Accompanied by Uchiha Shisui, Uzumaki Raiden walked slowly into Konoha Village. He wasn't in a hurry to meet Naruto, nor was he eager to find familiar faces. Instead, he strolled through the bustling streets, observing how much the village had changed over the years.
"Four years... It's like going away to university and coming back to a hometown you no longer recognize."
Raiden gazed at the lively streets, momentarily lost in thought. Sensing his master's emotions, Shisui followed quietly, offering silent companionship.
As they passed through the village gates, the guards glanced curiously at Shisui, wondering why he was bringing a ragged-looking man with him. However, they wisely refrained from asking questions.
Over the years, Konoha had undergone significant changes. Although Raiden had been in a coma, Minato Namikaze, who had succeeded him as the Fifth Hokage, had carried on his political vision—just as Raiden had originally planned. It was clear that Sarutobi Hiruzen had considered this when appointing Minato.
"Shisui, what's Itachi up to? I can't sense his chakra."
Upon entering the village, Raiden activated Kagura's Mind Eye, scanning for familiar chakra signatures. He sensed Kushina at the hospital, while Minato, Hiruzen, and other high-ranking officials were gathered in the Hokage building, entertaining unfamiliar guests.
Uchiha Fugaku was patrolling the streets, while Hyuga Hiashi seemed to be tending to a child at home. Orochimaru was in his lab, likely experimenting, and Jiraiya… well, Jiraiya was peeping in the hot springs.
Despite all these familiar presences, Itachi's chakra was nowhere to be found.
"Itachi? He's currently a Chunin in the village. He recently left on a mission with his squad and hasn't returned yet," Shisui explained respectfully.
Raiden turned to glance at Shisui, noting the evident admiration and loyalty in his disciple's eyes. He patted Shisui's shoulder gently.
"Relax, Shisui. There's no need to be so formal with me."
"So, Itachi's already a Chunin. Was it because of his talent, or is the village short on manpower?"
"His strength is legitimate," Shisui replied confidently. "Itachi is the first person in history to take the Chunin Exams alone and pass. Initially, the Third Hokage wanted him in ANBU, but Minato-sama thought he needed more social interaction."
"Minato-sama assigned him to lead a squad of genin about his age to help him develop better interpersonal skills."
Raiden shook his head slightly.
"Too young, too soon... It could lead to problems."
"But we'll talk about it when he returns."
He sighed softly. Although Itachi was wise beyond his years, he was still just a child. Pushing him into leadership roles too early might do more harm than good.
As they continued down the busy streets, Raiden's ragged clothing and unkempt appearance attracted attention. His tattered garments and bare feet stood out, and curious onlookers whispered among themselves.
Shisui, noticing the murmurs, led Raiden toward a clothing shop.
"Master, perhaps we should get you some new clothes?"
Raiden glanced at the shop and shook his head.
"Not yet. Let's head to the bathhouse first—I might as well surprise my perverted brother while I'm at it."
His hoarse, gravelly voice carried a certain charm, though it was the result of his throat injury rather than years of smoking. Speaking was a challenge, and he considered himself lucky to be able to talk at all.
Just as they were about to move on, an obnoxious voice rang out.
"Hah, are there beggars in Konoha, the so-called strongest village in the ninja world?"
"No way, right? Even in our Cloud Village, we don't have beggars!"
"Is Konoha really falling apart like this?"
Raiden's gaze shifted to a group of six approaching figures—three in Cloud Village attire and three Konoha ninja accompanying them.
The loudmouth among the Cloud shinobi continued his taunts, but a voice from the Konoha side quickly responded.
"You're mistaken. There are no beggars in Konoha. Under Minato-sensei's leadership, the village has grown even more prosperous."
The speaker was none other than Rin Nohara. She looked curiously at Raiden but remained composed.
Nearby, Uchiha Obito frowned, clearly irritated by the Cloud ninja's remarks. He walked over to Shisui, draped an arm around his shoulder, and asked,
"Shisui, who's this guy? Did you arrest some random wanderer?"
Shisui shook his head, offering only a knowing smile.
"Who are these guys?" he asked, ignoring Obito's question.
"They're from the Cloud envoy. Their leader is meeting with Minato-sensei to discuss tailed beast matters," Obito explained in a low voice.
Raiden, meanwhile, studied Rin intently. Using Kagura's Mind Eye, he examined the seal on her body—the Genbu Kyūryū no Fūin, which contained the Three-Tails. Despite being a civilian-born kunoichi, Rin was maintaining control over the beast remarkably well.
The Cloud ninja sneered once more. "That beggar looks strange... I didn't notice him before."
However, as his gaze lingered on Raiden, a faint sense of unease crept into him. He quickly shut his mouth, not wanting to attract trouble.
From an outsider's perspective, it seemed Rin's explanation had satisfied him.
The Cloud shinobi lost interest and turned away, continuing their tour of the village with Rin and Obito following closely. Kakashi, who had remained quiet until now, took one last glance at Raiden before walking away.
Raiden smirked but didn't engage. He wasn't interested in arguing with these so-called envoys.
"Hmph, a bunch of dying men..."
He whispered under his breath, watching the Cloud shinobi disappear down the street.
(End of Chapter)