After leaving the Land of Rain, Aoba did not directly return to Konohagakure. Currently, his shadow clone was in Konohagakure, and besides the shadow clone, there was also his creation, Danzo, who he made into a Tendō clone.
Danzo's identity would eventually be exposed.
After all, Orochimaru already had his suspicions.
However, Aoba didn't care about this. He was just waiting for Minato to return victorious, and then he planned to present Minato with a grand gift.
The Third Great Ninja World War had just ended not long ago.
From his arrival in the Land of Rain to his departure, it had only been about two or three days. He had intended to plant a seed within the Akatsuki organization but inadvertently ended up dissolving the organization.
At this time.
Aoba was strolling along the coastline, listening to the sound of the sea breeze, with the setting sun casting its fiery glow on the sea, reflecting a dazzling sunset alongside the rising tide.
Not far from the beach, in the nearby woods, the clashing sounds of metal could still be heard.
"The battle here hasn't ended yet!"
Aoba's lips slightly curled up. He still looked like Otsutsuki Toneri, only his Rinnegan was now concealed. This appearance allowed him to avoid recognition by any ninjas in the area.
It was now the right time.
It was time for a change.
With a rustling sound...
Aoba's body began to transform into paper. Sheets of square-like white paper continuously emerged from his skin and reattached themselves, undergoing numerous transformations.
Between each attachment, drastic changes occurred.
Aoba's appearance shifted from Otsutsuki Toneri to that of a ninja from Kirigakure, Satsuma Rentaro.
After this transformation, Aoba's figure vanished quickly, disappearing from the seaside and entering the forest.
Inside the forest.
Two ninja groups swiftly clashed, with kunai and shuriken colliding continuously.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a dark figure suddenly entered the Kirigakure ninjas' camp, drawing their attention.
"Who's there?!"
One of the Kirigakire ninjas swung his giant sword, the barbed blade nearly hitting Aoba's face.
This swordsman appeared somewhat overweight, with green markings on his face and long orange hair almost touching the ground. He wore the forehead protector of the Kirigakure.
"It's me, Rentaro!"
Aoba immediately raised his hands, showing his still slightly "panicked" face.
Shh!
The surrounding Kirigaure ninjas looked over, drawn by Aoba's loud voice.
"Rentaro!"
This plump ninja was Suikazan Fuguki from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Suikazan Fuguki hadn't expected to see Aoba, aka Satsuma Rentaro, here and was momentarily stunned. He then showed a strong expression of joy, hurriedly put down his Samehada, and quickly approached Aoba.
"What a coincidence!"
"How did you get here!"
"It's been a long time, hasn't it!"
Suikazan Fuguki didn't overthink about it. Suddenly seeing Aoba and beaming with joy, he instinctively felt everything was too coincidental.
"It's not a coincidence!"
Aoba shook his head, a look of helplessness appearing on his face. Now was the time for acting, and he always felt a sense of achievement performing in front of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen; although it wasn't difficult, it was particularly satisfying.
"I've specifically traveled over mountains and rivers from Konohagakure to find you!"
Aoba said solemnly, putting on a severe expression, making it seem like he had important information.
"Is Brother Juzo there?"
When Aoba asked for Brother Juzo, he referred to Biwa Juzo, but he was well aware of his presence nearby, so he appeared.
If Biwa Juzo weren't here, Aoba wouldn't have shown up. After all, there is almost no meaning in doing so.
Of course.
Suikazan Fuguki didn't know this.
"He's here!"
Suikazan Fuguki immediately nodded, seeing the seriousness in Aoba's expression, and asked, "Is there something important?"
"Yes." Aoba nodded.
"Come with me!"
Without any hesitation, Suikazan Fuguki led Aoba towards Biwa Juzo.
Aoba followed behind Suikazan Fuguki, knowing exactly where Biwa Juzo was. He had sensed everything here earlier but understood that finding Biwa Juzo and appearing right in front of him would seem too staged.
Such a scenario would quickly raise Biwa Juzo's suspicions.
Biwa Juzo was no longer the same as before, having grown a lot after many incidents, especially after hearing of the death of Kirigakure's elder, Genji. He wasn't so easily fooled anymore.
It was better to be discovered by one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen randomly and then be brought to see Biwa Juzo, making the encounter seem more natural and less abrupt.
Soon.
Aoba, following behind Suikazan Fuguki, arrived at the Kirigakure's campsite, backed by the sea. It was set up as a supply point and fully prepared for an organized and continuous attack on Kumogakure.
Suikazan Fuguki brought Aoba into the camp, appearing behind Biwa Juzo.
"Juzo, I've brought someone to you," Suikazan Fuguki spoke slowly, reaching Biwa Juzo from behind.
"Hmm?"
Biwa Juzo turned around, his gaze immediately focusing on Aoba, his pupils sharply contracting as he recognized Aoba's presence.
"Rentaro?!"
"What's wrong!"
"Weren't you in Konohagakure?"
"What happened?"
"How have you been these days?"
Biwa Juzo did not suspect Aoba's identity, as Aoba had always looked like this since they met. Aoba's Kami no Shisha no Jutsu (Paper Person of God Technique) disguised were very powerful. With Biwa Juzo's capabilities, he could not see through it.
"Brother Juzo, you're asking too many questions at once, but I really have something to do this time!" Aoba pursed his lips and nodded, displaying a grave demeanor.