Night fell, and a bonfire was lit within Gunma Village.
Under the direction of the village chief, Oiwa, the villagers carefully placed the injured Tetsuya in the cleanest room of the chief's house, to be looked after by Maki and an old villager with so knowledge of dicinal herbs.
Afterwards, several young n, holding torches, ventured deep into the Gunma Mountains shrouded in twilight, retrieving the corpses of the slain bandits and Missing-Nins one by one, arranging them neatly in the village's central threshing ground.
The leaping flas of the bonfire illuminated the villagers' complex expressions… a mix of fear and vindictive satisfaction.
When Taichi and Shota appeared at the village entrance, especially with Taichi carrying the bloody head of the Missing-Nin's leader, Toyama, the threshing ground erupted instantly.
The villagers, holding torches aloft, let out earth-shaking cheers, as if welcoming triumphant heroes.
Chief Oiwa hurried forward to et them, his face beaming with excitent and relief, his voice choked with emotion: "Taichi-sama! Shota-sama! You've worked hard! A thousand thanks for ridding our village of this scourge!"
He wiped the corner of his eye and extended a sincere invitation: "You've labored through the night, and Maki-sama and Tetsuya-sama also need rest. If you don't mind our humble offerings, please stay in the village for the night before returning to the city! The village has prepared so simple fare, it's our small token of gratitude. Please, do us the honor!"
Taichi instinctively wanted to refuse, habitually believing that after completing a mission, one should imdiately return to report.
However, his gaze swept past the bonfire, where he saw Jiraiya and Ajisai already seated at a low table. Jiraiya was sipping from a bowl of village-brewed sake, chatting and laughing with the young village woman pouring the drinks beside him. His easy-going deanor contrasted sharply with the slightly reserved villagers.
Taichi hesitated. Considering his injured teammate indeed needed a stable environnt, and the villagers' enthusiasm was hard to refuse, he finally nodded. "...Alright, we'll trouble you then. Shota, handle the other bodies."
"Yes, Captain." Shota imdiately produced a sealing scroll and began efficiently dealing with the corpses on the threshing ground.
Seeing Taichi agree to stay, Chief Oiwa's face broke into a wide smile. He promptly led Taichi to an empty table beside Jiraiya.
The village's evening feast, though simple, was filled with sincerity.
The table was laden with the best food the villagers could offer: their own chickens and ducks, fresh fish caught from the river, preserved smoked ats and sausages, various wild mountain vegetables and dried mushrooms, and freshly brewed, sweet-slling rice sake.
This was almost the highest standard of hospitality this village could muster.
During the feast, Chief Oiwa arranged for soone to deliver food to the injured. He then once again expressed his most sincere gratitude to Taichi and his team, as well as to Jiraiya and Ajisai.
He spoke so earnestly that even the usually boisterous Jiraiya scratched his head sowhat sheepishly, his face flushed red from the alcohol.
Ajisai repeatedly waved her hands, her face slightly red, saying, "We really didn't help much. Even without us, we believe Captain Taichi and the others could have handled those bad guys."
Taichi set down his cup, his expression still serious, tinged with self-reproach: "You flatter us too much, Chief. In this operation, I made a command error. I underestimated the enemy's cunning and brutality, resulting in Tetsuya's severe injuries. Had you two not provided tily assistance, the consequences could have been worse. It is we who should thank you."
His gaze swept over Jiraiya. Though still carrying the Uchiha pride, his tone had noticeably softened.
He then turned to Jiraiya, his tone becoming more formal: "Jiraiya-sama, tomorrow morning, please accompany us to Kamio City. Hyuga Natsu-sama wishes to et with you."
Jiraiya, who was holding a bowl of sake, paused mid-motion, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
'Hyuga Natsu?'
'Who?'
