The new ninjas entering the village would inevitably be monitored as soon as they set foot in Konoha. It was necessary to ensure they didn't cause any trouble until they safely left the village.
"I wonder if one day I visit the Sand Ninja Village openly, will your ninjas hate me? Especially those puppet users," Shinki said casually.
Pakura's face darkened as she avoided looking at him, refusing to engage in this line of conversation. She suspected Shinki was trying to bait her into a verbal trap, and she wasn't willing to step into it.
Shinki, on the other hand, had no ulterior motives. He was just making small talk, but Pakura was too cautious and remained silent at the first hint of a sensitive topic.
"Let's move out," Shinki finally said, standing up and leading the way. A few small puppets scouted the path ahead as they continued their journey.
After traveling through the night, they were nearing Konoha. Shinki wanted to finish his tasks quickly so he could head to the Land of Iron without distractions.
Pakura, however, couldn't help but glance at Minato Namikaze, who was panting heavily but stubbornly refused to rest. She didn't understand his determination.
Shinki was just as relentless. Even when his student was clearly exhausted, he only stopped when Minato could barely keep going. Pakura tried to persuade Minato to take it easy, but the young boy didn't listen.
"Such a pace isn't healthy for a kid like Minato. It could damage his body over time," Pakura finally said to Shinki.
Shinki turned to her with a puzzled look. "What did you say? Damage his body?"
"Yes, what if..." Pakura hesitated, unsure how to phrase her concern.
Shinki smirked. "What if I spent a million ryo annually on his training and health? Do you still think his body would be overused?"
Pakura froze, caught off guard. "Of course not, because... wait." She stopped mid-sentence, realizing the absurdity of the question. Spending that much on a student was unheard of.
She fell silent, embarrassed. Who would spend that kind of money on their students? Shinki must be the only one. Even Jiraiya, with all his resources, wasn't this extravagant.
By the time they reached Konoha, Minato was practically worshiping Shinki. The young ninja felt a growing debt to his teacher for all the care and effort Shinki invested in him.
Upon arriving, Shinki handed Hyuga over to Minato. "Take her around the village and help her get acquainted. Then head home. I have to report to the ANBU."
"Yes, sensei!" Minato replied eagerly, before motioning for Pakura to follow him.
Pakura, now overwhelmed with mixed emotions, could hardly believe that her first time visiting Konoha was under these circumstances. She looked around carefully, half-expecting to be followed or watched.
Sensing her unease, Minato smiled and explained, "There are hidden puppets stationed all over the village. You won't see them unless they move, and even then, you wouldn't know they're puppets unless you're extremely perceptive."
"...That's terrifying," Pakura muttered. Being unable to detect the surveillance was worse than being openly followed. These puppets blended perfectly with their surroundings, leaving no chakra signature unless activated.
"Are these puppets made from ninja corpses? Shouldn't they have chakra fluctuations?" she asked skeptically.
Minato shook his head. "No. The earlier puppets were crafted from animal remains, and the ones Orochimaru helped create might involve human corpses, but the recent ones are made from new materials that don't emit chakra. They're indistinguishable from regular objects when stationary."
Pakura was speechless. This level of ingenuity made Konoha's security measures feel insurmountable. She couldn't help but feel a chill as she silently followed Minato through the village.
At the ANBU base, in the director's office, Tsunade and Nara Shikako were waiting for Shinki's return.
When Shinki walked in wearing the Hokage robe, Shikako couldn't help but tease, "That robe really suits you. It's quite imposing."
Shinki smirked. "Do you like it? How about I lend it to you? Or maybe your son can wear it?"
Shikako's expression shifted immediately as he waved his hands in panic. "Stop! I take it back! Don't involve my son—he'd be terrified!"
Shinki chuckled. Only he dared to wear the Hokage robe so casually without repercussions. Anyone else attempting it would face the wrath of Konoha's higher-ups. Even Hatake Sakumo, once highly respected, was now isolated by the upper echelons for overstepping boundaries.
Shikako sighed, realizing the precariousness of their positions. For now, it was better to avoid provoking Shinki further.
>>>>>
200 Chapters ahead available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
50% discount code (DDBFC)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review please and check out my new story
[Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki]