Konoha.
In the vast conference room, an eerie silence took hold.
A hero who sacrificed for the village?
All eyes turned toward Sarutobi Hiruzen. The shame on his aging face was evident. He looked down, burdened by the weight of the truth.
Yes.
Yamada Taro had just regained consciousness and recounted the grim situation regarding the border guard unit.
The elite brigade tasked with protecting Konoha's borders had undergone a significant shift in leadership when Sarutobi Shinnosuke took command, with Sarutobi Asuma serving as his vice-captain. Under their leadership, the team's original mission was distorted.
Instead of focusing on defensive operations, they took it upon themselves to track down and eliminate rogue ninjas indiscriminately. They sought to amass a thousand kills, eager to prove their worth and return triumphantly. In their reckless pursuit of glory, they turned their sights on Orochimaru after uncovering some faint traces of his presence.
But did Konoha's shinobi truly believe they could track Orochimaru?
The truth was apparent.
Even if some had a general idea of his whereabouts, none dared to provoke him. If Orochimaru ever appeared near the village gates, not a single shinobi would initiate combat—they would simply wait for him to leave.
His reputation was fearsome. The terror he instilled during the Third Shinobi World War, particularly at Kikyō Mountain, was a testament to his ruthlessness. The battlefield was littered with corpses—proof of his strategic genius and merciless efficiency.
In terms of merit, Orochimaru's contributions were no less than Konoha's "Yellow Flash," Namikaze Minato.
During the Second Shinobi World War, he and the other two members of the legendary Sannin—Jiraiya and Tsunade—cemented their legacy. During the Third War, he led the defense at Kikyō Mountain, utilizing limited resources to hold off the Sand Village's relentless assault.
If not for his ominous temperament and his close ties with Danzo, even the Third Hokage's objections would not have prevented him from being a viable candidate for Hokage. He was more experienced and far more battle-hardened than Minato.
This alone was proof of Orochimaru's impact on Konoha.
Yet these two privileged heirs dared to challenge him.
Now that the elite border brigade had been wiped out, it was highly probable that Orochimaru had a hand in orchestrating this disaster.
In their reckless ambition, they had not only destroyed themselves but had also cost Konoha one of its most formidable defensive forces.
Many in the room exchanged uneasy glances, their anger toward the Third Hokage evident.
According to Yamada Taro's account, the squad might have stood a fighting chance—had it not been for Shinnosuke's recklessness. His desperation to earn accolades left his team exhausted from continuous forced marches, making them easy prey when they were ambushed.
"See? What did I say? Your sons are completely incompetent."
Bai Ye chuckled, shaking his head in exasperation.
This entire meeting had become an exercise in futility. Konoha's political landscape was as absurd as ever.
As for attempting a coup or seizing power, Bai Ye had simply made his remarks to irritate Sarutobi.
Even if Sarutobi were to step down, Bai Ye had no interest in the Hokage position. If anyone should take over, it should be Tsunade.
"Oh, by the way, the guards will be taking a month-long leave during New Year's. The village defense? That's Hokage's responsibility now."
With Tsunade in his arms, Bai Ye ignored Sarutobi's expression—shifting from anger to shock—and walked toward the exit. He casually waved goodbye to the council members.
Attending these meetings was a waste of time.
And yet, Sarutobi Hiruzen, despite his earlier humiliation, suddenly appeared revitalized.
As Bai Ye had expected, Sarutobi's mind was already formulating a plan. The guard unit had done an exemplary job. But this did not mean the village should rely solely on them.
Bai Ye's absence presented an opportunity—a perfect moment to implement changes.
One month?
More than enough time.
Sarutobi's face reddened with newfound resolve. For the first time in years, he felt confident.
This time, he was determined to challenge Bai Ye head-on.
After all, he never considered himself inferior to anyone.
---
With the border brigade annihilated, Konoha's higher-ups fell into turmoil.
But after learning the truth, many were relieved.
A mysterious organization potentially tied to Orochimaru? While unsettling, it was preferable to an outright war.
Once Bai Ye and Tsunade left, the meeting shifted its focus to discussing the Akatsuki's movements.
Despite various opinions, no clear decision was reached.
Meanwhile, far from Konoha…
---
Amegakure.
The relentless downpour cast an ominous shroud over the land, as if forsaken by the heavens.
Inside Akatsuki's hidden base, a meeting was underway.
"Did someone escape?"
Pain's expression remained impassive, though his emotionless face was merely a reflection of Nagato's control.
"That brat had some skill and managed to flee despite his injuries."
Sasori, concealed within Hiruko, rolled his puppet's eyes in irritation.
"The most valuable ones have already been taken care of," Kakuzu added, clearly pleased with the acquisition of two new hearts.
Pain turned to Orochimaru, seeking insight into Konoha's potential response.
Orochimaru's hoarse voice broke the silence. "I wouldn't recommend sending White Tiger to Konoha. Their current guard captain is formidable."
However, he knew his words were futile.
The absence of White Tiger from the meeting was telling. She had likely already departed, perhaps tracking the lone survivor—possibly on her way to Konoha.
"She's a professional," Pain remarked, casting a glance at Konan.
The Akatsuki was still incomplete.
Kakuzu's predecessor, Juzo Biwa, was yet to be replaced. Hidan had not joined. Deidara, who would later be recruited after Itachi, was also absent.
"Our next step is to expand cautiously," Pain continued. "We must prepare for the right moment."
With that, the meeting adjourned.
The Akatsuki's atmosphere remained eerily calm—nothing more than an elaborate network of subterfuge.
---
Konoha.
At the guard station, Bai Ye stretched lazily, glancing at the black-mouthed pug seated nearby.
"Still no luck finding that bitch?" he asked.
The pug, Pakkun—Kakashi's ninken—sighed deeply.
"My life is full of suffering. That lovely bitch I had my eye on? Taken by the Inuzuka clan to be a ninja dog."
Bai Ye chuckled. "Tough luck."
Pakkun huffed. "You wouldn't understand. Not everyone is effortlessly pursued by high-quality mates like you."
Bai Ye smirked and turned his gaze toward a bustling street corner.
There, standing by a vendor stall, was a striking figure.
Her light blue-lavender hair was tied neatly atop her head, and she had removed her signature paper flower and lip piercings. She appeared unassuming, yet her presence carried an air of quiet confidence.
Konan.
The White Tiger of Dawn.
And now, she had arrived in Konoha.
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