Taichi took a peculiar electronic device, about the size of a palm with a screen and buttons, from his ninja tool pouch. He showed it briefly, explaining: "I have already truthfully reported the situation here, including your assistance, through the police communications system. Hyuga Natsu-sama saw the report, particularly your na, and specifically instructed that you must be invited for a eting."
Jiraiya stroked his chin, straining to recall the na 'Hyuga Natsu' in his mory, but couldn't place it.
He let out a tipsy belch and laughed heartily: "Hyuga Natsu? Oh... seems vaguely familiar. Alright! Since she's invited , it'd be rude not to go, wouldn't it? I'll go!"
The next morning, a white, square-shaped vehicle with warning lights on its roof and a prominent red cross emblem painted on its side drove into Gunma Village.
Several dical personnel in white uniforms and masks, led by a dical-Nin who looked sowhat tired but moved with practiced efficiency, carefully lifted the now-stabilized Tetsuya onto a stretcher and into the vehicle.
Jiraiya and Ajisai curiously watched this never-before-seen 'ambulance'.
Afterwards, Jiraiya, Ajisai, Taichi, Shota, and Maki set off together. Amidst the enthusiastic farewells of the villagers, they began their journey back to Kamio City.
All were Ninjas, their pace swift, even managing to keep up with the ambulance driving smoothly along the dirt and stone road.
Jiraiya, looking at the vehicle ahead, couldn't help but ask curiously: "Is that also one of those... 'Raiden'?"
Ajisai also tilted her head, full of curiosity.
After fighting side-by-side the previous day, Maki's favorable impression towards the two had greatly increased. She smiled and took the initiative to explain: "That's also a vehicle powered by a chakra Storage Device. But unlike the Raiden that run on rails or ordinary small cars, that kind with the red cross emblem belongs specifically to the dical system… it's an 'ambulance,' used for ergency transport of the injured. Looking at the tired expression of the dical-Nin senior leading the team just now, he probably just returned from the front lines not long ago and hasn't had proper rest before going on another mission."
"dical system? Similar to the dical departnts of other Ninja Villages?" Jiraiya pressed, as he had so understanding of dical systems, given it was one of his friend Tsunade's lifelong endeavors.
Maki thought for a mont, organizing her words: "The Land of Stars' dical system is divided into two major parts. One is the 'field dical system' affiliated with the military, primarily responsible for battlefield rescue and treatnt of soldiers and professional Ninja, critical injury care, and the training of dical-Nin. Its functions are similar to the dical departnts of other Ninja Villages."
"The other is the 'civilian dical system' open to all citizens, consisting of hospitals and clinics across the country. dical-Nin serve as the technical backbone and instructors, while also training large numbers of ordinary doctors and nurses to provide basic dical security and disease treatnt for all citizens."
Hearing that the Land of Stars actually opened its precious dical-Nin resources and advanced dical technology to ordinary citizens, Jiraiya and Ajisai were once again deeply shaken.
In their ingrained understanding, whether in Great Ninja Villages like Konoha or minor ones like Agakure, dical-Nin were extrely scarce and valuable strategic resources. Training them was highly difficult, and related dicines and equipnt were expensive, typically serving only Ninja, nobles, and wealthy rchants. Ordinary commoners almost never had access to proper dical care.
During their conversation, the group arrived at Kamio City.
This city, nestled among surrounding mountains, was vast in scale, with high walls, wide streets, nurous shops, and bustling crowds, appearing exceptionally prosperous.
Maki introduced with a hint of pride: "Kamio City was originally the second largest city in the Land of Bears. After the establishnt of the Land of Stars, the forr Land of Bears' territory was designated as [Bear County]. Kamio City beca the provincial capital of Bear County, the economic and transportation hub of this region."
They first went to the Bear County's Field Hospital located in the eastern part of the city, formally admitted Tetsuya for hospitalization, and checked on his condition.
Afterwards, the group headed towards the adjacent Bear County's Police Headquarters building.
It was a newly built, five-story structure with a simple, sturdy architectural style.
