Ch.396 Akatsuki in the Observer Seats

Though Tsunade had pinpointed the key focus, investigating sealing and secret techniques would keep the Hidden Leaf's intelligence division busy for a while.

The village had amassed a diverse collection of dozens, if not hundreds, of sealing and secret techniques. Analyzing which ones might be Akatsuki targets was no small task!

The meeting then shifted to discussing how to counter the increasingly aggressive Akatsuki.

Attending his first high-level village meeting, Uchiha Shinji found everything fascinating.

The strangest sensation was sitting in the observer seats, listening to the room discuss him back and forth.

"While 'B's strength exceeded our expectations, I still believe 'A' is their leader!"

"Exactly! 'A' has no recorded defeats. We underestimated 'B's strength, and we could just as easily underestimate 'A's. His threat level must be raised."

"'A's identity is too mysterious, which is highly suspicious…"

"The key lies in 'A' and 'B's dojutsu. Without understanding their Mangekyo abilities, we'll be at a severe disadvantage in any confrontation!"

In the observer seats, Shinji thought, "Am I that mysterious?"

He felt a mix of absurdity and a twinge of embarrassment.

From the head of the table, the Third Hokage asked, "Can we assess the Mangekyo abilities of 'A' and 'B'?"

Shikaku Nara, the jonin squad leader, stood. "'A' has been recorded using 'black flames.' The intelligence division analyzed it and believes it's likely a Mangekyo ability called Amaterasu, unique to the Uchiha."

The Third asked, "And 'B's?"

All eyes turned to Yakumo and Sasuke in the observer seats, as they had recently clashed with the Akatsuki's 'B,' making them the most knowledgeable in the room.

Feeling the gazes, Yakumo stood. "When I fought 'B,' they seemed to only use Susanoo."

The Third shifted his attention to Sasuke. "Sasuke, what's your take?"

Sasuke carefully recalled the encounter, then said, "Yakumo's right. 'B' didn't use any other Mangekyo abilities."

Asuma asked, "How many Mangekyo abilities do Uchiha typically gain upon awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan?"

Much of what Shinji considered common knowledge was, in fact, highly confidential in the shinobi world. Even the Hidden Leaf, the foremost of the five great villages, lacked detailed information, often relying on scraps found in the Second Hokage's old research.

Sasuke, visibly embarrassed, admitted, "I… I'm not sure."

"Sigh…"

The room collectively sighed.

If the village had a Mangekyo Uchiha, dealing with the Akatsuki's powerful Mangekyo wielders would be far easier.

At the very least, they wouldn't be groping in the dark as they were now.

Feeling the room's disappointment, Sasuke clenched his fists. "Don't worry, I'll awaken my Mangekyo Sharingan soon! When I do, whether it's 'A,' 'B,' or Itachi, I'll defeat them all myself!"

Sasuke's bold declaration earned a cold snort from Danzo, who glanced at him, then at Shinji. "I wouldn't trust you Uchiha. Who's to say you're not Akatsuki spies planted in the village?"

Sasuke erupted, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Shinji remained silent, staying calmly seated.

Danzo, taking note of their reactions, felt a slight pang of regret. He then focused his ire on Sasuke alone. "Insolent! You dare disrespect an elder? Anbu, take him away!"

Kakashi quickly stood. "Lord Danzo, Sasuke is impulsive. Please forgive him."

The Third also spoke. "Sasuke, watch your tone. This is a high-level village meeting, not a place for recklessness. Leave now."

Sasuke stormed out, fuming.

"Hmph!"

Danzo, displeased with the Third's lenient handling, let out a sharp grunt.

By Hidden Leaf regulations, slandering or insulting an advisory elder warranted at least several months of imprisonment.

Some time later, the meeting concluded.

Shinji followed Koharu Utatane out of the meeting room.

In her office, she said to him, "You did well today. No matter what Danzo does or says, it's best not to confront him directly."

"I understand," Shinji nodded.

His restraint wasn't due to great composure or fear of Danzo's authority. Rather, Danzo's accusation had hit too close to home, making him feel a bit guilty, so he didn't react with Sasuke's fiery indignation.

He even wondered what the room would think if they knew the Akatsuki's 'A,' the subject of their discussion, was sitting among them in the observer seats.

Then he realized it wasn't just him—Yakumo, the Akatsuki's 'D,' was also there.

The village's desperate hunt for Akatsuki members, only for them to sit openly in the meeting room, listening to their plans, was utterly ironic.

Koharu continued, "You need to hurry up with your Sharingan. I know you're highly talented, but awakening it directly impacts your future potential. In this regard, Sasuke Uchiha is already ahead of you!"

"Awakening the Sharingan isn't a challenge for me," Shinji replied with brimming confidence, perfectly fitting the persona of a proud Uchiha.

"Good. I look forward to your performance! With my support, your future in the village will be bright, and rebuilding your clan isn't impossible!"

Koharu kept painting grand promises.

Shinji accepted them all with a smile. "Please rest assured, I won't disappoint you!"

At the same time.

A figure silently scaled the Hidden Leaf's outer wall, infiltrating the village without a sound.

Moving with incredible speed, they crossed the village's perimeter in a few bounds, entering the core area. They slipped into a small grove, using the tree canopy for cover, and perched on a branch, surveying the village.

Their gaze swept over the Hidden Leaf's streets and neighborhoods, finally settling on a large clan district.

If Neji were present, he'd recognize that the district this figure fixated on was none other than the Hyuga clan's territory.