Land of Fire.
Within the borders of the Hidden Leaf Village.
"So this is the Hidden Leaf Village?"
"It's so impressive—no wonder so many nations are trying to attack it."
The 17-year-old Rasa stood tall and straight, his handsome face exuding determination and confidence. His reddish-brown hair fluttered in the wind, adding to his dashing demeanor.
Rasa was calm and decisive, displaying a maturity beyond his years. He had a clear understanding of his goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. In his ninjutsu training, he was diligent and relentless, constantly pushing his limits.
At this moment, Chiyo spoke up.
"Enough marveling. Our Hidden Sand Village will grow stronger too."
"And don't forget the purpose of our visit—focus on your duties."
Chiyo and Rasa were the leaders of this Sand Ninja delegation. Their objective, as Hatake Sakumo had previously guessed, was to learn and gather intelligence.
Beyond that, they had another goal: to engage in small-scale sparring matches to gauge the differences and skill levels between their ninja.
The two primary targets they had to test were Uchiha Yato and Hatake Sakumo.
Meanwhile, standing at the village gates were Koharu Utatane, Shimura Danzo, and Uchiha Kei, all there to welcome the Sand Ninja.
Uchiha Yato was the last to arrive, and he had brought a special gift with him.
Holding a large red banner, he was followed by two beautiful Uchiha women who helped carry it. When unfurled, the banner boldly read:
"Welcome Sand Ninja Friends to the Hidden Leaf for Learning!"
Next, festive wedding music began playing from all directions, and children from the Hidden Leaf Village appeared to offer candy and blessings to their guests from afar.
That's right—Uchiha Yato was up to his antics again.
Upon seeing Uchiha Yato's arrival, two chunin in the Sand Ninja delegation immediately recognized the devil who had tormented them on the battlefield.Her body trembled uncontrollably, unable to suppress that indescribable sense of fear.
At this moment, Chiyo finally laid eyes on the unusual Uchiha mentioned in the intelligence reports.
In terms of appearance alone, Uchiha Yato was exceptionally striking—even a middle-aged woman like Chiyo couldn't help but appreciate his looks.
According to the intelligence gathered by the Sand Ninja's Anbu, Uchiha Yato's personal combat prowess was also formidable.
Meanwhile, the four members of Hidden Leaf's "F4" felt a chill run down their spines.
Shimura Danzo and Utatane Koharu were utterly stunned by the atmosphere Uchiha Yato had created on-site, though it was undeniably lively and festive—exactly what they had initially requested.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Mitokado Homura, however, were infuriated by Uchiha Yato's shamelessness.
Earlier, Sarutobi Hiruzen had agreed to provide funds for Uchiha Yato's event, only for the man to demand 10 million upfront.
Good grief—that was the equivalent of ten S-rank missions!
Absolutely not. After a round of haggling between Uchiha Yato and Mitokado Homura,
Sarutobi Hiruzen was drawn into the bargaining battle as well.
In the end, Uchiha Yato emerged victorious, but with the condition that he had to make the Sand Ninja suffer—to leave an unforgettable impression.
Before wrapping up, he even slipped Sarutobi Hiruzen and Mitokado Homura each a bottle of Quick-Acting Heart-Saving Pills.
Now, as Sarutobi Hiruzen observed the scene outside through his Telescope Technique, he found himself reaching for the pills on his desk once again.
Though the occasion was grand, something about it felt off—he just couldn't pinpoint what.
Uchiha Yato abruptly cut in, addressing the group, "My apologies, everyone."
"I was busy preparing all this, so I'm a bit late. Hope you don't mind."
Only then did Rasa shift his gaze to this Hidden Leaf ninja, who was around his own age.
He had already seen intelligence on Uchiha Yato and knew that the bizarrely hypnotic dances occasionally seen in the Sand Village were the result of his genjutsu.
But he didn't overstep Chiyo, allowing her to speak first—after all, she was the primary leader of this delegation.
Chiyo remarked, "The Hidden Leaf Village is certainly... enthusiastic. This old woman can feel your warmth."
"Thank you for everything along the way."
Uchiha Yato immediately caught the undertone, but now wasn't the time for him to respond.
Shimura Danzo interjected, "The journey was long, and encountering rogue ninjas in the mountains is normal. Unlike our two great nations, those types have no scruples."
Utatane Koharu added, "How embarrassing to have our guests startled at the gates."