Entering the Police Headquarters, Jiraiya and Ajisai curiously observed the interior.
Police officers in unified dark blue uniforms ca and went, each busy with their own tasks, orderly and efficient.
Jiraiya acutely sensed that the chakra fluctuations from many people here were very weak, almost indistinguishable from ordinary people.
Yet, the aura of competence, steadiness, and discipline they exuded was completely different from the impression he had of the lax, even thuggish public security forces of other countries.
Every police officer here, in terms of their ntal outlook and behavior, resembled well-trained elite soldiers.
Taichi led the two directly to the Chief's office on the top floor.
Pushing open the door, they saw two Ninjas with extraordinary presence conversing inside.
One of them had striking green short hair… Hyuga Natsu.
Upon seeing Jiraiya, she imdiately stood up, a gentle smile with respect appearing on her face: "Jiraiya-sama, it's been a long ti."
Seeing Jiraiya's sowhat puzzled look, she took the initiative to introduce herself: "You may not rember . Allow to introduce myself. I am Hyuga Natsu, a mber of the Hyuga Clan's branch family. During the Third Great Ninja War, I followed Hyuga Hizashi-sama to support the front lines. I participated in several battles under your command."
Jiraiya stared at her for a few seconds, suddenly slapped his palm in realization: "Oh—! I rember now! You're that little girl who always followed Hizashi around, the one with the different hair color, right! My, my, how ti flies! That little girl back then has grown up so much, able to handle matters independently! Looks like you're Hizashi's right-hand woman now, huh?"
Hyuga Natsu nodded with a smile: "Yes, nearly ten years have passed in the blink of an eye."
At that mont, Jiraiya's gaze shifted to the other person in the office. When he clearly saw the other party's face, his eyes widened instantly, revealing an incredulous expression: "Shisui?!"
Shisui, seated on the sofa, stood up. He still had his gentle and steady deanor, giving Jiraiya a slight nod: "Jiraiya-sama, it's been a long ti."
Jiraiya collected himself, his tone carrying a mix of complexity and probing: "I truly didn't expect to see you here. Given your current status, you must be a high-ranking official in the Land of Stars, right? How do you have ti to specifically wait for a wandering travel writer like ?"
Shisui smiled, his tone gentle: "I just happened to co to Kamio City to coordinate the allocation of a batch of urgently needed frontline supplies. Upon hearing you were here, I thought I must et you no matter what, to thank you in person for assisting Taichi and the others yesterday."
He gestured with his hand: "Please, have a seat."
Jiraiya and Ajisai sat down on the sofa.
Shisui then turned to Taichi, who looked sowhat confused, his tone carrying a senior's concern: "Taichi, Jiraiya-sama was active in the Ninja World when you were still young, so it's normal you don't recognize him. Let introduce him to you. This is one of Konoha's famous [Legendary Sannin], the Toad Sage, Jiraiya-sama."
"Konoha—?"Taichi softly repeated the word. His eyes, which had just cald, instantly turned sharp. His newly evolved Two-Tomoe Sharingan activated uncontrollably, fixing tightly on Jiraiya, filled with undisguised vigilance and hostility.
Jiraiya, who had just settled onto the sofa, felt a bit unnerved by this hostile stare. He gave a dry laugh: "Hey, kid, I don't think I've ever offended you, have I?"
Taichi snorted coldly: "People from Konoha are all bad news!"
With that, he bowed to Shisui and Natsu: "Natsu-sama, Clan Head-sama, if there's nothing else, I will go handle the follow-up report."
After receiving Shisui's nod, he turned and strode out of the office without even a glance at Jiraiya.
Watching Taichi's departing figure, Natsu sighed and explained to the sowhat awkward Jiraiya: "Jiraiya-sama, please don't take it too much to heart. Many of the young people in their Uchiha Clan are like this… especially towards Konoha."
