The True Culprit (Third Update)

If the intelligence gathered previously had only made Ao slightly curious about this young leader of the Snow Ninja Village, then after this first meeting, Naruto had truly captured Ao's attention.

It was not that Ao genuinely suspected Naruto of anything, but rather a personal intuition that Naruto was hiding some sort of secret. Although the Byakugan had not seen through anything, the Byakugan itself was not omnipotent. Ao did not feel discouraged; instead, his interest in Naruto grew even stronger. As for whether there would be any future intersections, or if this would relate to what was happening now or what might happen in the future, that would have to be observed in time.

Regardless, at this very moment, Naruto had been added to Ao's "watch list."

Naruto, sensing this, naturally groaned inwardly.

In terms of raw combat power, Naruto was confident he could easily defeat the Ao before him even without the Nine-Tails chakra. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could even achieve a kill. However, in such a restrictive situation, being targeted by a ninja from an enemy nation with powerful sensory and investigative abilities was truly not a good thing. Most importantly, while he himself was constrained, his subordinates from the Snow Ninja Village would be restricted as well!

"The Snow Ninja Village is merely a small village. It is only thanks to the great favor of our country's Daimyo that I am able to lead it. I hope for your kind guidance, Senior Ao."

Naruto's eyes crinkled with a smile, looking every bit the part as he spoke in a tone tinged with a hint of respect.

"Heh, you are too modest, Lord Narumiya."

Ao took a deep look at Naruto, his words seemingly revealing a hidden meaning that only Naruto could discern.

Yet,