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Mastermind of the Akatsuki 367
🕑 Added 2025-04-06 16:00:04 +0000 UTCChapter 367: Ichiraku Ramen
After half a month of travel, Byakuya arrived at Konohagakure with the shinobi from Amegakure.
During these two weeks, Byakuya hadn’t just been traveling, he had taken the Amegakure shinobi on a sightseeing trip, enjoying the scenery of the Land of Fire along the way.
Upon arriving in Konohagakure, Byakuya was quickly welcomed by the Third Hokage. Seeing the aged Hokage, Byakuya joked, "Third Hokage-sama, you’ve gotten much older compared to over a decade ago."
The Third Hokage chuckled and replied, "Shinobi grow old, after all. It’s been over ten years, Byakuya-san. You’ve matured a great deal too. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve surpassed Hanzo by now."
Byakuya nodded slightly, tacitly acknowledging that his strength had indeed surpassed Hanzo’s. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "My master sends his regards. He also insisted that I lead the Amegakure shinobi to first place in the Chunin Exams, so I brought these two along to participate."
"These two?" The Third Hokage followed Byakuya’s gaze and spotted Kimimaro and Haku.
He had heard rumors about them. After repelling the Masked Man, Byakuya had taken in two Bloodline Limit wielders from Kirigakure. Without a doubt, these were Kimimaro, master of the Shikotsumyaku, and Haku, the user of Ice Release.
Judging by their ages, they were both over sixteen and had reportedly even fought against the Fourth Mizukage. They were already Jonin-level in strength.
Sending shinobi of Jonin caliber to participate in the Chunin Exams… That was just like Byakuya’s style.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Third Hokage and Byakuya concluded their meeting, and Byakuya was escorted by ANBU to the village’s guest lodgings.
Following the reception of the Amegakure shinobi, the Third Hokage went on to greet delegations from Sunagakure and Kirigakure.
Once most of the shinobi had been settled in, the Third Hokage returned to his office with a troubled expression.
He had originally intended to use this Chunin Exam to showcase Konoha’s younger generation, but it seemed the other villages had similar ideas.
Amegakure sending Bloodline Limit users was one thing, but Sunagakure had even brought the children of former Kazekage, including their own Jinchuriki, the host of the One-Tail. Were they really this desperate to win?
If not for Sunagakure’s well-known weakness, he might have suspected they were planning an attack.
Pushing aside his wandering thoughts, the Third Hokage turned to an ANBU nearby. "Has Jiraiya or Tsunade returned to the village yet?"
The ANBU lowered his head. "Jiraiya-sama is currently in the nearby market district, but we’ve been unable to locate Tsunade-sama. It seems she still refuses to return."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage’s expression darkened.
If only Jiraiya had come back, there would still be significant risks in hosting this Chunin Exam. But if Tsunade refused to return, there was nothing he could do, he would have to rely on Danzo to maintain order.
With a sigh, the Third Hokage ordered, "Inform Danzo. Have him monitor the participating shinobi closely these days. If there’s even the slightest sign of trouble, report to me immediately. No reckless actions."
The ANBU nodded and left to carry out his mission.
Though he doubted Danzo would actually obey the Hokage’s orders. Over the years, ROOT had completely broken away from the ANBU’s structure, becoming a massive entity operating independently within Konoha.
---
Guest Lodgings
In his room, Byakuya met with Kabuto Yakushi.
Nearly eight years had passed since their last meeting, and Kabuto had grown into a handsome and reliable-looking young shinobi.
As a Konoha genin who had repeatedly failed the Chunin Exams, Kabuto had participated in the exams many times while secretly gathering intelligence on Konoha shinobi for Byakuya. This time, aside from briefing Byakuya on the exam details, he had also come to deliver new information.
Byakuya accepted the intel but showed little interest in its contents, his focus was on Kabuto himself.
After a moment of contemplation, Byakuya asked, "How much has your strength improved these past years? Do you think you could take on one of the Sannin, say, Jiraiya? I’m planning to make a move against Konoha during the Chunin Exams."
"Me? Fight Jiraiya?"
