Shibuki was completely baffled by Senta's behavior and his last words.
Senta laughed and clapped a hand on Shibuki's back. "Looks like she didn't tell you! Well, I'll explain everything once we get to where we're going."
"Where are we going?" Shibuki asked.
Senta opened a door and stepped into a hallway. "We're going to meet our colleagues."
"Our colleagues?"
Senta nodded. "People you can think of as your friends, and who you'll be interacting with a lot in the future."
Shibuki stared in disbelief as Senta effortlessly moved from one room to the next, finally opening a door that seemed to be at the center of a labyrinth.
Inside, three people were seated.
A girl with red lipstick frowned when she saw Senta. She had fair skin, dark eyes, and light blue hair tied into a spiky ponytail. Her outfit consisted of a short turquoise kimono with a gray turtleneck and short sleeves, a rope belt, red shorts, bright purple wristbands, and dark blue sandals.
"Heh. The braggart finally showed up."
A boy with white hair, cream-colored eyes, and a black mark on his forehead sat beside her. He was wearing a loose, high-collared jacket with three leather straps. Only the upper half of his face and his hair were visible.
"You're here."
And the last one, a young man with spiky black hair and a brown eyepatch over one eye, was wearing a dark blue one-piece outfit with a red logo and black circular markings on his right sleeve.
"You're late."
Senta greeted them and walked in, motioning for Shibuki to follow. "It's what they say—the hero of the story always arrives late."
The one-eyed young man clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone's here. Now that we are, let's get down to business. But before that, since we have a new member, how about we properly introduce ourselves? We'll start with our new friend here." He gestured to Shibuki.
Shibuki looked at him and the others in surprise. "My name is Shibuki. I'm a Jonin from Takigakure who came here as the instructor for the Genin participating in the Chunin Exams."
Senta nodded in approval. He stepped forward, introducing himself first. "Even though I already told you, I'm Senta. This guy's partner and brother, Mitsuro." He gestured to the one-eyed man. "This knucklehead can't do anything without me! Oh, right, my specialty is information transfer! Just so you know, I'm not a ninja, but I know more about the ninja world than any ninja."
Mitsuro added, "He's a thief and a con artist."
"Hey!" Senta protested. "When have I ever conned anyone?!"
"The way you exaggerate yourself is a con!"
"That's not true!"
"Tell me, did you finally track down the person who took your money?"
"Ugh! No!" Senta was taken aback and sank back down into his seat, annoyed.
The boy sitting next to him said nonchalantly, "As if you would find them! Did you really think Tsunade would just hand your money back?"
Tsunade? The greatest medical ninja? Were they talking about that Tsunade? Shibuki was astonished.
The boy turned to Shibuki and said calmly, "My name is Hiruko. I'm a scientist. Someone who wants to revolutionize the ninja world."
The girl next to him finished his sentence. "And a pervert who likes to steal other people's powers!"
Shibuki looked at Hiruko, confused.
The girl continued, "Don't look at him like that! He's a very dangerous old man! He just has the face of a child!"
Hiruko was, in fact, an old friend of the Sannin. Long ago, in his desire to become the strongest ninja, he created a forbidden jutsu and used it to escape from Konoha village. Mitsuro had met him on one of his travels. They discovered each other's talents and quickly became friends, and Hiruko agreed to join Mitsuro's plans.
Guren introduced herself with a confident smile. "Hi. My name's Guren. I'm a superb Kunoichi with the power of Crystal Release. I've never been a member of any decent ninja village, but I'll be going to Takigakure soon, so you'll be my senior! Please take care of me!"
Guren came from a small village where she was ostracized by others for her unique powers. In the original story, she was one of Orochimaru's subordinates because he was the one who took her with him after her village was destroyed. But this time, Mitsuro had found Guren before Orochimaru and brought her along.
Guren was incredibly talented and had become extremely powerful just by learning a few jutsu from Mitsuro. She seemed to be obsessively loyal to Mitsuro and obeyed his every command, even when he ordered her to accompany Hiruko—who she didn't like—without any protest. However, she wasn't very familiar with Hiruko and mocked him every chance she got.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to introduce myself. My name is Mitsuro. Mitsuro Uchiha. I'm considered a Special Jonin of Konoha, but in reality... I am the leader of this small group, and also the real head of Takigakure!"
"What?! What do you mean?" Shibuki was more shocked than ever. He stared at Mitsuro, who was leaning against the wall.
Mitsuro smiled a cold, emotionless smile. "My meaning is simple! Kaori works for me. Which means, of course, that you work for me too."
He then continued, "Now, let's get to the main point. The reason we're all here is to rob Danzo during the Chunin Exams!"