Cold Glint Beneath the Night

The battlefield between Mist Shinobi and Konoha seemed to have come to a standstill, with only occasional minor skirmishes, leaving every ninja stationed there with a sense of unease.

They didn't know what Konoha's higher-ups were planning, nor did they have much information about the situation. All they knew was that their work was becoming increasingly boring, and even their posting duties were causing them to become more and more complacent.

"Why haven't I seen Hyuga Matsu lately?"

The leader of the three-person team, Yamagami Yagi, glanced at Nara Kiyono, who seemed rather bored, and frowned slightly.

As a commoner Chunin who served as the captain of two powerful clans, his words seemed inherently weaker.

"Well... they should have gone to the family headquarters. I heard a very important person has arrived..."

Nara Kiyono, leaning against the tree next door, lazily said something to Yamagami Yagi, though her tone wasn't very respectful.

Yamagami Yagi frowned. The Chunin from a branch of the Nara Clan in front of him didn't possess much of the Nara Clan's renowned intelligence, but he had thoroughly mastered the Nara Clan's laziness. However, there was nothing he could say about it.

He received no information, but his subordinates were a hundred times better informed than him, which was why he couldn't do anything.

Even if teaming up with members of powerful clans meant they couldn't become his friends or offer him support, he didn't want to offend them. After all, they had plenty of ways to deal with ordinary ninjas like himself.

"Alright... Tell him to pay more attention to the tasks here, otherwise I can't bear the consequences if Lord Orochimaru blames him..."

"Captain, don't worry, nothing major will happen during this time. After all, a very important person from the Hyuga Clan has come. If there were any danger, they wouldn't be here. They're much more valuable than us..."

At this point, a hint of disdain seemed to appear on Nara Kiyono's face.

"Oh?"

Although Nara Kiyono didn't explain, Yamagami Yagi seemed to understand something and felt a little relieved.

"Is it a big shot from the Hyuga Clan? Could it be someone from the Hyuga Main House...? They've come here... to gain military merit and support the next head of the clan? No wonder Hyuga Matsu is so eager..."

"Is it time for the Hyuga Clan to choose its next head...?"

Thinking of this Yamagami Yagi couldn't help but feel a little resentful.

"They hid in the back when there was danger, but now they come here to gain prestige... This is the Hyuga Main House..."

He shook his head and chuckled slightly, as if mocking himself. For Chunin to think so much about the affairs of these powerful clans was truly presumptuous of him.

"Zabuza Momochi..."

"The new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist..."

Kato Osamu didn't openly investigate Kirigakure. Seeing that it was getting late, he returned to the courtyard. From the guard's memories, Kato Osamu learned the name of the young ninja and his past.

The news that Demon of the Hidden Mist of Zabuza Momochi, has now become one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen seems to have not spread far; apart from a few high-ranking members of Mist Shinobi, it appears that very few people know about it.

At least these guards, who were born and raised in Mist Shinobi, had no idea about this.

"This person seems to be plotting something peculiar..."

A hint of interest flickered in Kato Osamu's eyes. He had his own purpose in coming to Mist Shinobi, and he would naturally be happy to see Mist Shinobi descend into chaos.

"Itachi, tomorrow you and Iruka will represent me at the Terumi Family. Tell them I have important matters to discuss..."

"Yes..."

Itachi Uchiha nodded, while Iruka's hesitant expression made Kato Osamu frown.

This child may seem carefree, but he is actually more sensitive than anyone else. Because he is not very talented and does not have a prominent family, he has always been somewhat insecure. Therefore, he is always the first to rush to do what he is asked to do, wanting to show off.

"Never mind, let Yugao and Itachi go instead..."

"Iruka, follow me..."

"Your memory is good. You remember all the hidden places we explored in the Mist Shinobi these past few days, right...?"

Kato Osamu slowly turned his head to look at Iruka, and casually praised him, which immediately brought a smile to Iruka's face.

"Yes! I remember it all! I remember it perfectly!"

"That's good... Let's hope there are no mistakes..."

"Yes..."

Itachi remained expressionless, but Uzuki Yugao subtly glared at Iruka. However, Iruka seemed completely oblivious, his eyes filled with memories as he muttered to himself.

Night slowly fell, Mist Shinobi sea breeze blew, and everyone drifted into a warm dream.

The guards who protected Kato Osamu and his companions during the day had quietly arrived at Terumi House's attic.

Before him, Mei Terumi, with her long legs and fair toes bare, had lost her solemnity and grace, lying on her side on the long carpet, her gaze fixed on the guard in front of her.

However, the guard seemed afraid to raise his eyes to glimpse even the slightest bit of the beautiful scenery.

"Has Misaka Kurasuke strangely these past few days?"

"Reporting to Lord Ming, there is nothing unusual..."

"Misaka Kurasuke spends his days reading books, and occasionally he'll go for a stroll in the streets with his maid, but he only buys some food."

"Those two servants are quite well-behaved during the day, only occasionally going out."

Mei Terumi nodded, seemingly relieved. Karatachi Yagura had been strictly checking outsiders in the village these past few days, and she didn't want to give Karatachi Yagura an excuse to attack the Terumi House so soon after she took charge.

"Books? Did you see clearly what kind of books they were?"

"While he was out investigating, I found mostly books on accounting and business, along with some biographies and miscellaneous writings, nothing else..."

"Hmm... that's good then..."

"Once you return, everything will proceed as usual. As long as that person makes no unusual moves, you will temporarily act as his guards..."

Do you understand what I mean?

Mei Terumi's gaze fell on the long sword at the guard's waist, and a cold glint appeared in her eyes. The guard cautiously raised his head to look at Mei Terumi, and then immediately lowered his head again.

"Yes! If anything goes wrong, I know what to do..."

"Um..."

"Go..."

"This subordinate takes his leave..."

The guard, carrying a long sword, quietly left the Terumi Family after gently closing the door.

The moonlight was silent, but the guards who were moving through the Mist Shinobi alleys suddenly stopped and slowly turned around. Looking at the Terumi Family's encampment shrouded in the bright moonlight, their faces no longer showed any fear or trepidation, but rather a strangely amused smile.

He suddenly drew his long sword from his waist, a silver streak flashing across the night sky before finally stopping before his eyes. The cold blade, gleaming with a hint of light, reflected the eerie blue light in his eyes against the dark night sky.

"This knife is far too fragile..."

"With that, I'm afraid it's still far from enough..."