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Kaito Akaden Chapter 161
🕑 Added 2025-02-24 19:50:28 +0000 UTCKaito Akaden Chapter 161
Kahyo stared at them as if they were crazy.
Kakashi gave her an eye-smile. “Trust us. There’s no faster way to travel.” He extended his other hand to her.
Kahyo still looked skeptical but sighed and grabbed Kakashi’s and Tenzo’s hands.
“Just hold on, and don’t let go,” Kaito instructed.
Kahyo opened her mouth to ask what he meant by that—
But before she could—
Kaito activated Hiraishin, teleporting them out of the room.
They all arrived in a snow-covered clearing, a large wooden house standing in the center.
Kahyo stumbled from the sudden shift, still disoriented. Before she could fall, Kakashi caught her, steadying her with a firm grip.
Kaito, standing beside them, smirked. “Smooth, Kakashi.”
Tenzo snickered. “Fastest I’ve seen him move.”
Kakashi sighed, already bracing for the inevitable teasing.
Kaito grinned mischievously. “Wait till Mom hears about this.”
Kakashi groaned, rubbing his temple. “Just… let me live, Kaito.”
Meanwhile, Kahyo looked around in astonishment before turning to Kaito. “That was… space-time ninjutsu. Was that the Hiraishin?”
Kaito nodded. “Yep.” Without missing a beat, he walked over to the house, slid open the door, and stepped inside.
…
As Kahyo stepped into the wooden house, her eyes immediately fell on the sleeping figures of her clan’s women and children, wrapped in blankets on the floor. A sense of relief washed over her at seeing them safe.
Standing near the entrance, Hotaru turned toward Kaito and Tenzo. “You’re back, Kaito-kun, Tenzo-sempai?”
Then, noticing Kakashi, she sighed in relief. “I’m glad you’re alright, Kakashi-sempai.”
Kakashi gave her an eye-smile. “Hey there, Hotaru.”
Hotaru nodded before her gaze landed on the unfamiliar woman standing beside Kakashi. She raised an eyebrow at Kaito.
Kaito followed her gaze and casually explained, “She’s with Kakashi. A member of the Yuki Clan—her name is Kahyo.”
Without saying anything, Kahyo walked over to one of the sleeping women, kneeling down and gently touching her shoulder.
She then looked up at Kaito. “Are they still under the genjutsu?”
Kaito nodded. “Yeah. I wasn’t sure how they’d react when they woke up, so I left it in place.”
Kahyo turned to him fully. “Can you release them?”
Kaito sighed but nodded. “Yeah, but you’ll have to convince them, ya know.”
Kahyo gave a firm nod.
Kaito formed a one-handed ram seal and called out, “Release.”
One by one, the women began to stir, blinking as they slowly regained consciousness. Murmurs of confusion spread throughout the room.
“W-What…?”
“Where are we?”
“Who are they?”
“This… this isn’t our clan compound.”
“Hey, look! She has a Byakugan—is she from the Hyuga Clan?”
“Why are we here?”
The quiet cries of babies who had begun waking up only added to the rising tension.
Before panic could fully set in, Kahyo took a deep breath and raised her voice. “Everyone, please calm down! You are all safe!”
The moment they recognized her, murmurs of recognition rippled through the group.
“Wait… isn’t that Kahyo? The chunin that went missing?”
“What’s going on?” another woman asked, her voice laced with concern.
Kahyo took a step forward, her voice steady but reassuring. “Please, calm down. I’ll explain everything… but first, I need you all to relax.”
Slowly, the nervous murmuring quieted.
Seeing that she had their attention, Kahyo exhaled, preparing to explain their situation.
Meanwhile, Kaito stood with Kakashi, Tenzo, and Hotaru, watching as Kahyo spoke to the Yuki Clan members.
Kakashi rubbed his head and sighed. “I really hope you have a good explanation for Lady Tsunade.”
Kaito chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah… about that… Kakashi, how about you come with me when I talk to her? You know, as backup.” He grinned.
Kakashi shook his head. “No way. This is your mess to clean up. I won’t be helping you.”
Kaito groaned. “Ah, come on, man. You gotta back me up here! It’ll be way easier if you guys support me, ya know?”
Tenzo crossed his arms and smirked. “Sorry, Kaito. Can’t help you with this one. You’re on your own. Good luck.”
Kaito’s jaw dropped. “Ah, not you too, Tenzo! I thought you were a cool guy! Man, I get Kakashi leaving me hanging, but you? I really thought you’d help a bro out! Guess I was wrong about you, huh?”
