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As I returned home, I felt an uncomfortable sensation of being watched. Quickly, I scanned the area with my eyes, searching for the source of this feeling. Among the commercial buildings and residences, I spotted a dark silhouette, as black as pitch, observing me. At that moment, the true perception of the danger of this world hit me, and a shiver ran through my body, making me feel a chill down my spine.
Without taking my eyes off the silhouette for a single second, I was caught off guard when I felt something touch me. Startled like a child, I let out a scream, "Damn!" But as I looked in the direction of the hand that touched me, I realized it was Minato, now dressed in the distinctive Anbu attire.
"Hello, Atsuchi. What are you doing here at this hour?" Minato asked, smiling.
"Well... Minato-san, I was just visiting a friend who needed help," I replied, omitting some information.
"It seems like you weren't very well received," he observed, looking at the cut on my left shoulder.
"Damn Sakumo," I thought, in trouble and not knowing how to respond. I clicked my tongue, doing what I knew best. "It was nothing. I should probably go. My parents must be worried," I said, starting to distance myself slowly.
"Yes, indeed, it's getting late," Minato said, smiling.
I bid farewell quickly and ran home, cursing inwardly. "What a recklessness! I'm screwed now, for sure. Because of a mere cut, I'm on Minato's radar and who knows who else's," I reflected.
Upon arriving home, I entered silently and, without making any noise, lay down on the bed and began to reflect on the previous events. Unable to come up with new plans, I ended up falling asleep.
Minato's POV:
While patrolling the village during the night, I came across a curious scene. At the request of Hiruzen, I was assigned to watch over Sakumo-senpai's residence. During my surveillance, I saw Atsuchi, a young civilian for whom I had some fondness, walking towards Sakumo's house. Without announcing himself, he casually entered the residence of one of Konoha's most powerful ninjas.
Initially, I felt the urge to follow him and eavesdrop, but we're talking about Sakumo here. I can't afford to create animosity with him. So, I chose to observe how things unfolded.
As time went by, I finally saw Atsuchi leaving Sakumo's house and shouting, "Kakashi, don't forget, you owe me one!" before running away at high speed.
Obviously, I started following him for a while until he returned to his normal pace, walking through the village's streets, probably heading home. However, Atsuchi seemed to sense my presence, frantically looking around. Unexpectedly, the person he noticed wasn't me, but another ninja who was observing him from a relatively close distance.
Observing more closely the interaction between Atsuchi and the ninja, I realized that Atsuchi was the target of a strong murderous intent, clearly emanating from the ninja. Understanding the gravity of the situation, I quickly used the Shunshin no Jutsu and appeared behind Atsuchi, touching his body and making him scream in surprise.
"Damn!" Atsuchi exclaimed, looking at me and immediately recognizing me since I wasn't wearing my Anbu mask.
"Hello, Atsuchi. What are you doing here at this hour?" I asked, smiling at him.
"Well... Minato-san, I was just visiting a friend who needed help," he replied. However, I soon noticed a recent cut on his left shoulder.
Falling into thoughts, I began to associate the cut with a short blade. The fact that it was still bleeding indicated that it was a recent wound. Atsuchi had been at Sakumo's house, who uses a Tanto as his main weapon.
"Did Sakumo do this?" I reflected. "But why would he do that to his son's friend?" So many questions arose, but I couldn't simply ask Atsuchi directly. He's smart and wouldn't reveal anything. I need to report this to the Hokage.
"It seems like you weren't very well received," I insinuated, referring to the cut on his arm.
"It was nothing. I should probably go. My parents must be worried," he replied, stepping away. This only increased my suspicions that something had indeed happened between him and Sakumo's family.
"Yes, indeed, it's getting late," I quickly let him go.
With Atsuchi now out of sight, I looked at the spot where the previous ninja was. Obviously, with my arrival, he had vanished. I decided to go to the location in search of clues about his whereabouts, but I found nothing. No trace was left behind.
"A very experienced ninja, indeed. What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into, Atsuchi?" I wondered as I carefully analyzed the area.
* Minutes Later *
Third-Person POV:
In a dimly lit secret base, a kneeling ninja kept his head bowed. Before him, seated, was an older man dressed in long robes, holding a cane. His face was pale, marked by wrinkles that denoted his advanced age, and an X-shaped scar adorned his chin.
Observing the ninja in front of him with a serious expression, the man demanded, "What is Sakumo Hatake's condition?"
"It remains the same, Danzo-sama. Sakumo shows no signs of improvement. Over time, his behavior will become even more unstable," the ninja replied in a robotic and lifeless voice, keeping his head lowered in deep respect.
"Anything else?" Danzo asked.
"Yes, Danzo-sama. The boy Atsuchi was present at Sakumo's house recently, and I followed him as he returned home. However, he sensed my presence before I could act, so..." the ninja said. Before he could continue, Danzo slightly raised his left hand, gripping the cane.
"You captured him, I presume. Where is the child?" Danzo asked with seriousness.
"I apologize, Danzo-sama, but Minato intervened before I could capture the brat," the ninja explained.
A tense silence settled in the room until Danzo, in his irritation, spoke again, "Continue monitoring Sakumo, but keep more distance from now on and spread more rumors."
The ninja was dismissed and disappeared instantly as soon as he received the order. Danzo, in his frustration, muttered to himself, "Damn Hiruzen, you may protect the boy from me, but he is destined to serve Konoha in the shadows as a member of Root." With these words, Danzo closed his eyes and concealed himself in the shadows of the dark environment.
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