"Kurenai has already signed them up!" Asuma Sarutobi said, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was clearly stunned, nodding seriously.
However, as he answered, curiosity lingered in his mind. Why would Genya participate in the Chunin Exams?
After all, given the current relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha's leadership, they didn't really need to take the exams, nor did they need Konoha to grant them a Chunin rank.
Even if they wanted to participate to show off the younger generation's strength, the Uchiha would likely send only the top students from their academy—not Genya.
"Chomp, chomp…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a few puffs from his pipe before slowly speaking.
"Genya probably didn't discuss this with Kinya, but since he's already signed up… let him participate. If he embarrasses himself, it'll be a matter for the Uchiha clan to handle!"
He finished with a faint, meaningful smile at the corner of his mouth.
In his view, being able to see the Uchiha humiliated before the clan's fall was undeniably amusing.
"Yes… it will be very interesting!" Asuma Sarutobi smiled as well.
Just as he thought, anything that could embarrass the Uchiha brought genuine joy to his heart.
"Anyone else signed up today?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, still needing detailed information as a high-ranking Konoha leader.
"Yes!" Asuma nodded before continuing. "Kakashi led Naruto and the others on an external mission, and they also signed up for the Chunin Exams!"
"I see." Hiruzen nodded slightly, murmuring softly, "It's time for Naruto Uzumaki to meet some geniuses from other villages."
Even now, Hiruzen hadn't realized that Naruto had grown distant from him. He still immersed himself in his own strategies, naively believing that Naruto remained wholeheartedly devoted to him and Konoha.
One had to admit, perhaps Naruto's disguise had been too convincing, successfully lowering Hiruzen's guard, or perhaps Hiruzen had been overly confident in his own brainwashing techniques.
After learning all this, Hiruzen gave a few other instructions and then allowed Asuma to leave.
Outside Konoha, Genya and Hinata finished their meal and prepared to part ways.
"Genya… how's my bug? You said you'd show me once we returned." Watching Hinata head home, Shino Aburame's eyes sparkled with uncontrollable excitement.
Genya had mentioned that after this mission, Shino's bugs would have evolved, and now he was eager to see exactly what form they had taken.
"Tomorrow… wait for me at the Uchiha Hospital, and I'll take you to see them!" Genya said with a smile, seeing Shino so excited.
By the time they left, Hikari had nearly finished her research on the bug evolution. After all these days, it should be basically complete.
"Great!" Shino replied enthusiastically and headed home, brimming with excitement.
Genya watched Shino Aburame's retreating figure and shook his head with a smile, then turned toward his own home.
Whoosh—
But just a few steps in, a figure suddenly appeared beside him.
"Lord Genya!" A familiar voice rang softly in Genya's ear.
If Itachi were here, he would have been utterly shocked, for the person who appeared was Izumi Uchiha, now one of the top ninjas in the Uchiha clan.
"How is the investigation? Any missing children?" Genya asked as he walked forward, his tone tinged with curiosity as he looked at Izumi.
"I've investigated!" Izumi nodded before her expression turned serious. "During the days you were away, a total of 130 orphans or children from poor families have gone missing, and even a dozen adults!"
Thud—
Hearing this, Genya stopped in his tracks. He looked back at Izumi in disbelief. "What did you say? That many have disappeared?"
"Yes," Izumi repeated solemnly, nodding again. "A total of 130 orphans or children from poor families, plus a dozen adults!"
"And all these people vanished silently at night," she continued, her tone grim. "Neighbors and family members didn't notice anything unusual. We've questioned many people in secret, but there's not a single useful clue."
As she spoke, her expression grew increasingly serious.
She had already realized that this matter could be very serious, and that these people didn't just vanish for no reason.
Something else must be involved.
Genya's brows knitted tightly as a sense of unease surged within him.
He had originally intended to have Izumi investigate the missing villagers, then use the missing persons as clues to expose Hiruzen Sarutobi's deeds.
But now, it seemed the situation was beyond what he had expected.
"Have you observed the movements of those who disappeared?"
Genya looked at Izumi as he asked again, but his expression was growing serious now, even thoughtful.
So many people vanished in such a short time, with no clue at all. This was definitely not a simple matter.
Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo Shimura must be making a big move. It seemed the way events were unfolding was pushing their actions to become more extreme.
But what exactly did Hiruzen want by taking so many people at once?
One thing was certain—this was definitely not for anything good.
"I investigated, but the last traces of those people seem to be within the jurisdiction of Sarutobi's Police Force, so it's inconvenient to look into it!" Uchiha Izumi frowned, thinking seriously. "It seems they are guarding against our Uchiha clan, so investigating is difficult."
"Have any ANBU members in the village shown unusual behavior?" Genya asked again, trying to understand Hiruzen Sarutobi's layout.
Izumi shook her head helplessly. "No. The ANBU haven't noticed anything suspicious. As for the missing people, they don't seem to care at all."
Genya understood. This had to be a secret operation by Hiruzen and Danzo. Most ANBU wouldn't know about it. Clearly, a major move was underway.
"Forget about them for now!" Genya paused in thought, then continued, "How many people are under our Uchiha jurisdiction?"
"Not many… maybe just over twenty," Izumi replied. "Most of the missing people are concentrated in the areas under Sarutobi's Police Force."
Genya narrowed his eyes. "Just over twenty…?"
****
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