Fukai, who held his standard ninja blade slung behind his back, gazed at his increasingly enigmatic student. Hao had not only acquired the preserved corpses of Kinkaku and Ginkaku, but also continued to behave in ways that defied normal understanding. No matter how wealthy or well-connected someone was, that kind of access was extraordinary—even within Kumogakure.
"Some things are better left unspoken."
Beside him, Yeyue Ai muttered while shaking his head. The matter of Hao's firearm research was strictly confidential; even mentioning it within the inner circle posed a security risk. The fewer who knew, the better.
Then there was the previous suggestion about decentralizing the Tailed Beast power by splitting it among multiple jinchūriki. Though Hao had only floated the idea and actual implementation posed significant technical challenges, inspiration was often the most difficult part of any innovation.
As his junior brother once quoted in one of his less savory manuscripts: "True genius is 1% perspiration and 99% inspiration." That alone showed the strategic value of ideas.
And in this short span, Hao had delivered innovations with wide-ranging benefits. If things continued at this pace, Kumogakure's future could be transformed.
They valued this rare kind of talent immensely. That was why even now, both Ai and his elder cousin Fukai were accompanying him personally as escorts and guards.
Seeing Ai's stern tone, Fukai didn't ask further questions. As a ninja, he understood well enough that too much curiosity could be dangerous. His job was to protect, not to pry.
Their swift, silent sea voyage brought them to a strategic landing beach on the eastern shore of the Land of Whirlpools by early the next day. Thousands of Cloud-nin disembarked, hauling crates of supplies and setting up fortified camps inland in preparation for the unfolding war.
Dodai, Tamura Hao, and three elite yellow-skinned jōnin disguised themselves in Konoha ANBU armor and took a covert mountain path toward Uzushiogakure.
Since a formal visiting card had already been delivered to the Uzumaki clan's Great Elder, a guide was waiting at the village gate. Dodai alone was led in to meet the elder, while Tamura Hao and the three disguised Cloud jōnin remained at the entrance.
The Great Elder—Uzumaki Asuna—was one of the oldest and most powerful members of the clan. After the death of Uzumaki Ashina, Asuna's voice carried more weight than even the current clan head. Known for his mistrust of Konoha, he was a key political figure in the clan's strategic direction.
As for Hao and his companions, they were politely but firmly asked to wait outside. In such tense times, even allies weren't welcome within the village proper—especially not armed shinobi.
Hao wasn't offended. Instead, he calmly observed the fortified village gates and their surroundings, evaluating the seal arrays etched subtly into the stone and earth.
Then, an unexpected scene unfolded: three figures were escorted out by Uzumaki guards. All wore Konoha ANBU uniforms—unlike their counterfeit gear, these were unmistakably authentic.
The air grew heavy with tension.
Both groups—Hao's and the actual Konoha ANBU—stood facing one another in awkward silence. The Uzumaki guards at the gate began murmuring as they glanced between them, sensing something strange.
Tamura Hao's gaze focused sharply on the three. All three appeared young, and two wore traditional ANBU masks, while the third had his body completely wrapped in cloth except for his mouth.
That style… it looks too familiar.
From their builds, it was likely two men and one woman—a standard Konoha squad configuration. One wore Aburame clan goggles; the wrapped one was likely a leader.
Were they here to escort Uzumaki Kushina? That was the most probable explanation. But sending three young shinobi? That meant either their identities were extremely special, or Konoha was being careless.
Tamura Hao considered the boy in front. Given his central placement, he was likely the team lead. The Aburame stood behind him—a position of support. Hao's mental database, carefully compiled from Dodai's briefings, gave him a likely identity for this boy.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Son of the Third Hokage.
He stepped forward, voice cold and commanding.
"Return and tell Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō not to test our patience. War looms on the horizon. The Uzumaki clan will not tolerate any provocations. If you do something to anger them, the consequences will be your burden to bear."
The boy visibly flinched. The other two tensed, chakra flaring. But then, their leader raised a hand.
"Understood."
Hao sneered, stepping closer. His eyes narrowed, voice filled with disdain.
"So it's you. He actually sent his son here, of all places. Is he prepared to bury you if you die in enemy territory?"
The young man's jaw tightened.
He'd been identified.
Shinnosuke sighed deeply and finally spoke.
"You Senju... you've misunderstood the Hokage. Lord Tobirama chose my father to succeed him for good reason. Please don't twist his intentions."
Tamura Hao laughed coldly.
"If it was all so pure, why are our clan's top fighters deployed on the Earth Country front? That's conveniently far from the Land of Whirlpools, isn't it? No chance to reinforce us if things go wrong."
Inwardly, Hao smiled. Bait taken.
That statement had been a trap to confirm Shinnosuke's identity. And now, it was confirmed.
Though his exact identity had been a guess, only someone with a high rank—like the Hokage's own son—could lead such a sensitive mission.
The Cloud ANBU behind Hao understood little of the political nuance, but still shifted into combat-ready stances, kunai drawn.
The girl accompanying Shinnosuke finally broke her silence.
"You're blinded by prejudice! Hokage-sama is doing what's best for the village. He's not the man you accuse him of being."
Tamura Hao gave a derisive smile.
"The Sarutobi Hiruzen of twenty years ago might've been worthy. But power corrupts—even the Will of Fire rots when soaked in too much blood and authority."
He was getting into character—fully embracing his fabricated Senju identity.
Meanwhile, his analytical mind continued to assess the girl. She looked to Shinnosuke often, her concern evident. Perhaps a romantic partner? Could she be Konohamaru's mother?
Unfortunately, his memory of the manga failed him here. Hiruzen's family tree was barely touched upon in the series.
The third member—the Aburame—remained silent, watchful as expected of his clan.
"You're the corrupted ones!" Shinnosuke snapped, though his tone remained composed. Inside, he was seething at Hao's blatant disrespect in calling his father by name.
But who was this man?
Definitely Senju, but not one Shinnosuke recognized. Was he a hidden operative from a lesser branch of the clan?
The girl's voice softened, more rational now.
"The Senju produced two Hokage. If the third had also been one of yours, the balance would've shattered. The Second Hokage foresaw this—he chose Lord Hiruzen for unity."
She gestured calmly, imploring.
"Besides, Lady Tsunade is Sandaime's apprentice. With her status and the clan's prestige, the next Hokage is likely hers. Why stir conflict now?"