokage would naturally ask.

"You must be responsible for your words, Shikaku!" Mitokado Homura lowered his volume, but his tone remained aggressive. "If what you say is true, Konoha—and indeed the entire Land of Fire—must initiate self-inspections and strict controls. We would need to dispatch a massive number of personnel for a search. This is a matter of monumental importance!"

"Not only will this consume vast resources, but it will also invite questioning from the Daimyo. Furthermore, after such large-scale movements, other nations and villages will inevitably take notice. Even if we don't inform them, they will certainly send intelligence agents to infiltrate and investigate. By then, we won't be able to hide the existence of the rift! They will surely intervene, wanting a piece of the pie, and our hard-won head start will vanish into thin air!"

As soon as Homura finished, Inoichi, who had been observing, found it amusing to note that although Shikaku's face remained expressionless, Inoichi knew from their years of friendship—just by looking at the subtle twitch of his eye—that Shikaku was already rolling his eyes internally and looking down on the man's intelligence.

Shikaku also noticed Inoichi's arrival. Their gazes met for a split second, exchanging a silent "I'll explain later" and "Hahahaha." Then, Shikaku addressed Mitokado Homura:

"Advisor... I do not believe we have the authority to conceal intelligence that concerns the survival of the entire Ninja World. Moreover, my duty is merely to provide analysis and deduction based on existing intelligence; the final decision rests with the Hokage and the advisors."

"I have three reasons for this deduction."

Shikaku held up three fingers.

"First, according to Jiraiya's secret letter, when he discovered the rift, two 'fruits' had already 'leaked' into the opposite world, and one had even been eaten. From this, we know that before we found the rift, 'communication' between the two worlds had already begun."

"Second, based on these photos brought back by Kakashi, we can infer that the opposite world had already made contact and engaged in conflict with other worlds long before us. Their understanding of such phenomena is surely superior to ours, so the probability that they discovered the rift and took action before we did is much higher than the reverse."

"Third, based on the encounter Kakashi and Jiraiya had when entering that world: according to Kakashi, they were discovered just two days after entering... Keep in mind, they had only just seized a ship the day before and were sailing across the vast ocean. During that time, the crew was imprisoned, and they had no contact with anyone else. Yet, even so, they were tracked down and besieged by the man who could transform into magma..."

Shikaku's voice was steady, laying out his deductions with clear logic, which also helped those who had just arrived to grasp the situation—even if it was hard to believe.

Two worlds??

A storm was raging in Inoichi's heart, but Shikaku's deduction continued.

"The enemy's combat configuration at the time was one main vessel and seven escort ships—let's call them that for now. Aside from the 'Magma Man' leading them, there were five swordsmen capable of emitting sword qi with their bare bodies, two giants, three individuals with special abilities, seven experts with no obvious traits, and over a hundred ordinary crew members who could 'withstand Explosive Tags and Rasengan with their bare bodies'..."

Hearing the latter half of Shikaku's sentence, those present looked at each other in confusion. The ninja couldn't quite grasp how "withstanding Explosive Tags and Rasengan with their bare bodies" could be linked to "ordinary crew members."

"So, such a combat configuration could not have been a mere coincidence!" Shikaku's expression remained blank, his tone firm. "It is more likely that someone had been lurking by the rift to monitor it, discovered Kakashi and Jiraiya early on, and then tracked them while sending coordinates, waiting for the main force to assemble... Kakashi also mentioned that the enemy seemed more interested in capturing them alive than killing them."

"Therefore, to summarize," Shikaku met Mitokado Homura's gaze, "that is how I reached my conclusion. The other side has been observing our world for a long time. And since Jiraiya has not left since discovering the rift, and there has always been someone monitoring it, I believe their infiltrators have not yet had the chance to return to their own world."

No matter who heard Shikaku's reasoning, they couldn't help but feel convinced. At this point, Utatane Koharu spoke slowly:

"Shikaku, you spoke well. You are worthy of being the 'brain' of the Ino-Shika-Cho." Her tone then shifted. "However, Advisor Mitokado also makes a valid point. One must have the resolve to bear the corresponding responsibility before speaking out; that is what makes a true ninja. We only wish for you to fully realize that the weight of your words at this moment involves many things, not just yourself."

