The sun rose over Konoha, casting a warm glow across the village. Inside the negotiation hall, tension hung heavy in the air. The mosquito-sized clone created by the Kumo delegation still hadn't left the room where the peace negotiations had taken place the previous day. Hidden from plain sight, it had spent the night observing and waiting for the perfect opportunity to act.
Hyuga Ryumei, along with her brother Ryoma, remained vigilant. The Byakugan users took turns monitoring the area, their sharp eyes never missing a flicker of chakra. With the help of Kakashi and Shisui's ANBU teams, the surveillance effort was flawless. The faint chakra signature of the Transformation Jutsu had been identified, and its movements were carefully tracked.
By mid-morning, the Kumo delegation returned to the negotiation hall. Hiroshi and Kazuma entered with practiced calm, their expressions neutral but hiding the weight of their task. As they took their seats, Shikaku Nara greeted them with his usual composed demeanor.
"Good morning," Shikaku said, his voice measured. "I trust you rested well?"
Hiroshi nodded. "We did. Thank you for your hospitality."
The conversation shifted quickly to the matter at hand. Hiroshi, speaking on behalf of the Raikage, proposed a revised plan. "After much consideration, we propose a compromise. The payment of reparations will be made in installments, totaling 1.8 billion ryo. Additionally, the requested resources have been reduced by a third."
Shikaku's sharp mind processed the new terms immediately. It was a significant reduction, but one that still favored Konoha. "An interesting proposal," he said, leaning back slightly. "And how do you plan to relay this to the Raikage?"
Kazuma answered this time. "We would like to use a summoning-based transmission channel. It's faster and more secure than conventional means."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed slightly. While the method was reasonable, he kept his expression neutral. "We will await the Raikage's decision."
Hiroshi inclined his head. "Thank you, Nara-dono. If the Raikage agrees, the peace treaty will be finalized tomorrow."
Shikaku smiled faintly, though his eyes betrayed nothing. "We look forward to the good news."
The meeting concluded shortly after, and the Kumo delegation left the hall. They returned to their accommodations, their steps measured, their expressions unreadable. Konoha's representatives, however, knew better than to relax.
As the day passed into evening, the mosquito clone remained undetected by anyone but the Byakugan users. It hadn't moved since the negotiations concluded, remaining perched in a discreet corner of the negotiation hall. Hyuga Ryumei kept her Byakugan activated, her eyes scanning for any sign of movement. Kakashi, stationed nearby, awaited instructions from the Hokage.
The calm of the night was broken at 11:48 p.m. when the mosquito finally stirred. It began to move, its faint chakra signature flickering in the Hyuga's vision.
"Movement detected," Ryumei reported softly through the ANBU communication line.
Kakashi's voice was calm but firm. "Keep tracking it. Inform me of its destination."
The mosquito clone exited the negotiation hall and made its way toward the outskirts of the building. Ryumei followed its path with her Byakugan, her focus unbroken. "It's heading north," she reported. "Destination unknown."
Kakashi relayed the information to the Hokage, who issued a clear directive. "If the clone acts suspiciously, eliminate it. The peace messengers themselves must remain unharmed."
The mosquito continued its journey, eventually entering a small, nondescript store near the village's market district. It lingered there for several minutes, its actions unclear. Ryumei's Byakugan remained locked onto it, her sharp eyes noting every flicker of its chakra.
"It's not interacting with anyone," she reported. "It's observing."
"Keep watching," Kakashi ordered. "Let me know if anything changes."
After some time, the clone exited the store and moved toward the Uchiha compound. Ryumei's pulse quickened slightly. "It's heading toward the Uchiha district," she informed Kakashi.
The ANBU team immediately shifted their focus. Shisui, stationed near the Uchiha compound, activated his three-tomoe Sharingan. The moonlight reflected off his mask as he prepared to intercept the intruder.
As the mosquito neared the compound, Shisui's Sharingan flared, its crimson glow piercing the night. With precise movements, he waited for the clone to cross the threshold of the district. His reflexes were honed, his instincts sharp. The moment the mosquito entered his range, he struck.
In a blur of motion, Shisui's kunai sliced through the air. The chakra signature of the clone flickered violently before dissipating entirely, leaving behind only the faintest wisp of transformed chakra.
Shisui lowered his weapon, his Sharingan scanning the area for any lingering traces. Satisfied that the threat had been neutralized, he signaled to Kakashi. "Target neutralized. No further activity detected."
Kakashi came through the communication line. "Good work. Return to your position. We'll continue monitoring the peace messengers."
Shisui nodded silently, his Sharingan dimming as he disappeared into the shadows.
End of the Chapter.
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