The cold spring was biting, and the trees were adorned with jade-like frost.
After the last snow of Konoha's 56th year, a long procession drove across the still snow-covered land, winding its way toward the Konoha main gate.
That was the procession of the Daimyo's Special Envoy from the Land of Lightning, thousands of miles away.
Kakashi Hatake stood quietly on the hard road in front of the gate—cleared but still frosted—behind him was a welcoming procession.
Seeing this display, many Konoha citizens gathered at the gate, craning their necks to look down the road ahead.
Kakashi Hatake's expression was slightly heavier compared to those standing next to him.
Although the situation in the entire Ninja World had been relatively stable since the end of the Third Great Ninja War, and conflicts between nations were still within controllable limits, the lives of ordinary people seemed unchanged.
However, people like Kakashi Hatake, who held high positions at a young age and whose status granted them access to far more information than ordinary people, knew very well.
The Ninja World was likely about to descend into chaos.
The reason was simple.
It was precisely because of the appearance of the Hollows.
To ordinary people, the Hollows might just be monsters that could kill them, like common wild beasts or bandits from the mountains.
Living in the already turbulent Ninja World, they should have been used to it long ago.
However, Kakashi knew exactly what the difference between the two sides truly meant.
Currently, although the Jonin Conference was being delayed by various factions and had yet to be held, the conflict of opinions between the Sandaime and Danzo Shimura, including the various pressures exerted by Elder Homura Mitokado and Elder Utatane Koharu, was gradually becoming overt among the Jonin.
And that wasn't all.
Kakashi Hatake raised his head, looking at the procession that was gradually becoming clear in the distance, his expression grave.
At a time like this, it was all too easy to guess why the special envoy from the Land of Lightning—or rather, the Hidden Cloud Village—was coming.
How would Lord Sandaime respond?
Considering the Village's series of external measures after the war ended, Kakashi Hatake couldn't help but sigh softly.
"It's just welcoming a special envoy. Why are your eyebrows all twisted up?"
"Someone you know?"
Aizen Sōsuke's voice sounded beside him, carrying a hint of teasing, which inexplicably relieved Kakashi somewhat, but he still retorted, "It's better than you, the guy who almost showed up late."
"My apologies, my apologies."
"I had a thesis to write last night, and it took a long time."
"Damn it, I'm almost bald."
Sōusuke maintained his cheerful demeanor, speaking unhurriedly about the difficulty that had stumped him last night, yet his tone was light and bright, as if nothing in the world could trouble him, making Kakashi feel a pang of envy.
If he had focused on his studies back then instead of going to the battlefield at that age, he probably wouldn't have ended up like this, right?
Compared to the separation of life and death on the battlefield, the frustration and worry of academics were simply not on the same level.
Thinking wildly like this, Kakashi seemed to suddenly realize something and said, "Right, the Kumogakure special envoy might be difficult to deal with during the reception later."
"Don't say anything then. Just let me handle it."
"?
Sōusuke looked at him strangely. "It can't be that bad, can it?"
"You don't understand."
Kakashi Hatake spoke earnestly, looking at him like an overprotective mother.
This guy really had no self-awareness about being politically clueless.
Just as they were chatting quietly, the procession in front of them arrived.
The escorting Ninja driving at the front retreated to both sides, revealing a luxurious carriage in the center.
The carriage was decorated entirely with deep red gilt lacquer, the roof inlaid with intricate carvings, and gilded bells hung from the four corners.
Even in this weather, the carriage curtain was pulled open, revealing various opulent decorations inside, as well as the Envoy seated centrally.
As the wheels advanced, Kakashi, standing at the very front, could clearly see the heat rising from the carriage's bronze brazier, making the cold air shimmer faintly, which made him feel even more troubled.
He hoped this time it wasn't a Ninja disguised as a noble.
He thought to himself.
Envoys from the Land of Lightning had a history in Konoha.
"Is it just a few brats?"
"Why didn't Hiruzen Sarutobi come?"
The carriage had only approached a few steps, and the Envoy, without any intention of getting down, sat there, frowning and raising his voice.
The Konoha Ninja at the gate all looked displeased upon hearing this.
Calling the leader of their Village by his full name was not a sign of friendliness.
Before those around him could react, Kakashi had already stepped forward, meeting the Envoy's gaze, and spoke, "I am Kakashi Hatake, a Konoha Jonin and Chief of the Security Department."
"On behalf of Konoha, I welcome the visit of the Daimyo's Envoy from the Land of Lightning."
"Lord Sandaime is now waiting for you in the Conference Room, accompanied by all the Elders and Department Chiefs. Please follow me."
Kakashi Hatake's expression was neither humble nor arrogant.
The Ninja World was certainly a place that valued strength and firepower, but on a societal level, it also highly valued status, bloodline, and heritage.
The four-tier division of Daimyo, Noble, Ninja, and Civilian was particularly clear.