Kaito then turned to Tenzo, giving him his best puppy dog eyes.
Tenzo sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. Fine. I’ll come with you. But you’re doing all the talking.”
Kaito’s face lit up. “I knew you were cooler than Kakashi! You’re such a great guy, Tenzo. I’m sure you’ll end up with someone really hot in the future, ya know.” He grinned teasingly.
Tenzo’s face turned red, and he sputtered, looking away.
Kakashi snorted. “You’re so annoying.”
Just then, Hotaru tugged at Kaito’s sleeve. “Kai-kun, I want to come with you to meet Lady Tsunade.”
Kaito shook his head and patted her head gently. “I don’t want you getting into trouble, Hotaru-chan. I’ll be fine.” He gave her a reassuring smile before gesturing toward Haku, Kimimaro, and Guren. “Plus, I need you to keep an eye on them. We can’t just leave them here alone, ya know? They only really know us.”
Hotaru pouted but eventually sighed in defeat. “Hai…”
….
The sun shone brightly over Konoha, casting its warm glow on the bustling village. The streets were alive with vendors calling out their wares, shinobi heading to their missions, and civilians going about their daily routines.
Inside the Hokage’s Office, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea with a satisfied sigh. The rare moment of peace was welcome amidst the endless pile of paperwork she faced every day.
Just then, the door opened, and Shizune walked in, carrying yet another towering stack of papers. She placed them on the desk with practiced ease.
“Lady Tsunade, please try to finish this batch soon,” Shizune said before walking out of the office, leaving Tsunade to her fate.
Tsunade sighed, setting her tea down and reluctantly picking up a pen to start on the paperwork.
At that moment, the window to her office slid open.
“Hey there, Tsunade,” Jiraiya greeted with his usual grin, peeking in through the window. “Looks like you’ve adapted well to your role as Fifth Hokage.”
Tsunade didn’t even glance up from her papers. “What do you want, Jiraiya?”
Jiraiya shut the window behind him and casually strolled over, taking a seat across from her. “What, can’t an old friend stop by to check up on you from time to time?”
Tsunade sighed. “I’m surprised you’re not off peeping like you usually do whenever you’re in the village.”
Jiraiya winced, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah… I think I’ll be laying low while I’m in Konoha.”
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Afraid the kid might actually kill you this time if he catches you peeping?”
Jiraiya let out a nervous laugh. “Hey now, I’m not afraid of the brat! I’ve just been busy, that’s all. Spent some time with Naruto and Karin.”
Tsunade snorted. “Yeah, right. You’re just worried that if Naruto picks up on your habits, not only would Kaito hunt you down, but Kushina would personally skin you alive.”
Jiraiya paled at the thought but wisely chose not to comment.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Tsunade called out.
The door opened, and Shikaku Nara walked in lazily, a tired expression on his face. “Hope I’m not disturbing you, Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya-sama.”
Right behind him, Fugaku Uchiha entered, a file in hand. He nodded respectfully. “Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya-sama.”
Jiraiya leaned back in his chair, grinning. “Shikaku, Fugaku—it’s been a while. Hope you two have been doing well.”
Tsunade set down her pen, eyeing the two men. “Good morning to you too, Shikaku, Fugaku. I assume you’ve brought the reports I requested?”
Shikaku was the first to step forward, handing Tsunade a neatly compiled report.
“Here’s the report on the academy’s new structure that you requested,” he said lazily. “According to the jōnin instructors, the new batch of graduating genin are already showing better results than previous years. The percentage of graduates who pass their jōnin instructor’s test has risen from 33% to 44%—an 11% increase. Of course, this is only the first batch under the new structure, but the number is expected to rise every year.”
Tsunade flipped through the papers, nodding in approval. “That’s good. It’s what we expected—drastic improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but this is a solid step forward. More competent shinobi in Konoha will mean fewer unnecessary losses in the future.”
Jiraiya, curious, leaned over and took the folder from Tsunade, flipping through it. “Huh… you changed the academy structure? Why? I thought Konoha’s was already one of the best among the Great Nations.”
Tsunade exhaled, setting her pen down. “Kaito pointed something out to me—something I should have realized earlier. Too many kids died in the Third Shinobi War, most of them sent to battle way too young and before they were properly trained. They weren’t warriors—they were just numbers to fill the battlefield, and in the end, it hurt us more than anyone else.”
Jiraiya’s expression turned serious, listening carefully.
