Through frame-by-frame analysis, numerous content creators and uploaders had essentially locked onto Yagyu Masahiko as the prime suspect for the Black Robed Man's identity.
The audience was well aware that Masahiko was not as weak as he appeared on the surface; he was likely a hidden boss, a mastermind concealing his true depths. However, in the anime edits thus far, Masahiko's Ninjutsu had been portrayed as significantly weaker than his Taijutsu. Yet now, within this new persona, he was displaying devastating Fire Style Ninjutsu. The destructive power was terrifying.
Masahiko had never used such high-level Fire Style before, and his fighting style was becoming increasingly distinct from the Black Robed Man's established patterns.
"Misdirection! This is definitely misdirection!" "Trying to trick me again?" "Stop acting, Old Thief. I know that's your alt account." "Good lord... Fire Style, Water Style, and even Shikotsumyaku? He's already more broken than most Jōnin."
Naturally, the audience didn't buy Masahiko's "innocence" for a second. The main reason was simple—on the surface, no one else fit the profile of the Black Robed Man better, and no other character was jumping around "collaborating" with everyone so brazenly. From a god's-eye view, pinning it on Masahiko wasn't difficult.
What truly surprised everyone, however, was the aftermath.
Masahiko was appointed as the [Acting Head of the Education Unit] at the Ninja Academy. Even if it was a temporary position, everyone understood the implication: "Acting" was just a probationary period. If he could control the situation and prove his capability, the word "Acting" would be removed.
A Head of the Education Unit at such a young age...
Even viewers with only a surface-level understanding of Konoha could feel the magnitude of this promotion through the shocked dialogue of the supporting characters.
But then, the camera cut.
Masahiko was shown meeting with Danzō's subordinate, Toge, pledging his absolute loyalty. The contrast between his public promotion and his shadowy allegiance was jarring.
"The Third Hokage is senile!" "I wouldn't say that. The Old Thief is basically playing with his cards face up in front of the Third and Danzō. His loyalty is terrifyingly convincing." "Full of loyal ninja! Not a single traitor in sight!"
Originally, people thought the Third Hokage was being foolish. But upon closer inspection, they realized Masahiko wasn't really hiding anything from his two superiors. From the perspective of both the Hokage and Danzō, he appeared exceptionally loyal.
Unlike the audience, Masahiko noticed something specific.
All plotlines related to the Capital and the Twelve Guardian Ninja had been completely cut from this episode. Just as he was pondering the implications, the scene on the screen shifted abruptly.
The camera panned to a dim, cavernous grotto where several holographic projections stood atop stone fingers.
"Let me introduce everyone," the leader at the center spoke. "This is a missing-nin from Konoha, Shisui Uchiha. Starting today, he will be our Vermilion Bird."
The gathered figures turned their gaze toward the newcomer.
A moment later, a cold sneer echoed through the cave. "I didn't expect the famous 'Shisui of the Body Flicker' to betray Konoha as well."
"You are Jūzō Biwa of the Kirigakure, correct?" Shisui's eyes swept over the speaker coldly. "I heard the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were strong, yet you were beaten until only three of you remained. I didn't expect you to join this place after fleeing your village."
"You!"
Jūzō's eyes flashed with rage. Being decimated until only three survived was the greatest shame and nightmare of his life, yet Shisui had casually torn open that scar.
"Shisui... interesting!" Another figure spoke, their voice rasping and cold. "Why did you defect from Konoha?"
Shisui looked toward the speaker. "Nothing complex. Danzō stole one of my eyes. I intend to take it back, fair and square."
The leader quickly intervened to stop the conflict from escalating.
The scene transitioned immediately.
Under a large Torii gate in the wilderness, Orochimaru and Shisui stood face to face.
"Shisui Uchiha. I assume you've heard of me during your time in the Anbu."
"Orochimaru." Shisui looked up, his expression grave. "I didn't expect it to actually be you."
"It seems you still have lingering affection for Konoha," Orochimaru smirked, the corners of his mouth lifting. "Or perhaps you still harbor unrealistic fantasies about that old man Sarutobi?"
Shisui let out a cold laugh. "The Uchiha clan was nearly exterminated. what fantasies could I possibly have left? Everything I do now is to reclaim what belongs to me!"
