"Kakashi, what do you think this mission really is?"
"Terrain reconnaissance? But this is still within the Land of Fire!"
Obito Uchiha stared at the coordinates marked on the mission scroll, his head full of confusion. In his opinion, if it was reconnaissance, it should be carried out outside the country, not within their own borders.
Why were they scouting their own territory?
Kakashi looked at Obito's clueless face and, filled with frustration, really wanted to kick him.
"Idiot, does this look like terrain reconnaissance to you?"
"We're in the middle of a war. Lord Hokage sending us to scout within the Land of Fire clearly means there's already enemy infiltration."
"Reconnaissance? You wish!"
Little did they know, their task wasn't about terrain reconnaissance at all, nor just simply hunting infiltrators...
...
At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the window, his gaze lost in the distance, his thoughts unreadable.
Behind him, several ANBU members appeared. Leading them was his son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, now the captain of the ANBU.
"Lord Hokage, the investigation is complete. Danzō was telling the truth."
"Orochimaru has indeed conducted numerous secret experiments, including human experimentation. The exact extent remains unknown."
"But it is confirmed—he's gone down a dark path."
"From the traces we've uncovered, it seems he may even be developing forbidden ninjutsu..."
Shinnosuke's voice was heavy and low as he delivered the report.
He had known Orochimaru well and still found it hard to believe what he'd learned.
...
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long, heavy sigh after hearing the report. He couldn't understand it.
The boy who had once been so full of promise—how did it come to this?
Human experimentation...
Forbidden techniques...
This was a road of no return. Orochimaru, what is it that you're truly seeking...
"I understand. Shinnosuke, you may leave."
"Lord Hokage, this is a serious matter. I think you should make a decision as soon as possible."
"Go. I know what must be done. But it's wartime. We'll deal with it once the situation stabilizes."
Shinnosuke hesitated but ultimately held back his words. He and the ANBU squad disappeared from the office.
Only Hiruzen remained, alone in his sorrow.
"Orochimaru..."
"...Sigh..."
This was a ninja he had raised from childhood, almost like his own son. To see things come to this—it was a bitter twist of fate.
...
North of Konohagakure, Konan was leading the Takigakure Genin back home.
"Hmm? What's that?"
"Yugito, come with me. Everyone else, rest here."
Soon, Konan brought Yugito to a small riverside where Kazuyama Gekkō had already been waiting.
"You came quickly."
"I rushed over the moment I saw you. What happened during the exams?"
"Yeah... pretty much what you guessed. The war has started, and it came fast this time."
Kazuyama's face grew unusually serious, and seeing this, Konan's expression also hardened. They had known each other a long time—this was the first time she'd seen Kazuyama look like this.
"Is it that bad? Kazuyama, even you find it troublesome?"
"It's not that it's troublesome. There's something else. I need you to return and talk to Yahiko. You have to quickly take control of Takigakure."
Hearing this, Yugito's face lit up with excitement.
"It's finally time to act! I've been waiting for this day forever!"
"Wow! Konan, let's hurry back! I'm going to become a Jōnin!"
Kazuyama and Konan both turned their heads toward Yugito at the same time. Kazuyama raised his fist and brought it down on her head.
"Ah!"
With a cry of pain, Yugito shut up immediately and retreated to the side, glaring at Kazuyama with resentment.
In her heart, she cursed: Just wait! When I grow up, I'll beat you up!
Matatabi: ...Is it possible you still won't be able to beat him? He's not going to get old anytime soon, you know?
Yugito: ...Then I'll wait until he's an old man!
"What's going on, Kazuyama?"
Konan smiled lightly and continued to question Kazuyama.
"Well..."
"My sensei might defect from the village. He's a researcher, but his work isn't sanctioned by Konoha."
"We've already made plans. We'll leave Konoha and head to the Land of Waterfalls, where I'll make contact with the Daimyō."
"After that, he'll continue his research in the Land of Waterfalls, or maybe even move further north."
Kazuyama Gekkō's teacher? Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin?
Konan couldn't help but recall that rainy day—those three figures—and the one whose very presence radiated a chilling aura...
Those serpent-like eyes were unforgettable.
It was hard to imagine that someone like him could be Kazuyama's mentor.
How could such a venomous snake have a disciple like Kazuyama?
"Will he affect Takigakure?"
"How could he? He's only pursuing his own research. I might even be able to get you some of the benefits of his work. For example..."
Kazuyama started to reach into his pocket, but quickly froze.
A trace of awkwardness appeared on his face.
"Konan, this is just a clone. I don't have anything on me right now. Just know that whatever useful results come from his research, I'll make sure they reach Takigakure to strengthen you all."
"Having him in the Land of Waterfalls will only be a benefit for Takigakure. It definitely won't bring any harm."
Kazuyama was confident in that.
After all, his sensei had already changed a lot.
Just the fact that he now stood against Danzō showed how different he was from the version in the original story.
Well... not everything had changed. He still wasn't exactly human anymore, more like something soft-bodied, and he was still dabbling in human experiments.
"Alright, I'll speak to Yahiko about it. With your guarantee, I believe it'll be fine."
"Do you need our help with the war?"
Kazuyama shook his head.
Even though war was breaking out again, given Konoha's current strength, even a two-pronged attack from Iwagakure and Kirigakure wouldn't cause major issues.
"Takigakure is still rebuilding. You and Yahiko's job is to restore the village and strengthen it."
"Once it's time for us to move against Amegakure... you know what to do."
At the mention of Amegakure, a flicker of determination passed through Konan's eyes.
No matter what, they would return and take back their home.
They would overthrow Hanzō of the Salamander and restore peace to Amegakure.
"Alright, I just came to inform you."
"I still have to head to the battlefield in the Land of Grass. You guys should hurry back to the Land of Waterfalls.
Even though Iwagakure isn't likely to attack you, it's always better to stay cautious."