Chapter 199: Regular Meeting of the Joint Investigation Team

In the early morning, at a breakfast shop in Konoha Village, Kirito and TenTen were sitting around a small dining table having breakfast, chatting about various major events that had recently occurred in Konoha Village.

"I really didn't expect that there would be a traitor from our class. We got along so well before," TenTen said, taking a bite of a steaming steamed bun while glancing at the deserted street.

"You may not believe it, but it seems that in every class of Konoha's outstanding students, there will always be one or two defectors," Kirito replied, picking up a fried bun with his chopsticks and putting it into his mouth.

This breakfast shop in Konoha Village was well-known for selling some Chinese-style food. Kirito had even instructed the shop owner on how to prepare the buns properly. If he hadn't been a regular here, he would never have known about this hidden gem of a Chinese restaurant. Initially, the plan was just to pay for food and satisfy their hunger, but because the steamed buns and fried buns sold so well, the shop manager occasionally let them eat for free as a token of appreciation. Since then, the two had made it a habit to have breakfast there every day.

"I really don't know when Ino and Sakura will get over their sadness. It's worrying to see them crying like this all the time," TenTen said, her tone somber.

She recalled the day they received the notice at the Hokage Building—when Sasuke was declared a traitor. Ino and Sakura had broken down in tears, devastated by the news.

Although TenTen had never been particularly close to Sasuke, they had once fought as comrades during the Chunin Exams. Sasuke was also Naruto's close friend. To hear that he had defected still felt unreal.

"Don't worry. Asuma and Kakashi will take care of them. It's not something we can fix by worrying," Kirito replied calmly.

"I hope so," TenTen said with a sigh. After finishing her buns, she sipped her soy milk and suddenly said, "You know, I just realized it's a good thing you didn't defect!"

Kirito nearly choked at her sudden statement. After calming himself and swallowing his food, he asked, "Why do you say that?"

TenTen propped her chin on her hand and explained, "There's a rumor spreading in the village. It's said that Sasuke defected because of the Uchiha clan's tragic history. I remember you once had a falling-out with the Hyuga clan. Now that I think about it, it's really great that you didn't defect."

"You may not believe it, but I stayed because of you guys," Kirito said nonchalantly as he picked up another fried bun.

"Us?" TenTen smiled slyly and teased, "Who exactly are you referring to?"

After sipping his soy milk, Kirito replied, "It's not that deep. I just felt closer to you and Naruto. Besides, I didn't have any clear goals if I left Konoha."

"That's it?" TenTen asked, her curiosity satisfied. She didn't press further, knowing Kirito's personality. If he hadn't left then, he wouldn't choose to leave now.

After breakfast, the two walked along the street, which was beginning to buzz with activity.

When there were no missions, TenTen would usually head to the training grounds in the suburbs to practice early in the morning. Her dream of becoming a "legendary female ninja" drove her to train constantly. Even though she could now hold her own against Rock Lee at full power, she knew that her current strength wouldn't even touch the threshold of "legendary" ninja status.

Kirito, on the other hand, didn't have such a rigorous training habit. He would only train with TenTen to keep her company, occasionally helping her practice target throwing or playing beanbag games.

Seeing ninjas from other villages on the streets, TenTen remarked in surprise, "There are so many ninjas from other villages! It feels like there are even more here than during the Chunin Exams."

"That's because this is a joint operation of the Five Great Ninja Villages to encircle and eliminate the Akatsuki organization," Kirito explained. "Konoha is the headquarters, so ninjas from other villages are gathering here."

"I really don't know how long this will last. I heard most of the missions at the Mission Announcement Office have been suspended," TenTen said, a hint of concern in her voice.

"I don't know either..."

Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building, the Joint Investigation Team Command Office was temporarily set up. On this sunny morning, Kakashi, Darui, Kurotsuchi, Ao, and Temari were seated around a large rectangular table, ready for the team's first regular meeting.

"It's good to see everyone here today," Kakashi began, scanning the room with a smile. "Before we begin, I'd like to thank all of you for coming from so far away. I hope you're settling in well. I'm Kakashi, the captain of the Joint Investigation Team. Let's work well together."

"We're more interested in the intelligence about the Akatsuki organization," Darui said lazily, leaning back in his chair. "They attacked Konoha recently, and we want the details."

"Konoha is still gathering the specifics," Kakashi replied. "But I can share what we've compiled so far."

He handed out reports to the four others. Everyone began reading carefully.

"Did Konoha capture any prisoners? What about the interrogation?" Ao asked.

Kakashi shook his head. "The prisoner, Jugo, was a member of Orochimaru's faction. He didn't have much contact with the Akatsuki organization."

Temari furrowed her brow as she read. "This report says the remnants of Orochimaru's faction and the Akatsuki organization have united. Is that true?"

"It is," Kakashi confirmed. "Based on their joint actions during the attack and information retrieved from Jugo's memories, we're certain they're working together.

"The leader of Orochimaru's faction is now Yakushi Kabuto, Orochimaru's right-hand man. Kabuto has also transplanted Orochimaru's tissue cells into himself, making him incredibly powerful."

"The report says Nagato, the leader of the Akatsuki organization, is dead," Kurotsuchi said. "If that's the case, shouldn't the Akatsuki organization be disbanded?"

"We suspect that the true mastermind behind the Akatsuki organization is the masked man who calls himself 'Uchiha Madara'," Kakashi replied gravely.

(End of this chapter)

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