Chapter 18: Haku

"I understand." Shinji took out his key and unlocked the door, turning to Iruka before entering his apartment. "Thank you for issuing the pass for me this morning."

Iruka looked momentarily surprised. "You're welcome."

With a nod, Shinji entered his room and shut the door behind him.

Collapsing onto his bed, he let out a sigh of relief.

Haku hadn't been arrested, meaning last night's events hadn't been exposed.

"Kirigakure is putting pressure on the village's dignitaries," he mused with a smile.

Initially uncertain about who was behind Haku, Kirigakure's overt action now confirmed that Haku was indeed their spy embedded in Konoha.

Kirigakure's actions today had a dual purpose: outwardly pressuring Konoha while covertly protecting Haku.

The reasoning was straightforward:

1. Snow Clan Affiliation:Haku, born into the Snow Clan, had been wiped out by Mist Village. As the last known survivor, there was an expectation of deep-seated animosity between Haku and Mist Village.

2. Past Conflict: Kirigakure had previously attempted to incite the Three-Tails' rampage in Konoha, during which Kakashi had inadvertently slain Nohara Rin, who was forced into becoming the Three-Tails' jinchuriki. This historical conflict had fueled longstanding tensions between Konoha and Kirigakure, making it unlikely for Konoha's leadership to overlook any opportunity to counteract Kirigakure.

3. Kekkei genkai :Haku possessed the Ice Release bloodline limit, potentially making him the last known bearer in the ninja world. If accepted into Konoha, the Snow Clan's kekkei genkai could become part of Konoha's future bloodline succession, a significant strategic advantage.

Given these motives and interests, the possibility of Haku being Kirigakure's spy was logical, justifying Konoha's decision to protect him. Kirigakure wouldn't risk destroying one of their limited bloodline families to plant a mere spy.

Shinji shook his head at the potential folly of the village's decision. "It would be absurd if the village actually handed over Haku!"

Such a move would carry grave consequences. If Kirigakure intensified their demands, threatening war, Konoha might indeed capitulate. Such a scenario had never occurred before.

However, now that it was confirmed Haku was Kirigakure's spy, Shinji found himself puzzled again: "Could Kirigakure have tasked Haku with approaching me deliberately?"

He couldn't fathom Kirigakure's intentions.

Nevertheless, Kirigakure's actions today meant that Haku would likely face less scrutiny from the village, ensuring his safety.

"Plane invasion."

"Countdown: 2."

The mysterious voice interrupted Shinji's thoughts, reminding him of the impending invasion.

Startled, he sat up straight, pushed aside thoughts of Haku, and focused on his own priorities.

"If I can acquire Uchiha Fugaku's Mangekyo Sharingan before this invasion, it would not only enhance my security but also potentially increase my rewards!"

Save the ninja world? Sorry, he was here to make a profit!

Lost in thought, Shinji retrieved a map of the village and spread it across his bed.

"Excluding the central district, residential areas, Hokage's office, hospital, and ninja academy, what's left? Hyuga compound here, Nara's deer park here, Inuzuka's dog training grounds here, and Aburame's insect breeding grounds here." He marked each exclusion with a pen.

Unaware of Danzo's exact hideout, he could only speculate from the map.

Konoha wasn't vast, despite its claims. After eliminating core areas, commercial districts, residential quarters, and clan properties, very few locations remained.

Eyes narrowing, Shinji zeroed in on one area.

"Root's headquarters? Could it be here?" He found it hard to believe. Placing his hideout so close to the Uchiha compound would indicate Danzo's disregard for the Uchiha clan's objections.

Recalling fragmented memories, Shinji vaguely remembered that area as off-limits.

He circled several other suspicious locations on the map, each potentially Danzo's lair.

Satisfied, he rolled up the map and moved to the window.

Streetlights flickered on in the growing darkness. In the distance, lights illuminated the ninja academy, where teachers prepared for the upcoming Chunin Exams.

"I must act during the chaos of the Chunin Exams," Shinji resolved. No more reckless actions; he needed a strategic opportunity.

Meanwhile, in the village, Sasuke, having endured a night of interrogation, had slept all day, only to rise for a meal and wander aimlessly to a small riverbank.

"Why is everyone against me?" His anger simmered as he recalled the events of last night.

Across the river, Naruto Uzumaki, rumored "demon fox's son" at the ninja academy, caught Sasuke's attention.

Naruto seemed similarly lost in thought, still wandering despite the lateness of the hour.

Perhaps they shared a similar plight.

Noticing Sasuke across the river, Naruto smiled and picked up a flat stone, skimming it across the water towards him.

Plap. Plap. Plap.

The stone skipped and floated towards Sasuke, who deftly caught it.

On the opposite bank, Naruto waved with a grin.

Sasuke muttered to himself, "He's despised by everyone, yet he can still smile like that?"

Perplexed, Sasuke found himself oddly affected by Naruto's cheer, his dark mood lightening.

Boom!

Just as Sasuke prepared to toss the stone back, an explosion erupted from the nearby woods.

"Fireworks?" Sasuke turned to investigate.

Unaware that two ANBU guards had rushed to the scene of the explosion, both keeping watch over him and Naruto

End of Chapter