🚨Insert Some Funny Memes or GIF🚨

----------------

Snowflakes fell gently, covering Konoha in a thin white blanket. The village shimmered under the silver layer, hushed by winter’s cold breath.

The streets were mostly deserted, with only a few footprints disturbing the pristine snow. Most shops had closed for the night, leaving only a few snack stalls and the local izakaya open.

Inside the pub, Jiraiya sat quietly, disguised as a villager. He sipped his drink casually, pretending to enjoy himself, while in truth, his shadow clones were watching over Naruto back at home.

"Hey, Fujino, have you heard what’s going on with the Uchiha lately?"

Fujino, sitting in the middle of the izakaya, shook his head as he poured another glass for Tanaka next to him.

"Something happen, Tanaka? You’re always the first to know. Tell me."

Tanaka downed the freshly poured drink in one gulp and leaned in.

"This morning, I passed the mission hall and overheard something—twelve Uchiha who were on an A-rank mission to the Land of Fire’s capital tried to rebel on their way back!"

"Apparently, ANBU intercepted them. Killed them all. If they hadn’t acted, who knows what chaos the Uchiha might’ve stirred up again."

Jiraiya, dressed inconspicuously and seated nearby, raised his brows ever so slightly at the mention. He kept drinking, but his senses sharpened.

That doesn’t make sense. Why would Uchiha loyalists suddenly rebel? Something’s off... This reeks of Danzo.

Fujino’s eyes widened.

"Rebel? That can’t be true! My cousin’s dating an Uchiha Chunin—he’s never shown any disloyalty. Maybe you misheard."

"But hey, I’ve got another story—about ANBU. You interested?"

He winked at Tanaka and made a subtle gesture.

Tanaka laughed and rolled his eyes. "You stingy bastard, always making me pay to hear the juicy stuff. Fine, fine!" He refilled Fujino’s glass, some of the sake spilling onto the table.

Fujino grinned and downed it in one go. He wiped his mouth and leaned forward conspiratorially.

"Alright. My brother-in-law—yeah, that Uchiha Chunin—he works admin at the Police Force. Told me over drinks today that the group who attacked those twelve Uchiha weren’t regular ANBU."

"They were Root. And those twelve weren’t rebels—they were ambushed!"

"The Police Force’s top brass was furious. The Captain and Vice-Captain marched straight to Root HQ and made a scene!" 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Tanaka blinked, confused, and refilled his own cup.

"So... which version’s true? Your story and mine don’t match at all."

Fujino waved him off.

"Why worry? We’re civilians. Let the shinobi handle their own mess. We’re finally living better lives thanks to the Police reforms. Back then, if you got drunk at night, the Uchiha might drag you in for questioning. Now? We get to drink in peace. Don’t ruin it. Cheers!"

Tanaka laughed. "You’re right. What do we care about ANBU and the Uchiha? Let’s drink!"

The two clinked glasses again.

In the corner, Jiraiya’s expression hardened. Every word had confirmed his suspicions—Root was moving against the Uchiha.

But what shocked him more... was that Uchiha Hikaru had stormed the Root base?

Something’s happening. I need answers. I’ll have to postpone Naruto’s bedtime story tonight. Good thing I left shadow clones to watch him.

Jiraiya stood, dropped a 10,000 ryō bill on the counter, pulled back the pub’s curtain, and stepped into the snowy night—heading straight for the Uchiha compound.

The snow fell softly, casting long shadows in the moonlight. Inside the quiet Uchiha household, Hikaru sat alone, cooking mutton in a copper pot, the room warmed by a soft fire.

Suddenly—knock knock knock.

Hikaru paused, set down his chopsticks, and turned toward the window.

Jiraiya’s large face was pressed against the glass.

With a sigh, Hikaru rose and opened the window. Jiraiya leapt in gracefully, brushing snow from his shoulders.

"Man, it’s cold! But it smells amazing in here."

He approached the table, intrigued by the copper pot.

"What is this? Looks like some kind of hotpot. Add a set of chopsticks for your favorite Sannin, will ya?"

Hikaru sighed but fetched a spare bowl and chopsticks.

Jiraiya wasted no time. He scooped out two slices of steaming meat and stuffed them into his mouth without hesitation.

"Hot! But damn, that’s mutton, right? This is incredible!"

Hikaru sat opposite him, arms crossed.

"I came up with this method—heating broth in a copper pot with a central chimney filled with charcoal. Enhances the flavor."

"But you didn’t come here this late just for food. What’s going on?"

Jiraiya’s expression turned serious. He clapped his fists together.

"Right. Tell me the truth—did you have a run-in with Root?"

At last, Hikaru’s trap was working. He had been waiting for this moment.

For nearly an hour, the two spoke, unraveling threads of conspiracy.

Finally, Hikaru glanced at the clock. Time to move to the next step.

"You know, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t you be heading back? Who’s watching Naruto—did you drop him off with the Third?"

Jiraiya grinned, waving his hand dismissively.

"Relax, I left two shadow clones to keep an eye on him. He’s safe in the village. Besides, ANBU are probably watching too."

Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

"ANBU? Or Root?"

Jiraiya froze.

"...Shit. Naruto!"

He sprang up, bolting for the window.

"That bastard Danzo won’t waste this chance! Let’s go!"

He leapt into the night, running at full speed toward Naruto’s home.

Hikaru followed with calm precision.

Don’t blame me, Jiraiya. Naruto has Ashura’s chakra, and the Uzumaki vitality. He can handle a little danger.

This was always part of the plan.

After all, the information those drunkards spilled in the pub? It wasn’t coincidence.

Hikaru had planted that intel—just enough bait to make Jiraiya leave Naruto unguarded.

Danzo would never dare move unless he believed the coast was clear.

This... was the sting.

--------

Send Power Stones

Bonus Chapter at 150 Power Stone

---------------------

Join my Patreon and get access to 50+ early Chapters before anyone else! 🔥

https://www.patreon.com/UK21