"We've prepared a feast today. Please follow the Uchiha to your accommodations and rest."
"Later, we'll finalize the arrangements for your stay. For now, we'll take our leave to make preparations. We hope you all rest well."
With that, Utatane Koharu unceremoniously dumped the responsibility onto the Uchiha.
As the clan head, Uchiha Kei had no choice but to step forward.
"The elders are right. For the next three months of your training, the Uchiha Clan will provide lodging."
Chiyo's interest was suddenly piqued.The Uchiha Clan is renowned as a prominent clan of Eye Techniques, with their Bloodline Limit, the Sharingan, being highly valued by other major nations.
This naturally presented an opportunity for the Sand Ninja to frequently interact with the Sharingan, allowing them to study and uncover its weaknesses.
Benefits were mutual, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was well aware of this.
However, in exchange, the Uchiha Clan could assist in monitoring the Sand Ninja without harming the Hidden Leaf.
Or, on a smaller scale, it wouldn't affect the Sarutobi Clan—at most, the Uchiha's secrets might be spied upon, and their abilities exposed.
Seeing Chiyo continue to fish for information, Uchiha Yato suddenly leaped in front of the two Sand Ninja leaders.
Uchiha Yato said, "I've heard that the Sand Ninja's desert dates are delicious. I wonder if you two have brought any? I'd be willing to pay for some."
Uchiha Yato employed his usual tactic—diverting the conversation to shift attention.
At this moment, Rasa lacked much political awareness and very naturally pulled out a few desert dates from his storage pouch.
He politely replied, "These are just ordinary things, no payment is needed. Consider it a novelty."
Chiyo then added, "Then we'll trouble the Uchiha Clan to guide us to our resting quarters. We'll meet again in the evening."
...
Around the Uchiha Clan Grounds.
This was where the Sand Ninja would reside during their visit—a location in the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, a gesture of great respect.
Meanwhile, inside a room plastered with sealing talismans, Chiyo and Rasa were deep in discussion.
Rasa said, "The ambushes we encountered on our way here likely weren't orchestrated by the Uchiha Clan."
"I strongly suspect it was the work of one of the Hidden Leaf's elders—that man called Shimura Danzo."
The conversation now flowed with Rasa speaking and Chiyo listening.
This was, of course, Chiyo's way of testing and cultivating Rasa's political awareness and acumen.
After hearing Rasa's explanation, Chiyo posed a question.
"So, do you believe there is friction between the Uchiha Clan and the Hokage's inner circle?"
"Who do you think will be the biggest obstacle in our mission this time?"
Rasa pondered for a moment before answering, "I believe there is friction."
"Judging by the attitude of that Uchiha Yato today and the higher-ups, I think there must be some tension between them."
"The biggest obstacle should be that elder we saw earlier."
Chiyo was somewhat satisfied with Rasa's response before offering her own perspective.
"There is friction, but it's still within a manageable state."
"The greatest resistance will likely come from Uchiha Yato. He may seem eccentric, but he possesses a certain cunning."
Rasa was puzzled—how had Chiyo discerned so much?
Chiyo took a sip of tea and continued, "From Uchiha Yato's actions and demeanor today, as well as the intelligence we've gathered, we can infer his character."
"His methods may seem erratic, but there's a method to his madness."
"Did you notice what those children were carrying earlier?"
"Sand Ninja children would never have access to such things. It was a subtle display of power."
"If I'm not mistaken, tonight's banquet will also be prepared by the Uchiha, likely featuring delicacies we've never seen before."
Rasa caught on and added, "To showcase their abundance and mock our scarcity?"
Chiyo nodded slightly, but after a moment, she shook her head."Sort of, but we must be very careful about that Shimura Danzo."
"Previously, Uchiha Yato already tarnished Shimura Danzo's reputation, so we need to stay vigilant as well."
"That man is utterly despicable and shameless. Many will likely attend tonight's banquet, so listen and observe more—don't speak carelessly. We mustn't fall into their trap."
Just as the two finished their conversation, they heard a Sand Ninja speaking outside.
"Lord Rasa, Elder Chiyo."
"The Uchiha Clan has informed us that the banquet is ready. They request that both of you follow them to dine."
Seeing Rasa's nervousness, Chiyo reassured him, "Alright, don't be tense."
"Leave everything to this old woman. Whatever comes, we'll handle it. Let's go take a look."
With that, the two left their residence and headed to the banquet.