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Chapter – 1116 Kakashi’s Question II
🕑 Added 2024-11-07 19:11:40 +0000 UTCKakashi studied 'Kuroto's' face, searching for a reaction, and then, in a low voice, asked, “Kuroto… were you aware that Raijin is a member of the Amatsukami Organization?”
“Huh?” ‘Kuroto’ was taken aback by the question. Despite his efforts to maintain a composed demeanor, he couldn't fully hide the surprise that flashed across his face. Kakashi immediately caught on to the subtle shift.
“So, you knew?” Kakashi asked, now almost certain.
‘Kuroto’ scratched his cheek awkwardly and let out a sigh. “Yes… I’ve known all along.” The truth was out, and there was no point in denying it.
“So, he really is a member of Amatsukami?” Kakashi pressed.
“Huh? You weren’t completely sure?” ‘Kuroto’ asked, surprised.
“I wasn’t absolutely certain until just now,” Kakashi admitted. “But your reaction confirmed it for me.” He fixed ‘Kuroto’ with a serious stare and continued, “If you knew, why didn’t you inform anyone? And why are members of Amatsukami even participating in the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam?”
“It’s a precaution against the Akatsuki Organization,” ‘Kuroto’ replied lightly. Of course, that was only part of the story. The full truth, involving secrets about Sasuke and the Mangekyō Sharingan, couldn’t be revealed. Those matters were far too sensitive to share with anyone, even Kakashi, at this moment.
“I see… is that really the case?” Kakashi murmured, his expression thoughtful. He had already considered this possibility with Jiraiya, so he didn't doubt Kuroto's statement. Instead, he focused on a more pressing concern. “Do you think the Akatsuki will attack Konoha?”
‘Kuroto’ shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure, but it’s a possibility.”
“A possibility?” Kakashi repeated, frowning. The idea unsettled him. The scenario made sense: with all three Jinchūriki currently gathered in Konohagakure, it would be an ideal opportunity for the Akatsuki to make a move. If their goal was to capture the Jinchūriki in one fell swoop, this would be their perfect chance.
“Well…” ‘Kuroto’ hesitated, then continued, “A little over a month ago, just days before the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam began, I received intelligence suggesting that the Akatsuki Organization might use this event as a chance to abduct Naruto and Fū. How much of that information is true, I can’t say for certain… but I’d rather not take the risk.”
The intelligence ‘Kuroto’ referred to was actually from a brief encounter he had with the masked Uchiha of the Akatsuki Organization. During their exchange, the masked Uchiha had vaguely hinted at the Akatsuki’s plans to strike Konoha in the coming months and had instructed ‘Kuroto’ to cooperate when the time came. However, the exact timing wasn’t specified. As a result, ‘Kuroto’ couldn’t be sure if the attack would coincide with the Chūnin Exams or if it would happen afterward. This uncertainty made preparing for any eventuality even more crucial.
“Well, I agree with you on that,” Kakashi nodded. It was wise not to take unnecessary risks, so he understood ‘Kuroto’s’ reasoning. However, a part of him still felt dissatisfied that ‘Kuroto’ hadn’t shared this information sooner. He couldn’t help but express his frustration, “You should have informed the others…”
In Kakashi’s view, if the Akatsuki did launch an attack on Konoha, the village would be at a severe disadvantage without adequate preparation. There’s a significant difference between defending Konoha who is ready for an assault from the Akatsuki, and one that is caught off guard. A lack of preparation could lead to devastating losses, both in terms of property and lives.
‘Kuroto’ sighed, feeling somewhat cornered. “The chances of an attack are relatively low, and I wasn’t absolutely certain, so I didn’t raise the alarm. After all, it’s just a possibility, not a certainty, based on the intelligence that I received. Besides, most of us are already subconsciously aware of that potential threat and have been staying alert. Both you and I know that the Akatsuki might try to use the Chūnin Exams as an opportunity, and we’ve been on edge because of it so there is no need for extra information that would only make us anxious. If I had issued a warning that turned out to be a false alarm, it would have caused unnecessary panic among everyone. I wanted to avoid that.”
Kakashi was at a loss for words. “I… see.” He couldn’t really argue against that logic, even if it still left him uneasy.
Seeing Kakashi rendered speechless, ‘Kuroto’ gave a satisfied smile and patted him on the shoulder. “Besides, it’s not as though I haven’t already put some measures in place, just in case things go south.”
