In front of the computer.
Kishimoto stared at the screen, lost in deep thought for a long time.
Kumogakure—
"Sensei, so this is what Kumogakure is like? Its style looks completely different from Konoha, but it seems very fierce!"
"Did you use... as a reference?"
"Sensei, the anime company said you've been involved in the production lately—"
Hehehe.
On the screen, the Fourth Raikage and others flashed by one by one. Inside a roadside izakaya, a plain-looking merchant wearing a bamboo hat sat eating.
Seeing this scene, intuition told him—
This character is Masahiko Yagyu!
Previously, Kishimoto had noticed that in the scenes of Naruto at the Konoha Ninja Academy, the original teacher had been replaced by a character wearing sunglasses.
This character appeared very early on.
But normally, he shouldn't be at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
All of these things—
Forget it.
He temporarily gave up thinking and rubbed his temples.
This manga is getting harder and harder to handle!
Inside the tent at the border, Masahiko withdrew his gaze from the light screen.
At the bottom.
[Popularity Rating: A]
[Comprehensive Evaluation...]
—
[Obtained performance pay: Intermediate Taijutsu Random Card]
Taijutsu?
He thought about it and chose not to use it.
Taijutsu is different from Ninjutsu.
A type of Taijutsu is often accompanied by the long-term habits of the practitioner and requires systematic training.
Learning moves individually isn't of much use.
Instead of that, it's better used to summon a projection.
Although Taijutsu masters are mostly giants in practice and hard work and don't care much for theory, still—
It's better than a random draw.
Furthermore, under the current situation, he already had a complete plan in mind.
In the Training Space, the Fourth Raikage appeared once again.
"Raikage-sama, this time I would like to continue seeking your guidance in Nintaijutsu."
Konoha, Hokage Building.
Kakashi's expression was grave as he said, "Kumogakure is coming with aggressive momentum; I wonder what their goal is this time."
"According to the news sent back by Masahiko, even the Fourth Raikage has been mobilized."
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, eyes closed in thought. "It's likely just those few."
"Hinata, Naruto?"
Kakashi's expression was heavy.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "One can only say they are the most at risk, but we cannot rule out the possibility that others are also targets of their strike."
"Byakugan, Tailed Beasts, Sharingan—"
Kakashi summarized.
After a brief pause, he said, "Yakumo is unlikely. Although her control over the five senses is powerful, it cannot be stolen."
"Strengthen the Anbu protection. Also, have Masahiko escort them back to Konoha along the way."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "To ensure everything is safe and error-free, we need his strength!"
"But if Masahiko returns, there will only be a few Anbu squads at the border. If the Raikage really decides to move—"
Kakashi frowned.
Masahiko's return would certainly strengthen the village's defenses and prevent Kumogakure from causing trouble, but the threat at the border would be unstoppable.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "The Fourth Raikage is no ordinary character. I have already asked Jiraiya for help."
"Yes!"
Upon hearing the name 'Jiraiya', Kakashi's brow immediately relaxed.
If that man could go to the border to withstand the Raikage, it would indeed be more secure than Masahiko staying there, and the Raikage would have some reservations.
He nodded and said, "I will go send the message."
A moment later, the message traveled through Anbu channels toward the northern border of the Land of Fire.
The North.
Outside the tent, the captain of the border Ninja squad whispered, "Masahiko, are you asleep?"
"No."
Masahiko walked out of the tent. "Genma-senpai, is something the matter?"
"A letter from Hokage-sama, an important mission."
"Alright."
Masahiko took it.
After a glance, his brow furrowed slightly: "I'm to participate in escorting the Kumogakure envoy team?"
"Yes. As for this side, Jiraiya-sama will temporarily take over."
Genma Shiranui replied, "The opponent is the Raikage, after all. Hokage-sama is worried we wouldn't be a match for him."
"Yes, I understand Hokage-sama's intentions."
Masahiko looked around. "Should we set off now, or wait a bit longer?"
"No rush, we'll wait until they arrive."
"Okay."
Masahiko nodded, watching Genma Shiranui leave.
After the other left, he returned to the tent, looked at his original body which was still 'slumbering', and silently lay down nearby to rest.
Resting and reducing Chakra consumption was the greatest help he could give his original body.
The next morning.
At the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Springs.
"Dodai-sama."
"Wait a moment."
—
Dodai waved his hand, waiting at the border line.
The strength of the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning were roughly equal; they couldn't be treated lightly like small nations such as the Land of Frost or the Land of Hot Springs.
Rashly crossing the border line would easily give people something to talk about.
Especially now, when they were going to take advantage of a crisis, they couldn't afford to make even the slightest mistake.
In the distant jungle, Genma Shiranui sneered, "Those people from Kumogakure only show their polite side when they need to."
"The environment of the Land of Lightning dictates that they cannot be like us."
Masahiko replied with a smile.
Genma Shiranui and the other two were stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then fell silent.
The environment of the Land of Lightning was indeed very harsh.
By comparison.
The land and environment of the Land of Fire were much better, and this nation was consequently more prosperous, enough for Konoha to be well-fed and well-clothed.
What they didn't expect was that Masahiko would speak up for the people of the Land of Lightning.
In the silence, Masahiko said calmly, "Only by understanding what they are thinking can we know what they intend to do. Without understanding the enemy, you cannot defeat them."
"I stand corrected!"
Genma Shiranui's expression immediately became much more serious.
Over the past year, it wasn't that he hadn't heard Masahiko Yagyu's name and deeds, but because he was away all year round, his understanding of Masahiko was limited.
Only now did he realize that this young Ninja before him was indeed more outstanding than them in certain aspects.
The three of them put away their slight dismissiveness.
Raido Namiashi asked, "Then shall we go down together?"
Their gazes all turned to Masahiko, waiting for him to make the decision.
"Alright, however, I'm not very good at this kind of work. I'll trouble Captain Genma to handle the negotiations with them later."
Masahiko replied.
Genma Shiranui was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "Alright, then—I'll go down first."
He flickered forward.
Swoosh!
A soft sound.
The four of them appeared one after another in front of the four from Kumogakure.
Genma Shiranui said, "Jonin Dodai, I am Konoha Special Jonin Genma Shiranui. I have been ordered by Hokage-sama to escort you to Konoha."
"Much obliged."
Dodai had a smile on his face.
Behind him, the short, blonde-haired C was quietly observing Masahiko and the other three.
Finally, his gaze fixed on Masahiko.
The two met eyes, both offering friendly smiles before looking away.
Beside him, Darui looked listless, as if he hadn't fully woken up.
However.
The most eye-catching one was still Samui.
Masahiko paused slightly and nodded in a gentle greeting.
Samui's gaze was cold. Although she didn't show much expression, she still responded with proper courtesy.
On the surface—
The two sides met, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
But in reality, Masahiko had already sensed—
Behind this team, three Kumogakure squads were lying in ambush.