Tch. What a scummy cat.
Forget it… once I capture the Two-Tails and turn Big Orange into a jinchūriki… I'm really curious how Kasumi will react.
The thought passed through Uchiha Ren's mind, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes.
He glanced at the silver-striped cat beside the tub.
"Kasumi. What's the situation on the front lines?"
The cat didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she stepped lightly forward, lowered her head, and picked up a carefully selected berry Big Orange had prepared earlier.
She savored it delicately—
Only then did she respond, composed and elegant.
"Young Master, the situation is unfolding largely as you predicted."
"Sunagakure has fallen into chaos due to the disappearance of the Third Kazekage."
"Their elders intend to seize resources from smaller nations, turning internal conflict into external gain."
"They're even trying to escalate into a full war—"
"To lure other nations into invading the Land of Fire and dividing Konoha's territory."
"Small units of Suna ninja have already crossed into the borders, pillaging villages."
Ren nodded slightly.
In the original Naruto story, everything revolved around ideals—love, justice, bonds.
But real shinobi?
Were professional killers.
Even Konoha's comparatively well-off ninja had killed foreign civilians for survival.
Nagato's parents were proof enough.
As for other villages?
Morality barely existed.
To many shinobi, helpless civilians were simply the easiest targets.
Kasumi continued, seeing he remained silent.
"Kumogakure is attempting to exploit Sunagakure's instability by invading the Land of Wind."
At this point, her feline face showed rare confusion.
"The Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind are separated by vast distances."
"Between them lie the Land of Moon, the Land of Hot Water… and the entire Land of Fire."
"Beyond that, there's the Land of Rain."
"A campaign like this is inefficient and dangerous. Aren't they worried about their supply lines being cut?"
"Or worse—taking an even longer route through multiple smaller nations, risking attacks from both Iwagakure and Konoha?"
She flicked her tail in irritation.
"Even Big Orange wouldn't make such a foolish move."
Her tone turned sharp.
"Kumo ninja are idiots."
"They don't deserve to serve the Two-Tails-sama."
Her emerald pupils narrowed.
Sharp claws extended from her soft paws.
"To imprison such a noble being… and turn it into a jinchūriki tool—"
"I will never forgive them."
Before she could continue—
Flick.
Ren's wet finger struck her forehead.
"Meow—!"
She staggered backward, wobbling on the edge of the tub, tail flailing desperately—
Thud.
She fell onto the floor.
"During work," Ren said calmly, "leave your personal feelings aside."
He deliberately slowed his tone.
"If it happens again…"
Kasumi's ears shot upright.
"…I'll shave all your fur."
The cat froze.
Then immediately sprang upright, sitting properly, tail wrapped tightly around her paws.
"Young Master! That's too cruel!"
"Then behave."
Most ninja cats had a habit of pushing boundaries.
Normally, Ren found Kasumi's occasional willfulness… charming.
But sometimes—
This "Kasumi-type" personality needed correction.
Seeing his firm attitude, she obediently leapt back onto the edge of the tub.
Tilting her head slightly—
Her emerald eyes shimmered.
Then she let out a soft, drawn-out—
"Meow~"
The sound was sweet.
Soft.
Almost intoxicating.
It sent a faint shiver down Ren's spine.
Like a current running through his body.
It was more addictive than anything he had experienced in his previous life.
The first time Big Orange heard it—
He had collapsed on the spot, completely dazed.
Specialization really matters…
No wonder she's the "Kasumi" of cats.
Ren snorted softly.
"Continue."
Kasumi blinked, sensing his relaxed mood.
Her voice softened further.
"Young Master, as per your instructions—"
"Kakuzu has disguised himself as a Konoha ninja and eliminated several Kumogakure operatives."
"This has successfully redirected Kumo's hostility toward Konoha."
She tilted her head again, genuinely puzzled.
"But… why would you do this?"
"Isn't the Uchiha part of Konoha as well?"
"Now Kumogakure is preparing to strike south."
"Sunagakure is unstable."
"Iwagakure is eager to take advantage."
"And Kirigakure is watching closely…"
She counted lightly on her paw.
"A four-way assault…"
"Is that really safe, meow?"
Ren rose from the tub.
Water streamed down his body, tracing the lines of muscle through the steam.
"Konoha's survival…"
"…is the Hokage's problem."
A faint smile curved his lips.
"What does that have to do with the Uchiha?"
He took the towel Kasumi handed him and dried his hair.
"If we don't apply pressure…"
"How can we secure greater autonomy?"
Kasumi nodded, half-understanding.
She leapt onto the shelf, retrieving a dark robe.
Ren draped it over himself.
With a light push of her paw, the door slid open.
She jumped neatly into his arms.
"But what if Konoha can't withstand it?" she asked, looking up.
Ren stepped into the corridor, night wind brushing past.
"Konoha's foundation runs deeper than it appears."
"It won't fall so easily."
He gently tapped her nose.
"Besides—Konoha's existence is tied to the prestige of the Land of Fire."
"With all the intermarriages among the daimyō and nobles…"
"The nations behind the other villages won't allow Konoha to disappear completely."
His tone grew colder.
"If Konoha falls, the Land of Fire collapses."
"And if that happens…"
"The noble bloodlines those daimyō cling to will be trampled into the dirt by shinobi."
He looked up at the night sky.
"So these so-called Great Ninja Wars…"
"Are not just about profit."
"In a way…"
"They're also about reducing the number of shinobi."
Kasumi stared at him, stunned.
"That's… extreme."
"If they wanted to reduce numbers, they wouldn't need something this brutal…"
Ren smiled faintly.
"That's the difference between having a sword… and not having one."
He paused.
Then added quietly—
"And besides…"
"The daimyō aren't exactly united either."
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