"Actually, many young clansn aspire to join the frontline Star Ninja's forces. It was Hikari-sama and Shisui-sama who held them back, arranging for so outstanding youngsters like Taichi to gain experience in the police departnt, hoping they would interact more with the people and understand the aning of protection."
Jiraiya waved his hand, indicating understanding. Then his expression turned serious as he looked at Shisui and Natsu: "Speaking of which, it's been a long ti since I returned to Konoha. I'm not here as a Konoha's Ninja now, just a traveling writer. So… may I presumptuously ask, what exactly happened back then with the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans? If it's convenient, I'd like to hear… your version of events."
He finally asked the question that had been lingering in his mind for a long ti.
Shisui motioned to Natsu, who served hot tea to Jiraiya and Ajisai.
Ajisai, seeing they seed to have important matters to discuss, took the initiative to stand up: "Uncle, I'll wait for you outside then."
"Don't wander off, Ajisai-chan," Jiraiya reminded her.
Watching Ajisai leave, Shisui asked curiously: "Is she your disciple?"
Jiraiya waved his hand: "Just a kid I t passing through Agakure, one who yearns for peace. Thought since Agakure is in internal turmoil, I'd take her along on my travels."
Shisui nodded, did not press further with curiosity about Ajisai. Instead, he counter-questioned: "Jiraiya-sama, what do you know about Konoha's [Night of Betrayal]?"
Jiraiya, holding the warm teacup, thought for a mont and relayed the information he knew: "What I heard was… Hyuga Hizashi led a portion of the branch family in an assault against the main family's mbers headed by Hyuga Hiashi, and then defected from the village."
"As for the Uchiha… it's said that Uchiha Itachi colluded with the Akatsuki, slaughtering many Uchiha clansn. And as for you, Shisui—"
He paused, glancing at Shisui: "The old man ntioned in his letter to that it was you who colluded with the Land of Stars' Uchiha Hikari, leading to the subsequent series of events—"
"Hmph, just as expected." Natsu couldn't help but let out a cold snort, her white eyes holding a sarcastic look she had long anticipated.
Shisui remained much calr. He gently blew on the steam rising from his tea: "Regarding the Hyuga Clan's matter, it's actually not complicated. The root of everything lies in that [Caged Bird] seal that has bound the branch family for hundreds of years. They… are simply a group of birds unwilling to be bound any longer, struggling free from their cage, flying towards freedom."
Jiraiya looked at Natsu, seeing her smooth forehead, and nodded: "On that point, I can understand."
As an outsider observer, he held sympathy for the Hyuga Clan's branch family's choice.
Shisui nodded, his expression turning grave: "Then, let's focus on explaining the Uchiha Clan's situation."
"Hmm… let sort out the tiline. Roughly three years ago, I was still in Konoha, attempting to bridge the rift between the village and the clan, to allow the Uchiha to fully integrate into Konoha—"
His voice lowered: "I was ambushed by Shimura Danzo… he stole my last Mangekyo Sharingan."
"What?! Danzo?!" Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock. His hand holding the teacup clenched tightly, instantly causing several fine cracks to appear on the hard ceramic surface.
Though he knew Danzo operated in the shadows, he never imagined the other would carry out such a ruthless act against a fellow village's Ninja, and a Uchiha prodigy at that!
Shisui, as if not noticing Jiraiya's loss of composure, continued narrating in a steady tone: "Just as I was on the verge of death and despair from Danzo and his Root's mbers… I even considered dying to conceal the matter. After all, as you know, Uchiha place great importance on family bonds. If they learned the village's higher-ups had done such a thing, they would likely initiate a rebellion on the spot."
Jiraiya fell silent. He knew Shisui's character was such that he would make that choice.
"At the critical mont, Shura-sama suddenly appeared and rescued . At the ti, I was full of wariness towards him and did not trust him."
"He made a bet with ."
Jiraiya looked up: "A bet?"
