As the setting sun cast its glow, Baki gazed at the flourishing Konoha.
Compared to Sunagakure, it was an entirely different world.
The Land of Fire… Konoha.
Blessed with abundant resources and occupying the most prosperous region, Konoha stood proudly at the very heart of the Fire Country. With its endless flow of wealth and commissions, Sunagakure could not even begin to compare.
Even among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Konoha was unrivaled. Sunagakure's missions and reputation fell far behind.
Of course, the standing of a village did not rely solely on missions—at its core, it was about the resources provided by the nation itself.
And the Land of Wind… was barren. The resources it could provide to its hidden village paled miserably in comparison to those of the Land of Fire.
Looking at the bustling Konoha streets, Baki felt a twinge of envy. Yet beneath that envy lay jealousy.
If the Kazekage's plan could truly make Sunagakure stronger, then even war would be acceptable.
If things continued as they were, Sunagakure would only fall further and further behind the Land of Fire… destined to remain the "little brother" of the alliance forever.
War… I hope Lord Kazekage's judgment is correct.
With that thought, Baki slowly retracted his gaze.
Just then, a figure descending the steps nearby glanced faintly in his direction. Baki quickly looked away and kept walking.
He arrived at Ichiraku Ramen.
Inside, a Wood Style clone, seated at the counter, was slurping noodles. He looked up as Yuichi approached.
"Kazuya-sensei, I've been waiting for you."
"Sorry, today's mission dragged on a bit," Yuichi replied casually.
"It's really a blessing to have you return at this time."
Yuichi chuckled, patting the clone's head. "Alright, I don't have much time—I'll be heading out again soon. Eat up! Have you been practicing properly? The official exams are right around the corner, and your teacher has high expectations."
The Wood Style clone straightened, nodding quickly. "Yes! I've been training hard."
"Good. Then I wish you success in the Chūnin Exams. Become a Chūnin and make me proud."
"Don't worry, Teacher Kazuya—I won't disappoint you!"
After finishing the ramen, Yuichi left Ichiraku. He waved back at the "teacher" behind him.
"Goodbye, sensei."
The Wood Style clone who had slipped into the shop earlier now shifted back into Kazuki, raising his hand to wave as Yuichi disappeared.
Originally, Yuichi had planned to remain disguised as Heya until the end of the exams.
But now—things had changed.
With the Chūnin Exams so close and Konoha's defenses tightening, there was no room for leisure. The constant surveillance and inspection tasks had become pointless.
Better to be himself and let the Wood Style clone maintain Heya's identity.
That way, Yuichi could focus on re-planning. If Orochimaru doesn't initiate the Konoha Crush Plan… then what should I do?
Of course, Yuichi didn't truly believe Orochimaru would back down at the last moment. But by nature, he liked to prepare for every possibility before acting.
As he walked home, he thought deeply. Passing through a park, he paused.
Konoha was crawling with ANBU at the moment. He had a shadow assigned to tail him everywhere, so there was no way to avoid being watched even at home.
Yuichi slowed, eventually taking a seat on a bench. A small artificial lake shimmered in front of him.
If Orochimaru abandons the plan and the Third Hokage survives, becoming Hokage myself would be nearly impossible… which means Sarutobi Hiruzen must die. If Orochimaru doesn't strike, then I will.
But it couldn't be done under his own identity. Another mask would be needed.
Akatsuki? The Cloud? Or perhaps… impersonate Orochimaru himself?
The thought lingered. Too many risks. Too many eyes.
"Woo… woo…"
Crying?
Yuichi snapped out of his thoughts, glancing toward the lake.
There, by the water's edge, a small figure squatted low, shoulders trembling.
Hinata? Hyūga Hinata…?
What was she doing here, crying alone?
The ANBU tailing him seemed to notice as well, though they did not interfere. The spectacle of the Hyūga clan's eldest daughter breaking down in public was no small matter.
Yuichi pieced it together quickly.
Hinata had been eliminated without even reaching the qualifiers. As the heiress of the Hyūga clan, the expectations placed upon her had been immense. Likely, Hiashi had scolded—or even struck—her for shaming the clan.
Yuichi exhaled softly and rose.
It wasn't in his nature, nor in the persona he maintained, to ignore something like this. Especially with ANBU watching—turning a blind eye would shatter the image he had so carefully built.
He walked slowly toward the lakeside, hands tucked casually into his pockets. He made no effort to mask his approach.
Hinata stiffened at the sound of footsteps, hurriedly trying to wipe her tears. She curled tighter, crouching into a trembling ball.
Yuichi stood beside her in silence.
Ten seconds passed.
Finally, curiosity won over fear. Hinata dared to look up.
It's him… that popular shinobi.
She remembered the first exam. Yuichi had sat near Naruto, and almost every Konoha Genin had greeted him warmly. He was difficult to overlook—handsome, confident, and admired.
"Did you find it?" Yuichi asked suddenly.
Hinata blinked, startled. "F-find… what?"
"What's in the lake."
"The lake?" She glanced at the calm surface. Nothing stirred.
Then, suddenly, ripples formed.
The water surged upward, shaping itself into a smiling face glowing faint blue.
Hinata's lips parted in awe. "A-amazing…"
Before she could say more, something soft landed on her head. She reached up and touched it—
a small wreath, delicate though woven from simple weeds.
She turned quickly, but Yuichi was already gone.
Hinata's pale face softened. She held the wreath gently, a shy smile spreading across her lips.
"…Happy New Year."