"Who are you? Is there something you need?"
Seeing someone approaching, the Anbu didn't pay much attention; previously, when they searched for things here, quite a few people had gathered to watch.
"I'm Nohara Rin, a student at the Ninja School. Um, I wanted to ask about Senior Hakushi... I heard he defected, is it true?"
Rin's face showed a sense of hope, probably still unable to believe this matter was true.
"It's true. Also, don't call him senior anymore; he's just a dangerous renegade ninja now. You felt the turmoil in the village that night, right? It was his doing with someone else."
The Anbu Squad Leader had seen many such things but patiently explained.
A respected senior or a good friend defecting is something unsettling for anyone.
But that's the nature of being a ninja, often accompanied by farewells and death.
"How could this be... Could there be some misunderstanding?"
"Misunderstanding? So many people died; it can't be dismissed lightly as a misunderstanding. Give up the fantasy. That night, I witnessed his coldness and ruthlessness with my own eyes. No matter how you justify it for him, he is definitely not the respected Medical Ninja senior you remember. Next time you meet, he'll kill you without hesitation. It's best to quickly abandon this pointless fantasy."
The Anbu Squad Leader spoke in a steady tone.
Ignoring Rin standing there dazed, they moved the items away and left.
"Captain, don't you think this is a bit too cruel? She's still a student at Ninja School..."
An Anbu member said.
Though they had abandoned their public identities, they didn't wish for such a young child to be exposed to the cruel side of the world so soon.
"This matter happened around her, and there's nothing I can do. Rather than letting her hold on to such fantasies, it's better to cut them off directly. Deceiving her would be the real cruelty and harm. The renegade ninja won't hold back just because they were former comrades."
"I really hope she can emerge from the shadows."
"Then let's wish her the best."
"By the way, Captain, do you think their defection might be related to Jonin Sakumo's incident..."
The Anbu personnel seemed to have thought of something and lowered their voice.
"Don't speak recklessly about such matters without proof."
The Anbu Squad Leader coldly glared at him.
The Anbu ninja shut his mouth, saying no more.
"Rin, are you still thinking about that guy?"
Watching the Anbu carry away the boxes filled with items, the Uchiha boy beside Rin—Uchiha Obito—looked at Rin with a worried expression.
"Why did Senior Hakushi..."
Hearing Rin say that, Obito knew she was still hoping that this matter was false.
Obito turned his head in silence, looking through the gate at the empty courtyard inside; the luxurious residence was now unoccupied.
That bastard! How dare he make Rin so sad! Next time I see you, I definitely won't let you go! Obito resolved, clenching his fist tightly.
To make Rin happy, I must beat that guy up badly to vent this anger!
"Rin, I promise you, I will find out from that guy sooner or later the reason he left the village. Leave it to me! I am an elite ninja of the Uchiha Race!"
Obito promised Rin seriously.
"Mm, thank you, Obito... I'm okay now."
Seeing Rin still forcing herself, Obito felt a stab in his heart too.
Ahhhh, that bastard is dead! I must beat him to death for making Rin so sad! In Obito's heart, anger and dissatisfaction towards Hakushi were overflowing.
◎
One day later—
The capital of the Land of Fire, Shion Flower Branch Pharmacy.
"Leader, here's the latest wanted notice released by Konoha."
Insect Man knocked and got permission before entering from outside, bringing such news to Hakushi and placing a copy of the wanted list released by Konoha in front of Hakushi.
Hakushi took it with interest.
Insect Man said beside him, "Honestly, this wanted notice was issued a bit slower than I expected."
Given Konoha's efficiency, it shouldn't take so long to release a wanted notice.
They were still within the Land of Fire; based on previous speed, it should have been out by yesterday, and in other countries, it should follow two or three days later.
However, for them remaining in the Land of Fire, they received the wanted list only today.
"After all, they have to consider the balance of all aspects and minimize the impact. The wanted list is not something they focus on. A delay in its release is within expectations."
As for the pursuit team, with Hidden Rock now involved in the battle, having witnessed their demonstrated strength that night, anyone with sense would know that dealing with these renegade ninjas is not the priority now.
If they lose this war, capturing these renegade ninjas successfully would be meaningless and would only result in more losses.
Hakushi finished reading the wanted notice released by Konoha, which was pretty much as he expected.
—Konoha Ninja Chiba Hakushi, Chunin, defection motives unknown, charged with attacking the village and slaughtering comrades, declared extremely dangerous and now announced as an 'S'-rank renegade ninja.
As for Ayane... there was no information recorded, completely omitted.
Presumably, they didn't want other villages to know about Byakugan's existence, so they intentionally omitted it.
They likely issued a gag order to those in the know as well.
After all, on the night of the incident, Konoha ninja facing Ayane were the least, with most dying at her hands. A gag order to the few survivors could temporarily conceal it.