"Mhm. He said that within one year, the Konoha's higher-ups would definitely implent a thorough purge plan against the Uchiha Clan. Naly… extermination."
He raised his head, activating his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, looking directly at Jiraiya: "And what happened later… proved him right."
"That night, Uchiha Itachi, under orders from the Konoha higher-ups, slaughtered his own clansn… had it not been for Shura-sama's advanced planning, leading the Star Ninja to intervene in ti, stop the massacre, and cover the remaining Uchiha clansn evacuate, I'm afraid the na Uchiha would have been completely erased from the Ninja World. That is the truth of Konoha's recorded [Night of Betrayal]."
After listening to Shisui's account, Jiraiya frowned deeply, his face filled with confusion and disbelief: "Uchiha Itachi… I rember he was Clan Head Fugaku's eldest son, exceptionally talented, steady in character. He… why would he do that? Slaughter his own clan?"
"Because of the Nine-Tails Incident," Shisui's tone held a hint of bitterness: "Ever since that night, the Konoha's higher-ups had continuously suspected that the Uchiha Clan was behind controlling the Nine-Tails. They constantly used various ans to ostracize, suppress, and reduce the Uchiha's living space and political rights within the village."
"I once naively believed that if we worked hard enough, demonstrated the Uchiha's loyalty, we could dissolve this estrangent, allow the clan to better integrate into the village… but the facts proved, I was wrong."
His gaze beca profound and sharp: "Later, I completely understood. The root of the problem wasn't whether the Uchiha wanted to integrate into Konoha, but that among Konoha's highest echelons, there were those who, from the very beginning, didn't want the Uchiha to integrate into Konoha!"
"What they needed wasn't a strong Uchiha with their own voice, but an Uchiha that was either absolutely obedient, or completely vanished!"
"As for Uchiha Itachi… the Konoha's higher-ups promised that if he exterminated the entire Uchiha Clan, they would spare his younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke."
Hearing this, the first person to float into Jiraiya's mind was Danzo's gloomy face, and the intricate Root forces behind him.
Based on his understanding of Danzo, everything Shisui described completely matched that old guy's modus operandi!
For the sake of so-called 'village stability', Danzo would spare no cost, even viewing the entire Uchiha Clan as a tumor that must be excised!
Upon hearing that Itachi slaughtered his entire clan just to save his brother, Jiraiya showed a difficult-to-comprehend expression.
He fell silent, digesting this information.
After a long while, Jiraiya finally looked up and asked the last, most crucial question: "Then, what role did Shura play in this entire affair? He—"
He hesitated, but still asked: "Did he plan all of this from the beginning?"
Shisui shook his head, his tone firm: "I know what you're asking. But I can swear upon my honor and that of the Uchiha: up until the mont the Konoha's higher-ups raised the butcher's knife against the Uchiha, including myself and Clan Head Fugaku, and all Uchiha clansn within Konoha, our hearts still firmly believed we were mbers of Konoha! Even if dissatisfied with the Konoha's higher-ups' oppressive policies, we never once entertained the thought of betraying the village!"
"Due to Danzo's persecution, I was forced to stay in the Land of Stars, my situation was special. But I can absolutely guarantee that Clan Head Fugaku and all other clansn, before the Night of the Massacre, had any form of secret contact with the Land of Stars, with Shura-sama, or with Hikari-sama! Shura-sama's intervention was a stop and rescue as the tragedy was about to unfold, not preditated planning and enticent!"
After hearing Shisui's account, Jiraiya sank into a prolonged silence.
Combining the information passed by the old man, he tried piecing together the 'truth' of that night. But the deeper he went, the more he felt a deep sense of helplessness.
...
On the other side, just having returned to the Star City, nma was still pondering several feasible paths to the Six Paths-level when he saw his father, Namikaze Minato, walk over with a report, looking sowhat not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
"nma, Jiraiya-sensei is here." Minato handed the report to the deep in thought nma.
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