“The whole reason my grandfather created the village was nuture and protect the next generation to make sure they were trained properly before they had to take on that responsibility,” Tsunade continued. “But at some point, Konoha lost sight of that. Kaito helped me reformed the system. We increased the graduation age, introduced advanced training at the academy, and helped students find their specialization earlier so they could be properly trained before even stepping onto a battlefield. In the long run, this will reduce casualties and increase our military strength. Not just in numbers, but in quality.”
Jiraiya closed the folder, nodding. “That’s… actually a smart move. More training means stronger shinobi—and fewer unnecessary deaths.”
Tsunade smirked. “Exactly.”
Then, turning to Fugaku, she added, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Fugaku. Do you have the report I asked for?”
“Hai lady Tsunade “ Fugaku nodded, stepping forward and handing her the documents.
Tsunade opened the folder and scanned through the contents.
Fugaku began his report. “These are the latest updates from the border patrol units. So far, all borders remain relatively peaceful, and there haven’t been any major disturbances. Kumo has been quiet since you took office. Intelligence reports suggest they are focused on rebuilding their military strength after the losses they suffered.
"As for Iwa, tensions at the borders have also decreased. The small skirmishes that persisted after the war have gradually faded, and reports indicate that the Tsuchikage is considering stepping down.”
Tsunade snorted. “The old fence-sitter stepping down? I’ll believe it when I see it.”
She then turned to Fugaku. “And what about the Uchiha Clan? How have things been on that front?”
Fugaku’s expression softened slightly. “We’ve been doing well, Lady Hokage—thanks to you.”
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Fugaku continued, “Ever since the Konoha Police Force started accepting other shinobi into its ranks, the resentment toward the Uchiha Clan has significantly lessened. It’s had a positive impact on the clan.
"Additionally, since Uchiha can now enter all departments of the village’s administration, they’ve been able to integrate better with the rest of the shinobi forces. Morale is high, and for the first time in a long while, my clan members feel included. They’re happier and more sociable now.”
Tsunade smirked. “Glad to hear it.”
Just then, Kaito appeared in the middle of the room with Tenzo beside him.
“Well, hello there, Lady Tsunade!” Kaito greeted with a big grin, waving. “You’re looking extra lovely today! Did you cut your hair?”
Tsunade’s eye twitched.
Tenzo sighed heavily and facepalmed.
Kaito then turned, spotting Shikaku and Fugaku. He smiled, rubbing the back of his head. “Hey there, Sensei! Fugaku-sama! Didn’t think I’d run into you both here.”
Jiraiya frowned. “Hey! What about me?”
Kaito completely ignored him.
Tsunade groaned and slammed her forehead onto the desk. “What have you done now, Kaito?”
Kaito gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. “Hey! Why do you always assume I did something bad? That’s hurtful, ya know!”
Shikaku sighed and looked at Kaito with a lazy but sharp gaze. “First,” he said, raising a finger, “you showed up in the Hokage’s office looking nervous while you were supposed to be on a mission. Second,” he raised another finger, “you brought an ANBU who was not assigned to your mission. And third,” he lifted a third finger and pointed downward, “that ANBU isn’t even in uniform… or wearing sandals.”
Kaito blinked, glancing down at Tenzo’s feet, only now realizing that he was barefoot.
Tsunade crossed her arms and leaned back. “And the last time you showed up like this, you had a half-dead kid with you and were planning to assassinate the Third Hokage and his advisors to ‘fix’ the Uchiha situation.”
Shikaku pinched the bridge of his nose. “of course he would.”
Fugaku turned to Kaito, eyes wide.
Kaito looked offended, crossing his arms. “Hey! First of all, it wasn’t my fault that Shisui was attacked by Danzo! I was the one who saved him! And secondly, no one was willing to step up and actually resolve the issue. It was the simplest solution with the least casualties, ya know?”
Then, turning to Tenzo, he added sheepishly, “Uh… sorry about the whole barefoot thing. Didn’t realize, my bad. I’ll make it up to you somehow, ya know.”
Before Tenzo could respond, Kaito’s eyes widened, and he smacked his fist into his palm. “I got it! I’ll ask Mom to set you up on a date with Shizune-san! She’s been dying to find someone for her!”
Just then, the office door opened, and Shizune walked in—only to freeze as Kaito’s words hit her.
Her face turned bright pink. “W-W-W-What are you guys talking about?!”
Tenzo’s entire face flushed red, and before Kaito could say another word, he grabbed him by the neck and started choking him. “Stop talking nonsense!”
Kaito flailed, tapping Tenzo’s hand and wheezing, “L-Let… go…!”
Tenzo quickly let go, still red-faced, and turned to Shizune, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “Uh… don’t listen to him. He’s just blabbering.”