“Is that why Raijin is here?” Kakashi asked, his expression turning thoughtful.
‘Kuroto’ nodded. “Yes. Luckily, I managed to get in touch with the Amatsukami, and they agreed to send a few of their members…”
“So… Raijin, Samsara, and Tengu?” Kakashi listed the names of the three Genin from Amegakure.
“That’s right,” ‘Kuroto’ confirmed. “They were sent by the female Homusubi of Amatsukami. The idea was for them to be our backup, a contingency if things escalated with Akatsuki. Ideally, they were supposed to remain inconspicuous and only act if necessary, to catch the Akatsuki off guard. But Raijin… well, he wasn’t too fond of sitting around in Konoha doing nothing. On a whim, he decided to participate in the Chūnin Exams. I wasn’t too thrilled about his impulsive choice, but we needed them here for security anyway. So, to ensure Konoha's protection, learn a bit about Amatsukami, and make the exams more intriguing, I allowed it. Thankfully, they had already set up convincing backgrounds, so it didn’t pose too much of a problem.”
Kakashi nodded in understanding. “I see… that makes sense,” he said, casting a glance toward the Amegakure waiting room.
‘Kuroto’ continued, “In fact, even when it comes to public safety, there’s no need to worry. Appropriate measures have been put in place in case of an emergency.”
Kakashi looked surprised. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“I’ve already alerted Shisui to the possibility,” ‘Kuroto’ replied calmly. “You may have noticed that the Konoha Military Police Force has been working tirelessly over the past month.”
Kakashi thought back and nodded. “Now that you mention it, the Uchiha clan members have indeed been unusually diligent lately.”
‘Kuroto’ elaborated, “They aren’t just maintaining public order; they’re also on high alert for any unusual occurrences. With Shisui and the Konoha Military Police Force keeping an eye out for an Akatsuki attack, there’s really not much reason to be overly concerned.”
Ever since Uchiha Shisui became the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, he had implemented extensive training for his officers to handle the surprise attack that Konoha might suffer. Under his leadership, the force had developed several response protocols that could be activated at a moment’s notice. These protocols ensured that each member would know exactly what to do, depending on the situation. Thus, with Shisui aware of the potential threat from the Akatsuki, their preparedness to ensure public safety was more than sufficient.
“I see…” murmured Kakashi. Although he wasn’t completely satisfied, he recognized that ‘Kuroto’ had taken all necessary precautions. There wasn’t much else to be done, so he chose to accept the explanation. Still, Kakashi couldn’t help but feel that he should have been informed earlier and wondered why ‘Kuroto’ had kept such crucial information from him.
Sensing Kakashi’s unspoken concern, ‘Kuroto’ gave a knowing smile. “The reason I didn’t tell you,” he began, “was because I wanted you to focus on Uchiha Sasuke. And you’ve done a great job. Just look at the results… Although Uchiha Sasuke lost to Raijin… but he has made great progress…”
At the mention of Uchiha’s progress, Kakashi's expression shifted as he remembered something. “Actually, there’s one more thing I need to discuss with you… it’s about Sasuke,” he said, his tone turning serious.
“Uchiha Sasuke?” ‘Kuroto’ repeated, a bit puzzled. “What about him?”
Kakashi was about to explain when Uchiha Itachi suddenly appeared in the hall, his calm voice cutting through the conversation. “Hokage-sama, the quarterfinals are about to start. We kindly ask that the leaders take their seats.”
Kakashi paused, unsure of how to continue in Itachi’s presence. Meanwhile, ‘Kuroto’ nodded to Itachi and then turned to Tsunade. “Tsunade-sama, please go ahead. I’ll join you in a moment.”
Tsunade caught the signal and led the others to their seats, leaving ‘Kuroto’ and Kakashi behind. Once they were alone, ‘Kuroto’ faced Kakashi again. “So, what were you going to say?”
Kakashi sighed and shook his head. “Never mind, we’ll talk about it later.”
“Huh?” ‘Kuroto’ tilted his head, confused.
But Kakashi didn’t respond. In a flash of silver, he vanished, leaving ‘Kuroto’ to sigh in relief. He thought to himself, ‘I really hope I didn’t say anything to Kakashi-senpai that Kuroto-san would disapprove of.’
Comments
f_2004_nashef
Thx for the chapter