Kabuto’s eyes widened as if he’d just heard a joke.
Though he had trained relentlessly in the secret techniques Byakuya provided and even undergone biological modifications to implant a Cursed Seal, elevating his strength far beyond his past self, facing Jiraiya head-on was an entirely different matter.
The peak of Cursed Seal technology was merely the starting point of Sage Mode. Against Jiraiya, he stood no chance, he wouldn’t even last long enough to put up a fight.
But if Byakuya-sama had given the order, he had no choice but to find a way.
After a brief pause, Kabuto seriously proposed a plan:
"Byakuya-sama, in a direct confrontation, even three of me wouldn’t be a match for Jiraiya. However… we could use poison. I have a toxin that can weaken even a Sannin. If we can make him ingest it…"
Byakuya chuckled and shook his head. "Never mind. Someone else will handle distracting Jiraiya. You should continue your infiltration in Konoha, it’s not yet time for you to reveal yourself."
Kabuto was stunned that Byakuya truly intended to strike at Konoha. Hesitantly, he added, "Byakuya-sama, are you really going to move against Konoha? Are you sure you don’t need my assistance? I’ve gathered a considerable amount of intelligence over the years, it could be crucial at the right moment..."
Byakuya shook his head again. "Are you questioning my decision? This matter isn’t significant enough to warrant using a trump card like you. Besides, I won’t be personally involved in this operation. The ones carrying out the attack will be Orochimaru and Rasa. In fact, we’ll even be standing on Konoha’s side."
Hearing the full scope of the plan, Kabuto’s eyes filled with shock. He had no idea Orochimaru and the Fourth Kazekage were both under Byakuya’s command.
Then, as if remembering something, Kabuto cautiously said, "Byakuya-sama, Orochimaru has repeatedly tried to recruit me. Do you think… he might have ulterior motives toward you?"
Byakuya smiled meaningfully. "I’m well aware Orochimaru isn’t loyal. But that doesn’t affect our relationship, nor does it interfere with this plan. If Orochimaru tries to recruit you again, go ahead and become his subordinate."
"Yes, Byakuya-sama. I will follow your orders and join him..." Kabuto paused, then asked softly, "By the way… how are Director Nonō and the others?"
Byakuya nodded. "I haven’t checked on them recently, but they should be doing fine. Nonō and Konan have been traveling across nations, taking in orphaned children."
Relieved to hear the orphanage director was well, Kabuto exhaled quietly, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Just then, Byakuya sensed a violent surge of chakra in the distance. Frowning, he vanished from the spot.
---
Elsewhere in Konoha
A heated confrontation had broken out between two groups, Konoha shinobi and Sunagakure shinobi.
The cause was simple:
Kankurō, part of a Suna team, had encountered a group of Konoha Academy students. After being insulted by the kids, he lashed out, only to be stopped by Team 7.
Tensions quickly escalated, and with Naruto and Gaara joining the fray, the conflict threatened to spiral out of control.
Sensing the chakra fluctuations, Byakuya arrived at the scene.
Watching the standoff between Gaara, Naruto, and the others, Byakuya couldn't help but show a hint of exasperation.
Weren’t Gaara and Kankurō trained by Sasori? Why are they still so hot-tempered? Where’s the composure of a seasoned shinobi? All they know is fighting.
Then again, considering Sasori’s own temperament, it wasn’t surprising that Gaara hadn’t changed much.
As the tension mounted, Gaara and Naruto both sensed something unusual about each other. A strange, yet familiar presence emanated from their opponent.
Their chakra seemed to clash in the air, as if testing one another.
Realizing this, neither dared to act recklessly, both suspected the other might be a Jinchūriki. If two Jinchūriki fought here, it would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention from the adults.
But backing down? For hot-blooded teenagers like them, that was nearly impossible.
Just as the situation was about to escalate into an actual fight, Byakuya stepped out from the shadows. Sensing his chakra, Naruto and Gaara immediately turned their attention toward him.
Naruto quickly recognized Byakuya and blurted out, "Byakuya-senpai! Are you here for the Chunin Exams too?"
