Whoosh.
That's when Uchiha Mikoto also began her solo practice. Suddenly, an Anbu ninja—his face concealed by a mask—appeared beside Saigoji Youmu.
"Master Third Hokage called, please go to the office," the Anbu ninja instructed in a calm, efficient tone.
"Okay, I understand," Youmu replied. Whoosh. The ninja's actions were impeccably efficient, leaving no room for error. After delivering the message, he departed without hesitation.
"You, Mikoto, Kushina—practice hard," Saigoji Youmu called after them.
"I'm off to the Hokage's office," Kushina replied, and Mikoto echoed, "Yes, Mr. Saigoji."
Hokage Office
At that moment, aside from Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya were present. Boom! The office door swung open, and Saigoji Youmu entered.
"Hey, are you here?" Youmu greeted, surprised by the presence of Tsunade and the others.
"Something's gone wrong, Youmu," Tsunade said, her face darkening. "It appears our conversation at the tavern last night was overheard."
"Now, somewhere in Konoha someone's claiming you know the ultimate secret of the Sharingan," she continued.
"It doesn't matter," Youmu replied dismissively. "If someone from the Uchiha clan comes to me, I'll handle it." He cared little for the current state of the Uchiha.
"Youmu," Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected, "the problem isn't with you or the Uchiha—it's that your words have been overheard."
"I checked with Tsunade and the others—they're certain that no one in the tavern could have heard your conversation," Hiruzen added.
"Um?" Youmu frowned slowly as Hiruzen's words sank in. He realized the gravity of the situation: words that were meant to be secret had somehow been spread.
""Who has the ability to hide from me, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya and eavesdrop on our conversation." Youmu wondered silently. Information about the masters of intelligence and concealment within Konoha flashed through his mind. Soon, he arrived at an answer.
"It turns out to be absolute," he murmured. "I was negligent, ignoring an important role."
Closing his eyes, Youmu concentrated, letting the keen perception granted by the combined blessings of Esdeath and Lucia-Crimson Abyss extend outward. Although his current ability couldn't grasp every secret hidden in the dark, he was confident that if someone were watching him, he would detect it.
"What is he doing?" Tsunade, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others exchanged puzzled glances. They could not fathom what Youmu was up to, yet trusted his skill enough not to disturb him.
After a while, Youmu reopened his eyes, his frown easing into relief. "It looks like he's not here now."
"Youmu, did you think of something?" Tsunade asked quickly as she noted the change in his expression.
"I thought of someone," Youmu replied. "He does have the ability to hide among us and gather news."
"Who?" The hearts of Hiruzen, Tsunade, and the others began to race. If there were such a terrifying figure hidden within Konoha, what secrets did the village hold?
"I can't tell you who it is," Youmu warned. "You'd better not provoke him. Under normal circumstances, he shows no signs of disturbance. If I'm not mistaken, his target is only me. Konoha itself won't be affected."
Youmu deliberately withheld the existence of Jue—a secret kept for their own safety. Once Jue realized that someone other than Madara was in play, he would become even more dangerous. With extreme caution, Youmu planned to target that individual alone. "Don't worry about yourself, but Konoha… resisting Jue and Uchiha Madara's methods will be difficult."
"This…" Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade, and the others exchanged uneasy looks. Although Youmu's words were not entirely clear, his solemn tone conveyed the gravity of the situation.
"Trust me and do exactly as I say," Youmu instructed firmly. "Keep this in your heart and do not reveal it to anyone. Otherwise, Konoha might soon face disaster."
To prevent any rash actions, Youmu emphasized his warning once more.