Chapter 66: The Konoha Emissary and Her Eyes

The border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost.

With the arrival of the main forces, Konoha has established a small camp here, using the nearby forest for timber and complementing it with Earth Release techniques. The walls are thick enough to withstand a considerable level of ninjutsu attacks.

Seven days ago, Orochimaru arrived here with a large army, intensifying the chaotic battle among Konoha, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya has taken combat troops to guard against Iwagakure and Sunagakure, due to the mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage, causing conflicts between the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind. For now, they have no capacity to expand eastward.

However, everyone knows that a world war is inevitable.

Yuto returned to Konoha's newly established camp. After showing Minato's token to the guards, a genin messenger led him to the central area.

Along the way, many people recognized him. Even if they didn't know his face, seeing the black bandage wrapped around his right arm, they realized he was the renowned Lone Lion.

Yuto stopped in front of a tall domed building. After reporting his name at the door, the guards let him in.

Inside, there were many people, including several "Freelancer." Minato sat on a high seat in the center, his warm blue eyes smiling:

"Yuto-kun, thank you for hurrying back."

"Commander." Yuto saluted. With so many people around, he didn't say much and stood aside with his arms crossed.

Minato cleared his throat. Seeing everyone present, he began.

"Orochimaru is still on the front line. There's no need to bother him with this. I hereby announce..." He glanced around, his voice calm, "That from now on, everyone in this room except for me and the village emissaries will take a few days off."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

There were thirty-two shinobi in the room, all experienced chuunin-level elites, whether from civilian backgrounds or Konoha's noble clans, holding significant positions in their units.

A few days off… isn't that just a euphemism for house arrest?

Everyone's gaze slowly focused behind Minato.

Standing behind the Yellow Flash were several individuals in masks and robes. They must be the "village emissaries" Minato referred to.

"These people are emissaries sent by the village, they are our own, so don't be nervous. Just cooperate with them." Minato paused and smiled lightly:

"After the rest, report back to me. You will either continue your positions or take on even more challenging tasks... In the end, wars between nations depend on you who fight on the front lines."

Yuto raised an eyebrow, amused.

Minato's words were well-crafted. He informed his subordinates to cooperate with the village's investigation, promised them their positions back or even promotions after it was over, and subtly warned the village emissaries not to forget who was fighting on the front lines.

It made sense. Generals leading troops abroad despise backstabs and distrust from the rear. Minato's displeasure at the village emissaries investigating so many core members was understandable.

A monkey-masked emissary spoke softly:

"Commander Minato, rest assured, it's just a routine investigation."

The Yellow Flash nodded noncommittally and was the first to leave the room.

The others followed suit, waiting for the village emissaries' questions.

Yuto returned to the small house Minato had assigned him last week. Lying on the bed, he didn't train but pondered how to handle the village's inquiry.

Before it was completely dark, an emissary called him back to the room.

The interrogation was simple, calling suspects one by one, implying there had been ninja surveillance.

Yuto stood silently.

The monkey-masked man spoke first:

"Yuto Hyuga, Shinosuke Hyuga and his bodyguards are either missing or dead, likely with no hope."

'Unfamiliar voice, an ANBU captain?' Yuto thought, but remained calm.

"I know about this. After our first clash with the Kumo shinobi, Minato-sama informed me."

"Oh? What's your take on it?"

"Young Master Shinosuke-sama sacrificed himself for Konoha and the clan. He's a role model for me."

"A role model?" The monkey mask nodded approvingly:

"As expected of Tsunade-sama's disciple. Besides Orochimaru and Minato, you're the most famous here... The Lion's name has already reached the village."

"All thanks to Hokage-sama's guidance."

"Your 'Lion's Fang Bite' is indeed powerful technique. Your frontal assault and piercing abilities are formidable. That's why Minato allowed you to act freely as a 'free agent.'"

"Yes."

"So… no one knows what you do in your free time. No one can prove your whereabouts. Also, your Lion's Fang can easily kill jonin-level opponents."

"That's right." Yuto admitted openly.

"So, where were you that night?"

"In the Land of Frost, ambushing Kumo shinobi."

"So no one can verify your story."

"Indeed." Yuto sighed, "But, that's the truth."

On his way here, he had figured out the best strategy—to deny everything!

Slug Sage had cleaned up the battle traces, and the bodies were transported between the Shikotsu Forest and the secret base. No external evidence could be found.

Having the capability doesn't mean committing the act.

If capability were evidence, Minato should be the first to be questioned!

Using the Flying Thunder God to travel through space, he could wipe out Konoha's advance team in one night.

The monkey-masked man sighed. Other suspects had equally irrefutable alibis like—

'I didn't do it. Why would I kill Shinosuke?'

'Why would I kill them?'

'We're fighting Kumo and Kirigakure here, and you're targeting your own people?'

'I've contributed to Konoha! I've shed blood for the village! I've been injured several times on this border! You're slandering me… I need to report this to the commander… No, I need to report this to the Hokage!'

This kind of unsolved case, with no bodies, was the hardest to handle, and the clues were few and useless, only offending people unnecessarily.

Seeing the emissary silent for a long time, Yuto relaxed, but unexpectedly, a cat-masked emissary suddenly stepped forward, using Body Flicker to appear in front of the branch family boy.

Their eyes met, and Yuto saw a pair of grief-stricken Byakugan.

"You bastard! As a branch family member… why did Shinosuke die, and you lived?"

Though cloaked in a black robe, Yuto could tell from her waist and chest that this person was a woman, and this voice…

Looking into those eyes filled with hate and sorrow, Yuto suddenly felt better.

—You had a good girlfriend, "Young Master" Shinosuke.

(End of Chapter)