He stared intensely at the Sannin. "Though you were once one of the Legendary Sannin, now that we're teamed up, I hope you won't become a burden."
"Heh heh heh!"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "How arrogant, Shisui!"
In the next second, a massive snake erupted from the ground, instantly constricting Shisui's body. Orochimaru sneered, "Sometimes, you must learn to respect your seniors!"
But...
Orochimaru quickly realized something was wrong. As the Genjutsu shattered, he found that he was the one wrapped in the coils of the snake.
Shisui's tantō was already pressed against his throat.
"If age equated to strength, I would have already died at Danzō's hands."
Shisui icily sheathed his blade. "Let's go. We have a mission to execute in the Land of Fire's capital."
With that, the scene of the two vanished.
Watching the screen, Masahiko fell into deep thought.
'Shisui really did join the Akatsuki. But because of this, Itachi Uchiha lost his chance to join.'
The conflict between Orochimaru and Shisui didn't surprise him. If Orochimaru hadn't suffered a loss at Shisui's hands, he never would have come running to Masahiko for cooperation.
'But their destination is the Capital, too?'
Masahiko was slightly surprised. Had someone hired them? He pondered this but couldn't find an immediate answer.
The bullet comments, however, weren't focused on the plot logistics. The viewers were astounded that Shisui had managed to verbally destroy Jūzō Biwa and physically dominate Orochimaru with such ease. After leaving Konoha, Shisui's personality seemed to have become significantly colder.
At this point, the episode shifted to Sasuke's storyline.
The bullet comments fell silent for a moment.
For a child, Sasuke was displaying incredible resilience. He understood the harm his family had caused to innocent villagers. Instead of blaming the world, he chose to shoulder that responsibility and hatred alone.
This only made the audience's heart ache for him even more.
Comments like "My heart breaks for Sasuke" and "Itachi is scum" flooded the screen.
Amidst this wave of sympathy, the screen showed scenes of Sasuke's daily life with his classmates and Masahiko. Then, it cut to the meeting between Masahiko and Orochimaru.
The scene where he "sold" Sasuke.
Instantly, the tone of the comments shifted.
"WTF?"
"I actually thought the Old Thief was being nice to Sasuke earlier. Turns out he's truly evil!"
"Sasuke is already so miserable, and you still want to sell him out? Do you have no heart?!"
"Backstabbed again?"
"Sasuke Uchiha: The Legendary Magnet for Betrayal!"
Of course, it wasn't all abuse.
The people cursing were mostly those who had bought into the earlier warmth Masahiko had shown. One moment he was protecting and helping, the next he was negotiating a price. The whiplash was hard to handle.
However, some viewers had long suspected Masahiko wasn't acting out of the goodness of his heart. If you don't have expectations, you can't be disappointed.
From start to finish, Masahiko's heart remained unmoved. He wasn't running a charity.
Furthermore, following Orochimaru was the best path for Sasuke. He would learn real techniques and receive the highest level of cultivation. Later, Masahiko planned to teach Sasuke how to turn the tables and counter-kill Orochimaru, eventually bringing the boy back to his side...
Wasn't this a classic Win-Win-Win scenario?
Masahiko dragged the progress bar forward. After this segment, there was a brief scene of Sasuke confirming his new address and bumping into Naruto.
Then, the ending theme began to play.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Overall Assessment: Excellent]
[Reward Received: Mid-Rank Taijutsu Random Card]
"It really proves the saying: haters are fans too!"
A [Mid-Rank Taijutsu Random Card] could grant a random A-Rank or B-Rank Taijutsu.
'But Taijutsu...'
Masahiko glanced at it and quickly entered the Training Space. A random Taijutsu card wasn't as valuable to him as using it for a personalized summon.
He initiated the exchange.
[3rd Raikage: 1 Hour]
[4th Raikage: 2 Hours]
[Might Guy: 2 Hours]
[Shira: 4 Hours]
"Excellent!"
Masahiko exited the Training Space mentally to organize his current abilities and knowledge, considering what questions he needed to ask.
In the end, he locked his target on the 4th Raikage.
The reason was simple: The 4th Raikage possessed many abilities that synergized perfectly with him.
Lightning Style: Body Activation.
Nintaijutsu Training.
Combat at high speeds and instant reaction drills.
These two hours would be far more cost-effective than the others, even compared to the four hours with Shira.