From Naruto onwards, I've become a dreamer.

Chapter 83 Cats Have Nine Lives

"Let me double-check, Owl."

Lin Jiao crossed his arms, his tone grave, and said in a deep voice, "Are you really going to go on this infiltration and investigation mission alone?"

“Yes, it’s decided. I’ll go alone.” Uchiha Muneki nodded slightly and said, “Kirigakure is famous for its assassination techniques. It’s located in a remote area, surrounded by water, and has been in a state of isolation for many years. Whether there is one more person or one less person, it makes no difference. In fact, one person will be a smaller target and easier to gather intelligence.”

After a moment's thought, Linjiao had to agree with his opinion: "That's right. Kirigakure has very little information about the outside world. The more people infiltrate, the easier it is to be exposed."

But Linjiao was genuinely worried about letting the Hokage's trusted person carry out such a dangerous mission alone. So after a moment's thought, he took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it over: "Since you've already made your decision, I can't say anything more, but please accept this."

"This is?"

Uchiha Muneki reached out and took the scroll, but did not open it.

"This is the list of Konoha spies infiltrating Kirigakure." Linjiao's voice was icy, and his eyes revealed a hint of cruelty: "If necessary, these spies can be reactivated. If necessary, even if they all sacrifice themselves, you must ensure your own safety. Do you understand, Owl?"

"Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Muneki was slightly shaken and showed a hint of surprise.

The importance of this list is self-evident.

It's important to understand that any spy who can remain infiltrated in another country for an extended period is undoubtedly among the elite. They may not be the strongest in terms of skill, but their character and loyalty are certainly commendable. Moreover, behind every spy lies the sacrifice of countless lives to ensure their successful infiltration.

Konoha must have spent a great deal of resources and energy on this, so each spy was extremely important.

But now, Lin Jiao is even saying that he can sacrifice these valuable spies in order to ensure his safety.

"Hehe, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Linjiao patted his shoulder, his cold tone melting away, and chuckled, "This is also the Hokage's intention. In the Hokage's eyes, you are far more important than those spies!"

See, this is one of the benefits of raising Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust level.

At least for now, Uchiha Munegetsu's importance far surpasses that of many others, including Danzo.

"Please thank the Hokage for me."

Uchiha Munetsuki showed a grateful look, then solemnly said, "I will definitely complete the task assigned to me by the Hokage!"

"Safe travels."

Linjiao said no more, but spoke with concern like an elder: "We're waiting for you to come back, Xiao."

"Ah, don't worry."

Uchiha Muneki waved his hand, turned around, and left the Anbu.

Watching his retreating figure, a smile unconsciously crept onto Lin Jiao's lips.

Never before had they seen this deputy captain of the ANBU been so kind to a newcomer. The ANBU member next to him scratched his head and asked in confusion, "Lord Linjiao, do you think that kid is that good?"

Bang!
The head of the ANBU received a sharp rap on the head and crouched on the ground, clutching his head in pain.

"Tell the others to be more careful from now on."

Linjiao regained his usual indifference, glanced at the ANBU member who was squatting on the ground with his head in his hands, and said in a deep voice, "That person... will soon become someone we look up to."

Upon hearing this, the ANBU member squatting on the ground gasped. The only position they could look up to was that one. So, staring at Lin Jiao in disbelief, he swallowed hard: "You...you mean, that little...no, Xiao will soon become the head of the ANBU?"

"good."

Linjiao did not deny this, and crossed his arms, saying, "The Hokage thinks highly of Xiao. If this mission can be completed, his achievements will be enough." Although Hiruzen Sarutobi did not say this explicitly, anyone with a discerning eye could understand the Hokage's meaning.

This mission to infiltrate Kirigakure and investigate the war is to test his abilities on multiple levels, to see if he is qualified enough to wield the sharpest blade in the Hokage's hands; it is also a great achievement to silence those dissenting voices and opinions.

Of course, all of the above is based on the premise that Uchiha Munegetsu can complete the mission.

The ANBU member quickly figured out the reason and exclaimed in astonishment, "No wonder the Hokage was willing to give him the list of spies."

"Hehe, don't feel bad about that list of spies."

Linjiao seemed to have thought of something funny and couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Those spies... were all obtained by Lord Hokage from Danzo."

Thinking back to the situation at the time, Danzo was almost furious.

The spy he had painstakingly placed in was immediately blackmailed away by Sarutobi.

And most importantly, it has to be given to the person he hates the most.

It is said that Danzo was so angry that he broke his beloved walking stick when he got back.

A thick fog blankets the vast, white sea.

As far as the eye could see, there was only swirling mist, and the visible range was no more than ten meters.

A huge merchant ship, flying the flags of the merchant ships, moved slowly across the misty sea, its pace almost like a snail's pace, inching its way toward its destination.

Although Kirigakure prioritizes secrecy, it also maintains necessary external exchanges.

After all, ninjas are human too, and they need to eat, drink, and relieve themselves. Kirigakure is already resource-poor, and although it is near the sea, the village's standard of living is really worrying except for fishing.

As a result, a number of professions emerged, specifically to facilitate commercial exchanges between Kirigakure and the outside world.

Of course, these merchants all need to be monitored by Kirigakure.

Uchiha Muneki's method of infiltration was relatively simple: he simply bought a ticket and boarded the ship under the guise of tourism.

The Land of Water is very large, and outsiders are not prohibited from visiting other areas except for the area of ​​Kirigakure. Therefore, over the years, a portion of the revenue has come from tourists.

"Young man, is this your first time visiting the Land of Water?"

Uchiha Muneki, who was standing on the side of the ship in a daze, suddenly heard a voice behind him.

Looking back, what came into view was a short, middle-aged man dressed in the typical attire of a seaman, with dark skin, who warmly approached and showed off a mouthful of teeth stained yellow by smoking.

"How did you know this was my first time here?" Uchiha Muneki asked curiously.

The man grinned, pointed to the surroundings, and explained, "This place is so foggy that you can't see anything. Nobody usually wants to stay on the deck."

"I see."

Uchiha Muneki nodded as if he had suddenly realized something, and said without denying it, "This is indeed my first time in the Land of Water, and I'm quite curious about this place."

"Young man, the Land of Water is not a good place."

The boatman leaned against the side of the boat, turned his head to look at him, and said meaningfully, "Sometimes, too much curiosity can kill the cat."

"is it?"

Uchiha Muneki smiled slightly and pushed up his glasses: "But I've heard that cats have nine lives?"

I'm already tired of complaining about that idiotic company party... Seriously, those outfits were practically an assault on me!!! I'm begging for more recommendations and monthly votes! Please, everyone, even though I know the chances are slim, I still want to try and see if I can make it to the fourth round.
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(End of this chapter)