On the third day after Haruto Saito left Konoha,
Amegakure, the Land of Rain
The village, resembling a jungle of steel, appeared lifeless under the persistent drizzle. A heavy air of bloodshed loomed over the place, a feeling that had become even more pronounced since the start of the shinobi world war.
Currently, commercial activity in Amegakure was nonexistent. The streets were nearly deserted, with only patrol units maintaining their relentless, 24-hour surveillance.
Trade in Amegakure had always been minimal, and with the war raging, its commercial system had completely collapsed. However, the village still had an income source—its mines. The Land of Rain was rich in mineral resources, particularly metal ores. As such, part of Amegakure's war funds came from selling these minerals.
The other portion came from powerful financial backers, particularly wealthy merchants conducting business in the Land of Rain. These individuals, through various illicit means, exploited the common people, extracting profits that were nothing short of staggering. Supporting Amegakure was not a choice for them—it was a necessity. If Amegakure fell, they would lose everything.
That morning, within the village leader's office, Hanzo convened an emergency meeting.
The primary topics of discussion were Amegakure's potential alliance with Sunagakure and the urgent need for war funding. Many of Amegakure's elite assassins had already begun accepting missions from the black market, hoping to secure additional resources for the war effort.
Despite its active involvement in the war, Amegakure was in a vulnerable position. It was significantly weaker than the Five Great Shinobi Villages and had long suffered from internal strife. If given a choice, Hanzo would have preferred to avoid conflict. This war had not been instigated by him but rather by Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure.
However, Amegakure did possess one major advantage—geography. The Land of Rain was the epicenter of the war, granting Hanzo's forces a highly developed intelligence network and rapid response times to battlefield developments.
Additionally, Amegakure's supply lines were significantly shorter compared to other villages, meaning that their logistical costs were much lower.
Yet, despite these advantages, Amegakure was still woefully underfunded.
Inside the dimly lit conference room, the atmosphere was heavy.
"So, regarding the northern gold mine," Hanzo continued, "if Iwagakure's forces keep advancing toward it, then we must—"
Suddenly, a figure materialized behind Hanzo.
"Leader, urgent intelligence report."
The individual's hoarse voice and lack of formal kneeling suggested a unique status within the village.
"Speak!" Hanzo ordered.
"Haruto Saito has left Konoha. He's headed for the Land of Whirlpools on a mission."
A sharp glint flashed in Hanzo's eyes.
---
**Kirigakure, the Land of Water**
That same afternoon, within the Mizukage's office—
"I'm going to the Land of Whirlpools!" Hattori Tatsuno declared, his fists clenched tightly. He leaned over the desk of the long-haired middle-aged man before him, his face contorted with rage. "That bastard Haruto dared to leave Konoha. I'll capture him and execute him publicly!"
If there was anyone Hattori Tatsuno hated most, it wasn't Danzo, the man who had led the strike that drove him out of the Land of Whirlpools. No, it was Haruto Saito.
Haruto had single-handedly destroyed months of careful planning and effort, throwing all of Tatsuno's schemes into ruin. It was because of Haruto that Kirigakure's covert team in the Land of Whirlpools had been wiped out. Without their intelligence support, Tatsuno had been caught by surprise and forced into retreat before he even had the chance to act.
The man behind the desk was strikingly handsome, appearing far younger than his actual age.
This was Fuyuu, the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure.
As one of the most powerful shinobi of his time, Fuyuu, much like Hiruzen Sarutobi, rarely left his village. His role was not only to oversee military operations but also to protect the village itself.
Hearing of Haruto's departure, Fuyuu briefly considered taking action personally. However, he hesitated.
Haruto was incredibly difficult to capture. He possessed the Flying Thunder God technique, making it nearly impossible to take him down in a single attempt. And if Fuyuu left Kirigakure for an extended period, it would draw unwanted attention.
"I don't oppose you going," Fuyuu finally said, "but are you certain you've recovered from your injuries?"
"I'm fine," Tatsuno affirmed.
"Who do you plan to take with you?"
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
---
**Sanryu Village, Central Land of Whirlpools**
Sanryu Village was secretly controlled by Konoha, serving as the base for its infiltration forces and ANBU operatives. The last time Haruto had passed through, he had stayed for a few days before venturing into the Forest of Poison Punishment. It was also here that he first encountered Kaga.
Now, five days had passed since he left Konoha, and this was his second day in Sanryu Village.
In a private dining room of a lively tavern, Haruto, Kakuzu, Minato Namikaze, and Kaga sat around a table, eating lunch.
"Kaga, do you remember where you were born?" Haruto asked.
"Sensei, I don't," Kaga admitted.
"You've traveled across many parts of the Land of Whirlpools, haven't you?"
"Yes, I've been to dozens of villages. Before meeting you, I was constantly wandering."
The conversation was casual.
Suddenly, Haruto's ears twitched.
"Hey, did you hear? That guy Haruto Saito is back in the Land of Whirlpools!"
"Who?"
"Red Eye! That kid from Konoha, the Hokage's protégé!"
"Him? I thought he got into some serious trouble and was too scared to leave Konoha."
"Yeah, but it's been over a year. He's finally shown up again."
"Where'd you hear that?"
"I was at the butcher shop this morning. The butcher said a hunter told him."
Damn it. Haruto could barely believe what he was hearing.
Turning his head slightly, he focused on the wall beside him. The conversation was coming from the next private room. With his keen perception, he could make out every word clearly.
"You've been exposed," Kakuzu commented flatly, having heard the same conversation.
"There's a traitor in Konoha," Haruto muttered, adjusting his sunglasses.
Someone in the village had leaked his departure immediately, allowing the news to spread like wildfire. Otherwise, there was no way ordinary villagers in the Land of Whirlpools would already know about his movements.
Who was it? Danzo? The Hyuga Clan?
It didn't matter. What mattered was that assassination attempts on him would now come much sooner than expected.
Looking out the window, Haruto's thoughts drifted.
"Sensei, why aren't you eating?" Minato asked, slurping his noodles.
"Hm…" Haruto snapped out of his daze and replied, "It's getting windy out there."