They've Been Exposed

The Aburame Compound.

Shibi Aburame sat in the dark, a secret letter spread before him.

He said nothing. He merely reached out and tapped the table lightly with one finger.

A swarm of Kikaichū flew from his sleeve, circled the letter, then returned.

He studied it in silence for a long time. In the end, he said nothing.

But his brow furrowed slightly.

At the edge of Konoha, in Kato Makoto's home.

The lights blazed.

Several veterans who had served under the Fourth Hokage sat together, their faces grim.

"Kumogakure's extorting us? And the high command wants to pay?"

One veteran slammed his palm on the table. "Konoha's already dirt poor! A few years ago, little Naruto couldn't even get a decent meal!"

"And now the high command wants to throw our money into Kumogakure's pockets?"

"That money came from the blood and sweat of every ninja in the village! Why should Kumogakure get a single coin?!"

Kato Makoto sat at the back. He did not slam the table.

He only gripped the letter. After a long while, he spoke, his voice hoarse.

"If Minato were still here..."

"Would Kumogakure dare come demanding money?"

The room fell silent for a moment. The old ninja's eyes reddened.

That same night, lights burned later than usual across Konoha, in the homes of Jonin and the meeting halls of the major ninja clans.

Kakashi sat in his office at the Konoha Military Police Force. After reading the secret letter, he folded it and tucked it away.

His silver hair hid half his face, making his expression impossible to read.

But the eye left uncovered turned cold.

On the Training Ground, Might Guy shattered a sandbag with one punch.

"Konoha's ninja don't kneel to pay anyone off!"

For once, he was not