Shikaku almost laughed in anger.

He hadn't expected that even after he had laid all this out, these two advisors were still trying to distance themselves and draw lines of accountability... Damn it, they hadn't even started doing anything yet.

It was no wonder Shikaku was so angry. In fact, throughout the meeting over the past few hours, these two advisors had maintained this exact attitude. No matter what suggestion anyone proposed, they could always find a mountain of high-sounding reasons to oppose it... Did anyone present not understand the pros and cons? In this world, how many things could be perfect for everyone?

Shikaku knew clearly that even if he were to change his tune now and say the possibility of infiltrators was slim and there was no need to worry, they would likely just find another angle to harp on the need for increased vigilance... In short, if the final decision turned out right, everyone would be fine; if it turned out wrong, the two of them could gracefully fade into the background, claiming they had voiced their opposition but were ignored by the younger generation who wouldn't listen to the wisdom of their elders.

Damn it, how is one supposed to run Konoha with these insects around!

Shikaku cursed inwardly. Not wanting to tangle with them further, he turned to look at the Hokage, who had remained silent throughout.

Hiruzen continued to say nothing.

Koharu did not intend to let Shikaku off the hook. She continued, "Also, what Homura said at the end is something we must take seriously... This incident is not just a crisis; perhaps it is also an opportunity. Didn't Jiraiya and Kakashi say that the opposite world has many resources we lack?"

"Fruits that grant strange abilities, sturdy swords, unseen technology, unfamiliar power systems... If our Konoha can acquire these before the other great nations and strengthen our power, our voice in the Ninja World will surely be greater! I think attempting to find a way to communicate with them is not out of the question..."

"I object!"

Kakashi spoke up immediately, his attitude resolute. "The risk is simply too great. Given their combat power and their past actions toward other worlds, I believe isolating the two worlds is the only foolproof measure!"

Utatane Koharu let out a cold snort. "Kakashi... mind your status. You are only responsible for providing intelligence and executing orders; you do not possess the vision we have for looking at problems."

"This is not just my opinion, it is also Jiraiya's..."

"..."

"..."

The dispute in the office continued. The Hokage remained silent, Shikaku was talking about the need to convene another Five Kage Summit, Kakashi was emphasizing the strength of the opposite world, and the two advisors were still playing devil's advocate... one wondered if their mouths had been smashed crooked, as they only knew how to argue the opposite of everything.

Casually cursing in his heart to vent for his old friend, Yamanaka Inoichi listened to the various speeches, though his soul was already drifting away.

For some reason, even though they were in this small office discussing matters concerning the world—or rather, two worlds—Inoichi hadn't expected that after the initial shock and confusion, he would accept it all so quickly. His thoughts didn't linger much on these arguments afterward.

He was just thinking that he probably wouldn't be able to go home tonight; this meeting was going to last a long time.

He had originally wanted to have a heart-to-heart with Ino...

"Inoichi."

A soft call sounded by his ear. Inoichi turned his head to see Asuma leaning in, though he didn't know when he had approached.

"Ah, Asuma." Inoichi said, "What is it?"

"After the meeting ends, I need your help to go to the dungeon with me... This is also an order from the Hokage."

"What is it about?" Inoichi frowned. The dungeon was no ordinary prison; it was the most heavily guarded place in Konoha, specifically for holding high-profile criminals, and even the guards were directly under the jurisdiction of the Anbu.

"You should already have a rough idea of the situation." Asuma's tone revealed his exhaustion. In reality, he hadn't returned to Konoha with Kakashi because his mission was different; he had only just arrived back in the village an hour ago.

"I brought back a prisoner." Watching Inoichi's eyes slowly widen, Asuma nodded, "That's right... it's a human from that world."

The next day.

No matter how massive the changes about to befall the world, before they truly arrive, the ordinary people who make up the majority of the world are often completely unaware.

When the first rays of sunlight hit the Hokage Rock, although Ichiraku Ramen at the street corner hadn't opened yet, the rich aroma of the broth was already faintly drifting through the air. A few ninjas gathered in front of the bulletin board, while farmers carrying hoes walked past them, yawning as they headed slowly toward the fields outside the village.

Everything seemed normal.