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. “As amusing as this is, I do want to know why you both are here.” Her sharp gaze landed on Tenzo. “And why are you with Kaito?”
Kaito rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Uh… right. Well… let’s start from the beginning.”
…
Tsunade rubbed her temples, her frustration evident. “Let me get this straight—you found three orphans, fought Orochimaru, infiltrated Kiri, discovered that the Mizukage was about to wipe out three clans, rescued their civilians along with some stationed shinobi, teleported them to an island, got Tenzo to build houses for them, moved the Yuki Clan members to the Land of Tea, and then promised them you could get them settled in Konoha.”
She took a deep breath, then exhaled sharply. “Did I get all of that right?”
Shikaku, arms crossed, added in a deadpan voice, “You forgot the part where he kicked the Mizukage in the face.”
Tsunade groaned and slammed her forehead onto the desk.
Kaito laughed nervously. “Yeah… that about sums it up, ya know.”
Jiraiya chuckled, shaking his head. “Kid you said I was the one most likely to cause an international incident… but you, kid? You just took it ten steps higher.”
Shikaku let out a long sigh. “Kaito, do you realize the weight of your actions? Do you have any idea what this could cost Konoha? How can you be this reckless?”
Kaito’s face turned serious. “I know what I did isn’t what a typical shinobi in my position should do,” he said, his voice firm. “But I couldn’t just stand by and let him slaughter kids and innocent people.”His fists clenched. “Half the people I rescued are children under the age of five. I couldn’t just leave them there to die—not when I knew I could help them. And turning a blind eye? That’s not something I can do—or will do. Especially when the Mizukage isn’t even in control of himself.”
That caught everyone’s attention.
Tsunade’s sharp eyes locked onto Kaito. “What do you mean the Mizukage is being controlled?”
Kaito met her gaze, his voice firm. “Exactly what I said. He’s under a genjutsu.” He crossed his arms. “And I’ll let you take a wild guess who’s behind it.”
Fugaku’s eyes narrowed. “Danzo.”
Kaito blinked. “Huh? What?!” He stared at Fugaku like he had just grown a second head. “Why would you even think that weakling could control the Mizukage?!”
Fugaku blinked and said, “Because you said the Mizukage was being controlled, i assumed that he was under a genjutsu… and Danzo has Shisui’s Sharingan.”
Kaito blinked. 'Wait… Danzo has Shisui’s Sharingan!' He had completely forgotten about that. 'Which means he has Kotoamatsukami… Shit.'
Shikaku observed Kaito’s expression carefully before calmly stating, “It’s the masked man.”
Kaito sighed but nodded. “Yeah. It’s the masked man.”
Tsunade’s face turned serious. “Are you sure about this? That he’s the one controlling the Mizukage?”
Kaito’s expression hardened, his gaze sharp. “I’d recognize that chakra signature anywhere.”
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the conversation sinking in.
Jiraiya was the first to speak, rubbing his chin in deep thought. “This is bad… If the masked man has a genjutsu powerful enough to control a Kage…”
Fugaku crossed his arms, his expression dark. “And he’s using the Mizukage to cause major damage to Kiri… A personal vendetta, perhaps?”
Shikaku rubbed his chin, his gaze sharp. “We don’t even know how long the Mizukage has been under his control. If it’s been years, the level of damage could be worse than we realize.”
Kaito turned to Tsunade. “According to Mei, Yagura’s personality completely changed a year after he became the Fourth Mizukage. That means he’s been under genjutsu for about six years now.”
Jiraiya exhaled, shaking his head. “Six years… That’s long enough to reshape an entire nation.”
Shikaku frowned. “If that’s the case, then Kiri’s instability isn’t just a consequence of poor leadership—it’s deliberate sabotage.”
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her forehead. “We can’t do much about the Mizukage right now without starting a war. All we can do is closely monitor Kiri.”
She then turned to Kaito, her voice tired. “Alright… I’ll allow the Yuki Clan to join Konoha under the conditions you set.” She sighed. “I assume you’ve already thought of a way to get them here without causing a major incident?”
Kaito grinned at her. “Thanks, I knew you’d agree! Tenzo and Kakashi were saying you were heartless and wouldn’t agree to giving asylum to the Yuki Clan—”
Tenzo went pale. “W-We never said that, my lady!” he stammered, then turned to Kaito with a look of betrayal before grabbing him by the head. “HEY! WHY WOULD YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!”
Kaito just laughed, trying to pry Tenzo’s hands off him.
Tsunade sighed and rubbed her temples. “This kid is going to be the death of me…” she muttered under her breath.
