We Are Investigators from Faust

Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya, Choza Akimichi, and Kakashi were assigned by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to travel to "Loulan" to protect Her Majesty the Queen. As they neared their destination, Minato assigned Kakashi a particular task.

Thus, inside the palace were Minato, Jiraiya, and Choza.

Minato sensed something amiss in the state of Loulan and the peculiar behavior of the minister, An Lushan.

He was discussing the investigation with Jiraiya and Choza, and the three discreetly concealed their presence for secrecy.

Unbeknownst to them, Muzake and Kurotsuchi were also moving stealthily and happened to bump into them.

Jiraiya and Choza, seeing two figures cloaked in Loulan robes and masks, mistook them for An Lushan's subordinates and prepared to attack.

Kurotsuchi, the competent secretary, stepped forward and was ready to defend.

"Wait."

"Wait."

Both Muzake and Minato spoke simultaneously, halting any actions from both sides.

They moved quickly, like lightning, positioning themselves between the two parties.

Facing each other through their masks, Muzake felt a sense of admiration.

Proper names may be mistaken, but nicknames often hit the mark.

The Yellow Flash is still the Yellow Flash.

Even without using the Flying Thunder God Technique, his speed with mere body flicker techniques was impressive.

Minato was also surprised by Muzake's speed.

Someone who could match, or even surpass, his speed? Who was he?

Minato thought through the ninjas of various villages but could not place him.

"You're not from Loulan," Minato stated.

Though he couldn't see their faces, it was clear to Minato that these two were not the sad Loulan people.

"Who exactly are you?"

 Muzake's mind raced.

Who am I?

He certainly couldn't say he was the Kazekage from twenty years ago.

 Muzake remained silent.

Minato's hand rested on his sword sheath.

Behind him, Jiraiya and Choza were also ready, prepared to take action if these two didn't respond.

No more waiting.

 Muzake quickly concocted a story.

"Hello, we are investigators from Faust."

Faust?!

Minato was taken aback.

He had never heard of this organization.

 Muzake explained, "Faust is a scientific research organization. We aim to collect, organize, and study ninja world technologies, serving the broader ninja population."

"We always operate discreetly because we believe technology is neutral and do not involve ourselves in the affairs of nations or villages."

Minato wondered if such an organization existed.

No matter, he needed to know their purpose here.

"So, what are you doing here?"

 Muzake replied, "According to our intelligence, Loulan is mass-producing puppet soldiers, and we believe Loulan might be preparing for war or civil unrest."

"To prevent the destruction of Loulan's cultural achievements in war, our organization has sent us to collect and preserve Loulan's technological documents, lest centuries of Loulan's efforts be lost."

"If these were destroyed, it would be a tremendous loss for the civilization and technology of the ninja world."

Only Muzake could make stealing sound so noble and justified.

Minato didn't focus on Muzake's flowery speech.

He was more interested in the intelligence.

"You've noticed something wrong with Loulan."

 Muzake nodded.

"Yes, something is very wrong in Loulan."

"We even know who's behind it."

Minato, wondering where to gather intelligence, asked, "Then could you please share the intelligence you have?"

 Muzake solemnly replied, "We in Faust are neutral; we don't take sides."

Minato pleaded, "This concerns the well-being of the people of Loulan; please, sir, you must help me."

Naruto had also inherited his bright, caring nature.

 Muzake pretended to ponder.

"You're making this very difficult for me."

"Our organization's principles cannot be broken."

Minato begged again, "Please, you must tell me."

 Muzake feigned a struggle.

"Let me find a way."

"Without breaking our organization's principles."

Minato asked, "What way?"

"Let's exchange information. That way, it's a transaction and doesn't violate our neutrality."

Minato asked, "What information do you need?"

"Where are Loulan's technological documents stored?"

Minato knew this.

"The Royal Library."

"Deal then."

 Muzake told Minato about the mastermind behind the scenes.

"The mastermind is Loulan's minister, An Lushan. He's using the Dragon Veins to mass-produce puppet soldiers, preparing to wage war against the Five Great Nations."

"He's even gone mad enough to kill Loulan people and turn them into puppets."

Minato was stunned by the revelation.

 Muzake added, "Please ensure the safety of Queen Sara of Loulan; she is Loulan's last hope."

Minato now fully believed in Muzake's identity.

The other party belonged to an organization with noble goals.

"Thank you so much."

"And may I ask your name?"

 Muzake replied, "Minato Namikaze, you ask too much. In Faust, we all have but one title: Knight."

Minato was immensely shocked.

"How did you recognize me?"

 Muzake pointed to his hair.

"The yellow color, the unique style. Isn't it obvious?"