Although this didn't fully apply in daily life, in such special circumstances, the respect shown by a Ninja identity toward a Noble identity still had to be displayed.
"Hmph."
The Noble in the carriage said no more, merely raising his chin to signal the coachman to follow the crowd, displaying the arrogant face of a standard noble.
Kakashi Hatake had long since grown accustomed to all sorts of people over the years, so he wasn't particularly surprised.
Not to mention, this could very well be intentional on Kumogakure's part.
Soon, the group from Konoha waiting at the gate slowly moved along with the procession, gradually heading toward the Hokage Building.
Watching Kakashi Hatake's receding figure, the two Kumogakure Ninja guarding the Envoy's carriage exchanged glances, their gaze toward Kakashi carrying some solemnity.
"Kuru..."
The female Ninja, who had short blonde hair, skin so pale it was almost transparent, and an exaggerated figure, exhaled a puff of white air. While rubbing her sore shoulder, she gestured to the young man beside her, "That is Kakashi Hatake."
"If the intel is correct, he should be the direct disciple of the deceased Fourth Hokage."
"In recent years, he seems to have mainly been active in Anbu, and the source of information is unstable."
"He only moved out of Anbu recently, within the last six months, and immediately upon reappearing, he participated in Konoha's efforts to pacify the Shinobi Clans."
"Now he is the Chief in charge of Konoha's political security."
"Woah, terrifying."
The person who spoke beside her was a dark-skinned young man with white hair at a young age, carrying a Ninja Sword on his back.
Though he said "terrifying," the next second he yawned, looking lazy and half-asleep: "Isn't that the monster who was promoted to Jonin at age twelve?"
"To actually have someone like him handle the reception."
"Konoha really takes us seriously, Samui."
Samui frowned and glanced at him, dissatisfied with his lack of energy. She wondered why Lord Fourth had allowed this guy to accompany her, especially on such an important mission. Her tone became more serious: "Darui, this mission is very important. You had better snap out of it."
"Lord Fourth instructed that I complete the mission report alone, and I must specifically document your actions."
"Yes, yes..." Darui replied half-heartedly, then turned his head and muttered softly, "That stinky old man."
"Hmm?"
"
Samui shot him a look.
Darui immediately plastered on a smile.
Seeing this, Samui could only sigh helplessly.
In the Ninja World, only geniuses like him could be so willful.
Darui and Samui, the most outstanding young Jonin of Kumogakure's younger generation, were both only around twenty years old.
This time, their mission was very simple.
Investigate Konoha's research status on Hollows, attempt to steal their research findings, and assist the Special Envoy in pressuring Hiruzen Sarutobi to hand over Konoha's Sealing Secret Technique.
It was obvious.
The benefits Kumogakure had gained over the years by constantly pressuring Konoha had led the Fourth Raikage to develop a path dependency on exploiting Konoha, this major power.
As for the researcher in Konoha most likely to possess intelligence related to Hollows...
Samui narrowed her eyes, looking toward the welcoming procession at the tall young man who always stood behind Kakashi Hatake, wearing glasses and looking scholarly.
Aizen Sōsuke.
Although he looked very young, seemed to lack any imposing aura, and appeared ordinary, based on Kumogakure's intelligence, Samui knew this man was the most outstanding scholar among Konoha's younger generation.
He was not only proficient in Yin Release and Soul Studies Research, but also had considerable accomplishments in Bloodline Limits. Because he developed a new Bloodline Limit through his research, he was also called "Kekkei Genkai" Aizen.
Looking across all of Konoha, he was currently the only one most likely to possess research intelligence related to Hollows.
According to the requirements of Lord Fourth Raikage, if possible, it would be best to kidnap this guy as well.
Kumogakure was the Village in the entire Ninja World that lacked Bloodline Limits the most.
As for strength, Samui wasn't too worried.
A scholar who had only been on the battlefield as a Medical Ninja, had few achievements, and spent his whole life holed up in a Research Lab—even if he gained a Bloodline Limit through his work, how strong could he possibly be?
What truly needed consideration was Konoha's defenses and the conditions they would use for threats afterward.
If the price was right, this current Lord Special Envoy would probably end up dying in Konoha.
Just as Samui was pondering internally, the Special Envoy's motorcade slowly drove into the Courtyard outside the Hokage Building.
Soon, the meeting began."
...These are all our demands. We hope the Third Hokage, for the sake of Ninja World peace and national tranquility, can carefully consider them and make a rational and wise decision."
The Kumogakure Special Envoy sat at the other end of the Conference Table, speaking standard noble jargon, but his chin remained raised, looking as if he completely disregarded the many Konoha Leadership present.
The many members of the Konoha Leadership at the other end of the conference table fell silent simultaneously after hearing Kumogakure's demands. They exchanged glances, their expressions involuntarily darkening.
