Konoha Notes

Chapter 266 Kisame
The Land of Forest is a neighboring country of the Land of Fire. The Bamboo Village is similar to other ninja villages in the Land of Forest. The reason for this similarity is that in the past, the most prominent ninja force in the Land of Forest was actually the Hannya clan.

The Hannya disciples like to wear demon masks. At least in this ninja world, such ninjas are not considered normal ninjas. Normal ninjas wear headbands.

In the original story, after Tsunade fell into a coma and Danzo took over, this group even sent assassins to kill the 5.5th Hokage who was attending the Five Kage Summit. In the end, all the assassins died at Danzo's hands.

As for the relationship between Takenomura and the Hannya sect, on the surface, there is no connection between them.

In reality, it's probably similar to the relationship between the flowers and fruits of grass in Kusagakure.

The fact that Takenomura sent representatives this time is to express a friendly attitude.

Although it was a routine meeting, Shuji still summoned Kakashi after the representative from Takenomura left.

"You're on your way to work this early this year?"

Kakashi stepped into the Hokage's office and saw the person inside processing documents. His first words were these. Only then did he get to the point and begin his report.

"Regarding the Forest Country. About two months ago, a fairly large internal conflict broke out between the Bamboo Village and the Hannya Clan."

"The result is that Takenomura won and has now basically taken control of the situation."

Having confirmed the information with Kakashi, Shuji picked up the politely worded friendly document, glanced at it, and then put it on the list of processed documents.

"You really took a short leave this year," Kakashi said.

"This is what it means to have a hard life."

Upon hearing this, Kakashi's eyes immediately turned deadpan: "Please don't say things like that in front of me."

If someone who can take half a year off a year says they have a hard life, then what about someone who graduated from the Ninja Academy at five, became a Chunin at six, and started working like a slave?

"Have you considered becoming a Jonin instructor? It would be much easier." Shuji casually suggested, flipping through the Root reorganization progress report.

"Well... in about a year, things here should be completely sorted out, and we'll have enough manpower."

"Never mind," Kakashi said. "I'm not interested in taking care of children."

Moreover, he probably wouldn't like the current atmosphere at the ninja academy, which overemphasizes individual strength and practical competition.

Graduates produced in this way will not be the kind of genin he approves of.

“Since the Fifth Hokage isn’t here,” Kakashi took a scroll from his pocket and handed it over, “you can listen to today’s intelligence summary.”

"Takigakure remains closed off, Yugakure continues to forget the war route, and tourism is developing steadily..."

"Iwagakure has already launched the Western Ninja Exchange Program this month..."

"The Sand Village's efforts to open up sea routes have encountered some setbacks, seemingly due to harassment from unknown forces. However," Kakashi's voice grew more serious, "their aerial combat capabilities have made substantial progress. Based on observations of the maritime conflict, the bombing altitude of their flying ninja tools has stabilized at eighty meters."

Whether it has the capability for precise delivery over higher altitudes remains to be seen.

It seems that the defenses in the Land of Rivers will have to be maintained, and the construction of Konoha's defense system is still underway.

Some of the seeds he cultivated have already been selected and sent to the Land of Wind.

The initial feedback from the Sand Village side is quite positive, believing that these tree species have low environmental requirements and can indeed withstand severe drought.

However, the time is still short, and whether it can truly take root in that desert and even change anything still needs more time to verify.

"Finally, Kirigakure has slightly relaxed entry restrictions for ninja guards accompanying caravans to the Land of Water."

"Temporary landing permits may be applied for through official channels. During the period of obtaining the permit issued by Kirigakure, these foreign ninjas will not be targeted by Kirigakure ninjas."

Shuji raised an eyebrow. Was this... the blood mist beginning to dissipate?
“Allowing ninjas from other villages to openly operate within the Land of Water?! This will only greatly increase the risk of village information being leaked!” Upon returning to Kirigakure after completing his mission, Zabuza Momochi discovered this new rule and immediately went to Mei Terumi.

This suggestion must have been made by her.

“Zabuza, you see it very clearly.” Mei Terumi put down her pen and looked up at him. “Now, the four major ninja villages on the mainland—Konoha, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and even the recently defeated Sunagakure—have begun to jointly hold events.”

"You, who once represented Kirigakure to investigate the situation in Konoha, should understand the significance behind this."

Zabuza Momochi said in a low voice, "I see it clearly. It's just a money-making trick. If it's really about money, then just send a few people to participate in the competition and ask for payment."

"Elder Yuan has already sent someone to Konoha regarding the individual participation," Mei Terumi replied. "But Kirigakure needs more than just short-term compensation."

Zabuza stared coldly at Mei Terumi, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject, lowering his voice even further and carrying a murderous intent: "There is a traitor in the village."

"While I was out on a mission, I intercepted traces of intelligence leaks."

"Even under these circumstances of internal and external troubles, the village's core intelligence still cannot be guaranteed..."

Mei Terumi interrupted.

"I know."

"The traitor is Suigetsu Hozuki, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."

Zabuza's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he immediately turned around: "I'll go and take care of him."

Mei Terumi's voice sounded behind him.

"Someone has already taken care of this."

"The first batch of Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist have either died in battle or... have all been confirmed to have betrayed us."

"Doesn't this prove that the policies implemented in the village in the past were inherently problematic?"

Zabuza stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. He replied, "The biggest problem has been solved with the Fourth Mizukage's anomaly. The enemy's infiltration has precisely proven the necessity of certain extreme protective measures."

He still sticks to his opinion.

"Killing Suigetsu Hozuki isn't something just anyone can do."

"Don't let him notice anything and escape beforehand."

He still wanted to go and confirm it in person.

"Wait a moment, Zabuza." Mei Terumi stood up. "He'll handle it."

Zabuza scoffed at Mei Terumi's advice and stepped out of the room.

A ninja with a shark-like face and bluish-green skin walked towards them, carrying a huge, bandaged, knife-like weapon on his back.

The ghost stopped in his tracks, his body tensing slightly.

"Kisame Hoshigaki." He pronounced the other's name with considerable apprehension.

Kisame grinned, revealing his sharp teeth as a greeting, then stepped inside to report to Mei Terumi.

"The Watermelon Fugu Demon has been dealt with. This is Samehada."

(End of this chapter)