Byakuya nodded. "That’s right. So you kids might as well give up now. Naruto, go withdraw immediately."
"If Byakuya-senpai is really participating, then I guess we have no choice but to-"
Suddenly, Naruto paused, realization dawning. "Wait, you’re a jonin, aren’t you? Jonin can’t take the Chunin Exams! You’re not here to compete!"
Byakuya smirked. "I’m a proctor. But my team? They won’t lose. This tournament is as good as theirs."
Naruto frowned. "If you’re not fighting, then I’m not scared of anyone! I’ll definitely win first place!"
As Byakuya and Naruto spoke, Gaara studied Byakuya intently. That voice… it sounded eerily familiar.
Stepping forward, Gaara asked bluntly, "You… were you that shinobi from that night? Sasori-sama’s… acquaintance?"
Byakuya glanced at Gaara. "I’m surprised you remember me after all this time. How is Sasori these days? I assume he’s settled into his role as Kazekage by now?"
Gaara recalled the state of Sasori’s office and inwardly sighed.
Sasori-sama may be Kazekage in name, but most of Suna’s administrative duties are handled by Chiyo-baa-sama. He only steps in for major village decisions.
Reading Gaara’s expression, Byakuya could guess Sasori’s work ethic.
After a brief pause, Byakuya said, "Give Sasori my regards when you return. As for this little scuffle with Konoha’s shinobi… save it for the exams."
With that, he turned to Naruto. "Come on, Naruto. Let’s get ramen."
As Byakuya led Naruto away, Kankurō shot Gaara a confused look.
"Gaara, why’d you back off? We had the upper hand! And who was that guy? Is he really that strong?"
Gaara gave him a sidelong glance. "If you want to die, I won’t stop you."
Kankurō didn’t understand Gaara’s sudden caution, but he knew better than to argue. Despite being the older brother, his standing among the three siblings was the lowest.
Even after years of training in puppetry, the gap in their strength was still vast.
Temari also looked puzzled and asked, "Gaara, what's going on? Even before Byakuya showed up, you seemed wary of that blond kid."
Since it was his sister asking, Gaara reluctantly replied, "Naruto is a Jinchūriki, just like me. He must be Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
"A Jinchūriki?!" Kankurō nearly jumped at the revelation.
Having grown up being bullied by Gaara, Kankurō knew all too well how powerful Jinchūriki were, they were monsters who could reach Kage-level strength as long as they could communicate with their Tailed Beasts.
If he couldn't even handle Gaara, there was no way he stood a chance against Naruto.
Temari, on the other hand, had already suspected as much. She knew her brother's temperament, Gaara wouldn't back down unless he sensed a true equal.
After learning Naruto's identity, Kankurō pressed further, "Then who the hell is that Byakuya guy?"
Before Gaara could answer, Temari rapped Kankurō on the head with her fan.
"Have you been holed up studying puppets for so long that you don't even know Byakuya? He's a high-ranking elder from Amegakure, rumored to have surpassed the Five Kages. He's widely considered the strongest shinobi in the world right now."
"The strongest shinobi in the world?!" Kankurō's eyes nearly bulged out of his skull.
Gaara sighed quietly, despairing over his otaku brother's lack of awareness. If he stays this oblivious, he's going to get himself killed on the battlefield one day.
---
Meanwhile, at Ichiraku Ramen...
Byakuya led Naruto and the others to the ramen stand.
After taking their seats, Byakuya called out to Teuchi, "Six extra-large bowls, please. And go heavy on the green onions and beef."
Teuchi walked over, studying Byakuya's face with a frown. "First time in Konoha? You look... familiar somehow."
Byakuya grinned. "We met over a decade ago, back before Naruto was even born. I was sitting here with Jiraiya-sama and the Third Hokage. Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
Teuchi thought for a long moment before his face lit up. "Ah! It's you! After all these years, I barely recognized you!"
As he spoke, the steaming bowls of ramen arrived.
The familiar aroma and taste brought back memories. Byakuya slurped his noodles while studying Naruto and Sasuke.
Just then, Kakashi lifted the curtain and stepped inside.
