"Mission complete!" said Captain Chimp.
"We received intel from Anbu headquarters: the remaining Uzumaki clan members have entered the Land of the Moon. The Land of the Moon is under the influence of the Hidden Cloud Village, so their Anbu and spies will handle the pursuit. We can return to the village."
Along the eastern coastline of the ninja world continent, from south to north, are the Land of Fire, the Land of Hot Springs, the Land of the Moon, and the Land of Lightning.
For the remaining Uzumaki, escape meant choosing between the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of the Moon.
Would the Uzumaki feel bitter about it?
Even if they went to the Land of the Moon, under the Cloud Village's influence, they refused to enter the Land of Hot Springs, under Konoha's control.
The Hidden Cloud Village had been one of the clans responsible for their annihilation, but in their eyes, Konoha was an even greater threat.
Given the Anbu's strength and Konoha's concern for Kushina, it was likely they would never see her again. Uzumaki Kushina would never learn the truth of the clan's destruction.
Return to the village.
Captain Chimp's squad left the Land of Waves and returned to Konoha.
Entering Konoha again, Yoru felt somewhat dazed.
Over half a year had passed since their mission in the Land of Waves and the Land of Whirlpool.
Entering the Death Forest, Yoru noticed some changes.
Certain trees were smaller and in different positions.
Upon closer inspection, he discovered many underground structures.
Renovated soil and replanted trees hinted at the transformation here.
Jumping down from the Anbu skylight, it was clear: the Anbu had undergone significant changes.
Root had appeared.
The newly established Root was originally a simple Anbu training institution.
Danzo had set new rules for the Anbu.
Considering the Anbu's high death rate, he decreed that newly recruited Anbu must train at Root for three months.
Previously, Anbu were selected from ordinary ninja. Chūnin-level ninja were ready for immediate deployment.
Root's jutsu instructors were appointed by Danzo.
Over time, Root would gradually evolve into an independent kingdom within the Anbu, directly under Danzo's command.
Yoru returned to his squad's changing room.
This was his old changing room, belonging to the Antelope Squad.
Opening each locker in turn, the personal items of Antelope, Purple Cat, and Horned Ox had been cleared.
Each locker contained only a mask.
Antelope, Purple Cat, and Horned Ox had long since died in the Land of Whirlpool and the Land of Waves.
Yoru's own locker still held his belongings.
After a moment of melancholy, he organized his items.
Captain Chimp passed by the changing room, saying, "Fox, we have three days off. Check in with me after that."
"Understood, Captain Chimp."
Yoru removed his fox mask, took off his Anbu vest, put on his own clothes, donned a face covering, and left the Anbu.
Walking again through Konoha's streets and alleys felt wonderful.
The sunlight was warm, the wind gentle.
If only the massive, imposing Hokage monument above his head weren't there.
After walking some distance, Yoru removed his face covering, blending in as an ordinary Konoha citizen.
With nowhere else to go, he headed to the Crane Moon Tavern.
At noon, the tavern had few customers.
Inside, the stunning proprietress, Shokyo, paused noticeably upon seeing Yoru.
Was this the same boy from half a year ago?
Now, his face bore maturity and calmness.
As a spy, Shokyo immediately recognized that this composed demeanor came naturally from increased strength.
The boy had grown significantly over six months.
Yoru's strength had indeed increased greatly.
[Host Status:
Chakra: 3× Chūnin-level
Chakra Nature: Earth, Water
Ninjutsu: Basic Three Body Technique, Earth Release: Underground Projection Fish Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, Water Release: Water Formation Wall
Taijutsu: Basic Taijutsu, Basic Kunai Throwing, Swordsmanship (Proficient), Body Flicker Technique (Proficient), Cloud-style Swordsmanship
Sealing Techniques: Karma Binding Seal, Contract Seal, Summoning Technique (White Egret Spear)
Other: Stress Reflex (One Breakthrough).]
Swordsmanship and Body Flicker Technique, after rigorous practice and real combat, had improved from beginner to proficient.
Shokyo hurried over: "Where have you been these six months? Why didn't you come back to see me?"
"During the war, how could I stay in the village all the time?"
Shokyo's eyes brightened.
As a spy, the intelligence she collected in this period had little value.
This boy had completed a six-month-long mission, returning much stronger—a valuable target for investigation.
After setting down a cup of sake, Shokyo, like a maiden seeing her lover, listened to Yoru recount his daring exploits on the Land of Hot Springs' battlefield while gently caressing the firm muscles of his arm.
Yoru, of course, would not reveal his missions in the Land of Whirlpool or the Land of Waves; he was disguised as an ordinary Chūnin returning from a battlefield rotation.
"Master ninja, your right arm is stronger than the left. Why not try using the left sometimes, instead of always the right?"
"I prefer not using my hands at all—why don't you help me? Then I wouldn't have that worry."
Two hours later.
Shokyo tidied her clothes and came out of her bedroom in the back.
Darn, two hours of effort and still no intelligence extracted.
Konoha Chūnin were truly strong; Shokyo walked with a slight limp, thigh aching.
Half-awake, Yoru stayed alert enough to rest on her soft bed, taking a refreshing nap.
At night, he ordered three bottles of sake, sipping slowly.
Around him were Konoha ninjas and villagers.
Men get boastful when drunk.
"The young master of the Senju clan, Senju Nawaki, graduates this year. Do you know who his Chūnin-level mentor is?"
"No, who?"
Boasting with pride: "When I was at the photo studio, I happened to see the young Senju master. His team leader is an extraordinary figure."
"Of course, I know the young Senju master's mentor is impressive. Tell me, don't keep me waiting!"
"Orochimaru! Disciple of the Third Hokage, teammate of Princess Tsunade, Orochimaru!"
Everyone gasped in surprise.
"I wish I were the young Senju master—could I also become Orochimaru's subordinate?"
"You wish. It's not that he's taking advantage—dozens of Jonin like Jiraiya and Kato Dan competed to be the young master's team leader. The Third Hokage favored Orochimaru, so he got the position."
"True, with Orochimaru guiding the young master, it's hard to tell who's benefiting whom."
Yoru sipped his sake, gathering intelligence.
The tavern was a good place: for every effort, there was a reward.
After most customers left, Yoru approached the proprietress.
"Reserve a room on the second floor. I'll sleep here for the next few days."
Shokyo, covering her mouth with delicate hands, teased: "Hands freed at noon, still freed at night?"
"Don't keep my hands waiting too long."
——
The full moon shone like a silver disc, moonlight white as frost.
Life in Konoha was peaceful; daily guard duties sufficed.
Finally, another full moon night arrived.
At the Crane Moon Tavern, outside the window, the night sky held a bright moon; in the palm of his hand, another moon; three moons shining in harmony.