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That night, Konoha held an emergency meeting for its jonin.
Tsunade announced that, according to reliable intelligence, the Akatsuki had already captured all the tailed beasts except for the Nine-Tails, and their next target was Konoha.
During the meeting, she detailed the village’s defense and emergency evacuation plans.
At the same time, she disclosed the known information about the Akatsuki members.
Once the meeting ended, the entire village sprang into action.
Even the still-unstable Hyuga clan sent a group of shinobi to participate in the village’s defense.
Although shinobi activities were usually covert, the villagers of Konoha were not without a sense of crisis.
They keenly sensed the tense atmosphere within the village.
Starting the next day, the streets of Konoha were noticeably quieter than usual.
Outside the village gates, Kurenai Yuhi led Team 8 on a patrol through the forest.
"Kurenai-sensei, would enemies really dare to invade Konoha directly?" Kiba asked casually, sitting on Akamaru’s back. "Doesn’t that just sound like a suicide mission?"
"Kiba, the intelligence about the Akatsuki invading Konoha was personally confirmed by the Hokage!" Kurenai said sternly. "Moreover, the Akatsuki members are powerful and dangerous outlaws. We must be cautious!"
"Woof woof!"
"Got it, got it," Kiba patted Akamaru’s head. "I’ll take it seriously. Akamaru too!"
"Woof!"
"Shino, Hinata, you too," Kurenai added. "Stay alert at all times!"
"Yes, Kurenai-sensei," Shino and Hinata responded immediately.
"I’ll remain cautious," Shino added. "If you ask why, it’s because Kiba and I are different in personality. Insects are creatures that survive by being careful."
"Hmph, dogs are the most alert animals!" Kiba retorted, annoyed.
"Enough," Kurenai interrupted their banter. "Hinata, use your Byakugan to scout."
"Yes," Hinata quickly formed hand seals. "Byakugan!"
"Th-that is..." She seemed nervous. "Kurenai-sensei, someone’s coming!"
"What? The enemy’s already here?" Kiba immediately went on alert. "Akamaru, get ready for battle!"
"Woof!"
"Stay calm!" Kurenai held out her hand to stop Kiba. "Hinata, how many people are coming?"
"One person," Hinata maintained her Byakugan. "No chakra... It... It doesn’t seem like a shinobi."
"What? Hinata, you should’ve said that earlier!" Kiba relaxed.
"Sorry, Kiba-kun," Hinata lowered her head.
"Don’t let your guard down!" Kurenai stepped forward. "Let’s go check it out."
"Yes."
The four of them, along with Akamaru, moved swiftly through the forest and hid behind some bushes.
Soon, the approaching figure came into view.
A tall young man with black hair and eyes, a handsome face, and wearing a neat black kimono, walked leisurely toward them.
"It’s him!"
Kurenai stepped forward.
It’s that man!
They had all witnessed a shocking battle from a distance years ago, and now they remembered the scene.
Kaito saw the group ahead and smiled warmly.
"Hello, I’m Uchiha Kaito, here as per my agreement with Tsunade-sama."
"I’m Konoha jonin Kurenai Yuhi," Kurenai responded politely. "The Hokage has already informed us. Welcome to Konoha, Kaito-san."
"Come out. According to the Hokage’s orders, we need to escort Kaito-san to meet her," she instructed her students.
The remaining three and Akamaru emerged from the forest, looking curiously at Kaito.
"Hello," Kaito observed them briefly. "You all have unique traits. A Hyuga, an Aburame, and an Inuzuka."
"Hello," the three greeted politely.
Kaito nodded with a smile, then turned to Kurenai. "Thank you, Kurenai-san."
"Please."
Kurenai led the way, and Kaito walked beside her.
The three younger shinobi followed behind, whispering among themselves.
"That guy seems pretty ordinary, but Akamaru is scared of him," Kiba said quietly.
"Whimper..."
Akamaru stayed close to Kiba, walking cautiously.
"My insects are also unusually quiet," Shino added.
"That’s a scary guy," Kiba slowed his pace.
"Shino-kun, Kiba-kun, don’t worry," Hinata reassured them. "He’s a guest invited by the Hokage."
"Hinata, you don’t get it," Kiba kept his distance.
Hinata didn’t say more.
In fact, she knew a bit more than her teammates. This man was invited by the Hokage to help the Hyuga clan’s branch family remove the Caged Bird Seal.
And so, the group split into two as they entered Konoha’s gates.
Once inside, Kaito’s presence attracted many gazes.
Curious, wary, hostile—both overt and covert glances came from all directions.
Kaito maintained a gentle smile, walking calmly and unfazed.
"Kurenai-san, it seems you’ve already prepared for battle," he struck up a conversation.
Kurenai paused for a moment, replying cautiously, "Yes, everyone is working hard to face the threat of the Akatsuki."
"No need to be nervous," Kaito gave her a reassuring look. "I’m currently Tsunade-sama’s ally."
"Understood," Kurenai put on a professional smile.
Kaito looked away and didn’t say more.
As they approached the Hokage building, a blond boy ran toward them.
"Hey! Uncle Kaito!" Naruto sprinted over.
"It’s Naruto," Kaito turned, his smile becoming slightly forced. "Long time no see."
He called me uncle again!
"Uncle Kaito!" Naruto stopped in front of Kaito, looking up at him. "Uncle Kaito, where are Sasuke and Neiji right now?"
Hearing Naruto’s question, the others immediately perked up.
Hinata also looked up, her eyes filled with hope.
"I don’t know."
Kaito reached out and tapped Naruto’s head.
"They’ve gone off to train on their own."
"Damn it!" Naruto rubbed his head, pouting. "Tell Sasuke I’ve mastered a new move! Next time, he’s definitely going to lose to me!"
"You can tell him that yourself," Kaito refused to relay the message.
"Hmph! I will!" Naruto narrowed his eyes at Kaito, but seeing that he wouldn’t get any more information, he turned and stomped away.
"Sorry about that. Let’s continue," Kaito turned back to Kurenai with a smile.
"It’s fine, Kaito-san," Kurenai resumed walking. "The Hokage is waiting for you in her office."
"Understood."
Kaito nodded and continued walking beside her.
"What’s up with Naruto?" Kiba felt a newfound respect for him. "He’s yelling at such a scary guy. I’m starting to admire his courage."
"No, you don’t need to admire him," Shino said calmly. "If you ask why, I think Naruto is just too oblivious."
"Really? I thought that idiot had suddenly become so strong."
"Woof woof woof..."