In the sunshine, Hyuga Hizashi, Uchiha Shisui, and Hatake Kakashi had almost become Uchiha Kaien's regular team members.
"Kakashi, you and Shisui keep a close eye on things, especially before reinforcements arrive. Be cautious of attacks from the Mist ninjas," Kaien instructed, his voice calm but authoritative.
The entire Konoha camp knew that while they had achieved strategic victories, they had failed to guard against internal leaks. The result was a significant loss of supplies after a series of targeted attacks by the Mist.
"Kaien, this time the leak came from Uegaki," Kakashi said, his tone grave.
The reconnaissance skills of the Mist ninjas were formidable, supplemented by a range of strange and deadly techniques. The traitor in the camp had been identified, yet Kakashi's choice to speak of it here made Kaien realize the situation wasn't so straightforward.
"Kakashi, is there something unusual about this traitor?" Kaien's sharp gaze cut through the air as he looked at Kakashi.
Even Uchiha Shisui, typically more relaxed, sensed the tension and turned his attention toward Kakashi. Only Hyuga Hizashi remained silent, his stoic expression revealing nothing.
After a moment of heavy silence, Kakashi spoke softly. "Uegaki's family was threatened, and the threat came from within the village. It was orchestrated by the Third Hokage's daughter-in-law."
Kaien's expression remained unreadable, but Shisui's eyes burned with fury. The mention of this person brought back memories he'd rather forget.
"Damn it! Her again! How does someone like that deserve to live? First Orochimaru, now this! Damn it!" Shisui's voice shook with anger, his fists clenched tightly.
Kaien raised a hand, silencing Shisui. His gaze remained fixed on Kakashi. "Who else knows about this?" he asked evenly.
Kakashi nodded slightly. "Might Guy and Shiranui Genma. The three of us uncovered the details together."
Hizashi remained silent, his pale eyes observing Kaien attentively, awaiting his next move. He embodied the perfect image of an obedient ninja—calm and ready to act. Under the weight of Kakashi's steady gaze, Kaien finally spoke, his voice low and deliberate.
"The village needs stability. We can't move against the Third Hokage's daughter-in-law. But keeping her alive will only cause more harm, both to us and her own family."
Shisui, who had been seething moments earlier, now looked despondent. "Why, Kaien? They're willing to risk their lives for the village, yet in the end, they're betrayed by their own?"
Kaien's gaze softened slightly, but his voice carried the weight of experience. "Because this isn't just about one person. It's about a system. The corruption isn't new, Shisui. It's only becoming clearer now."
Even Hizashi, hardened by years of subjugation under the Hyuga main family, seemed to absorb Kaien's words with a slight shift in his stoic demeanor. Kakashi, ever the realist, nodded subtly, acknowledging the truth of the matter.
Kaien's gaze moved back to Kakashi. "You will personally lead the Genma squad, Might Guy, and the Kurenai squad to complete this mission. Uegaki will have died from his injuries. I won't comment on his choices, but his family in the village is innocent. They deserve to see him remembered as a hero."
Kakashi's face betrayed no emotion as he nodded. He understood Kaien's reasoning: to eliminate potential leaks while rallying allies. Taking Might Guy and the Genma squad ensured the mission's success and subtly tested their loyalties. The addition of Kurenai's team signaled an effort to gather more trusted comrades.
Kaien's voice dropped further. "Shisui, Itachi has just arrived at the front lines. Take him with you. Let him see the darkness of politics firsthand. It's a responsibility he must bear as the son of the clan head."
The weight of Kaien's words hung in the air. He waved them off with a weary gesture, and the three departed the tent, each lost in their thoughts. Left alone, Kaien rubbed his tired eyes before a faint, sardonic smile tugged at his lips.
"Sarutobi Shinzo," he muttered. "I should thank your mother for handing me such a useful whetstone. It's time to sharpen my blades."
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