"I see, after the destruction of the nation, immediately came to Konoha... is it related to the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki?"
Regarding the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki, this is a top secret of Konoha, and the Konoha high-ranking officials would never let outsiders know.
Although many have speculated about who the previous Nine-tailed Jinchuriki of Konoha was, this is the most plausible and suitable candidate.
Uzumaki Mito—the wife of the First Hokage.
It is estimated that when the Land of Whirlpools perished, her health was already deteriorating, so a young member of the Uzumaki Clan was needed as the Jinchuriki, to become the new vessel for sealing the Nine-tails.
"She is very likely the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki now. According to information provided by those Uzumaki clan remnants, Konoha indeed took away one of their clan members at that time."
For Uzumaki Kushina, Hakushi doesn't have a deep impression, only remembering her bright red hair.
However, linking this with the intelligence he obtained, the answers are easy to deduce.
Even if there are discrepancies, Uzumaki Kushina is still of utmost importance to Konoha's leaders.
Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense that after the fall of the Land of Whirlpools, Konoha only brought back a little girl.
Apart from bringing her back as the new Nine-tailed Jinchuriki, other possibilities are slim.
"Are you thinking of targeting the Nine-tails?"
Ruri suspected this based on Hakushi's interest in the Uzumaki clan.
Hakushi had once acquired some of Shukaku's chakra on the battlefield, and since he had extracted valuable information from the Tailed Beast Chakra, his interest in other Tailed Beasts was only natural to Ruri.
"Although I want to, I haven't lost my sanity to that extent."
Hakushi knew his own limits. Although he was not afraid of the current Konoha, that was based on the premise that he could preserve his life.
If he were to face such a large Great Ninja Village, only ruin would await him.
And there are many taboos that Konoha cannot breach; the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki is one of them.
"I came to find you not just to tell you this, but there is another more important matter to discuss with you. You need to be mentally prepared."
"What is it?"
Ruri asked with a frown.
"The village leadership is researching Wood Style, and they might have achieved significant results."
◎
Land of Tea, underground base.
Insect Man was in a room conversing with a member of the Uzumaki clan, the eldest among the eight people he had rescued, and the decision-maker among them.
He had changed into clean clothes, having washed off the grime and odor, appearing much more spirited.
He was undoubtedly full of gratitude towards Insect Man, his savior.
All these years, he had been wandering the Ninja Realm with his family with little strength since the fall of the Land of Whirlpools, never having a day of peace.
Ironically, the time when caught by those rogue ninjas was the most stable period in years.
Even eating moldy food every day was something he cherished.
Recalling the glory of the Uzumaki clan in the past, comparing it to the current situation, his eyes darkened involuntarily.
"As to your arrangements, the Leader has already given detailed instructions. We will help you settle in the Land of Demons, but in doing so, you will need to temporarily stay incognito and not appear in the public eye. Only when the time is right, can you live openly under the sun."
Because the Uzumaki clan's identity easily attracted trouble, and their organization currently does not intend to do anything too conspicuous.
Whether in gathering intelligence or building bases, everything was done silently.
"No problem, we've already prepared to live incognito."
The elder of the Uzumaki clan did not oppose the Leader's suggestion, finding it very apt for the current situation of the Uzumaki clan.
Previously, when the Land of Whirlpools was intact, there hadn't been such a sense; but over the years, with everything witnessed and experienced, merely preserving the Uzumaki clan's bloodline was enough.
"But don't worry, the wait won't be long. For us, having your Uzumaki clan join us alleviates much pressure. Our organization has always welcomed exceptional talent."
"Might I ask what the organization does?"
The elder of the Uzumaki clan couldn't help but inquire.
Since they decided to accept the protection of this unknown organization, they had to at least have some understanding of its purpose.
Insect Man smiled wryly, "In truth, I'm just a mid-level cadre, and what our organization aims for, I know very little. I can only tell that the Leader is working on something extremely grand. For specifics, you'd need to ask our Leader yourself; I'm curious about this answer too."
When he said this, there was a noticeable tone of reverence in his voice.
The elder of the Uzumaki clan remained silent and did not ask further.
Seeing his purpose achieved, Insect Man was also not intending to linger.
"Well then, you should rest here for a while. In a few days, we will arrange for you to be taken to the Land of Demons, a very peaceful country. May the peace there wash away the shadows in your hearts."
Having said this, Insect Man left the room.