[NTU] [ARC-12] Chapter : 147 (Patreon)

“Actually, Toshiro, I called you here for another matter,” the Sandaime Hokage began. “Something has happened in Kirigakure, and this is a mission that only a powerful ninja like you can handle.”

As he spoke, he handed a mission scroll to Toshiro. For some reason, since six months ago, the intelligence operations in Kirigakure have taken a significant hit . Elite ANBU operatives sent into Kirigakure's territory had vanished without a trace shortly after their arrival. Even the agents previously embedded within the Kiri Ninja ranks had gone silent. Their fate—whether they had defected, been captured, or killed—was unknown.

The Sandaime planned to leverage Orochimaru’s situation to enlist Toshiro’s help, easing the intelligence burden on ANBU.

“An intelligence mission from ANBU?” Toshiro asked, wary. Was the Sandaime conspiring with Danzo to set him up? He knew Obito was likely behind the turmoil in Kirigakure. Given Obito’s current mental state, he would see Toshiro as an obstacle and use Kiri ninja’s power to eliminate him.

“…Sandaime-sama must have great confidence in me, considering the mission on this scroll…” Toshiro remarked, implying the complexity of it. The mission required him to infiltrate into Kirigakure, ascertain the status of the missing operatives, establish connections, gather intelligence on the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage, and investigate Kirigakure’s dealings with the Sunagakure.

Though he didn’t say much, his meaning was clear: this mission was far from simple.

After reading the scroll, it was clear that even if Toshiro had any intention of undertaking the mission, the sheer number of tasks in the mission made it nearly impossible for one person to handle. Was the Sandaime really entrusting all the accumulated intelligence missions related to Kirigakure to him alone?

"Toshiro, each of these tasks is critically important. They are all vital to how we manage our dealings with the Kirigakure and their newly appointed Fourth Mizukage," the Sandaime Hokage emphasized. "I truly have no other choice… I found you because we need your unique skills. Please accept this mission for Konoha."

It was true that the intelligence work had become significantly more challenging since the new Fourth Mizukage took over. This likely indicated increasing unrest in Kirigakure. Furthermore, the Sandaime indeed had few suitable candidates left. He had already deployed everyone who could be spared, with minimal results. Originally, he considered asking Danzo's Root Division for assistance, but subsequent issues suggested something might be amiss with Konoha’s intelligence network.

"A secret deal between the Sunagakure and the Kirigakure? What’s that about?" Toshiro asked, intrigued.

If he recalled correctly, the Suna and Kirigakure were currently at odds, largely due to Konoha’s covert support. Without Konoha's aid, the fragile logistics and depleted finances of the Wind Country would have led to the war ending much sooner.

"This information comes from Suna," the Sandaime explained. "Due to pressure from Iwagakure, the Sand Ninjas appear to be planning to end the conflict with the Kirigakure."

Although he didn’t know why Toshiro was interested in this, the Sandaime carefully explained the situation, hoping to convey the gravity and urgency of the matter.

Now, the Sandaime Hokage had to persuade Toshiro to undertake this mission to gain the latest insights on the Kirigakure and Sunagakure. Danzo's increasing incompetence in handling intelligence missions was partly to blame. If Danzo weren’t still needed to deal with the Uchiha, the Sandaime would have considered sending him into retirement.

What the Sandaime didn’t realize was that the current Kirigakure had likely been heavily infiltrated by White Zetsu and Obito. While controlling the Fourth Mizukage might still be some time away, capturing intelligence operatives from other countries was relatively easy for them. This infiltration had severely compromised Konoha's intelligence network, especially for the Root.

“A secret deal between the Sand and Kirigakure? In that case…” Toshiro mused.

If he remembered correctly, that woman from Suna, Pakura, had been betrayed by Rasa during peace negotiations with Kirigakure. He wondered if his presence would alter her fate.

“Since the Sandaime Hokage has requested it, I suppose I can’t refuse this mission,” Toshiro said. “However, this mission… it wasn’t arranged by Danzo, was it?”

“Toshiro, you’re overthinking it,” the Sandaime reassured. “This mission was arranged personally by me. It is a standard intelligence mission.”

The Sandaime emphasized the word "standard," fearing that Toshiro might decline. He continued, “This mission is crucial, especially the information about the Fourth Mizukage and the dealings with the Sunagakure. These are top priorities for the village and will influence our next steps.”

Toshiro had already decided to visit an old acquaintance he hadn’t seen for a long time. Her figure, under the night sky was truly unforgettable for him.

However, he did not agree to the mission immediately. Instead, he scrutinized the Sandaime Hokage's face. Seeing the Sandaime’s slightly confused expression, he said, “There’s no problem accepting this mission, but…”

Just as relief appeared on the Sandaime’s face, Toshiro’s expression changed.

“But the mission goals this time are too numerous and complicated… I will only choose some of them to complete. If Sandaime-sama is dissatisfied with my decision, he can find someone else!”

“This…”

There were indeed many tasks, but Konoha’s intelligence system regarding Kirigakure was now in a state of paralysis. He really needed someone to sort it out, especially considering the importance of the Fourth Mizukage and the transactions with the Suna Ninja.

“If possible, focus on spying on the Yondaime Mizukage and the movements between the Suna and Kirigakure,” the Sandaime finally decided after a long pause. The lack of news from the intelligence personnel likely meant they had died in the line of duty. Even if a few remained, they were probably scattered.

Toshiro was not surprised by the Sandaime’s decision.

“In that case, I understand…”

With a hint of sarcasm on his lips, Toshiro ignored the Sandaime Hokage’s reaction, took some information related to the mission, and left the office. As he departed, he glanced back at Tenzo, who was on duty next to the Sandaime.

After returning home and preparing the necessary tools and equipment, Toshiro said goodbye to Mei-nee and left Konoha.

In Kirigakure Village, inside a cell used for imprisoning prisoners, a figure wearing an orange-striped mask was torturing a dying prisoner. The prisoner’s mouth was slightly open, revealing black seals on his tongue—evidence that he was a Root operative.

Obito had captured him, trying to extract valuable information. Unfortunately, the results were less than ideal.

“Obito…Obito, we have the latest information from Konoha!”

“White Zetsu… how many times do I have to tell you? I am Uchiha Madara now!” Obito declared sternly, casually finishing off the tortured prisoner.

“Yes, yes, I know,” Zetsu replied dismissively, emerging from the ground. “But do you know who Konoha sent to Kirigakure to collect intelligence this time? You’ll never guess—it’ll definitely surprise you!”

“Who is it… Kakashi?” Obito guessed.

Among the ANBU sent by Konoha, who else could surprise me except for Kakashi?

Over the past few days, Obito has used White Zetsu’s intelligence network to identify all the spies who have infiltrated Kirigakure, particularly focusing on the operatives from Konoha’s Root. Unfortunately, he hadn’t extracted any useful information from them.

Given that Kakashi is now part of ANBU, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were sent here.

“No, it’s your former clansman… Uchiha Toshiro!” White Zetsu revealed.

“Toshiro?” Obito repeated, his interest piqued.