Fire Capital Mansion.
Uchiha Mikoto knelt on the tatami mat, applying makeup to Shishou.
"Are you really going to meet the Third Hokage?"
Mikoto put down the makeup sponge, her expression filled with worry.
As the wife of the Uchiha clan leader, Mikoto had witnessed the strength and cunning of the Third Hokage firsthand. Though his power had waned with age, he was still exceptionally formidable.
Shishou, reclining on Mikoto's lap with his eyes closed, enjoying her lap pillow, spoke nonchalantly, "Don't worry. With Flying Thunder God, I can leave anytime. There's no danger."
Mikoto shook her head and continued, "I know you're very strong, but aren't you afraid your identity in Konoha will be exposed? That could cause you trouble."
Seeing that Mikoto was concerned about his identity in Konoha, Shishou opened his eyes, pinched her cheek, and laughed, "That's why I'm having you do my makeup. Besides, if I'm exposed, I'll just become a rogue ninja. Then we can be together freely."
Mikoto didn't know Shishou's identity in Konoha, but her worry showed she cared for him deeply, perhaps even seeing him as her true husband. This made Shishou quite happy.
"Double lodging and double resting, huh? Who knows how many women you'll have in the future? I'll be grateful if you don't abandon me."
Mikoto swatted Shishou's playful hand away, giving him a reproachful look.
Seeing her so forlorn, Shishou smiled, pushing her down gently and whispering sweet reassurances.
"How could I ever abandon you... You're special to me..."
With their cheeks close together, exchanging tender words, Shishou prepared to move to other activities.
"Don't, don't be naughty. I still have to spar with Pakura later."
Mikoto escaped his embrace, letting him rest on her lap again as she continued applying his makeup.
Half an hour later.
"You made me look so handsome. Aren't you worried more girls will fall for me?"
Looking at the mirror, his face now slightly resembling his alias Mr. Lurigan from the Land of Demons, Shishou teased Mikoto.
"Narcissist!"
Mikoto rolled her eyes and left the room, heading to the training area. She had a sparring session scheduled with Pakura and didn't want to be late.
At the Gambler's Abyss building.
Shishou saw Anko Mitarashi and Takeko waiting at the entrance.
"Sir?"
Takeko was surprised, almost not recognizing Shishou. She quickly ran to him, tentatively asking.
"Let's go."
Glancing at Anko, Shishou turned and left.
"Why do you look like this?"
Anko was shocked by Shishou's new appearance.
Takeko, also curious, had recognized him by his unique aura.
She was to accompany Shishou to negotiate with Konoha.
Shishou glanced at Anko, then his face transformed into her likeness.
Takeko's jaw dropped.
"You..."
Anko was even more stunned, her limbs stiffening. For a moment, she wondered if he was Orochimaru, as he was the only one she knew who could change his appearance without using a transformation jutsu.
But she quickly dismissed the thought. If it were Orochimaru, he would never personally meet with the Third Hokage.
Seeing Anko successfully intimidated, Shishou reverted to his original disguise and set off for Konoha at full speed.
Takeko hurriedly followed. Though her abilities were basic, she could keep up on the journey.
"He definitely has a connection to Orochimaru."
Watching them leave, Anko solidified her resolve to investigate Shishou further.
Shishou smiled knowingly. The bait had been taken.
Arriving at Konoha's gate.
Shishou saw the two gate guards, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki.
It was rumored that their presence was why even Pain dared not enter through the main gate, opting for a sneak attack instead...
Thinking this humorously, Shishou followed Anko to the Hokage's office.
At the Hokage's office, Shishou received a grand welcome from the Third Hokage.
Having completed her task, Anko glanced at Shishou and left the office.
With Anko gone, only the Third Hokage, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Danzo Shimura, and Shishou remained in the room.
"Any attempt at espionage will be considered an attack."
"Please show some respect."
Seeing Danzo's unpleasant expression, Shishou laughed.
He had just sensed Danzo trying to observe him with the Sharingan.
"Hmm?"
"Danzo, leave us."
The Third Hokage's expression darkened as he looked at Danzo.
He wasn't angry at Danzo for spying but for being caught.
This Mr. Lurigan's strength seemed extraordinary, as Kakashi had described.
At this juncture, it was best not to provoke him.
However, Lurigan's current appearance was different from the sketches provided by Kakashi.
It must be due to his careful makeup. Very cautious.
The Third Hokage pondered, noticing the makeup.
Disguise techniques were used by ninjas on missions to conceal their identities. Rare, but not surprising.
"Hmph!"
Danzo's face darkened as he left the office.
He had indeed tried to use Shisui's Sharingan on Shishou but was caught.
Feeling both anger and embarrassment, Danzo exited the room.
Seeing Danzo's defeated look, Shishou felt a surge of satisfaction.
"Here are the sketches of the Wood Release user and his companions."
Sitting back and closing his eyes, Shishou casually tossed several papers to the Third Hokage.
These sketches depicted the masked Uchiha Obito, Black and White Zetsu, Kakuzu, and Kisame.
Since Tsunade would soon return to Konoha, these secrets couldn't be hidden for long.
Shishou decided to reveal everything now, aiming to maximize his benefits before her return.
The Third Hokage squinted at the sketch of Uchiha Obito.
He was certain this was the person who had attacked Konoha with the Nine-Tails.
Homura and Koharu, the other Konoha elders, were shocked by the sketches.
They hadn't expected Mr. Lurigan to be so efficient, providing the sketches of the masked man before they had any leads.
"Thank you very much for your help, Mr. Lurigan."
"Could you provide detailed information on these individuals?"
The Third Hokage asked with a smile.
He recognized Kakuzu and Kisame but wanted to hear Shishou's explanation.
Kakuzu had once attacked the First Hokage but was defeated and spared. The Third Hokage hadn't expected him to survive till now.
As for Kisame, being one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Konoha had his records.