But for Rock Lee, that was not the case.

He seemed to have... traveled through time.

"You guy...!"

Rock Lee grabbed Naruto by the collar in a rage and roared, "Who the hell are you, you bastard! Why are you wearing Naruto's clothes!"

Naruto half-raised his hands and smiled helplessly, "Rock Lee, it's me, I'm Naruto..."

"Where did Naruto go!" At this moment, Rock Lee couldn't hear a word Naruto was saying; tears were gradually welling up in his eyes, "What did you do to him, you bastard! He is my comrade, the Blue-Gold Beast of Konoha!"

"...Haha." Naruto scratched his cheek, able only to offer a dry laugh.

Rock Lee's tears flowed like a broken dam, streaming down his face. His hand, which had been gripping Naruto's collar, slowly lost its strength, slid down, and he fell to his knees.

"Damn it..." Rock Lee punched the ground weakly, "Looking so handsome... it's not youthful at all, you bastard...!"

"Rock Lee, don't be like that... I just got a haircut."

Watching Rock Lee, who had lost all his strength and spirit, Naruto had no choice but to squat down and pat his back to comfort him.

Although many things had happened last night, he still got up for morning training as planned today, and then naturally ran into Team 10, who were training without Might Guy... and in the end, things turned out like this.

Actually, the others were fine; aside from being surprised, they didn't react much. It was just Rock Lee whose reaction was a bit intense, as if he had been betrayed...

"Where did you get it cut? It actually looks quite good." At this moment, Tenten also came over to tease, "I didn't expect Naruto to look quite cute when he dresses up. It seems I'll have to give him a discount later; our family has a rule that we must give discounts to cute kids."

"Tenten, stop making fun of me." Even though the training time had already passed, Naruto didn't feel any anxiety in his heart; on the contrary, he was in a pretty good mood.

Naruto replied, "I went to a barbershop called [Mingmie Chijian] to get it cut. The boss is very skilled, and the staff are very nice too. Ino took me there."

"What!!"

Rising from his deathbed, Rock Lee seemed to resurrect, grabbing Naruto's collar again: "You were with a girl?! You're lying to me, right? Ino is a boy, his name just sounds like a girl's, right? Naruto, you wouldn't betray me, would you!"

"Good grief!" Tenten couldn't take it anymore and punched Rock Lee directly, "Calm down!"

"Haha..." Naruto, not knowing what to say, continued to laugh dryly. He suddenly felt that he still had a lot to learn about the subject of interpersonal relationships.

After Rock Lee was dragged away by Tenten to be lectured, Naruto and Neji were left standing there inadvertently.

One of them didn't know how to talk, and the other didn't like to talk. For a moment, the atmosphere on the field became somewhat silent, though there was no awkwardness, as neither of them was good at reading the room.

In the end, it was Naruto who spoke first:

"Um... Neji, you're from the Hyuga clan, right?"

"?"

Neji stared at Naruto with his large Byakugan.

What do you think?

This time, Naruto truly felt awkward.

He simply gave up on the pleasantries and asked the question he hadn't been able to ask yesterday:

"Hinata should be your cousin, right? I haven't seen her much lately, so I wanted to ask how she's been doing."

"..."

Neji remained silent, but Naruto could clearly feel that the other's expression was becoming strange... and it seemed to carry a hint of displeasure?

Naruto, who only understood the original plot in fragments, didn't know that the relationship between Neji and Hinata was poor during this period, so he just assumed that as a brother, he felt annoyed because he thought Naruto was coveting his cousin.

"It's not like that, it's just that I had a good relationship with Hinata at school... so I just wanted to ask." Naruto quickly explained, making up a reason that he wasn't sure counted as a lie.

"You have a good relationship with Lady Hinata?" Neji glanced at Naruto with a look of confusion, "I didn't expect Lady Hinata to have friends she's close with..."

?

Naruto frowned slightly; Neji's distancing tone regarding Hinata surprised him.

"But if it's you... it's not strange that you don't know." Neji's expression returned to calm.

"Don't know what?" Naruto frowned.

"Something the entire Konoha knows." Neji looked up at the sky, his tone devoid of any emotion, "The current young lady of the Hyuga main house, Hyuga Hinata... has been in a coma for a month."