The silence lasted for an unknown duration until the sound of a chair scraping against the floor was heard, followed by a sudden bang on the tabletop.
"Impudence!"
Danzo Shimura stood up furiously, glaring coldly at the Kumogakure Envoy, raging uncontrollably: "Hand over the Sealing Secret Technique, exchange Hollow intelligence, report each other's Hollow activity ranges and territory information, and even allow your Kumogakure forces to unilaterally trespass onto our national territory while hunting Hollows..."
"What? Did Konoha lose a war?!"
The Kumogakure Special Envoy was not angered; instead, he smiled faintly and looked at him: "If Elder Shimura wishes, Lord Fourth can certainly grant your wish."
"Bastard!"
How could Danzo Shimura endure such an insult? He swore out loud, pointing at the Envoy's nose, and shouted, "Go back and tell A Yotsuki that Konoha will not agree to a single one of these conditions!"
"Ahem, Danzo."
Just as Danzo Shimura's temper was flaring, Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly coughed and signaled to him with his eyes.
Danzo Shimura gave him a resentful look before reluctantly sitting down.
If it weren't for your appeasement policy, mere Kumogakure wouldn't dare be so brazen.
Although he thought this inwardly, these words could not be spoken aloud.
"Please forgive the Envoy, Danzo's temper is a little impatient."
"However, just as he said, Konoha also has considerable problems and difficulties in intelligence communication with Kumogakure..." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled gently, skillfully playing the role of mediator.
As someone who had been Hokage consistently for nearly thirty years, there was no need to elaborate on how cunning and experienced Hiruzen Sarutobi was.
The moment the Kumogakure Special Envoy appeared before them with such arrogance, he saw through the opponent's true intentions.
Years ago, a similar-looking Special Envoy from Kumogakure appeared before him, but in the end, not only did Konoha gain nothing, but he also used Kumogakure to lightly discipline the disobedient Hyuga Clan.
A Yotsuki was still too green to pull these kinds of stunts in front of him.
Although the demands made by this Envoy were significant, it was nothing more than the standard strategy of asking for the moon and settling for less.
Hollows were a product unprecedented in the Ninja World.
How exactly to deal with them was a matter that required careful thought.
Furthermore, if necessary—as Danzo had previously suggested—allowing the development and appearance of Hollows, and having the Shinobi Villages use the threat to increase their own prestige, was not out of the question.
Whether Kumogakure or Konoha, they were all Ninja, weren't they?
At a time like this, knowing how to leverage Kumogakure was a crucial question.
Therefore, he could not jump to conclusions yet.
Thinking this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile grew even more sincere.
The formal meeting was cheerfully muddled through, thanks to his masterful mediating skills.
However, this was also within the Kumogakure Special Envoy's expectations.
After the meeting concluded, and after attending a High-Level Dinner Party and even meeting with many Shinobi Clan Heads who were still under surveillance, the Envoy finally returned to his room, slightly tipsy.
However, the moment he stepped into the room, the arrogant and conceited noble expression on his face vanished, replaced by the caution and prudence unique to a Ninja. He looked at the two guards in the room: "Samui, Darui."
"Has this room been checked?"
"Rest assured, Lord Kōwai."
Samui spoke calmly: "No eavesdropping devices were found in the two nearby rooms."
"We must continue to be vigilant."
The Kumogakure Special Envoy's tone was cautious: "We offended the Hyuga Clan years ago, and now, after their internal strife, Hiruzen Sarutobi has them under his control. Someone might be watching us right now."
"Yes."
Samui had also considered this point and had already activated a Sensory-Blocking Barrier, but she didn't elaborate.
"Have the mission targets been confirmed?"
Seeing her reliable appearance, the Kumogakure Special Envoy felt slightly relieved and continued to inquire.
"Yes, through the previous meeting, we have confirmed the Hokage Building's defense layout for today," Samui said calmly. "At the same time, we have located Aizen Sōsuke's Office."
"According to the Intelligence Department's conclusion, most of his work recently has been completed in Research Lab Three."
"Hollows haven't appeared for long. If there is valid intelligence, it is most likely still inside his research lab."
"If not, it's highly likely to be in the Hokage Office."
"Next, Darui and I will split up and act separately."
"As for the other capture mission... if the opportunity arises, we will attempt it."
"Very good."
Seeing this, the Kumogakure Special Envoy breathed a slight sigh of relief.
He was not afraid of death.
As long as he could die for the Village, he could pay any price.
Now, seeing the reliable younger generation, like Samui, who had grown up, he felt that his death would certainly ensure the Village gained sufficient compensation, and his smile grew increasingly gentle.
"The future of Kumogakure rests on you young people."
"Go."
Samui and Darui said no more, gave him a slight bow, turned, and leaped out the window.
Once they plunged into Konoha's dark night, Samui's gaze became resolute.
The target was Research Lab Three.