The Legendary Spy

Yuri's superior took a deep breath, struggled to steady himself, and said:

"Chief, you can't really blame them for reacting so strongly. Almost everyone in our line of work grew up hearing the legendary stories of Kabuto Yakushi."

"His uncanny infiltration methods and revolutionary espionage techniques are still recorded in Kumogakure's spy manuals. They're required case studies—and examples of what we must guard against at all costs."

"He's a living legend!"

"So?" Makima raised an eyebrow, amusement in her voice. "Are you planning to surrender to him outright? He's just an old man past his prime."

"What happened to Madara Uchiha, the man once hailed as the Demon of the Shinobi World? Didn't he end up dead, with everything he built gone?"

At that, everyone pulled themselves together and declared their loyalty and resolve in unison. "We'll defend Kumogakure to the death! We won't let any spy succeed!"

"All right. I know it won't be easy to drag Kabuto Yakushi out of hiding." Makima waved a hand.

"But someone has to do it. Watch every suspicious movement twice as closely, and step up surveillance and action against Konoha's other known or potential spies."

"Konoha must have a major plan we don't yet know about if they've brought Kabuto Yakushi back. We cannot let him carry it out on our turf."

"Yes, Chief!" they answered in unison, their voices grim and resolute.

As they left Makima's office, an invisible weight settled over every one of them.

The legendary spy Kabuto Yakushi had infiltrated their ranks. The news hung over all of Kumogakure like a dark cloud.

The Canopy Screen's broadcast ended there.

In Kumogakure's office, A, the Fourth Raikage, stared at the shock and fear the Kumogakure Counterespionage Group members could not hide when they heard the name "Kabuto Yakushi."

His