Chapter 132: False Emotions

Since the outbreak of the Third Shinobi World War, Yuto, as a warrior on the front lines, had gained extensive experience. By the average survival time on the battlefield, he was undoubtedly a veteran.

However, it was his first time leaving the battlefield as a vice commander.

The next day, Minato called a small meeting with three vice commanders, including Yuto.

"Yuto will return to the village, and Jiraiya-sensei will replace him," Minato went straight to the point. "This will be our last conversation as commanders of the western front. Yuto is going back to the village to report to the Hokage. If you have anything to say, let him convey it."

"Yuto," began the middle-aged Jonin from the Uchiha clan, "Please tell the village to be extremely cautious of the Akatsuki. The Wood Release belongs to Konoha, but the Akatsuki has obtained it, which is a very alarming signal."

Yuto nodded. "I will request the Hokage to send more reinforcements."

Before he could finish, another vice commander interrupted calmly, "Vice Commander Yuto, perhaps you haven't understood Shin's point."

"Sunagakure and Iwagakure are strong, but unknown enemies are even more terrifying. With Shinosuke and Meiko Hyuga missing, the incident regarding the Byakugan has been confirmed. Now, the Akatsuki has obtained Wood Release... If one day, the Sharingan stands against the village, I wouldn't be surprised."

The young man was taken aback and glanced thoughtfully at Fujio Uchiha.

The Moon God had once raided Orochimaru's laboratory. In the ambush, Nagato appeared and destroyed the Four Red Yang Formation. The two must know each other.

'The appearance of Wood Release in the Akatsuki is related to the Moon God,' this inference was logical.

'The Moon God killed many Hyuga clansmen and abducted Meiko Hyuga.' This was an undeniable fact.

Wood Release, Byakugan—two top-tier kekkei genkai of Konoha had been acquired by the Moon God.

Next, could it be the Uchiha's turn?

Even the most optimistic people couldn't deny this possibility.

"I understand," Yuto said solemnly. "Vice Commander Shin, I will truthfully convey this to the Hokage."

—"The Uchiha on the Rain Country front need the village's support."

This was Shin's true intention.

"The issues regarding Akatsuki is indeed difficult to resolve," Minato suddenly spoke. "About that Kitsu Yoshihiro, everything is an unknown mystery. None of the ANBU sent to Amegakure returned with information. They all likely perished. There seems to be a powerful perception barrier or ninjutsu around Amegakure."

"It seems we are powerless against Amegakure unless we launch a full-scale war."

"Yuto, convey my judgment to the Hokage as well."

"The only way to deal with the Akatsuki is to capture Amegakure."

"Do not send ANBU on infiltration missions anymore. There's no need to waste the village's carefully nurtured forces."

The four commanders discussed a few more things before parting ways.

Yuto returned to his room, organized the intelligence and documents, and wrote notes for a smooth handover when Jiraiya arrived.

He worked until dark, completing half the task.

Just as he thought of taking a break, a knock sounded at the door.

He opened it to find his three students standing outside.

"Come in," Yuto said, placing some snacks on the table.

"Sensei," Shisui bit into a sweet pastry. "We heard you're returning to the village..."

"You all seem well-informed," Yuto ruffled his hair. "When Jiraiya-sama arrives for the handover, I'll leave."

Shisui looked a bit shy. "Sensei, can we go back to the village with you?"

"Do you miss someone in the village? A girl maybe?" Yuto teased.

"No, not really..." Shisui, quick-witted, pulled the white-haired girl beside him in front of him. "It's Ruri! She wants to see her home again!"

Ruri gave Shisui a sideways glance and stomped on his foot. Hearing his low cry of pain, she was satisfied and spoke up, "Yuto-sensei, please take us with you..."

Her clear voice and lazy tone were typical of a girl acting spoiled.

'You're really committed to the act...' Yuto thought to himself. "Ahem, as Konoha shinobi, fighting for the village's interests is our duty. Since the Hokage has given orders, we must obey." He paused, smiling at the handsome boy. "Sorry, Shisui, maybe next time."

Shisui was a child with a broad view. Though he wanted to return to the village, he obediently refrained from further entanglement.

The three students asked for guidance on their training, and Yuto answered each question, assigning homework to test them the next time they met.

"By the way, Ruri," while explaining a certain jutsu principle, Yuto casually said, "Though Shisui is strong, you're older than the two of them by a few months. As their older sister, take care of Shisui and Muta, especially Shisui, as the Uchiha are anxious due to the Moon God's incident."

"Yes, Sensei," Ruri responded softly.

She understood his true meaning.

'Take care of Shisui... for those Kotoamatsukami eyes.'

The false emotions and the supposedly harmonious Team 9 were actually just a training ground for the Shikotsumyaku and an eye cultivation chamber.

Team 9's three kids left late at night, and Yuto leaned against the door frame, watching them depart.

The boy and girl's movements and voices were faintly audible in the night wind.

"Ruri, why did you step on me just now?"

"I didn't step on you. I stepped on a pig."

"Huh?"

"Idiot, who told you to use me as a shield? If you miss someone in the village, just say it."

"I don't."

"You don't?" Ruri suddenly leaned in close. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she spoke. "You don't? Then why is your face red? Why are you sweating?"

The girl was so close, without any awareness of gender boundaries. Shisui's nose almost touched her fair face. His face turned bright red, and he instinctively stepped back. "It's not red, and I'm not sweating. It's just leftover from the Water Release."

The girl laughed. "Water Release? Can you do a Waterfall Jutsu? Show me?"

She leaned in even closer, finally giving up on logic.

The girl merrily stepped on his foot, and He just helplessly watched. The Uchiha boy, whose Body Flicker Technique far exceeded genin level, didn't dodge.

In the distance, Yuto sighed, holding his forehead. If he couldn't see through Shisui's little thoughts, he wasn't fit to be a spy.

'Shisui, you're really something... messing around in front of your teacher, who taught you that?'

(End of Chapter)